j040430 (imported)
April 30, 2004
Today, the story of two young men.
Unless you’ve been under a rock for the last two weeks — and I’m only speaking to Americans here — you’ve probably seen the young man pictured above. His name is Pat Tillman.
Pat led a very full life, from high-diving off bridges and cliffs as a child to climbing light towers while a student at Arizona State. Speaking of Arizone State, Pat graduated from that school in 3.5 years, with a degree in marketing and a GPA of 3.84.
Pat also played football. He got into Arizona State in 1994 on the last available scholarship, and was put on the bench. Four seasons later, he left the school as the Pac-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He went on to the NFL, and had three successful seasons playing for the Arizona Cardinals.
Pat was deeply affected by what happened here on September 11, 2001. So affected, in fact, that in the spring of 2002 he turned down an NFL contract for $3.6 million, choosing instead to join the Army Rangers with his brother, to go fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Pat said he wanted to give something back to the country that had given him so much.
He refused to give interviews about his decision, and he made no public statement regarding it. He didn’t want a big deal made out of what he did. After several months of training he became a Ranger in December 2002, and was deployed to Afghanistan with the 75th Ranger Regiment.
Sadly, Pat was killed in combat last week. He died fighting to stop a group of people — religious fundamentalists — who want nothing more than to kill everyone who won’t convert to their insane set of beliefs. He died fighting for what he believed in, and that belief cost him the ultimate sacrifice. He died protecting the freedoms most Americans hold dear.
There’s a word for what Pat is, a word so obvious I don’t even need to use it. You know what it is.
Now meet Rene Gonzalez, a young man originally from Puerto Rico, currently a student at the University of Massachusetts. His undergraduate major was “African-American Music and Jazz Studies”, and these days he’s working on his doctorate in political science.
Rene is a shining example of what our colleges are producing, and he has no compunctions at all about letting us know what he thinks about things. Freedom of speech, and all that.
For example, he compares President Bush to Adolf Hitler, and the type of government in the U.S.A. to fascism. In his Amazon reviews, he fawns over things like the need for Socialism in the U.S. and all the great things Fidel Castro has done. He refers to Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice as “zip coons” in one of those Amazon reviews, too.
Oh yeah, Rene also said of the contractors in Fallujah who were killed and had their corpses mutilated — let me quote him here so I don’t goof it up — that “it is hard to argue with the logic of the arguments presented by the Iraqi people that, in many ways, the “Americans deserved this”.” (link).
Rene also had a few words to say about Pat Tillman, which he recently shared in his college newspaper. I’ll let him tell you himself:
I’ve been mystified at the absolute nonsense of being in “awe” of Tillman’s “sacrifice” that has been the American response. Mystified, but not surprised … You know he was a real Rambo, who wanted to be in the “real” thick of things. I could tell he was that type of macho guy, from his scowling, beefy face on the CNN pictures. Well, he got his wish. Even Rambo got shot in the third movie, but in real life, you die as a result of being shot. They should call Pat Tillman’s army life “Rambo 4: Rambo Attempts to Strike Back at His Former Rambo 3 Taliban Friends, and Gets Killed.”
…in my neighborhood in Puerto Rico, Tillman would have been called a “pendejo,” an idiot … This was a “G.I. Joe” guy who got what was coming to him. That was not heroism, it was prophetic idiocy.
Tillman, probably acting out his nationalist-patriotic fantasies forged in years of exposure to Clint Eastwood and Rambo movies, decided to insert himself into a conflict he didn’t need to insert himself into … It’s hard to say I have any sympathy for his death because I don’t feel like his “service” was necessary … He was acting out his macho, patriotic crap and I guess someone with a bigger gun did him in.
After all, whether we like them or not, the Taliban is more Afghani than we are. Their resistance is more legitimate than our invasion, regardless of the fact that our social values are probably more enlightened than theirs. For that, he shouldn’t be hailed as a hero, he should be used as a poster boy for the dangerous consequences of too much “America is #1,” frat boy, propaganda bull. (Link to Google cache of article, because the high volume of traffic Rene’s column has generated has totally fucked the college paper’s server.)
There’s a word for what Rene is, too, but it’s not the same word for what Pat Tillman is.
“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”
- Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Update: Pat Tillman was posthumously awarded a Silver Star because he ‘was killed while performing his duty “without regard to his personal safety”.’
Beautifully written. Thanks for your insight into this, once again letting the facts say so much for themselves. I’m not American (Canadian) and it doesn’t tint my feelings on this one bit - people are what they are, loud and clear, regardless of borders.
AMEN! Thank you Fred!
Thanks for the post, Fred. I think it’s clear who’s the real “pendejo” of these two men.
*SIGH* Why do we Americans keep supporting P.R. when it refuses to become part of us? Why do we keep supporting these leeches? Why???
Is there a word for “lynch mob” in his neighborhood?
