Demagogue

CNN.com reports:

A three-star Marine general who said it was "fun to shoot some people" should have chosen his words more carefully, the Marine Corps commandant said Thursday.

Lt. Gen. James Mattis, who commanded Marine expeditions in Afghanistan and Iraq, made the comments Tuesday during a panel discussion in San Diego, California.

"Actually it's quite fun to fight them, you know. It's a hell of a hoot," Mattis said, prompting laughter from some military members in the audience. "It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up there with you. I like brawling.

"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil," Mattis said. "You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."

Mattis' press office has not yet responded to a request to answer questions about his comments. However, the Marine commandant, Gen. Michael Hagee, defended Mattis, calling him "one of this country's bravest and most experienced military leaders."

"While I understand that some people may take issue with the comments made by him, I also know he intended to reflect the unfortunate and harsh realities of war," he said in a written statement. "Lt. Gen. Mattis often speaks with a great deal of candor."

According to the dictionary, candor is defined as: "Frankness or sincerity of expression."

So if someone makes a completely cruel, inhumane statement like the one Mattis made, does the Marine Corps consider it a sound defense to say he was merely expressing himself sincerely?

Hmmmm ... When a leader of some Ku Klux Klan cell says "I hate all black people," my first impression is to think that guy is a racist, uncivilized pig. But if only I knew how sincere he was, then I guess I'd suddenly realize his statement was no big deal.