Secretary Mattis Congratulates Sailors On Not Being Pussies

Secretary of Defense James Mattis addressed a group of sailors last week and used characteristically blunt language about the value of their service.

“You will have some of the best days of your life and some of the worst days of your life in the U.S. Navy, you know what I mean?” Mattis said. “That means you’re living. That means you’re not some pussy sitting on the sidelines, you know what I mean, kind of sitting there saying, ‘Well, I should have done something with my life.'”

“Because of what you’re doing now, you’re not going to be laying on a shrink’s couch when you’re 45 years old, say ‘What the hell did I do with my life?'” he added. “Why? Because you served others; you served something bigger than you.”

I love this move. What a great honor to be told that you aren’t a pussy by one of the great Marine generals of our time. It must have come as a relief, too. I’ve been in the room with leaders like Mattis and you are always kinda wondering if they think you are a pussy. I’d be nice to clear the air and find out that they don’t, in fact, think that you are a pussy.

At first, I thought that Sec Mattis probably believed that this type of fireside chat wouldn’t get out to the media. After I rolled it around a bit more, he probably just didn’t give a shit. The Secretary of Defense has long been a political position. It’s a politically appointed and congressionally approved position that Mattis is changing. He might not be changing it in scope and responsibility but he’s changing it in appearance. When he gets in front of the troops, he loses the title of Secretary and re-emerges as the ole crusty war general. I’m sure the troops love it because I fucking do.

Go Mad Dog Go.