The Briefing Room

General Category => Politics/Government => Topic started by: mystery-ak on January 02, 2019, 08:07:03 pm

Title: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: mystery-ak on January 02, 2019, 08:07:03 pm
 Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Steven Nelson
1 hr ago

President Trump denounced former Defense Secretary James Mattis on Wednesday, saying at a cabinet meeting he "essentially" fired the former Marine Corps general from the top Pentagon post.

"What's he done for me? How had he done in Afghanistan? Not too good," Trump said, according to a Bloomberg News journalist, who reported a quote relayed by a colleague in the room.

"As you know, President Obama fired him, and essentially so did I," Trump said at the meeting, attended by Mattis' replacement, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan.

more
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-unloads-on-james-mattis-says-he-essentially-fired-defense-secretary/ar-BBRJ7NL?ocid=spartandhp (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-unloads-on-james-mattis-says-he-essentially-fired-defense-secretary/ar-BBRJ7NL?ocid=spartandhp)
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: TomSea on January 02, 2019, 08:15:07 pm
What kind of convention will the GOP have next year if all of these people are fired?  There are all of these hard feelings?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: edpc on January 02, 2019, 08:43:25 pm
"I wish him well. I hope he does well. But, as you know, President (Barack) Obama fired him and essentially so did I," Trump said. "I want results."

-snip-

"What's he done for me? How has he done in Afghanistan? Not too good. Not too good. I'm not happy with what he's done in Afghanistan and I shouldn't be happy," Trump said.



Funny....he had a different opinion in September.


“I think he’s a terrific person, he’s doing a fantastic job as secretary of defense,” Trump said.


When asked by a reporter if Mattis would stay in his job, Trump quickly replied: “He’ll stay right there. We’re very happy with him. We’re having a lot of victories, we’re having victories people don’t even know about. And he’s very respected.”


https://www.newsmax.com/t/newsmax/article/880418?section=politics&keywords=jim-mattis-donald-trump-defense-secretary-white-house&year=2018&month=09&date=05&id=880418&oref=r.search.yahoo.com (https://www.newsmax.com/t/newsmax/article/880418?section=politics&keywords=jim-mattis-donald-trump-defense-secretary-white-house&year=2018&month=09&date=05&id=880418&oref=r.search.yahoo.com)
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Night Hides Not on January 02, 2019, 08:51:09 pm
Who in their right mind would want to work for Trump? The best adjective I can think of for this man Trump is “mercurial”.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: kevindavis007 on January 02, 2019, 11:42:10 pm
The running the Government like The Apprentice has to stop.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on January 03, 2019, 12:29:59 am
Who in their right mind would want to work for Trump?

Let me ask your question a little differently.  Why did Mattis apply for and accept a position knowing it would pit him against his boss and CIC on so many issues, including:  Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, pulling out of the Iran "Deal", ending the 17 year legacy military stalemate in Afghanistan, ending our tour in Syria while setting up regional and international replacements.

Every action the President has taken was known by anyone who listened to him during his campaign.  I'm sure the President discussed this very agenda during his interview with Mattis.

Why did Mattis lie and agree with this agenda to get the job?  What the hell did Mattis think would happen @Night Hides Not ?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: kevindavis007 on January 03, 2019, 01:24:32 am
Let me ask your question a little differently.  Why did Mattis apply for and accept a position knowing it would pit him against his boss and CIC on so many issues, including:  Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, pulling out of the Iran "Deal", ending the 17 year legacy military stalemate in Afghanistan, ending our tour in Syria while setting up regional and international replacements.

Every action the President has taken was known by anyone who listened to him during his campaign.  I'm sure the President discussed this very agenda during his interview with Mattis.

Why did Mattis lie and agree with this agenda to get the job?  What the hell did Mattis think would happen @Night Hides Not ?




How did you know that Mattis lied? Unlike President Bone Spurs, he did serve in the Military?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: edpc on January 03, 2019, 01:39:52 am
Let me ask your question a little differently.  Why did Mattis apply for and accept a position knowing it would pit him against his boss and CIC on so many issues, including:  Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, pulling out of the Iran "Deal", ending the 17 year legacy military stalemate in Afghanistan, ending our tour in Syria while setting up regional and international replacements.

