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.
Navy Spook who has nothing but contempt for the Neutered Mad Dog Mattis. Why did Obama and President Trump both get rid of him? The Neutered Mad Dog could only give orders, not take them. One man has single-handedly brought our military back with the strength that it needs to protect the world and that man is President Trump.
As a mustang, Col. I could not agree with you more. Love the Corps and could not be more disappointed in Mad Dog. As a Capt. CommO, I led a provisional rifle company during the Tet Offensive ’68. USMCR(Ret)
Sir,
As a former Marine I appreciate your service but not approve of your denigration of General Mattis. He earned his right to speak his mind. And while I voted for Trump it was because he was the lesser of two evils. Anyone with half a brain knows he is not a good man.
I am always looking for books about the Marine Corp but I will not purchase yours.
Good, I wouldn’t sell or give you one either, I’m surprised you can read, you certainly cannot spell. It’s Corps sir. But yet you voted for him, that’s civil of you.
I am aware how it’s spelled sir, typing on your phone makes mistakes easy. I served 4 years in the Marine Corps; no where near lifetime of dedication you gave, it is something that I am proud of. Currently coming to the end of a 30 year career in law enforcement that I am also proud of.
Not asking you to give me one either. You are rather caustic in your comments, particularly when people disagree but are respectful.
Yes, I am rather caustic and that is my decision. Do you know how frustrating it can be to respond to over 84,000 hits on my blog and the idiotic questions people of ignorance ask by spewing the liberal party lines at me over and over? I can only imagine what our President is doing with having to put up with no honeymoon upon being duly elected and having the left constantly trying to remove him from office by any means, and even having the MSM against him from day one? Here is a man who loves his country, gave up a lucrative business that has lost a few billion dollars since he stepped aside for four years, gave his salary away to needy organization. Then have the pandemic hit and destroy the great economy he alone promised and built. The the BLM idiots coming after the police and him. Do you have any idea what he must be going through. And what of his family? Why would anyone ever seek another four years is beyond me. And don’t dare tell me it’s his ego, that’s BS. He loves America, he still believes we are a Christian country, unlike his predecessor.
Thirty years of law enforcement, you are kidding me, you to be
.
OK, I’m done, I’m tired, do yourself a favor and go talk to a wall sir as that’s what I feel I am doing by trying to answer everyone’s comments. I will not answer any more of you ludicrous spewing of party lines.
(Is anybody going to explain to the boomer that he’s not obligated to respond to everyone?)
If you are speaking of Marine General Boomer, watch you mouth sir, there was a Marine general I’d follow to hell and back. If that isn’t you drift please explain.
“Boomer” is a Baby Boomer. That would be you and me. Old people. It’s the new genx and younger slangs for old people living in the past.
Oh, OK sorry for the misinterpretation, you weren’t very clear, my apology.
The comment was not mine…was just helping out. As for Gen Boomer, I served with him as a young Lt and agree with your take on his leadership and character.
Take care Marine and be safe.
Respectful? You said our President is not a good man and then said you would not buy Jim’s book. Any respectful person would have left those comments out.
I happen to have a full brain and think our President is a good man. He loves this country and only wants what’s best for our country. I would think military would like him because he is a fighter. He takes crap from no one. If anyone had to put up with what he’s been through for the last four years, they would not have made it through their first term. 24/7 abuse and lies. My heart goes out to him And I pray for him every day.
Jim Bathurst was my stateroom mate on the USS Chicago CG-11 way back in 1970-71. I bought and read the book. It is a highly detailed account of how he progressed from a very young enlisted Marine to full Colonel. I don’t recall any “politics” in the book. By the time Jim headed up the Mardet on CG-11 he was a “battle field commissioned” junior officer. I confess, I learned a thing or two about leadership from him. His career is remarkable. Commanding the silent drill team was an assignment not easily attained. Sure, Jim has a unique way with words, but that is part of his “charm”. I tracked him down nearly 40 years after we sailed together and have enjoyed a long distance relationship since. You might find the book informative and interesting after all.
Holy Cow Doug, you talking about me? LOL Love ya brother. I can’t keep up with all the comments, not just here but on my personal email as well. As of right now there have been over 55,000 hits. Love it! Maybe I’ll become as famous as Mr. Mattis. Think he’s read it? I hope so. It amazes me that those here and on emails with whom I served, respected, and learned much from all support what I posted. The near-do-wells are what is killing our once great nation. The Marines herein who do not agree with me — well since I never served with any of them, I can’t speak for them, all I’ll say every Marine is not a great Marine as you read in the book. Would not trust them having my six. Nuff said, take care brother and stay safe and strong. BTW, market’s doing well
LOL, spoken like a true liberal, stuff it sir.
