Pat Tillman: Hero or Fool

[stratego]

Pat Tillman was a football player in Arizona. He gave up a 7 figure football contract to join the Army Rangers after the 9-11 event. Unfortunately he died this month in Iraq.

Here are some links from different points of view.
http://www.sungazette.com/articles.asp?articleID=8960 http://www.freep.com/sports/drewsharp/drew29_20040429.htm
http://www.lucianne.com/threads2.asp?artnum=135132

So sad that this man have to die for a lie and a mistake.

 

[Desmond Hawkins]

The seven figures part means little, as if money is the most important thing in one's life, then their life is quite pathetic.

 

[Civvin]

He died in Afghanistan, not in Iraq. The fighting in Afghanistan is a legitimate effort in the war on terror. I say hero, how many other people of his status have the principles to do what he did?

 

[Bam-Bam]

Originally posted by stratego


So sad that this man have to die for a lie and a mistake.

As civvin stated above, Tillman died in Afganistan, not Iraq. While our post-Taliban removal efforts can be called into question (i.e., do we have a plan??), the intent of the invasion was supported at home and in the international community (by Europe, and near- and far-eastern nations, included Muslim nations).

Someone willing to give up what many would see as a gravy train for service is someone to be admired. He heard a call to service--something outside of a call to "look out for Number 1". Refreshing, I would call it, especially in the me, me, me world of U.S. professional sports.

 

[kntrypj]

I think that he is an hero. With all the negative media that pro athletes have gotten in the past. Here is a guy who thought a lot of his country to give up his life to protect our liberty.

 

[CurtSibling]

Whatever cause this fellow held dear is not the real issue,
As his actions are honourable in the eyes of those who value patriotism.

But in my view:
He gave up the easy life to fight for his own convictions - And that is worthy of my high respect.

 

[Desmond Hawkins]

Agreed Curt. Although There are millions of others in the world that are doing the same, yet get little recognition at all.

 

[Double Barrel]

He, along with all the other folks serving our country, is a hero.

Regardless of the reason(s) for our troops being deployed (be they honorable or nefarious), our military personel deserve our utmost respect and honor as a society.

 

[h4ppy]

Originally posted by stratego
So sad that this man have to die for a lie and a mistake.

So sad that you spit on what that man has given his life for in a usual show of your intelligence.

 

[CurtSibling]

Originally posted by Sobieski II
Agreed Curt. Although There are millions of others in the world that are doing the same, yet get little recognition at all.

Well, we all pick a career.

And that career gets little thanks, sadly.

 

[tossi]

I think he is a hero!

 

[Benderino]

He is a hero. He proves to the world that despite what some may think, we Americans aren't all money-craving schlubs with no convictions or morals. This man fought and dies, dispite pressures to the contrary, for what he believed. Honor him.

 

[Zarn]

He is a hero. I doubt many here are going to disagree with that. He served for a safer world. R.I.P.

 

[Giotto]

Absolutly he is a hero! Say what you want about the war in Iraq or Afghanistan or anywhere else... to die trying to help people is one of the most honorable things a person can do.

 

[Pontiuth Pilate]

If we had results to show on a par with the convictions of the people who are fighting for them, I wouldn't trade a life here for one in Heaven.

A great man, I salute his sacrifice, and I wish it didn't need to be a symbolic and thankless one.

Here's to our soldiers and the free Afghanistan they are fighting for.

 

[The Yankee]

Hero....it is too bad he got killed, but he knew the risks going in, which I commend him for, since a lot of soldiers don't even think about that before signing.

I don't see how anyone can call him a fool.....he made his choice.

 

[silver 2039]

Hero he fought for his country and no one can condem him for it. If you want to condem someone blame the politicians.

 

[Giotto]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1792200

Crap like that disgusts me. People like that is where the image of anti-war protestors as unintelligent anti-america losers come from.

 

[Pontiuth Pilate]

Dude, that's ESPN. Aren't they owned by Hearst?

 

[h4ppy]

well is that not correct. (people protesting Afganistan war are usually unintelligent anti-america losers)