2/4/2005 11:30:00 AM GMT
Source:officialwire.com
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called on the Pentagon to discipline a top U.S. general following disparaging comments he made earlier in the week.
At a public event in San Diego, California, Lieutenant General James Mattis said,"Actually it's quite fun to fight 'em, you know. It's a hell of a hoot. It's fun to shoot some people. I'll be right up front with you, I like brawling…it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them."
The audience applauded the general's remarks.
"We do not need generals who treat the grim business of war as a sporting event," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. "These disturbing remarks are indicative of an apparent indifference to the value of human life." Awad urged that "appropriate disciplinary action" be taken against Gen. Mattis.
In 2003, CAIR called for similar action against Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, who told church audiences that he is in "the army of God" and claimed Muslims worship an "idol."
A Pentagon investigation of Boykin's remarks concluded that he violated regulations by failing to make clear he was not speaking in an official capacity and did not obtain prior clearance for the remarks.
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
Mattis Mattis, formally promoted to three-star general last month, heads the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, at Quantico, Virginia.