Sir, as a US Marine veteran, I too was pissed at Mattis. To me he moved right into the shoes of Gen/Congressman Murtha a traitor to his country and our Corps. I had previously watched Mattis on liberal MSDNC say that he would NEVER comment on a current president or any other president in public. I guess that was until you get your ass fired and now have an axe to grind. Sir, I completely agree with your column and lost all respect for Mattis. To you sir I say Semper Fi and thank you, I will never speak out against our president.
Thank you for your service Sir. I did know you until now, I have little, but some military experience. I grew up in South Africa, was conscripted to the Ist SA Infantry, and then mustered to the 1st BN Transvaal Scottish regiment. I saw very limited action in Angola 3 tours between 1975-1979.
Came to the US in 1982 and never left! I love this Country. It gave me and many millions of others a chance for a free lifestyle I’ve enjoyed for almost 40 years. I’m sad for our nation which has become so divided since Obama, and the Deep State he reinforced and imbedded. I hope he and his cronies answer for their sedition. I was more than dismayed at Mattis’ comments. They are not based in truth but on some axe he has to grind on this President. As you and John Dowd pointed out, it took Trumps instincts to take out Soleimani, against the objections of the Pentagon. Thank you for your continued patriotism, we need you now as much, or even more than ever. I also thank all the patriots on your page for their service. You have all played a major part in saving humanity’s only hope of a free society!
Thank you so much for your blessed comments Perry, Be safe and strong, the country will get through this!
Good evening gentleman, As a Vietnam Era ,Enlisted MARINE, And the key word there is MARINE. We all know the Bond that we have. These Jack Wads have no clue what they are talking about.We know what and why our POTUS is doing what he’s doing. I also thought Mattis was Cool. But as we see TRUMP is Flushing out all of the pretenders. soon they will all be in the open to see.Then to be dealt with
Thank you, Col. Bathurst, for excellent leadership here! Mattis really displayed his ineptitude and ignorance by criticizing President Trump as he did. President Trump is clearly THE BEST friend our armed forces have had in that office for many years.
Your comments are well taken and spoke with true dignity as I would expect from a distinguish Col.
I read Mattis letter of resignation and agree with Kelley, Mattis resigned in disgust , In addition , valid information is needed as opposed to opinion. I do not know of anyone that worked for trump that is not afraid of disagreeing with him! These examples put forth in the Mattis letter such as , divide, lie and basically never doing the right thing or accepting responsibility for anything is troubling to 70% of the country .
sincerely, Terminal L/cpl Andy M. Birmingham USMC 2391711
Really was it disgust or disgrace for giving poor advice as Sec Def, you sir need to so some more research.
Our ally the Kurds do not matter ! What specifically do you suggest ? I know that what any one says to Trump, you or any republican is met with lies, half truths and of course Fox five and Sean .
Just how many do you know that worked for President Trump? He encourages dissent, so as to get the best advice and perspective before making a decision.
But once the decision is made, it is made. Period.
Any of you responding.. Would you make these same comments face to face? I see vulgarity, foul language and nothing but arguing. Social media has become a travesty. Civil people can criticize in a civil way. It is inappropriate for a high ranking military officer to publicly denigrate a sitting President. Breach of the being ‘an officer and a gentleman’. Unfortunately, many of us resort to lack of class and name calling when disagreeing on social media.
As far as criticism of Mattis, it is warranted, but could have been stated more eloquently. Crass name calling does not impact my thought process as much as intelligent dissent.
We have several signed books in our foyer from four stars, a Medal of Honor winner and other political super stars. One book happen to be Mattis’s book. It was promptly removed Thursday morning for my so called library of fame to the library of shame. If you send me a signed copy of your book….I will promptly replace the void caused by Mattis’s exit with your book. Thanks for supporting the POTUS.
Thanks Colonel. My first response to Mr.Maria comments was one I heard from an old Gunny of mine in VN, when he explained the Walt/English situation. “You have to remember son, when they pin on the first star they all become political animals”. I have been around Marines most of my life. I grew up wanting to be a Marine, and once I got past my mom and aunt I was off to bootcamp. I was an excellent combat Marine, but once I returned to CONUS I wasn’t adaptable enough to overcome the military mindset of most officers I served with who placed their careers ahead of their troops. Disillusioned I passed on my career aspirations and left at the end of six years.
