2.04.2010

Where Men Win Glory.

Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman is a fascinating account of Pat Tillman's life and death, along with the inexplicably bad decisions made by the military/government before and after. Tillman was filled with a contagious verve, and though he didn't appear to find the right path, his thirst for life and knowledge can be an example for everyone.

If you want a short version of the book, Gary Smith's superb article in Sports Illustrated captures Tillman's remarkable essence and impact admirably well.

1 comment:

Guy Montag said...

Jon Krakauer blamed the Bush administration and Army for the cover-up of Pat Tillman's friendly-fire death. However, the untold story is the cover-up was a thoroughly bi-partisan affair.

In particular, the Democratic Congress and the Obama Presidency protected General Stanley McChrystal from punishment for his role in the cover-up of Pat Tillman's friendly-fire death.

Note: email from Amir Bar-Lev says he was pretty hard on the Democratic Congress in "The Tillman Story".

The documents at http://www.feralfirefighter.blogspot.com describe how General McChrystal has been protectd by Congressman Henry Waxman, Senator James Webb (along with Senators Carl Levin and John McCain), the New York Times Reporter Thom Shanker, the Center for a New American Security's Andrew Exum, and President Obama.

It’s not surprising that after the initial cover-up fell apart, Army officers and the Bush administration lied to protect their careers. Reprehensible, but understandable. But the Democratic Congress, after they took control of both Houses in 2006, could have gone after those responsible. Or at least not promoted them!

Just before the 2006 mid-term elections, Kevin Tillman published his eloquent letter, “After Pat’s Birthday” (truthdig.com). Kevin hoped a Democratic Congress would bring accountability back to our country. But, just as with warrantless wiretapping and torture, those responsible for the cover-up of his brother’s friendly-fire death have never been held accountable for their actions.

Five years ago, Pat Tillman’s family were handed a tarnished Silver Star. It was a travesty of justice that General McChrystal was promoted to the Army’s highest rank, and handed his fourth star.