I thought long and hard about this post, but after doing my due diligence to get the full drift of your senseless, destructive, undeserving slander of our president, I cannot hold back. Just so you know, this is from a retired Marine colonel who spent nearly as much time in uniform as you. And considering my love of the Corps and my brothers and sisters, it does not bother me one bit to state without any equivocation you are a disgrace to our Marine uniform.
Who do you think you are to speak out in such a disgraceful manner against a sitting president? Do you believe your rank entitles you to talk such trash? By your recent actions and words, you’ve aligned yourself with the Hollywood trash who think anyone with half a brain would take anything they say with a grain of salt. You Mr. Mattis (I will not call you by your rank — you do not deserve it) are a disgrace to my Corps. I believe the only people who genuinely care about what you said are your fellow Marines who are disgusted with your pompous ass.
According to your own words you have over 7,000 books in your library. It’s now obvious to me you have not read any of them. You said, “We must not be distracted by a small number of lawbreakers.” WHAT? Are you kidding me? Where have you been lately, under a rock? Countless people killed and injured including many police officers, millions and millions of dollars’ worth of buildings destroyed and burned to the ground, many privately-owned stores and commercial establishments who had just opened after being closed because of the virus, all gone. Major stores looted; nothing left on the shelves. Yet you call that a small number of lawbreakers?
Then the biggest lie of all is when you state no president in your lifetime has been as divisive as President Trump. Where were you during the eight years of Obama? Oh, that’s right he fired your ass too. It seems the only arena in which you have been able to keep a job is in the military. Hmm, what does that tell me? Remember Mr. Mattis, I was there, well before you.
I always had my doubts about you especially after you fired a great Marine friend of mine whom I had a small hand in shaping his career. He told me things about you that caused me to believe you were nothing more than an egotistical liberal. I was, however, surprised when you took the job offered by President Trump to be our Sec Def. But then he too fired your ass. I have not researched it in detail, but I do believe you are the first general to ever be fired by two sitting presidents, the first a liberal racist and the other a conservative doer. How does that feel? How’s that for a legacy?
You Mr. Mattis are a despicable, egotistical, self-centered person of no value to my country.
Signed; Jim Bathurst, Col, USMC (Ret)
Originally posted 2020-06-05 10:50:12.
Surprised that over $55 million so far in Damages ! Rioters looters fire bombs dynamite burned patrol cars people attacking store owners private citizens being attacked in their automobiles windows being smashed cope and citizens being murdered 600 plus officers being injured 50 plus secret service agents injured ! See how many officers were killed in just one week! whole police stations burned cops out numbered by thousands of terrorist! What those Antifa and Black Lives matter did is no different than what the Japanese did at Pearl Harbor ! Their actions are no different than what terrorists enemies of our country did during 9/ 11 attacks. Mattis ‘s dementia must have already kicked in because I guess he forgot about the other Presidents who called on the Military in the past to restore order and non of the riots in the past were as bad as this past week ! Mattis is an educated Liberal idiot ! Thank God he’s been fired by 2 separate presidents because the military has not missed him ! He found out that he was replaceable ! His opinions don’t matter to people that have common sense! Our President did not call on the military just to attack peaceful protesters! Our President was just being smart by calling on the aid of our military to restore order in cities that were being destroyed by thousands of criminals that were out of control rioting looting killing destroying everything in sight and he was using every available legal asset that he had to deal with a situation that the mayors and Governors of those cities and states that failed to provide safety for american citizens and those cities !!!! The police were grossly outnumbered and the mayors wouldn’t allow the police to do what they are trained to do etc !!!! Bush used the military to restore order during his presidency and the situation was far less as bad as what happened this past week but yet Mattis like Biden must have forgot about that !!!! There was numerous other presidents that used the military in the past as well where is his comments about that! All this goes to show Mattis is really a dumb ass who would have been no better than the Governor of Minnesota at controlling riots ! What a pathetic disgrace to.the uniform and what a pathetic waste of tax payers money paying his salary when he was on active duty! Goes to show you rub shoulders with the right people in high places you can move up in rank whether you got any common sense or not! In Mattis ‘s situation he falls in the category of the ones that apparently have no common sense !