Every action the President has taken was known by anyone who listened to him during his campaign.  I'm sure the President discussed this very agenda during his interview with Mattis.

Why did Mattis lie and agree with this agenda to get the job?  What the hell did Mattis think would happen @Night Hides Not ?


Mattis did not ‘apply’ for SecDef. He was recommended by members of the transition team, partly because he had disagreed with the Obama admin approach to Iran. He was hawkish on Iran and knew they were the primary source of trouble in the ME. That’s why he was unceremoniously dismissed by Obama. Once the deal was made, he felt it was imperfect. However, he felt staying in a bad deal gave us better options than no deal at all. Stick to FLOTUS fashion and other fluff pieces. You’re going to hurt yourself trying to be substantive.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Night Hides Not on January 03, 2019, 01:57:09 am
Let me ask your question a little differently.  Why did Mattis apply for and accept a position knowing it would pit him against his boss and CIC on so many issues, including:  Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, pulling out of the Iran "Deal", ending the 17 year legacy military stalemate in Afghanistan, ending our tour in Syria while setting up regional and international replacements.

Every action the President has taken was known by anyone who listened to him during his campaign.  I'm sure the President discussed this very agenda during his interview with Mattis.

Why did Mattis lie and agree with this agenda to get the job?  What the hell did Mattis think would happen @Night Hides Not ?

To suggest Mattis "lied" to get the job is specious and meritless. He didn't have to agree with every one of Trump's positions, many of which have changed over the past two years. But that's not lying. By all accounts, he served his President faithfully and honorably. Trump owed Mattis more for his service than his derisive tweet.

Trump appears to be blind to the fact that federal employees take an oath to the Constitution, not an oath of fealty to the President.


Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: goodwithagun on January 03, 2019, 01:58:12 am
I’d vote for Mad Dog in 2020, and not just because the slogan is awesome.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Sanguine on January 03, 2019, 02:05:36 am
What kind of convention will the GOP have next year if all of these people are fired?  There are all of these hard feelings?

Good question, but change is hard and particularly for those who have enriched themselves under the current bastardization of our system of government.  They will resist with everything they have.  As I've said before, I don't care for Trump personally, but if we want anything significant to change, it's going to cause some significant political earthquakes.  Judging by Trump's actions, he understands that.

Mattis wanted to stay in Syria.  The more I learn about that, the more convinced that we shouldn't be there, and that the 0bama administration is responsible for creating the current problems there.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Night Hides Not on January 03, 2019, 02:16:02 am
I’d vote for Mad Dog in 2020, and not just because the slogan is awesome.

Four star generals don't appeal to me as presidential candidates, notwithstanding Ike, which was a different era. As a rule, I toss all general/flag officers in that bucket. By the time one reaches that rank, they're accustomed to having their rears kissed incessantly, rarely having their decisions questioned. I prefer someone who has a combination of military and private sector experience...but that's me.

I don't expect a serious challenge to Trump's nomination.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: goodwithagun on January 03, 2019, 02:26:29 am
Four star generals don't appeal to me as presidential candidates, notwithstanding Ike, which was a different era. As a rule, I toss all general/flag officers in that bucket. By the time one reaches that rank, they're accustomed to having their rears kissed incessantly, rarely having their decisions questioned. I prefer someone who has a combination of military and private sector experience...but that's me.

I don't expect a serious challenge to Trump's nomination.

So he’s the military version of Trump?  :silly:

Anyway, he’s firing the same person that Obama fired. Is trump an idiot for hiring Mattis, or is trump and idiot for firing Mattis?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on January 03, 2019, 02:27:06 am

Mattis did not ‘apply’ for SecDef. He was recommended by members of the transition team,

It doesn't matter who recommended Mattis.  The moment he met with the President-elect for an interview, he was applying for the job.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on January 03, 2019, 02:34:03 am
To suggest Mattis "lied" to get the job is specious and meritless. He didn't have to agree with every one of Trump's positions...

It's not meritless or specious @Night Hides Not   Look at the litany of policies Mattis disagreed with the President on.

Mattis sure in hell had to agree or lead the President he agreed with the big ticket items ... those actions he would take as President that he campaigned on.  Put another way, if Mattis had told the President prior to getting the job that he thought the United States should stay in the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran deal, Afghanistan for the next decade and Syria without an end date I'm pretty sure the President-elect would have respectfully shaken Mattis' hand and moved on to the next candidate.

