Reply #13: My understanding of criticism directed at Tillman

[AZCat]

Criticism of Tillman (as opposed to a generic soldier) is useful to Rall because Pat Tillman is a public figure that serves as a reference point for the discussion. His departure from the NFL was publicized and IMHO most Americans were aware of his situation. Commentary is more successful when tied to a particular individual, so Rall gets to give his message more punch by using a well-known figure. Rall also gets to criticize the media's re-writing of Tillman's death as something heroic. Why was Tillman described as heroic? Because he quit the NFL to join the military, or because he died on the battlefield? If the latter, then why don't all soldiers get the same treatment when they die? If the former, I cannot describe his actions as heroic for the reasons I listed in the prior post.