Salut

[BaM*BaM]

I wrote this on 5/26/02 on the old Club VMag site.

I know this has nothing to do about autos, or engines, or horsepower...
I came across this story and it stopped me dead: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/comment/lopresti/2002-05-24-lopresti.htm
It's not everyday that i find a real, voluntary hero, but this guy reminds me of how many 'real heros' it has taken to make this wonderful country.

This man died yesterday as an Army Ranger serving in Afghanistan against the real enemy threat to America. (not to mean disrespect to the brave men who serve us in Iraq. Those courageous and great American guys have been failed by miserable leadership from the top, and in a democracy, that's OUR fault).
Please don't make this a debate on the Iraq war, but keep it a salute to a REAL American Hero.
U.S> Army Ranger Pat Tillman http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040423/capt.wxs60004232137.afghan_nfl_player_wxs600.jpg http://www.users.qwest.net/~pempem/R6Salute.gif

[azskyrider]

I was shocked as well. I remember seeing Tillman play at ASU, I remember seeing him around campus and at clubs. I never spoke nor do I know him other than he was a football player and we went to the same school.

He was a straight up guy.

[xdfarrx]

I remember hearing him going over. Definitely a drag. I believe he has a brother there to. I wonder when the gov. is going to start getting heat over all the solid american getting killed over sea. I can understand Afghanistan, but Iraq make no sense. Half of the Iraqis bailing, and them hating us even more....big drag, we are in a bad deal with this. Tillman being so high profile, I believe is going to have some resonance with the Bush cabal. If it doesn't they really are going to lead us down a path I don't want to go. RIP tillman

[MIDN USNA]

I find it appalling takes a famous person's death to make people think about the day to day battle our troops are fighting. This path is the correct path and probably the only path that could be taken. When personally listening to Dr Rice (National Security Advisor), Richard Armitage (USNA Grad and Deputy Secretary of State), George H.W. Bush (41'st President), and many other leaders of our nation I can promise you that our presence is not only justified but is exactly what the Iraqis have been praying for. These small battles are not from the majority, they are from small groups loyal to the former dictatorship. As with all reconstruction of economies and government it takes time and muscle. To those bleeding hearts out there, I know the military supports the leadership of our nation and so should you.

[VX922]

My deepest condolences for a fallen comrade.

[xdfarrx]

I believe the reason it is making people take notice is that this guy gave up on alot of money and his deep patriosm. Alot of people are hard on the money chase so when they hear this guy gets landed when he turned his back on millions will catch peoples attention. His death is as sad as every other soldiers death just 'extra' ordinary because of his true love for the US and his walking from a NFL career..... As I said I understand Afghanistan I understand or presence there with the clear and obvious connection to Bin Laden, but Iraq makes me wonder, what is the connection...

[azskyrider]

Thought everyone should know.


friendly fire (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/tillman/0529tillman29.html)