Rene Gonzalez is the worst kind of coward. One who hides behind inflamatory words and the protection provided by the sacrifice of others. If Cuba is such a wonderful place why in God’s name doesn’t Rene go there to live and become “educated?” Tillman makes Gonzalez look rat like by comparison. I suspect that many who criticize the U.S.A. and soldiers like Tillman are jealous that their own kinsmen lack the conviction, commitment, and dedication to make great things happen.
Oh my, such a moving entry. How ironic that the Tillmans of the world sacrifice so the scum like Gonzalez can do as he pleases. Send him back to Cuba.
Now, where did you say he went to school…..
Pendejo? Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black?
Thanks for that, Fred.
Chris
Beautifully done Fred.
Thank you, Fred.
I agree that this young man has his head up his @ss and makes some stunning assumptions about Tillman’s motivations that are baseless and cruel, especially in light of Tillman’s selflessness, service to country, and ultimate sacrifice. At best this is youthful carelessness; at worst it’s malefic callousness and a shameless use of inflammatory language to call attention to himself. Not uncommon among modern pundits and wannabes.
However, I would not convict the entire American college population based on the ranting of one callow boy. Nor would I give soldiers, in the past and in the present, sole credit for upholding the American way. All of us, soldiers, poets, reporters, organizers, homemakers, computer programmers, and all citizens alike have the duty and privilege to maintain and fight for our country’s principles in our own ways.
God speed, Pat Tillman, and God protect those still in the field. May our conflicts prove to be shorter than they look today.
Rock on, Fred.
VC
First off, Fred I still heart you and Robyn and your diaries but I gotta say this.
I agree the 2nd dude is an asshole for putting it like he did.
But I guess I am too because I wrote in my journal that I thought way too much fanfare was given to Tillman.
How are we to know what sacrifices other men made to go fight for us and die? Just because it was alot of money does that make him more brave or honorable? No. I do respect him greatly for what he has done but like I put in my journal, there should be no favoritism in war.
Thank you, Fred.
People forget the conviction that our service men/women have when they sign up to serve Uncle Sam.
Oh Boy Fred! I am from Massachusetts and I am also a die-hard football fan. I have watched Pat Tillman during games and I remember well his leaving due to his sense of duty to his country. I was very saddened when I heard the news of this article. I was sad for his parents and for his whole family, his friends, colleagues, and his fans. I am sad because this person didn’t care for all the hurt this article would cause. I do know he is basically in “hiding” right now and he has even received death threats. Why in the world did he bring this on? As to the reader who wonders why this man has been made out to be such a hero - that is sad to me too. While all the men and women who are fighting for this country are heroes - this man just happens to be well-known. There are many people who have been hailed as heroes during this horrible time - some never get mentioned - some do. That;s the media for you. I remember after Sept 11th some people were upset that so much fanfare was given to the police and firefighters who lost their lives - why were they more valuable than the innocent ones who were just there working on that day or flying on that day. The answer to that one is simple… while everyone was running down the stairs - they were running up the stairs… that is their job. Putting their lives on the line is their job, their duty.
A friend of mine pointed me to this link. I’m active duty Navy, currently deployed in the Middle East in support of Marine operations Over Here. All I can really say about this is that Mr. Gonzalez better hope that none of my mates — and *especially* none of the Puerto Rican Marines I know — ever gets hold of him. He’s gonna have a bad day (read maiming) if that happens.
EM2 James Alford, USN
USS Wasp (LHD-1)
Opinions are my own, not those of my command, the Navy, or DoD.
Jamie -
If it’s any consolation, most of us back here at home support you guys 100%
And on a more personal note, thank you for what you’re doing.
Fred, your piece is well-written and thoughtful. I fully agree with everything you said about Pat Tillman. He is definitely a hero, as are all the men and women serving in the armed forces.
However, I have to question the “lynch mob” mentality surrounding Gonzalez’s opinions. Don’t get me wrong: his column is incredibly moronic. But as a citizen of the US (and all Puerto Ricans are US citizens), he has every right to free speech. Isn’t that in part what Tillman and his comrades are fighting for in Afghanistan? For democracy and all the rights that come with it, including free speech of the misinformed and idiotic.
Thanks for a great entry, Fred. I read Mr Gonzalez’s comments yesterday was appalled that anyone could write such rubbish. It is awfully easy to stand behind words when one is too cowardly to stand up for their beliefs (unlike Mr. Tillman).
Supposedly, Rene is now “apologizing” for his comments and that the article wasn’t “worth publishing.” http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1792673
My son joined the Marines for the same reasons as Pat Tillman. He had several encounters while still in high school over his choice. His answer to his critics? “I am choosing to put my life in jeporady, so you can continue to run around enjoying yourselves. Think about that.”
I am very proud of my Marine and all the others in the service. It is difficult sometimes to make the right choice rather than the easy choice. It is even more difficult to choose the right path when taking that path could put you in mortal danger.