Col,
I appreciate you taking the time to place pen to paper on General Mattis. At one point in time, while on active duty, i held a decent opinion of him and a few other General Officers. Now, not so much on him and others. Some folks on here are upset that you penned such a letter, but by not stating your opinion would only give a green light to Gen Mattis that he did the right thing, which he did not…mho. Gaining a enlisted Marines trust and respect for NCOs, SNCOs and the Officer ranks is something that is not easily attained. Sure, I had to respect the rank, but in my 21 years, Ive met some downright horrible Marines…of all ranks that i only respected the rank they held and not the Marine. There are lots of them in the Corps even as we speak and I sometimes stumble upon the former Marines at the VFW, VA or similar events (one reason i wont join any military group). So, what you wrote had to be said… even if it was in a Marine non sugar coating kinda way. I have forwarded out to many of my friends… of all branches and each reply i receive say they get it and agree. We have been non stop chatting the airways since these riots have taken off…so, we’re kinda breaking the 5 second rule on keying the handset as current events are frankly, unreal. Stay the course and continue to be that guy speaking up for the rest of us that share your thoughts on this topic. All the best. GySgt Brown (Ret). 2531/9962/8411/0629
Thank you — Gunny’s always rule! Semper Fi brother.
I came to this opinion piece by way of Linkedin. I’ve never met Mattis and my only knowledge of him comes from the open press. I don’t much like the way many retired flags (Mullen, McCaffrey, Kelly, Mattis) have politicized their rank. That said, your concluding comment, “You Mr. Mattis are a despicable, egotistical, self-centered person of no value to my country,” strikes me as extreme hyperbole. Of course, it’s your website, and it’s still a free country, but you asked for comments, and that is mine.
I have been bashed for a similar posted opinion. Just want to State my agreement – this is not about Trump as much as it is about the office of the President of the United States – Mr Mattis and Me Kelly both have disgraced their uniform, the country and the Office of President.
I endorse the Criticism of this Generals Stance against President. Trump
I joined the Marines in 1969 and served part of my 4 year stint loading ordnance on Cobra gunships – HML-367 Marble Mountain, Vietnam. Later in life I fought for our American flag once again when the state of California told me I couldn’t fly old Glory – long story, google it Steve LeBard American flag.
I the subject of Mattis, I did not know him and cannot comment on his integrity. Only thing I can say is no man has ever had anything good to say about another man that has fired him. Semper Fi
So now we’re vilifying a man with 50 years of service.. and who exemplified in walk and talk the Marine Corps ethos? Is that the game we’re playing now? Mattis swore an oath — as I did — to defend the constitution, he swore no oath to a man.
Last week he spoke out unequivocally as a warrior-defender of the constitution, not only as a matter of conscience, but also to remind our military community — both active and veterans — of their obligation to do the same.
Those who once venerated Mattis and who now quickly and casually vilify him — a man who is the embodiment of service and sacrifice, are the ones who need to reexamine their oath to “defend the constitution” Mad Dog did the right thing! Semper Fi!
First of sir, one should never start out a discussion with a false statement. He did not serve 50 years as a Marine, but then you go further in the hole by some of your other comments. I know you have great respect for him, sorry but I do not and never did have high regard for one who uses bravado to heighten his popularity. My condemnation of him was not about his military career or accomplishments as a Marine, albeit there were occasions where had I chose to do so it would have been justified. Before you jump on me, vet your demigod sir. Semper Fi
Colonel, as a Navy Corpsman I had the honor of spending 4 years serving with the Marines. It was the greatest four years of my military career and probably of my life. That is why it is so difficult to see your comments.
I have difficulty understanding how Mr. Trump, I will also not use an undeserved title, has the ability to take a historical fact and get people to believe differently just by saying it didn’t happen. General Mattis RESIGNED.
“On December 20, 2018, after failing to convince Trump to reconsider his decision to withdraw all American troops from Syria, Mattis announced his resignation effective February 28, 2019.”
During his time working for Mr. Trump he never made a discouraging remark. But, like all of us, he now has the right to give his opinion as a citizen. I also believe that he probably has an insider’s knowledge of Mr. Trump that you and I don’t.
It pains me to think that you have chosen political party over being a Marine.