Sorry for the ramble I just wanted to say thank you for expressing the thoughts of many Marines. SEMPER FI.
No, thank you Robert for your comment. I understand completely what a young Marine goes through in trying to decide whether or not make the Corps a career. It took me four long years, but I was lucky, I had three GySgt’s in a row who I idolized and tried to emulate. No apology for the ramble, I loved it. Thank you sir!
Denigrating another Marines service says more about you than him. Goes for the rest of the Marines dog piling, I guess Marines are not as special as they claim, sound just like everyone else. COL? Your tone and language are closer to the social malcontents we are dealing with everywhere else these days. An “open letter” …..smdh…..
I was denigrating Mr. Mattis the big mouthed civilian. BTW what do you know about Marines? Are you one? I seriously doubt it, you have no idea how the “family” is crucifying him for criticizing POTUS. One of the very first lessons a Marine learns in his/her first Leadership School 101 is criticize in private, praise in public. Mr. Mattis never attended an NCO school, nor did he ever pull a trigger except at the rifle range, do your homework sir!
he never attended NCO school LOL, at least you got one thing correct in this screed. What I know about Marines is what I’m learning here, false brotherhood, false motto, easily manipulated against one another, and in your case at least emotional instability. Not as special as claimed.
LOL. Never considered myself special, don’t no where you got that narrative, seems like you have a lot of narrative spewing from that liberal mouth. You have much to learn about us my friend. Keep trying, maybe it will all come to you someday.
So I’m confused because I thought you would actually have some integrity, but I see that, unfortunately, you are nothing but a Caucasian Racist and probably a White Supremacist who believes the USA is some place just for white people to rule and realise their “American Dream” on the backs of the aboriginal, black and Hispanic populations you would rather have cooking, cleaning and picking your cotton and fruit for you and just shut their mouths and enjoy what scraps you deign to throw at them and call in the police because of the riot you initiated because you don’t actually care. I’ve met Colonels like you. So goddamn full of themselves they don’t dare mingle with the troops. I once has such a Colonel come after one of my PMT Docs because conditions out at the “Stumps” had gotten so bad, the shitters were backing up and the source happened what the Colonel has chosen as his personal commode. My Doc did his proper PMT work and had shut it down and this Colonel wanted my Doc’s ass. Wasn’t going to happen. The end result was a Brigadier came in, relieved the Colonel of his command and the exercise carried on without a hitch from then on.
Your facts, sir, are not correct: President Obama never fired General Mattis, nor did President Trump. As for violating the law, oath and Constitution of the United States: When the president used DOD personnel to remove American citizens carrying out their lawful right to Freedom of Speech and Redress the Government of their grievances (You remember that part of the Constitution you yourself took an Oath to support, defend and protect, yes?) by using tear gas and rubber bullets only so he could stand in front of the boarded up St John Episcopal Church whilst holding a Bible upside down for a photo-op he violated every tenet and his oath. Your excising of our president’s behaviour has connotations of the French Vichy Government of 1940. I only hope, sir, you realise how you are erring and that the American citizens see through this charade of a president and vote him out, only because Congress is acting just as bad as you are. Be well, sir.
Well Doc, I appreciate you comments, though not very thoughtful or true. You obviously do not know how politics work, you should do some research. When a political senior says, “I suggest you resign with grace, or be fired in disgrace, smart folks take the first option, as did Mr. Mattis. He was disgraced for giving the president bad advice., Thank goodness he chose to listen to his on the ground commanders, and it embarrassed Mr. Mattis. You really do need to do some due diligence before you spout untruths and the liberal party line.
C, you’ve obviously never worn any of the uniforms that protect our country. You are simply not qualified to be in this conversation. It falls into the category of if you don’t know, you don’t know. Rangers Lead The Way !
LOL, you tell em’ Ranger!!! One of my best tours was a liaison officer as a captain at Fort Bragg. Loved it.
C …You should never have opened your mouth , on this subject !! I don’t know you….. don’t care. You are ignorant of the things you are speaking of ! That is VERY obvious. Try to learn a lesson !!
One thing you forget to take into account. We Marines are a brotherhood. Which means when one is wrong we have the right and indeed the obligation to call them out. Gen Mattis was wrong, the Col called him out. Gunny S out.
