Read: Former SECDEF Robert Gates' on James Mattis as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People

Read: Former SECDEF Robert Gates’ on James Mattis as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People

by Alex Hollings · April 22, 2017

Each year, Time Magazine unveils their list of the 100 most influential people on the planet, per their estimations. The list often includes people ranging from heads of state to heads of businesses, as well as celebrities with significant social leverage. Not everyone included on the list always has first name recognition in the minds of the American public, but their influence can be felt throughout the world.

The list is, of course, subjective – and Time Magazine actually addresses that in their explanation of this year’s listees. They claimed that in previous years, they had a social gathering in mind, wherein the most important people in our world would theoretically meet and mingle, and they believed, possibly even get along. Of course, the intent wasn’t specifically to actually throw this “dinner party,” but they saw it as more of an interesting mental exercise. This year, however, Time claims the world’s politics have driven a divisive edge between many people on the planet, and their list reflects that: listing heads of state marred in conflict with one another like Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, as well as individual citizens that found themselves in the spotlight of America’s ongoing social debates about race, gender identity, and poverty.

About Alex Hollings

Alex Hollings writes on a breadth of subjects ranging from fitness to foreign policy, all presented through the lens of his experiences as a U.S. Marine, athlete and scholar. A football player, rugby player and fighter, Hollings has spent the better part of his adult life competing in some of the most physically demanding sports on the planet. Hollings possesses a master's degree in communications from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications from Framingham State University.

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Yankee Papa
. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/fada5fcaf8213d8e5f75ac012c61a53cf2d9c32f9768bc8d09abeebc0a88169d.jpg ...Also: Prior to Gulf War One I submitted a (wordy) comment to the Marine Corps Gazette (Marine Corps professional journal) implicitly approving of "thwarting" of missions that happened sometimes in RVN. ...The Gazette not only published it, but attached it to article written by Marine officer who was awarded the MOH in Vietnam. His article largely dealt with his time in Korea at the Reservoir as an enlisted man... and the entire rifle company fell asleep after staggering into assigned position... Mercifully the Chinese bypassed them My item below... Click on piece to enlarge... . https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/6e0a4b22c2cd6f216775594a06d68927e3840264410b31fb9c4eb400401876fb.jpg -Yankee Papa-
Pat G
Trump seems to highly respect General Mattis, and value his advise and opinions. Mattis is indeed in the habit of telling it like it is, and Trump is in the habit of people doing his bidding, but I think it would take the mother of all escalations for Trump to want anyone other than Mattis for his SecDef. Possible, but not likely. (Oh God, please don't make me eat those words!) Thanks, YP
Yankee Papa
. ...Quite so my friend. The battle of Passchendaele in WWI is a classic example. Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and other troops thrown away in great numbers. The high command ordered assaults ignoring the reality of the ground... Mud so deep that a few steps forward and you might be up to your waist in it. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3d033b0bab5067a967963d89822165184f82147c9d9bc7862bb43234862b086a.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/c71791c60fc24688c3b4ba9a2567cf3944df8ae4289a83a96df24ff742cdca16.jpg -Yankee Papa-
Recon6
YP... excellent commentary as usual my friend.. I just want to reiterate that sometimes the ppl formulating the ops plan are idiots... easily recall 'snatch and grab; direct action missions' etc. devised by some REMF with no clue as to our AO and/or the enemy... fwiw, at such times the mission ceased to be as important, otherwise it was always, Mission First...best....6
edb73
Looks like you covered it pretty well for me, Pat. ;)