my issues with Tillman's death.

cardnyou

Yes i hate that he died and all....but you know...yesterday, you didnt see anyone on the net congratulating him on what he was doing...but today, you have people saying rest in peace and that he was a real hero and all....i dunno but it just kinda seems hypocritical to me in a way.....once again, this is just what i think.

goodriddance189

i agree, and it's quite unfortunate that he's getting a ton of press because he happened to play football. most soldier deaths are relegated to a small news blurb. not saying that he's getting too much attention, just that many of the others who gave their lives seem to be getting looked over

cardnyou

exactly.... one death isnt bigger or smaller than the other..they are both equally terrible.

jth1331

The thing that seperates him though, IMO, is that he turned down a fairly good living makine millions in football to fight for our freedom and protect our rights as US citizens. I don't see any other player with that kind of attitude to turn down a career in professional sports to take up arms.

Allen

Yeah- I mean in a way you can kinda see the hype. He had the American Dream, he was a Pro Athlete, he had millions of dollars, he was living the life most would love to have. And he gave it all up to go fight for the American Dream that he had so that future generations can have a chance at it. I mean I would like to see other soldiers get their praise, but maybe this is the next best thing. I am sure everyone will think about all the other soldiers when they read about Tillman. The reality is that they arn't going to have a mass media about all the soldiers who are sleign in the war. I guess when everyone mentions the fallen in their prayers tonight is the closest we may get.

On a side note- Tillman's cards did see some eBay love when he quit and joined the Rangers.

MrRookie

your average soldier doesn't turn down a $3.6 million/year contract to go to war...that's the difference

kr580

<< <i>your average soldier doesn't turn down a $3.6 million/year contract to go to war...that's the difference >>

exactly

KOBEcollector

James i remember hearing the news the day he decided to no longer play football and join the armed forces and there was alot of talk about how couragous the move was on his part. I guess it's just something you weren't going to hear about everyday since then though

duncangal

Patriots come in all sizes, shapes and economic backgrounds. I'm sure they were all just brothers in arms over there tho. May each death be remembered, and may it not be in vain.........

seth2720

I was moved when I first read the story of Tillman leaving the NFL mainly because he turned down $3.9 million to fight for freedom with his brother. I never came out and congratulated him on any board but I did to my friends.

Seth

joestalin

Ted Williams did the same thing back in the 40's. In the height of his career he took leave
of baseball and fought in WWII. Thats just as comendable, but is hardly ever mentioned, as we
compare his stats with other ball players who played many more years!

What guys like Tillman and Williams did is far above what the average over paid, spoiled athlete would
do. It shouldn't take a death to get noticed.

Here is to all the men and women over seas in distant and hostle lands, protecting us while we sleep.

Kevin

Bobstar

Believe me gang, while Tillmans death is getting alot of press nationally, all across this great nation other soldiers who have given thier lives are being remembered by thier hometowns.
Local & regional radio, tv stations & newspapers have given coverage when any servicemen or women from thier areas have been lost. Granted, it's not the wide coverage Tillmans death got but still they are remembered by thier communitys.
One of the great tragedies of war, is losing the valiant men & women who have chosen to serve. As a disabled Vietnam Veteran, I say a prayer everyday to keep our troops safe from harm. Like our sig says:
FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!

keithmcm

the only real difference between tillman and the other dead soldiers is that his other options were more lucrative and glamorous. The other men and women made the same choice and are equally dead. Money isn't the only or even most important thing a volunteer soldier sacrifices.