If you don't like the word "lie", let's go with "disingenuous".



Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: edpc on January 03, 2019, 02:34:30 am
It doesn't matter who recommended Mattis.  The moment he met with the President-elect for an interview, he was applying for the job.



No, because some people have a sense of duty, if the president calls on them. See William Barr.

Those familiar with the discussions said Barr, having already been attorney general, doesn’t feel a particular ambition for the position but does feel a sense of duty to take it if offered.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/william-barr-is-leading-attorney-general-candidate-in-trump-discussions/2018/12/06/468e8940-f905-11e8-863c-9e2f864d47e7_story.html?utm_term=.9806982b3a62 (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/william-barr-is-leading-attorney-general-candidate-in-trump-discussions/2018/12/06/468e8940-f905-11e8-863c-9e2f864d47e7_story.html?utm_term=.9806982b3a62)



Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: kevindavis007 on January 03, 2019, 02:35:47 am
It's not meritless or specious @Night Hides Not   Look at the litany of policies Mattis disagreed with the President on ..... after he got the job. 

Mattis sure in hell had to agree or lead the President he agreed with the big ticket items ... those actions he would take as President that he campaigned on.  Put another way, if Mattis had told the President prior to getting the job that he thought the United States should stay in the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran deal, Afghanistan for the next decade and Syria without an end date I'm pretty sure the President-elect would have respectfully shaken Mattis' hand and moved on to the next candidate.

If you don't like the word "lie", let's go with "disingenuous".


Sorry, I tend to take Mattis side over President Bone Spurs..
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: sneakypete on January 03, 2019, 02:37:59 am
What kind of convention will the GOP have next year if all of these people are fired?   

@TomSea

A better one with all the Globalists over with the Dims?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on January 03, 2019, 02:38:31 am


No, because some people have a sense of duty, if the president calls on them. See William Barr.


William Barr has publically stated he is there to implement the President's policies and agenda.

I stand by my assessment of Mattis' sincerity and candor.... the lack thereof.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: kevindavis007 on January 03, 2019, 02:39:46 am
William Barr has publically stated he is there to implement the President's policies and agenda.

I stand by my assessment of Mattis' sincerity and candor.... the lack thereof.


and bow down to the Draft Dodger right?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on January 03, 2019, 02:46:21 am

Sorry, I tend to take Mattis side over President ..

But without justification in this case.  No one becomes a general without an advanced degree in politics, and in this case the combination of misguided politics and hubris caused Mattis to underestimate the President's commitment to fulfilling his promises and overestimate who would win a head-butting showdown.

All this could have been avoided if Mattis had been honest, even with himself, and not accepted the position. 
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: edpc on January 03, 2019, 02:46:48 am
William Barr has publically stated he is there to implement the President's policies and agenda.


Which has nothing to do with actively seeking or desiring the job.


Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: kevindavis007 on January 03, 2019, 02:51:23 am
But without justification in this case.  No one becomes a general without an advanced degree in politics, and in this case the combination of misguided politics and hubris caused Mattis to underestimate the President's commitment to fulfilling his promises and overestimate who would win a head-butting showdown.

All this could have been avoided if Mattis had been honest, even with himself, and not accepted the position.


How did you know that Mattis lied and not President Bone Spurs??
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: BassWrangler on January 03, 2019, 02:52:09 am
Who in their right mind would want to work for Trump? The best adjective I can think of for this man Trump is “mercurial”.

An ever decreasing pool of people. I have read that People in less visible positions are even removing it from their resumes.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: BassWrangler on January 03, 2019, 02:59:09 am
But without justification in this case.  No one becomes a general without an advanced degree in politics, and in this case the combination of misguided politics and hubris caused Mattis to underestimate the President's commitment to fulfilling his promises and overestimate who would win a head-butting showdown.

All this could have been avoided if Mattis had been honest, even with himself, and not accepted the position.