Im all for free speech and what not, but the article that the kid wrote was idiotic. I view his article as him wanting to get recognized, and that he did. Im sure he is being cautious now…if he ever comes out to Hawaii and any of the military here find out, he will have an enjoyable meeting with some friends from the sea. Im ex-Navy, my hubby is currently Navy, I work on an Air Force Base and live on a Marine Corps Base….let the little bastard screw with me and my services he will get whats coming to him in due time.
In my eyes, the thing that makes Tillman most heroic is that he went out of his way not to be made into one by the press. He didn’t want people making a big deal about his becoming a ranger, he didn’t want to give interviews and he refused to cater to the media as they tried to make a big issue of his sacrificing a multi-million dollar contract to serve his country. In his eyes, he wasn’t doing something amazing, he was just living his life as he felt he should. Even in death, Tillman’s family is not trying to capitalize on his story, they are struggling to grieve in private and really would rather all the media attention go away. I think our country could stand to learn a lesson not only from Tillman’s sacrifice, but how he lived his life.
There are those of us who disagree with this war, but who also believe that Pat Tillman is a hero and that Rene Gonzalez is anything but. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the men and women who fight and die for us.
Damn.
That’s the one word that came to mind when I read your post, Fred. It boggles my mind how easy it is forget the luxuries we have are based on the selfless acts of others.
I think Tillman is a hero for the simple fact he followed through with his convictions and stood up for what he believed in. Too few of us ever do and almost rarely put our lives on the line to do it.
I admire and respect and support all our troops at home and abroad. They have a difficult job as it is without pouring salt into the wound with words like those spoken by Rene.
Maybe some day Rene will understand.
Sadly, Mr. Gonzalez’s comments about the contractors killed and mutilated in Iraq, (”the Americans deserved this…”), are all too common. I hear this ALL the time.
My son just finished Marine Corps boot camp, and started SOI. Not the best time in world history to do this - but he chose it anyway. I personally do not like, respect, or trust This Administration. At all. But, I do support 100% our troops. OUR troops, each and every one of them, stateside and overseas. My heart aches every day when I hear of a death - there are hundreds of Pat Tillmans out there - dying for the freedom of you and I alike. Never asking for much, just our support and respect. Pat is no more special than any other casualty, he just has name recognition and the media can put a face and history to the name. All the fallen are my heroes, every last one of them, Pat included.
I don’t agree with the war, and I detest George W. Bush with a passion. To be honest, I can’t think of a single friend or colleague of mine (and admittedly I don’t have a wide social circle) that DOES agree with Bush and/or the war. In fact, I agree with many of the statements that Gonzalez made. BUT it is inexcusable that he made a public attack on somebody who died while standing up for what he believed in. It’s a bit of a Catch 22 situation though - those religious fundamentalists are also just fighting for what they believe in.
To use an old cliche - there’s never a winner when it comes to war. Everyone loses.
I’m in the Navy, in a helicopter squadron attached to the USS Carl Vinson, and hearing someone like Rene Gonzalez call my brothers in arms ‘G.I. Joes’ is personally insulting. These guys don’t go over there to support some political agenda, they don’t go over there to get votes, and they don’t go over there for the ‘glory of the kill’.
The Marines on my ship aren’t attention seeking glory hounds, and the SEALs that we fly back and forth don’t expect a parade and fanfare when we recover them after a mission. They do their job because America is something they believe in, so people like me don’t have to, so people like Rene Gonzalez don’t have to. They joined and serve because they honestly think we cna make a difference, and most of the time, from what I hear, they do. People tend to overlook the individuals in things like this, the one-on-one that no one gets to see but the soldier and marines actually in the thick of things. The smiles and cheers of the people as they ride into a liberated town…I guess to Mr. Gonzalez that isn’t something worth fighting for. I for one, remain in awe of Tillman’s sacrifice and wish I had the guts to make a similar one. Hats off to him.
I think Henry Rollins said it best- “I may not support the war, but I won’t turn my back on the troops.”
Thanks, Fred. And thanks for the comments from people in the heart of it.
Fred…That has to be the best thing you have ever written. Pat Tillman made me proud to be an American again. It’s good to know that not everyone is ruled by greed…that fighting for freedom is still important. It’s good to know and very reassuring that there are still American parents who are teaching their children to believe in the basic principles that this country was founded on…life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I chalk Rene Gonzalez’s diatribe up to juvenile naivete’. Let’s see what he thinks in 20 years when reality has set in. It’s easy to be socialistic when you are very young and you aren’t working for a living, but when he’s out on his own and living in the real world and all his taxes are going to welfare and other “gimme” programs, he’ll change his mind.
Thanks for the great article Fred. It needs to be spread around…. I have read tributes to Pat Tillman and was aware of the horrible article by this “student” - but the way to contrasted the two was excellent!!
To our brave soldiers - Thank you for your sacrifice - that we may enjoy life as we do.