".....So, who is speaking for Tillman? Well, if we look at popular culture we see that two (unauthorized) books have already written about Pat Tillman. A Hollywood screenplay is in the works and coming to a theater near you may be a film in which an actor will be literally speaking for Tillman. There is merchandizing galore --- hats, jerseys, helmets, pins, photos. There is constant nationalistic memorializing, like this pamphlet, produced by ASU, juxtaposing his heroic football images with his military portrait and a waving American flag. There is outright profiteering going down. The Arizona Cardinals sold tickets on his name offering free rubber bracelets with Tillman's name and number on them for the first 10,000 fans to the stadium for a game a few weeks ago (those same bracelets are now being sold for up to $70 apiece on Ebay)....."
Dr. Leanos has the full support of the words he put on that poster from Pat Tillman's parents. Both of whom are currently seeking legal action against the US Government for the lies they were told. Mary Tillman is quoted as, "This couldn't be truer, at least one person has finally got it right..." when asked about it.
I won't speak for the dead. I will speak for the living though. I also know that a Corporal (E-4) in a Ranger Platoon does not "command a team of Ranger Infantry Soldiers" as was told. I also know that he was not "yelling out orders for advance and directing the Rangers" when he was accidentally shot. His last words, were "Cease fire, friendlies!" and that is in the investigation.
He did die a hero....as anyone who dies in battle does as far as I'm concerned. However, the Silver Star that he received, with the award citation stating the above information on it about "leading the charge" is a farce and a slap in the face to any soldier that actually earned the 3rd highest award that can be given. Even more so when that citation is read aloud by our "soon to be re-elected" President as part of his campaign.
I don't necessarily blame GWB....I feel he's a bigger fool than I originally thought. I do feel that the entire administration is corrupt though on this.
If this lie was so easy to spread even with such a high profile person, I wonder what other lies are being told to the families of the 2000 other young men and women?
.....and by the way, Jessica Lynch was a lie too.