The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

It is pretty outrageous to hear just how far governments will go to spread their mistruths to ensure their platform and objectives continue on and that the people they govern give them their full support.

No matter if the cost is in blood.

Pat Tillman was a professional NFL player who decided not to purse a multi-million dollar contract so he could serve his country and fight in Iraq. This story made headlines at the time, as it occurred less than a year after 9/11 when patriotism and vengeance were at an all time high. He honestly felt it was the right thing to do, brainwashed by the propaganda machine that Bush and company imposed on its citizens who bought in to the idea that the Saudis and Afghans, who plotted attacks against the United States, were somehow linked to Saddam Hussein and Iraq. It's hard to believe governments would put the lives of their own in harm's way for their own means, but it happened, and Tillman trusted his government when he enlisted to fight.

Pat Tillman would die in 2004 in the mountains of Afghanistan. At the time of his death, stories were written about his heroic combat mission that would earn him a posthumous Silver Star and Purple Heart. Tillman was used by the US government to demonstrate the bravery and valour of the US forces fighting overseas and how the cause was just. As it turned out, as time passed, it was found to be an outright lie. He was killed by friendly fire, shot three times in the head, reportedly the last words coming out of his mouth were, "I'm Pat f***** Tillman!", not to be vain or brash, but to alert his fellow soldiers they were being reckless with their weapons. It did not get their attention in time.

Further intriguing to this story is the fact his Afghanistan journal was burned after his death. He also apparently changed his feelings on the Iraq invasion and felt it was wrong. Of course, the US government wouldn't want that story to hit the news, and it wasn't till a few years later, when the mood towards the war overseas was already souring with the public, that the truth came out. I cannot recall much media coverage about the truth regarding Tillman's death. I could be wrong, but it didn't seem to garner as many headlines as it should.

The fight in Afghanistan continues, withdrawal is coming slowly, and it doesn't seem like were much better off or safer since 9/11. I'm guessing The Tillman Story will demonstrate these facts, and how we need to continue to be vigilant and educated when our government tells us we're going to war. I can't wait to see it.