Comments on: Tillman-McChrystal Controversy? Jon Stewart Had It First

By: spartacus92007

spartacus92007 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:16:14 +0000

I remember this sad story so well- I had always been a big fan of Tillman and am now more than ever…..
Krakaer is spot on….friendly fire does happen, more often, unfortunately than we would maybe even care to know.

This great Stewart -Krakaer interview reminded me so much of a great book I just finished-
It deals with the true story of the first special forces mission (11 green Berets) into Afghanistan a few short weeks after 9-11.
Remarkably it deals with, among other important issues, the same tragic issues of friendly fire discussed in the interview we all just saw. It is title “The Only Thing Worth Dying For” (Eric Blehm)
a great -fast paced read with stunning research!

http://www.onlythingworthdyingfor.com

The logistics of war, any way, on a macro or micro level are extremely difficult, and it is no less than admirable that we are able to count on these brave men and women of the military to establish and enforce a line in the sand regarding not only our own national defense, but that which we all understand to be the better angels of our nature.

By: Rachel Sklar

Rachel Sklar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:19:26 +0000

@Nachi – I think the word “hero” applies here pretty damn well.

By: kristianna

kristianna — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:38:03 +0000

I watch the Daily Show With Jon Stewart….He also made a mistake about the date the Web was invented …. but let that pass.
christmas gifts

By: Nachi

Nachi — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:57:13 +0000

How loosely the new generations use the word, “Hero.” Loosely indeed. They/you have absolutely no…concept.

By: Nachi

Nachi — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:54:58 +0000

And the ignorant masses just jumped thru a hoop and gobbled up the McCrystal/BushDrunk travesty & tragedy. The Tillman story had a stench from the very beginning.

By: Keeva

Keeva — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:04:03 +0000

This must be my day to agree with Sara. Tillman became a hero the day he enlisted and put on the uniform. the fact that the military leadership chose to cover up the truth of his death does not diminish his heroism or dedication.

Using this story as a political point is reprehensible. The Bush admin used it to spin the war story their way and the Dems are now going to use it to spin the story to them.

I do not believe his family wanted to have him declared not a hero so much as they simply wanted the truth.

When all is said and one, Tillman chase to serve his country and did so with honor. We should cherish his memory.

By: sarainitaly

sarainitaly — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:21:00 +0000

Rachel Sklar says:
November 3, 2009 at 10:40 am

oh, no! i was just responding to the entire story, in general – the whole handling of the situation, and everything I have read about it. That it is being used against the Bush administration because they said he was killed by the enemy and a hero, but it was actually friendly fire. But, if they used it to score points i think that is gross.

By: ImNotBlue

ImNotBlue — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:58:54 +0000

I still say the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Just because Tillman was killed by friendly fire, doesn’t mean there wasn’t “devastating enemy fire” around him!

But in general, I agree with Sara. Tillman left a lucrative career in the NFL to join the army. That alone should have won him the medal. Why his family was so bent on having him declared NOT a hero, I don’t quite understand.

Tillman’s jersey, is still the only one hanging in my closet… and I wear it proudly.

By: Fidoohki

Fidoohki — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:37:01 +0000

When Mycrystal was picked for the job I meant…

By: Fidoohki

Fidoohki — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:36:04 +0000

It’s funny that this didn’t pop up on Obama’s or the Democrats radar when he was
picked for it…..

By: Rachel Sklar

Rachel Sklar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:40:47 +0000

I hope my post didn’t imply that he wasn’t a hero since he was killed by friendly fire…in the course of researching this post I have done quite a bit of reading about Tillman, including from Krakauer’s book, and if he was anything he was a hero.

By: sarainitaly

sarainitaly — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:34:03 +0000

I don’t like the idea of anyone using his death for policitcal points, but I don’t really have a problem with the military calling him a hero and awarding him a medal, or telling people he was a hero who fell to the enemy.

He inlisted because we were attacked on 9/11….so, it seems fair to say he was a hero who fell to the enemy….

Being hit by friendly fire doesn’t mean he wasn’t a hero.