Ha ha, Gunny’s rule!c Forward March!
“Our president is nothing more than a Chicago street hustler; he was elected for all the wrong reasons. He came to the job with zero qualifications to lead the largest democracy in the world, nor was he qualified to be our commander-in-chief. I have an idea where his heart is, but it certainly is not in America.“
-Jim November 2015
http://wellalldieasmarines.net/2015/11/homeland/
What’s wrong with criticizing POTUS, Jim? You don’t seem to have an issue with doing it yourself in public.
LOL, you are so funny Zach. “Chicago Street Hustler?” Obviously you are talking about POTUS’s predecessor. BTW sir, we are not a democracy. Get educated son. Did you learn nothing in HS Civics class.
That’s a direct quote from your own blog. A quote of YOU denigrating a sitting US President. It seems your standards are about as liquid as the shit spewing from your mouth.
I did not publish it to the world, It was on my personal blog, just like the one on Mr. Mattis is. You don’t need to come to my blog, let alone read it Read the disclaimer sir! If it’s a joke why would anyone read except a troll or a fool.
Please explain to us, what are the qualifications one must have to run for POTUS> President Obama was a community activist, AND ONY 2 YEARS AS a us a US Senator.
We’ve had quite a few with limited “qualifications’ and turned out to be great leaders.
In all due respect, I think your view is wrong. Although Mattis is/was highly thought of and had a great military career, I’m sure he is sitting home, right now, thinking “why in the hell did I open my mouth with this political BS. This Col, again in my view, had an obligation to speak out, something not many will do. And, factual as has been pointed out by others, he was FACTUALLY wrong in his comments. Incidentally, I am a Vietnam Marine who held Mattis in high esteem——-for his service career, not his post-military career.
general mattis broke the chain of command by going against his commander in chief president trump now this combat marine is reducing you rank to private
2DMSOB F 2006-2011
General Mattis is a legend among young and old service members alike. He is a pillar of morale and standards not unlike Col. Puller and Gen. MacAurther as well as many others. I support our president 100% but one of my biggest disappointments with President Trump is the situation that led to Sec. Mattis’ resignation.
I believe what you have done here is extremely unbecoming. You are the only one I see failing to meet Corps standards. What are you trying to prove? What was the intended purpose of your complaints and “in-your-face” and “ha, told ya so” letter? I’m trying to understand.
It’s obvious to me I’d be wasting my time attempting to have you understand my position as I have no goal but to speak my mind in favor on my Republic I served for many years and for which I shed blood, and saw many young men die and they are still dying on our streets. Meanwhile pompous, pious so-called leaders call for unity but preach division. These are horrific times sir, and Mr. Mattis did nothing but add fuel to the flame. Sorry, enough said on my part. If you cannot understand that, tough.
Totally disagree with the ‘colonel’! Now i understand why after serving nearly as much time as Mattis, he only obtained the rank of colonel and not 4 star General. Sounds like he’s butt-hurt. And as he so aptly put it, “Mr Mattis” is a private citizen and entitled to his 1st amendment right to state his opinion, which by the way in my opinion is 100% spot on. To add, Trump is a lying narcissistic asshole. Mattis was not Fired by either president…you need to do your reserch! Trump has done nothing to pull us together as a nation, he has no empathy, all he thinks about is himself and when someone disagrees with him, he bad mouths them. Trump is the most toxic president we have ever had. You sir, I’m glad you’re not in my Corps anymore!
LOL, not fired, that’s funny OK, have it your way, I fully understand the liberal way of things: you = resigned, me = fired by both. You obviously do not understand the political arena., And sir, if you are a Marine, I too am glad I am not in YOUR Marine Corps, it’s not the same, but you stay where you are.
Your hatred is based on what specifics? All I see are talking points.
Hatred breeds blindness, which prevents us from seeing.
Deacon huh? Good, need some heavenly thoughts on here. Specifics you want. It would take several posts for me to cover them sir. Do your own due diligence, read the man’s Bio first of all, as that will get you started. Then follow his career missteps — there were plenty. I take you must not be a military person, so I wonder what are your credentials to make assumptions. Carry on Deacon. And stay safe and strong.
