sad statement about our country

[Craig]

I find the post-death glorification of Pat Tillman as part well deserved recognition, and part sad statement about our country, and here's why.

 

It seems like the only way that amazing people like Pat Tillman are put into the spotlight and given due credit is when they die. There are thousands upon thousands of people risking just as much as Pat Tilliman, but they never get any credit because they didn't die or didn't give up millions to go into the army.

 

It seems like people who die in Iraq are moreso perceived as heroes than those that fight and come home, and that's wrong. It's obviously sad when a solider dies, but every solidier over there is just as much of the hero as every other soldier there, and I think it's sad that we don't treat the thousands of soliders fighting for us as much as heroes as we do Pat Tillman.

 

Just some thoughts from me, feel free to rip my opinions.

[Shamrock]

I find the post-death glorification of Pat Tillman as part well deserved recognition, and part sad statement about our country, and here's why.

 

It seems like the only way that amazing people like Pat Tillman are put into the spotlight and given due credit is when they die. There are thousands upon thousands of people risking just as much as Pat Tilliman, but they never get any credit because they didn't die or didn't give up millions to go into the army.

 

It seems like people who die in Iraq are moreso perceived as heroes than those that fight and come home, and that's wrong. It's obviously sad when a solider dies, but every solidier over there is just as much of the hero as every other soldier there, and I think it's sad that we don't treat the thousands of soliders fighting for us as much as heroes as we do Pat Tillman.

 

Just some thoughts from me, feel free to rip my opinions.

I was going to post something about this earlier...good post. What about the poor kid from the slum of NY that gets whacked? Tillman deserves as much credit as the next person who dies in battle, but his glorification does a disservice to others who died.

[SorianoFanHFW]

Tillman gave up millions of dollars and fame. Many people who go into the army quite frankly go there not only because of nationalism, but for college money or they are no their smart (no disrespect, not everyone can be a physicist). Tillman was a philosophy major, could of made millions doing a sport where you're a "hero" and then gave it all up. Not many people would do that.

[Buckeye]

As said in another post, it woudln't be so bad if these people could see past the money issue. "He gave up all that MONEY!" So what? He was already rich.

 

Yes, he made a sacrifice, but all the MIA/POW flags in the world can't account for the fact that there are living, breathing heroes walking the streets of this country every day who "Did their time," as my dad says (he's a Vietname Vet).

[Craig]

Tillman gave up millions of dollars and fame. Many people who go into the army quite frankly go there not only because of nationalism, but for college money or they are no their smart (no disrespect, not everyone can be a physicist). Tillman was a philosophy major, could of made millions doing a sport where you're a "hero" and then gave it all up. Not many people would do that.

I see what your saying, but that doesn't make him any better than any other soldiers who fight and/or give up their lives for their country.

[SorianoFanHFW]

I'm not saying he's any better than anyone, but he gave up more.

 

I know this great guy, a friend of my Dad's named "Mr. Heinz." He's a retired army colonel, who served this country well, and when I say "Great" he really is, because he helps a lot of people.

 

However, if he was making millions of dollars in the 50s or 60s playing for the Yankees or something, even though he's great, I'm doubt patriotic fervor would set in and still compell him to become an army colonel.

 

To give up the American Dream for America, you are giving up a lot. This man gave up something we all wish we were for his country...he didn't do it just for the money to go to college. Not to slight anyman who serves, but most of humanity, including soldiers in our army, would simply not give up what Tillman did. That's my point.

[Das Texan]

I find the post-death glorification of Pat Tillman as part well deserved recognition, and part sad statement about our country, and here's why.

 

It seems like the only way that amazing people like Pat Tillman are put into the spotlight and given due credit is when they die. There are thousands upon thousands of people risking just as much as Pat Tilliman, but they never get any credit because they didn't die or didn't give up millions to go into the army.

 

It seems like people who die in Iraq are moreso perceived as heroes than those that fight and come home, and that's wrong. It's obviously sad when a solider dies, but every solidier over there is just as much of the hero as every other soldier there, and I think it's sad that we don't treat the thousands of soliders fighting for us as much as heroes as we do Pat Tillman.

 

Just some thoughts from me, feel free to rip my opinions.

RACK

[Dodge]

I think Pat's coverage is well deserved. He did a selfless, honorable thing. Can't blame anyone but the media for driving the story into the ground though.

[g8trz2003]

I think Tillman deserves the coverage. But so do all the other heros that are (or did) fighting over there.

[Flying_Mollusk]

The irony is that Tillman wanted none of this praise. He didnt want his name to be above that of other soldiers who have sacrificed or are risking their lives right now. It's a lot of product of the media and in particular the sports media which glorifies everything it can get its hands on. I wont express my general negative opinion of sports writers.

 

 

Youre right though...Tillman is brave. Im sure it would irritate him also but it bothers me that there are a lot of people who sacrifice their lives for the well being of others. Undercover police officers and undercover DEA agents have a special place for me. They get absolutley no recognition when they should.

[FishFan24]

Whats the miltary term for "Thats pretty ****** up"? :mischief2 Because thats EXACTLY what it is!

[Koshka]

I have to agree with you. I do think that Tillman's individual story is being glorified to excess. Well, not to excess per se, but how many people know the names of other soldiers who have died over there? Yes, Tillman gave up a lot of money and a generally easy life, but that doesn't mean as much to me as it does to others. Every soldier gave up something important, and I am equally grateful to all of them. I think his contribution to us deserved recognition, but it should weigh no more and no less than that of every other soldier who has serviced (or is servicing) in Iraq.

 

But you know the media. :whistle