"Pat isn't with God. He's f---ing dead."

[MonstaThrilla]

SF Gate

Just when we thought we had a pure and simple hero, a millionaire athlete who gave up wealth and fame to become the ideal patriot, to make the ultimate sacrifice, his friends and family complicated everything. They turned Pat Tillman into a human being Monday, showing us what was really lost during that ambush in Afghanistan, insisting that we question every assumption we've made since he died an icon on April 22.

Yes, there were uplifting tales, moments when tears and pride swelled in everyone watching Tillman's memorial service at the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden. There were jarring moments, too, and they carried the message of the afternoon -- "challenge yourself" -- more powerfully than those laden with conventional inspiration.

Tillman's youngest brother, Rich, wore a rumpled white T-shirt, no jacket, no tie, no collar, and immediately swore into the microphone. He hadn't written anything, he said, and with the starkest honesty, he asked mourners to hold their spiritual bromides.

"Pat isn't with God,'' he said. "He's f -- ing dead. He wasn't religious. So thank you for your thoughts, but he's f -- ing dead.''

 

[conjur]

I can only imagine the frustration and pain Rich Tillman is going through.

 

[tnitsuj]

Poor kid was probably pretty distraught.

 

[cricky]

I applaud Rich Tillman for taking his family's private pain BACK from the media that has hijacked it. The heroism we should strive for is to let a family bury its own in peace and not have a heroic movement for ______ political party attached to it.

 

[Red Dawn]

Reminded me of my Grandfather's funeral. My Fund A Mental Case sister had her whacko Jesus freak Friends speak at his funeral. What they didn't understand is that my Grandfather was an Atheist and hated those hypocrites.

 

[LilBlinbBlahIce]

Originally posted by: conjur
I can only imagine the frustration and pain Rich Tillman is going through.

Ditto

 

[Zedtom]

I love my brother, too. But if he were to suddenly die, and I was to speak of him at his funeral, I'd be at a loss as to explaining his personal religious beliefs.

With all due respect to Pat Tillman- I wonder if anyone really knew what his personal spiritual beliefs were.

 

[conjur]

Originally posted by: cricky
I applaud Rich Tillman for taking his family's private pain BACK from the media that has hijacked it. The heroism we should strive for is to let a family bury its own in peace and not have a heroic movement for ______ political party attached to it.

:beer:

And Tillman's comment:

"Pat isn't with God,'' he said. "He's f -- ing dead. He wasn't religious. So thank you for your thoughts, but he's f -- ing dead.''


is just priceless. For that, I'm sure his brother would have been proud.

 

[Pennstate]

You know, being the straight shooter that Pat Tillman was known to be, he WOULD be proud of his little brother.

 

[alchemize]

Wow...one of the most subtle political spins I've ever read! /golf clap

RIP Pat.

 

[Pennstate]

alchemize. I think Pat Tillman was above politics. He followed principles and values, and not talking points that the DNC and RNC sends out each day. He was an independent critical thinker. I wish more of our country would do the same. Pat Tillman was loyal not only to his colleagues, but more importantly to his own values.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: Pennstate
alchemize. I think Pat Tillman was above politics. He followed principles and values, and not talking points that the DNC and RNC sends out each day.

I concur. The SFGate author, however, is not above politics

 

[MonstaThrilla]

Originally posted by: alchemize
Wow...one of the most subtle political spins I've ever read! /golf clap

RIP Pat.

I was afraid this ugly comment would come. Instead of lowering myself to your level, I'll explain what the article means to me (I should have in the OP anyway).

The article is about those who knew Pat best, humanizing him. They tried to remind the country that his death is something deeply personal and traumatic to them. His life wasn't as simple as "pro football player turned brave Army Ranger". While the media tried to make his death palatable to the public by instantly turning him into a heroic icon, those closest to him still had to deal with the stark reality of his death. Its a lesson those of us who have yet to lose a loved one in these recent wars should never forget.

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: MonstaThrilla

Originally posted by: alchemize
Wow...one of the most subtle political spins I've ever read! /golf clap

RIP Pat.

I was afraid this ugly comment would come. Instead of lowering myself to your level, I'll explain what the article means to me (I should have in the OP anyway).

The article is about those who knew Pat best, humanizing him. They tried to remind the country that his death is something deeply personal and traumatic to them. His life wasn't as simple as "pro football player turned brave Army Ranger". While the media tried to make his death palatable to the public by instantly turning him into a heroic icon, those closest to him still had to deal with the stark reality of his death. Its a lesson those of us who have yet to lose a loved one in these recent wars should never forget.

OH I read that also. It definitely came through. That was the primary message. If you can't see the spin in it also, however, I suggest you read it again. Notice what WAS included, and what WAS NOT included. Of course, I doubt you'll see it anyhow.

Hence, why I applaud the subtle spin.

 

[MonstaThrilla]

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Pennstate
alchemize. I think Pat Tillman was above politics. He followed principles and values, and not talking points that the DNC and RNC sends out each day.

I concur. The SFGate author, however, is not above politics

Anyone can read this author's previous far-left, America-hating political columns and decide for themselves

 

[0roo0roo]

u want to talk politics? was listening to 560 yesterday for kicks and the host uses tillman in his little tyrade about how liberals hate america and love terrorists. was truely disgusting.