Every soldier in every service has the duty and right to disagree with leadership of any and all levels. It is what we signed up for when we took our oath of office. We swore to support and defend the constitution of the United States, not a person, not a party and most of all not a position not based on the rule of law. We are entitled to voice our opinion when the situation calls for it and I believe Gen Mattis had finally reached a point where America mattered more and there are many of us who have reached the same point and must speak out. We are a federated democracy, born to stop tranny and if we want to maintain our democracy we must and should do what is necessary. I support Gen, Mattis and all others who believe things have gone too far. Our constitution and rule of law demands we do so.
Regards,
A retired Army Officer
Well retired Army office, I thank you for your opinion, albeit I believe your opinion is not fact based. But having said that you are entitled to your opinion. I do not know what a federated democracy is and I don’t think you do either or it may have been a typo. We are a republic — period, and that the Republic must survive. Our current president has done nothing to trample the constitution, much unlike this predecessor. Stay safe and be strong sir You need to vet Mr. Mattis.
We are a Constitutional Republic – a federated democracy, where is that even defined? And, the currents riots are in violation of the Constitution including due process, sedition. Trump issuing statement that he will enforce force with troops is a solid leader decision to defend the Constitution, and our rights to life and liberty. I will not make an opinion regarding Mattis as I don’t know him and have not served.
LOL, love your candor Sandy!
What in the wide, wide world of sports is a “federated democracy?!”
I what nation’s military did you serve? Civics, my dear boy. Civics!
The term used by Mr Fletcher is correct though not commonly used. The Constitution establishes a federal democratic republic form of government. That is, we have an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States. It is a democracy because people govern themselves. It is representative because people choose elected officials by free and secret ballot.
Federated Democracy? Ha, Ha; you just blew your retired Army Officer status.
So how many soldiers did you not that gave his opinion after an order was made? And not suffered the consequences
Yes, many good leaders will give subordinates an opportunity for opinion, as long as they understand who the boss is
Good managers and CEO’s do the same. And become wealthy doing so.
I don’t follow your drift Deacon????????
Colonel Bathurst!; thanks speaking out. In my 28 years service to the Marine Corps I can not recall any Democratic President that did anything supportive for the military, at least where there wasn’t something in it for them. Marines like Mattis, Allen and Kelly throwing their weight seemingly behind the Democratic candidate, is disconcerting, especially in this particular time, space and circumstance. Mattis’s comments are easily as divisive as any he perceives Trump has made, probably more so under the circumstances. Obama squandered an 8 year opportunity to really provide leadership to the Black community. They should be outraged.
Hadn’t seen your name in some time. Not since I was at RSS Rhinelander, Wi anyway, 1983-1986! Colonel Breth promoted me to GySgt at Recruiters School in May, 1983. I returned to the school as the first Sergeant Major there in 1994. Benefited from Corcoran’s expertise at District NCOIC training, and Jim Connelly’s guidance after he made the move to Milwaukee. I was the only 0369 ARI in the country I think, having written 63 contracts in 19 months (NCOIC on production). That position I believe pushed by Connelly to “spread the motivation”! (Is he still around?) Had back to back “B” Billets, leaving RS Milwaukee for the Royal Marines Exchange Program in May 86. Ordered your Kindle book last night. Look forward to reading about those days! Semper Fi Colonel! Ron Crosby, SgtMaj USMC (Ret)
Holy Cow, thanks SgtMaj for your kind words. BTW, I hope you enjoy the book; I’m certain the chapters on RS Chicago will bring back many fond (and maybe not so fond) memories of your days on the toughest peacetime Marine Corps job — LOL. Yes, Jerry Corcoran — we speak often on the internet– taught name how to spell recruiting, he and Joe Braverman, who passed away last year. Yes Connelly was a great officer. I have lost touch with him over the years. Don’t know if rehired, got out, or what. You take care SgtMaj and stay safe and strong, the country has turned upside down.
Colonel sir, thank you for your service and this letter for which I’m in total agreement with. I have not served myself I am however, a widow of a Marine Eod tech E8 who served 25 years including Afghanistan. I could not agree more to what you said. In this time with all the mess going on in our country we all should be pulling together as a nation not destroying it. I used to have a lot of respect for Mr. Mattis, all that went out the window when he opened his mouth. He should have tried to unite the nation not divided more, very disgusting what’s going on in our country. People have no idea how it is to live in a third world country, I do I grew up in former Yugoslavia and I’m proud to call myself an American. people seem to forget the history of this country and how we got here in the first place. All they have to do is take a walk through Arlingin National Cemetery.
Semper fi!
Bless you Delija, and thank you for your perspective.
How do you know when a soldier becomes a politician; he starts talking