@Right_in_Virginia

To swallow this Trump as all-knowing, all-wise, never-at-fault belief system, one must believe an increasingly large percentage of previously lauded people must be either incompetent or part of some anti-Trump conspiracy. I wonder at what point will you die-hard Trumpsters have your Occam's Razor moment. Or will you still be clinging to this sinking ship as it goes under, like some civilian version of Captain Queeg, muttering about the strawberries (deep state)?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on January 03, 2019, 03:13:37 am
@Right_in_Virginia

To swallow this Trump as all-knowing, all-wise, never-at-fault belief system,

This wins the non sequitur post of the day award .... and as such is not worth further comment @BassWrangler


Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Night Hides Not on January 03, 2019, 03:17:30 am
@Right_in_Virginia

To swallow this Trump as all-knowing, all-wise, never-at-fault belief system, one must believe an increasingly large percentage of previously lauded people must be either incompetent or part of some anti-Trump conspiracy. I wonder at what point will you die-hard Trumpsters have your Occam's Razor moment. Or will you still be clinging to this sinking ship as it goes under, like some civilian version of Captain Queeg, muttering about the strawberries (deep state)?

It's too late, we've blown past this sign at warp speed.

(https://images.roadtrafficsigns.com/img/lg/K/Point-Of-No-Return-Sign-K-9803.gif)
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Night Hides Not on January 03, 2019, 03:18:58 am
This wins the non sequitur post of the day award .... and as such is not worth further comment @BassWrangler

I beg to differ...a casual reading of your posts over the past two years proves @BassWrangler is spot on.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on January 03, 2019, 03:25:16 am
Sorry... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ypscoAcQEI#)
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: RoosGirl on January 03, 2019, 03:25:21 am
So he’s the military version of Trump?  :silly:

Anyway, he’s firing the same person that Obama fired. Is trump an idiot for hiring Mattis, or is trump and idiot for firing Mattis?

I think the answer to this question is "Yes."
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on January 03, 2019, 03:26:49 am
I beg to differ...a casual reading of your posts over the past two years proves @BassWrangler is spot on.

Beg all you want @Night Hides Not  The post was a non sequitur for this conversation.  Try not to drag your personal prejudices from thread to thread year after year.  You'll get nowhere.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Chosen Daughter on January 03, 2019, 03:33:27 am

Mattis did not ‘apply’ for SecDef. He was recommended by members of the transition team, partly because he had disagreed with the Obama admin approach to Iran. He was hawkish on Iran and knew they were the primary source of trouble in the ME. That’s why he was unceremoniously dismissed by Obama. Once the deal was made, he felt it was imperfect. However, he felt staying in a bad deal gave us better options than no deal at all. Stick to FLOTUS fashion and other fluff pieces. You’re going to hurt yourself trying to be substantive.

Trump is an idiot.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Sanguine on January 03, 2019, 03:38:15 am
Trump is an idiot.

No, Trump is correct.  Mattis supported staying in Syria.  For a whole lot of reasons that is wrong. 
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Chosen Daughter on January 03, 2019, 03:44:05 am
No, Trump is correct.  Mattis supported staying in Syria.  For a whole lot of reasons that is wrong.

I have to disagree.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Sanguine on January 03, 2019, 03:45:48 am
I have to disagree.

Why were we there in the first place and why should we stay in Syria?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: BassWrangler on January 03, 2019, 04:32:46 am
No, Trump is correct.  Mattis supported staying in Syria.  For a whole lot of reasons that is wrong.

@Sanguine

Than the proper way to have handled it would have been to ask for his resignation, and then tell the press that "he served with honor and distinction, but we have a fundamental difference on our policy in Syria and Afghanistan. I will be selecting a SecDef who will be more aligned with the commitments that I made to the American people to bring our troops home."

Instead, we have Trump going on Twitter and slandering Mattis. To most people, that makes Trump look bad more than it does Mattis.

This behavior will make it difficult or impossible for Trump to find anyone competent to take cabinet positions.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Sanguine on January 03, 2019, 04:38:16 am
@Sanguine

Than the proper way to have handled it would have been to ask for his resignation, and then tell the press that "he served with honor and distinction, but we have a fundamental difference on our policy in Syria and Afghanistan. I will be selecting a SecDef who will be more aligned with the commitments that I made to the American people to bring our troops home."

Instead, we have Trump going on Twitter and slandering Mattis. To most people, that makes Trump look bad more than it does Mattis.

This behavior will make it difficult or impossible for Trump to find anyone competent to take cabinet positions.