Doc, first of all thank you for your service as a Doc, we, Marines, love out Corpsmen! I dislike having to repeatedly explain the ways and means of the political world to those who believe they know how it works. Here’s how it goes. Trump says, “General Mattis, I would like for you to resign with grace or I will fire you with disgrace.’ Period. That’s how it works and never ever believe otherwise. When somone resigns from a politically appointed position, you can bet he was about to be fired. My condemnation of Mattis has nothing to do with his military career, albeit there were times had I chose to I could have spoken out against his actions. Doc, I am afraid you simply do not have all the facts. Finally, my comments about him had nothing to do with a political party; you have not idea what party (if any) I stand behind. You are the one making this political, not me. I’m talking about the strife the country is going through today with two major crises, and he comes out with that oped? Sorry, he lost all my respect. Have a great day Doc and again thank you for your service to the nation and to the Marine Corps as a Navy Corpsmen.
I obviously don’t know you personally so can’t speak to your character but I will say someone who makes a blanket statement “ when someone resigns from a politically appointed position you can bet they were about to be fired” makes me believe they lack integrity because they fail to see that someone with integrity might resign on their own.
LOL, keep believing that William, that’s your right and may I say your fault.
Another Ollie North.
I’m sorry Bob, I miss your drift. Did you know Ollie? I do, we were peers, classmates, and close friends. Do you know the raw truth?
Sir,
Thank you for expressing how I felt when I read Mr. Mattis’ comments. I was not a Marine (Army WO pilot), but work with several who held Gen Mattis in high regard. I was shocked to read his comments which don’t seem to be in line with who I thought he was.
As far as President Trump, I have mixed emotions. I voted for him precisely because he isn’t a politician. IMHO, he has done his best to accomplish what he promised to do if elected. I also think he’s self centered and egotistical. That said, he’s doing a hell of a job.
Finally, thank you for your years of dedicated service. I was in the Army from 1974-1979 and figured out that I was 1. Not an ideal officer and 2. I don’t do at all well with busy work. Unfortunately, under Pres. Carter painting rocks was the order of the day…
Mark
LOL, love the painting rocks comment. Many on here have know idea what you are talking about — I too have painted many rocks.
Your comments very closely reflect my own initial thoughts. Concise and clear.
I read your letter with great interest. My only question is as follows….do you consider the following list of retired flag officers guilty of the same transgressions accused of Gen. Mattis?
Marine Corps. Gen. John Kelly
Marine Corps Gen. John Allen
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen
Air Force Gen. Richard Myers
Army Gen. Martin Dempsey
Navy Adm. William McRaven
Navy Adm. James Stavridis
Army Gen. Raymond A. “Tony” Thomas
Air Force Gen. Mike Hayden
All of the above have publicly spoken out against the president and his actions in the last few days. All voicing the same concerns as Gen. Mattis.
Respectfully,
Jesse R. Barker
Yes
Then you would also consider the same of the current secretary of defense? Who stated he does not support using active duty troops to quell the large-scale protests across the United States triggered by the death of George Floyd and those forces should only be used in a law enforcement role as a last resort. A similar stance as voiced by Gen Mattis and the Flag officers I listed above.
Of course, why would talk about Mr. Mattis without him and the others. They are all accountable for their actions of slandering our duly elected president. Why is you folks can’t understand that? Amazing and somewhat funny to me.
Why came the name Claus Philipp Maria Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg to mind after reading the open letter?
Olav Sandnes
What comes to my mind , as e retired Army LTC, is that Mattis and the count were both a couple of cowards. The count for leaving a bomb under a table and sneaking away when he had a loaded pistol on his hip standing 10 feet away from his target and Mattis for deliberately not including in his ignorant statement (as any 2nd Lieutenant knows) that the president has every right under the constitution to use troops within the US in cases of insurrection. Mattis used his former rank to put out a pathetic propaganda shot. The dog barks, but the caravan passes.
I would have expected more of an argument given the great investment in you – EWS, C&S, …. pretty ridiculous that you would call rank in what is really a personal journal entry.
You go me Michael, I’m lost, I don;t get your drift.