 

[conjur]

Originally posted by: MonstaThrilla

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Pennstate
alchemize. I think Pat Tillman was above politics. He followed principles and values, and not talking points that the DNC and RNC sends out each day.

I concur. The SFGate author, however, is not above politics

Anyone can read this author's previous far-left, America-hating political columns and decide for themselves

Damn sportswriters! Spewing forth such unpatriotic hate! :|

 

[0roo0roo]

"He talked about gays,'' Lyle Setencich, the former ASU assistant said. "He asked me, 'Could you coach gays?' " Setencich told Tillman yes. He could, and he had. He repeated that at the memorial service, televised on ESPN, in front of the sports world, showing another side of a coach, another side of an American hero.

Challenge yourself.

Tillman talked about everything, with everyone. According to the speakers, he had read the Bible, the Koran, the Book of Mormon, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and he underlined passages constantly. Garwood recalled how he'd mail articles to friends, highlighting certain parts and writing in the margins: "Let's discuss.'' A quotation from Emerson, found underlined in Tillman's readings, adorned the program.

goddamned right wing radio didn't mention that ..... i wonder why..../

 

[MAW1082]

Rich Tillman said what all reasonable and logical people think about people dying.

 

[chess9]

I thought he ruined a perfectly lovely funeral. And, Maria Shriver is going to find that idiot a job in Hollywood? Good grief, get the kid some Prozac and a TEN STEP PLAN.

I know how tough it is though. At my dad's funeral I had to say a few words as I'm the oldest and my five brothers are merciless when it comes to me having the DUTY, whatever dirty chore it might be. But, you suck it up and do your best without moaning like a my excellent compatriot dog in heat.
-Robert

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: conjur

Originally posted by: MonstaThrilla

Originally posted by: alchemize

Originally posted by: Pennstate
alchemize. I think Pat Tillman was above politics. He followed principles and values, and not talking points that the DNC and RNC sends out each day.

I concur. The SFGate author, however, is not above politics

Anyone can read this author's previous far-left, America-hating political columns and decide for themselves

Damn sportswriters! Spewing forth such unpatriotic hate! :|

Sportswriters don't have political opinions? I was never aware of that...

We should ask her life-partner.

 

[chess9]

Actually, I'll bet Tillman joined the Rangers for the same reason I joined the Marines. My dad fought in WWII, none of my brothers were acting like they'd join the military (none ever did), so I felt like it was my duty to serve. I decided to enlist because I didn't wan't to be drafted into the Army and end up serving slop to the troops for two years. So, I'm sure for Tillman this wasn't about affirming Bush's policies or giving the finger to the lefties, or doing God's work, but was really about service to his country. And, really, how can we fault him for that? I still think some sort of universal service should be required of all kids. That doesn't mean we need to send them to war, but they could work in parks and V.A. hospitals, etc.

Also, my dad had a box full of medals and ribbons and tons of photos. He had a 105mm mortar shell casing sitting in our living room for cigarette butts. I think I got the message from the symbols because he never pushed me into it. In fact, when we went on alert for Gitmo in 1962 I thought he was going to have a heart attack on the phone. Once you become a parent it's an entirely different ball game. Losing a kid just kills something inside a parent. Tillman's parents have got to be decimated. I buried one of my Force Recon buddies in Kansas City and I'll never forget his father's face at the funeral. Words fail me....

You kids have it so good, and you don't have a clue. Trust me....
-Robert

 

[alchemize]

Originally posted by: chess9
Actually, I'll bet Tillman joined the Rangers for the same reason I joined the Marines. My dad fought in WWII, none of my brothers were acting like they'd join the military (none ever did), so I felt like it was my duty to serve. I decided to enlist because I didn't wan't to be drafted into the Army and end up serving slop to the troops for two years. So, I'm sure for Tillman this wasn't about affirming Bush's policies or giving the finger to the lefties, or doing God's work, but was really about service to his country. And, really, how can we fault him for that? I still think some sort of universal service should be required of all kids. That doesn't mean we need to send them to war, but they could work in parks and V.A. hospitals, etc.

Also, my dad had a box full of medals and ribbons and tons of photos. He had a 105mm mortar shell casing sitting in our living room for cigarette butts. I think I got the message from the symbols because he never pushed me into it. In fact, when we went on alert for Gitmo in 1962 I thought he was going to have a heart attack on the phone. Once you become a parent it's an entirely different ball game. Losing a kid just kills something inside a parent. Tillman's parents have got to be decimated. I buried one of my Force Recon buddies in Kansas City and I'll never forget his father's face at the funeral. Words fail me....

You kids have it so good, and you don't have a clue. Trust me....
-Robert

OH Robert some of us have a clue. I buried my best friend, he was a liberal agnostic Takes some rub to bring out the shine.

So, did you see the subtle spin? Be honest...

 

[chess9]

Alky:

No, I have bad eyes. Subtle spin is totally lost on me.

-Robert

 

[BugsBunny1078]

Sounds like little Richy needs a good kick in the ass. Well, not everyone can be as good a man as Pat Tillman. It is tough to live up to a brother's footsteps like that. Pat still needs people praying for him to have a chance to get into heaven.You know alot of soldiers find God in the middle of war? Hopefully Pat had found Jesus before it was too late.