I hear you, but I'm talking about the base issues; not Trump's style. 
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: DB on January 03, 2019, 04:43:05 am
I hear you, but I'm talking about the base issues; not Trump's style.

Trump's style IS a base issue with real consequences. What competent person would take any position in his administration. He only leaves wreckage in his wake.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: edpc on January 03, 2019, 04:48:11 am
What competent person would take any position in his administration.


Think of the bullets we dodged. Giuliani was considered for AG, but he wanted SoS. Thankfully, he got neither. Picture that disaster in any major cabinet position.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Frank Cannon on January 03, 2019, 04:53:18 am
Trump's style IS a base issue with real consequences. What competent person would take any position in his administration. He only leaves wreckage in his wake.

Yeah, because White Houses are always loaded with such stellar competent people. Ken Duberstein. Harold Brown. Paul Wolfowitz. Clayton Yeutter...... Country would be lost without such marvelous patronage suck asses like these.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Sanguine on January 03, 2019, 05:35:33 am
Trump's style IS a base issue with real consequences. What competent person would take any position in his administration. He only leaves wreckage in his wake.
I
Believe it or not, there are things much more important then Trump's style. Maybe not to you.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Frank Cannon on January 03, 2019, 05:42:06 am

Believe it or not, there are things much more important then Trump's style.

I'll say. Endless Shrimp Monday's at Red Lobster for one......

(https://www.river105.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/endless-shrimp.jpg)
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: DB on January 03, 2019, 08:27:07 am
I
Believe it or not, there are things much more important then Trump's style. Maybe not to you.

Well yes, there are things more important. But so what. A broken leg is worse than a broken finger. They still both suck and one isn't required to avoid the other.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: kevindavis007 on January 03, 2019, 10:46:00 am
Trump's style IS a base issue with real consequences. What competent person would take any position in his administration. He only leaves wreckage in his wake.


He style might be acceptable elsewhere, but for this country nope.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: kevindavis007 on January 03, 2019, 10:50:19 am
Why were we there in the first place and why should we stay in Syria?


1. To help our former allies the Kurds to fight ISIS


2. Prevent our so-called ally Turkey to slaughter our former ally the Kurds.


3. To prevent Russia ( Trump's favorite country) and Iran to expand their sphere of influence.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Right_in_Virginia on January 03, 2019, 11:49:19 am

1. To help our former allies the Kurds to fight ISIS


2. Prevent our so-called ally Turkey to slaughter our former ally the Kurds.


3. To prevent Russia ( Trump's favorite country) and Iran to expand their sphere of influence.

We're not there to help the Kurds or even prevent Russian from expanding their sphere of influence. Nor are we there to help Israel.

We are there to fight ISIS.  We did so well that the Kurds, Russian and Iran, Iraq and Turkey can carry on this fight without us.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: sneakypete on January 03, 2019, 02:33:32 pm

He style might be acceptable elsewhere, but for this country nope.

@kevindavis


Ahhh,so it's all about style,is it?

Let me hear you state in your best Boy Jorge voice "That wouldn't be prudent,Prudence!"
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Sanguine on January 03, 2019, 03:01:07 pm

1. To help our former allies the Kurds to fight ISIS


2. Prevent our so-called ally Turkey to slaughter our former ally the Kurds.


3. To prevent Russia ( Trump's favorite country) and Iran to expand their sphere of influence.

If that's what you believe, I can see why you think we should stay and why Mattis was correct.  But, he wasn't and we weren't.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Emjay on January 03, 2019, 04:32:44 pm
Let me ask your question a little differently.  Why did Mattis apply for and accept a position knowing it would pit him against his boss and CIC on so many issues, including:  Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, pulling out of the Iran "Deal", ending the 17 year legacy military stalemate in Afghanistan, ending our tour in Syria while setting up regional and international replacements.

Every action the President has taken was known by anyone who listened to him during his campaign.  I'm sure the President discussed this very agenda during his interview with Mattis.

Why did Mattis lie and agree with this agenda to get the job?  What the hell did Mattis think would happen @Night Hides Not ?

Good points @Right_in_Virginia   Mattis may have been vain enough to think he could change Trump's mind on those vital issues, but he over estimated his power and underestimated Trump's determination.