I was never in the armed forces but I thank u so much for your letter I am always upset when people speak badly and hurtful about President Trump people need to open their eyes and see all that our President has done and will continue to do for this wonderful country of ours I was raised to always respect my elders and people in authority. Weather they agree or not w President Trump he should always b referred to as President Trump or The President and shown respect. They also should, and the the press included, that our President has a family and they r hurt by your hateful comments Thank you President Trump for being our president and for all that u are doing for our USA
Bless you and thank you Gloria
General Mattis picked me as his intelligence chief just weeks before 9-11 and I revered that Marine. We had good laughs & he was the best I ever worked with in motivating Marines.
Now I am shocked & thoroughly disappointed. Disgraceful ending to a brilliant career. Talk about falling on one’s sword! Does he not believe what the leadership of the FBI, DOJ & CIA did to our president?
We came up from CamPen to quell the LA riots and that was one city in city – this was far worse and isn’t over yet.
I respectfully applaud all members who have written comments that have appropriately assigned Mr. Mattis his duly earned reprimand! What an asshole he (Mattis) has turned out to be! He is being acknowledged for exactly the kind of man he is..and he deserved all of the ‘denoucement’ that he is earning from his criticism of President Donald Trump! What a jerk he is and I am proud of the Marines who have stood up to this kind of condemnation of the President! Thank you Jim and to all who stood up and commented accordingly!
Thank you Jack, knew you’d have my six on this one. Patriots together always!
THANK YOU FOR STANDING UP FOR ALL WHO COULDN’T. GOD BLESS YOUR TIME EFFORTS AND RESEARCH! 👍👏❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Bless you Dorothy
Col. Bathurst; Thank you for sitting things straght regarding Mattis. I’ve always thought he talked a bigger game than he played then he openly and publicly bad mouths the President. What a sad excuse for a General. By the way, I served 20 years active in USN, E1-E7 (CPO).
Thank you Chief!
By the way Colonel, my time in service was 1948-1967 and I am now 90 years old. It’ a different world now and I thank God that there are folk like you that uphold the standards we were taught.
OMG, thank you Mr Carl, thank you very much, you have no idea what it means to me for you to say those things. Thanks and bless you sir!
I do not allow your mother taught language on my blog young lady.
Having served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 grand and glorious years, I am extremely disappointed and highly embarrassed by the Marine and Retired General named James N. Mattis.
He disrespected our Motto, “Always Faithful”!
In addition, he had a major lapse of common sense compounded by no judgment by forgetting that “Marines Don’t Do That.”
How can a Marine that was so revered allow his alligator mouth to overload his hummingbird a**?
I believe that he has totally lost the respect of every Marine, past, present, and future.
As a Marine, he owes the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, a heartfelt apology and every Marine an apology as well.
He has disappointed each and every Marine and he is no longer worthy to wear the uniform of a United States Marine!
He shamed the Marine Corps, his Rank, and himself.
He definitely is no Chester Puller….
My dad served in the Pacific during WWll during four campaigns. He revered Chesty Puller. I am thanking you for your comments and responding on his behalf. Thankfully he is not alive to read what is happening today.
Thank you Kathleen, may he RIP.
Always Faithful to the Corp and the Constitution
It’s Corps sir
General Mattis had an outstanding career in our Marine Corps. His comments on the president were correct and it’s just not him that knows this. There are many that see this president as someone who’s stepping all over the rule of law and truly crapping on the constitution. When he’s out of office in November or in 2024 watch how many of his so called friends turn on him and hang him out to dry on his presidency whether it’s four years or eight.
“Was’ is the key word sir.
You think Mattis was correct when he cited “a small number of protesters?”
Colonel. I served 35 years Navy. E-1 to E-4, back to E-2 (best told over a cold one), 7 years later a Chief Petty Officer. Four years later an O-1, retired as a Commander O-5 in 2014. I had revered GEN Mattis as many had. What he did was unconscionable and took extreme courage by you to call it out. As you well know, Flag and General Officers do several tours in DC including Office of Legislative Affairs. It seems to me that GEN Mattis “learned” how DC “works” and instead of challenging like POTUS has, he got in line with the Swamp. I will look for your book. God Bless and Semper Fi.
Thank you sir and thank you for an outstanding career. go on here and click on Buy the Book and it will come to me, I will give you a special discount for your service, and it will be inscribed and autographed! Again, thank you sir.