Thread: Interesting perspective from former Marine Commandant!

If you mean ill informed and bigoted, then yes it is an "interesting perspective".... I would say that he needs to get his head out of his ass and stop being such a douche!!..

Well, he was certainly impolitic. And I believe that all ethnic groups are equally capable. But it's true that those who grow up in the cities have less experience in the outdoors, so skills like swimming, shooting, and being comfortable in the woods don't come as easily to the city-bred. And in my basic training company, most of our minority recruits were from cities, while many of the white guys were from the country. This is a training issue, not an aptitude one. I also think that things may be somewhat different now, 17 years later (GEN Mundy's comments were taped in 1993) - when even more of us are from the cities and fewer are from rural areas, and even fewer grow up hunting and shooting. This is one reason I'm involved with teaching marksmanship - and encouraging as as many people as I can, from all backgrounds, to come out and participate.

I agree with Doc that it might be a rural vs. urban upbringing. I mean a kid from the city isn't going to know how to navigate the backwoods. But Doc's right in his assessment that this is a failure in training, that I think has been rectified in the past 17 years. I don't agree with the general's sweeping conclusions, but god damn, I hate Rachel Maddow.

Originally Posted by Grunt Medic TXARNG

Well, he was certainly impolitic. And I believe that all ethnic groups are equally capable. But it's true that those who grow up in the cities have less experience in the outdoors, so skills like swimming, shooting, and being comfortable in the woods don't come as easily to the city-bred. And in my basic training company, most of our minority recruits were from cities, while many of the white guys were from the country. This is a training issue, not an aptitude one. I also think that things may be somewhat different now, 17 years later (GEN Mundy's comments were taped in 1993) - when even more of us are from the cities and fewer are from rural areas, and even fewer grow up hunting and shooting. This is one reason I'm involved with teaching marksmanship - and encouraging as as many people as I can, from all backgrounds, to come out and participate.

That makes sense to me Doc, your view is logical unbigotod and reasonable to the problem at hand... As for the ExCommandant, an "investigation into low success rates in certain aspects of training" should have being his mantra... instead of this, he sounded like an ignorant racist with an backward looking outlook that makes him in my view unsuitable as head of the local bingo club, never mind the Commandant of the Marine Corps... many strong and brave men fought and died from the "minority" communities and died with honour as Marines... He needs to loose his racist commentary and remember that the only colour in the Marine Corps is "Marine Green!!"... One of the things I noted about the US from my current job as an European Accounts Manager is the racial sensitivity in the US.... seems like folks are so sensitive and so policitized to it, all a shit stirrer and bigot has to do is start a rumour on Fox News about some racist carry on and the whole country is up in arms, folks loose their wits and sometimes their jobs, media develops an obsession with the issue and the anxiety of a nation increases as a result... it blocks meaningful and respectful dialogue on race related issues.... my simple advice "Balance, Balance Balance.. dont treat your neighbour with desrespect cos of his colour, give him common respect you would expect in return and you would be suprised how balanced you both can be!"... Americans need to let go of their ethnic backgrounds and realise they are ALL American!!... A young lady whom is in my Corporate office is a cheerful and happy young woman.... however, whist there recently, allot of pressure was on her team and she is contribute to the solution... I was talking with her in the canteen and she told me "Im Kenyan, so what to I care!!".... I replied "You're American my dear, its important you understand part of a new life now and part of a Great Nation is being a proud citizan!"... She smiled in recognition and took it on board I think.... I found it highly irregular that I as a visator had to made such an intervention in a canteen full of American Citizans...

Originally Posted by SniperAlpha1

I agree with Doc that it might be a rural vs. urban upbringing. I mean a kid from the city isn't going to know how to navigate the backwoods. But Doc's right in his assessment that this is a failure in training, that I think has been rectified in the past 17 years. I don't agree with the general's sweeping conclusions, but god damn, I hate Rachel Maddow.

I agree with Doc also, but the General was wrong wrong wrong... and racists he certainly sounds...

As for Rachel Maddow, shes the counter balance to that knuckle head on Fox News.. actually theres two, Bill O'Reilly and I cant remember the name of the second hot air machine.... hes the one with more hair...

Both Maddows and the Hot Air Machines on Fox are sounding horns for the extremes in both parties... I cant get over how many people believe them verbatum...

Originally Posted by chiefwarrantofficer

With DADT soon to be repealed, open negative views toward homosexuals will be put in check as well.

Holy Cow Chief!!... You mean shouting the word "Faggot" will mean trouble... LOL.... and I thought that was only in the Navy!!.... Oh yea, youd get in real touble in the Navy!!... You betchya!!...

Originally Posted by Exo1

I agree with Doc also, but the General was wrong wrong wrong... and racists he certainly sounds...

As for Rachel Maddow, shes the counter balance to that knuckle head on Fox News.. actually theres two, Bill O'Reilly and I cant remember the name of the second hot air machine.... hes the one with more hair...

Both Maddows and the Hot Air Machines on Fox are sounding horns for the extremes in both parties... I cant get over how many people believe them verbatum...

I absolutely agree that the general has some racist leanings. And I think you're thinking Glenn Beck. Beck's an interesting character. I'm in the camp that says he only believes half of what he's saying, (The logical stuff) and the other half is just a money maker. They bring in sponsors, they increase book sales, etc. Talking heads are a dime a dozen nowadays.