I think Trump was absolutely right on the things you named.  "Pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, pulling out of the Iran "Deal", ending the 17 year legacy military stalemate in Afghanistan, ending our tour in Syria while setting up regional and international replacements.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: sneakypete on January 03, 2019, 05:21:33 pm
Good points @Right_in_Virginia   Mattis may have been vain enough to think he could change Trump's mind on those vital issues, but he over estimated his power and underestimated Trump's determination.



@Emjay

ALL Mattis has done his whole life is be a cog in a big machine dedicated to fighting wars. First as a paper-pusher in the USMC,and after retirement as a senior paper-pusher in the upper levels of a government  stuck on stupid because that's where the money is.

I seriously doubt he even thought for an instant that Trump was serious about any of those things. Were ANY of the previous presidents in your lifetime?

Like anything looks like a nail to a 8 year old boy with a hammer,everything looks like a political and military campaign to a career paper-pusher in the upper levels of the military,and then the civilian government.

His whole career success was based on him telling everyone around them what they wanted to hear,so he would just assume everyone else was lying,too.

"Stuck on Stoopid" is a plainer way to say it.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Emjay on January 03, 2019, 05:54:14 pm
@Emjay

ALL Mattis has done his whole life is be a cog in a big machine dedicated to fighting wars. First as a paper-pusher in the USMC,and after retirement as a senior paper-pusher in the upper levels of a government  stuck on stupid because that's where the money is.

I seriously doubt he even thought for an instant that Trump was serious about any of those things. Were ANY of the previous presidents in your lifetime?

Like anything looks like a nail to a 8 year old boy with a hammer,everything looks like a political and military campaign to a career paper-pusher in the upper levels of the military,and then the civilian government.

His whole career success was based on him telling everyone around them what they wanted to hear,so he would just assume everyone else was lying,too.

"Stuck on Stoopid" is a plainer way to say it.

PLus, generals are accustomed to everyone saying, "Yes, Sir" to any fool thing they say.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Emjay on January 03, 2019, 05:57:43 pm
@Sanguine

Than the proper way to have handled it would have been to ask for his resignation, and then tell the press that "he served with honor and distinction, but we have a fundamental difference on our policy in Syria and Afghanistan. I will be selecting a SecDef who will be more aligned with the commitments that I made to the American people to bring our troops home."

Instead, we have Trump going on Twitter and slandering Mattis. To most people, that makes Trump look bad more than it does Mattis.

This behavior will make it difficult or impossible for Trump to find anyone competent to take cabinet positions.

Yep, that would have been better way to handle it, but that's not Trump's way.  Trump can find plenty of people for Cabinet positions ... they would line up.  They simply have to understand that they cannot serve a President they openly disagree with.  That's hardly too much to ask.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: sneakypete on January 03, 2019, 06:21:39 pm
PLus, generals are accustomed to everyone saying, "Yes, Sir" to any fool thing they say.

@Emjay

It's actually the law. They can put you in a military prison and take fines out of your paycheck if you refuse. It is NOT a system that promotes creativity.

There were/maybe are exceptions,but a good rule of thumb to follow is not to expect original thinking from anyone wearing more than 1 star. More stars than that and all you are going to hear is company or political policy.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: sneakypete on January 03, 2019, 06:23:13 pm
Yep, that would have been better way to handle it, but that's not Trump's way.  Trump can find plenty of people for Cabinet positions ... they would line up.  They simply have to understand that they cannot serve a President they openly disagree with.  That's hardly too much to ask.

@Emjay

It's pretty much the rules the rest of us live by. Anyone that doesn't believe this can prove it to themselves by simply going to work and saying "No" to everything their boss says.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: txradioguy on January 03, 2019, 06:36:12 pm
Wash rinse repeat.  This is what Trump does to "only the best people" that he decides he doesn't need anymore.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Emjay on January 03, 2019, 09:44:48 pm
Wash rinse repeat.  This is what Trump does to "only the best people" that he decides he doesn't need anymore.

It's not pretty but it's pretty much how he has to deal with people supposedly working for him who don't support his agendas and policies.

It could absolutely be done more quietly and cordially but, hey, we're talking about Trump.

And Mattis did go public himself with his disagreements.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: DB on January 04, 2019, 05:20:19 am
So he doesn't need experienced knowledgeable people, he just needs 'yes' men and women to 'get things done'... That's the ticket...

The elephant in the room must be ignored at all costs...
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Frank Cannon on January 04, 2019, 05:26:42 am
So he doesn't need experienced knowledgeable people, he just needs 'yes' men and women to 'get things done'... That's the ticket...

The elephant in the room must be ignored at all costs...

I agree. We are all lucky to have a strong leader running the country during these perilous times. Obviously God intervened when Trump took the Presidency.

(https://res.cloudinary.com/teepublic/image/private/s--mUlUhR5Y--/t_Preview/b_rgb:262c3a,c_limit,f_jpg,h_630,q_90,w_630/v1534714994/production/designs/3042247_0.jpg)
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: DB on January 04, 2019, 07:53:56 am
I agree. We are all lucky to have a strong leader running the country during these perilous times. Obviously God intervened when Trump took the Presidency.

(https://res.cloudinary.com/teepublic/image/private/s--mUlUhR5Y--/t_Preview/b_rgb:262c3a,c_limit,f_jpg,h_630,q_90,w_630/v1534714994/production/designs/3042247_0.jpg)

You're on a roll...
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: txradioguy on January 04, 2019, 03:24:15 pm
It's not pretty but it's pretty much how he has to deal with people supposedly working for him who don't support his agendas and policies.

They Trump should modifiy his philosophy about who he hires and say he hires "only the best yes men".

Quote
It could absolutely be done more quietly and cordially but, hey, we're talking about Trump.

No excuse for a classless move like this who's done far more for the country than Trump ever will.

Quote
And Mattis did go public himself with his disagreements.

Outside of the mild comments in his resignation letter he didn't that I can recall.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Victoria33 on January 04, 2019, 03:34:17 pm
Wash rinse repeat.  This is what Trump does to "only the best people" that he decides he doesn't need anymore.
@txradioguy

He fires people to prove to himself he is better than anyone; it is a mental thing with him.  He won't stop doing it.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: txradioguy on January 04, 2019, 03:36:07 pm
@txradioguy

He fires people to prove to himself he is better than anyone; it is a mental thing with him.  He won't stop doing it.

Yup you're right.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: sneakypete on January 04, 2019, 08:31:44 pm
@txradioguy

He fires people to prove to himself he is better than anyone; it is a mental thing with him.  He won't stop doing it.

@Victoria33

You mean,as opposed to you,who would keep employees around and on the payroll that refuse to follow your orders and stab you in the back in public?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: goodwithagun on January 04, 2019, 08:49:27 pm
@txradioguy

He fires people to prove to himself he is better than anyone; it is a mental thing with him.  He won't stop doing it.

It’s the fact that he has to publicly bash them after he fires them.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Weird Tolkienish Figure on January 04, 2019, 08:56:14 pm
Remember Trump bragging at one of his rallies: "WE JUST HIRED MAG DOG MATTIS"?
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: edpc on January 04, 2019, 09:03:11 pm
“Although today’s decision is not a final determination on the merits, we must recognize that the Mattis Plan plausibly relies upon the ‘considered professional judgment’ of ‘appropriate military officials’ ... and appears to permit some transgender individuals to serve in the military consistent with established military mental health, physical health, and sex-based standards,” wrote a three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

https://thehill.com/policy/defense/423862-appeals-court-sides-with-trump-on-transgender-military-ban


You know Trump has to be frosted it was referred to as the ‘Mattis Plan.’
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Emjay on January 04, 2019, 09:06:43 pm
So he doesn't need experienced knowledgeable people, he just needs 'yes' men and women to 'get things done'... That's the ticket...

The elephant in the room must be ignored at all costs...

That is not correct.  It's not a matter of being a 'yes' man (sexist?) but of agreeing with Trump's basic goals and tenets.  If Mattis openly criticizes Trump's action in Syria, then he's not on the team.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Emjay on January 04, 2019, 09:08:20 pm
Remember Trump bragging at one of his rallies: "WE JUST HIRED MAG DOG MATTIS"?

Did Trump say Mag Dog?  Thought it was Mad Dog.  Mattis proved to be a traitor to Trump's basic international policies and openly voiced his thoughts.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Night Hides Not on January 04, 2019, 09:35:19 pm
Did Trump say Mag Dog?  Thought it was Mad Dog.  Mattis proved to be a traitor to Trump's basic international policies and openly voiced his thoughts.

Mattis a "traitor", for voicing a different opinion on policy? So he does the honorable thing and resigns his position.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: txradioguy on January 05, 2019, 12:05:19 am
Mattis a "traitor", for voicing a different opinion on policy? So he does the honorable thing and resigns his position.

@Night Hides Not

To the blind followers anyone...no matter how honorable...is a "traitor" if they don't say yes to everything Trump says and does.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: DB on January 05, 2019, 12:20:33 am
@Night Hides Not

To the blind followers anyone...no matter how honorable...is a "traitor" if they don't say yes to everything Trump says and does.

And using the phrase "yes men" is now sexist...

It will be interesting just how far the faithful will go in their denial of the obvious. It is going to be a rough two years for them.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Emjay on January 05, 2019, 01:29:54 am
@Night Hides Not

To the blind followers anyone...no matter how honorable...is a "traitor" if they don't say yes to everything Trump says and does.

Blind followers?  That's a pretty odd way of characterizing Trump supporters and it's cruel.  I don't call you blind non-follower,  maybe NTer.

It's not a matter of saying yes to everything.  It's a matter of openly disagreeing with a major policy move of the President.

I didn't keep my job at the labor union for 16 years by saying I didn't believe in labor unions.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: txradioguy on January 05, 2019, 01:49:44 am
Blind followers?  That's a pretty odd way of characterizing Trump supporters and it's cruel.  I don't call you blind non-follower,  maybe NTer.

Well since I didn't mention nor ping you by name not sure why you felt obligated to answer.

There ARE blind followers who will praise everything he does...and trash people they once praised just because Trump is doing it.

That's the case with General Mattis.

Quote
It's not a matter of saying yes to everything.  It's a matter of openly disagreeing with a major policy move of the President.

A policy move that went against the advice of everyone in his cabinet and at the Pentagon with military experience.  He thinks he's a better General than all the Generals.

Quote
I didn't keep my job at the labor union for 16 years by saying I didn't believe in labor unions.

If you don't believe in them worked in a union shop and said nothing then you're telling us you're willing to sacrifice principals when it's expedient for you to do so.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Night Hides Not on January 05, 2019, 02:25:38 am
And using the phrase "yes men" is now sexist...

It will be interesting just how far the faithful will go in their denial of the obvious. It is going to be a rough two years for them.

It's going to be a tough two years for all of us.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: edpc on January 05, 2019, 02:37:18 am
Trump can find plenty of people for Cabinet positions ... they would line up.


I guess that’s why he had more than a few people turn down the CoS job and why five people around him are currently in ‘acting’ positions.
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Emjay on January 05, 2019, 05:50:27 am
Well since I didn't mention nor ping you by name not sure why you felt obligated to answer.

There ARE blind followers who will praise everything he does...and trash people they once praised just because Trump is doing it.

That's the case with General Mattis.

A policy move that went against the advice of everyone in his cabinet and at the Pentagon with military experience.  He thinks he's a better General than all the Generals.

If you don't believe in them worked in a union shop and said nothing then you're telling us you're willing to sacrifice principals when it's expedient for you to do so.

Well, I needed the job and I'm still glad because I ended up with great benefits.  PLus it was the best bunch of people I ever worked with.  They were totally liberal and I just ignored that.

I don't consider it sacrificing my principles.  Everyone in the working world has to learn to keep their mouth shut occasionally.

Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: goodwithagun on January 05, 2019, 02:16:55 pm
Well, I needed the job and I'm still glad because I ended up with great benefits.  PLus it was the best bunch of people I ever worked with.  They were totally liberal and I just ignored that.

I don't consider it sacrificing my principles.  Everyone in the working world has to learn to keep their mouth shut occasionally.

There’s an Andrew Dice Clay joke in there  :rolling:
Title: Re: Trump unloads on James Mattis, says he 'essentially' fired defense secretary
Post by: Emjay on January 05, 2019, 05:52:59 pm
There’s an Andrew Dice Clay joke in there  :rolling:

You would probably know, but I'm not familiar with the dude.