Praise Kevin for these intelligent, real, truthful, biting and emotion filled sentences.  Thank God for people like him, those who have been there and have experienced the outflow of this insane foreign policy and have the courage (the word has been cheapened recently, well here is the real deal) and the guts to speak and be heard.  We are living through this confusing period of our history sleepwalking.  Hopefully words like Kevin’s can wake the sleeping giant.

Illegal? Large wars tend to transecend legality. Vietnam? Illegal? Totally misses the point of war.

Gee…  You hit the nail on the head.  Only someone with your credibility could punch the hard truth through in this way.  I just hope that you get a chance to go on FoxNews and kick their un-American asses.  God bless you my man!

I wish that the American public would wake up and deliver both houses of Congress to the Democrats, and with a margin large enough that we could impeach that traitorous murderer and thief George W. Bush, try him and send him to jail, where he belongs, for years and years, and do the same with his entire cabal of corrupt criminals.

Wake up America!  Save yourself!  Where is Paul Revere when you need him?

When are these careerist in the military going to turns the guns on the criminals in Washington, what we need is someone like General Francisco Franco, a morally just and rooted leader to save the country from the perfidious parasites?

When we elect cocaine addicted, silver spoon feed little boys with expensive toys to run our country,  with their “good’ole boy charm” and Texas swagger, who cannot even speak more than one sylabble words,  we are to blame.  Only when America decides they have a voice—will those dying in uniform have a voice.

This piece of literary crap is just another example of left-wing pshyco-babble that has no basis in truth or reason. You have no real answers or solutions just a great hatred for patriotism like my father and countless others displayed in WW2. I guess the leaders of our country then were just war mongerers willing to sacrifice our boys in Europe and the Pacific for their gain. So what if Hitler was killing millions. So what if Saddam was killing countless numbers.So what if thousands of Americans died on 9/11. Lets all just stick our heads up our ass and declare the truth of what is in our heart. We have become a nation filled with spoiled brats like yourself that concern themselves with their own selfish wants and desires.Anything that interferes with what we want as an individual is demonized. Truth and right is no longer an absolute worth fighting and many times dying for. If WW2 had to be fought today as it was then, America would be hard pressed to find the caliber of young men willing to do for their country what those young men did in that day. My father paid a great price to ensure your freedom to piss and moan about serving your country. Grow up. You aren’t the only one who has suffered the loss of someone you love. My youngest son died in my arms ;a victim of a sensless crime. It wasn’t fair and life isn’t many times. I refuse to become bitter and lash out at society with irrational babble becouse of my inability to deal with my feeling of loss and anger. If you thing all of the ills of society will be cured by putting a liberal administration in the White House you’re delusional. The present administration certainly hasn’t been perfect but at least the terrorist world doesn’t have free run of our country while slick Willy is getting a blow-job in the Whitehouse. Oh yeah,I forgot,character isn’t important.

Dear Kevin,

We can not lose anyone more precious than a sibling as humans. We can not lose anything more precious than our liberty as a nation.

My deepest sympathy, and gratitude to you, and to your family for your loss of your dear brother.
He died doing what he thought was the right thing.
He sacraficed a very good life, to serve his country, few things are more noble.

I submit that his death was not, and is not in vain, for God does not take, before giving. As we have lost Pat, and many others we have gained knowledge and insight as we witness the depravity of those who lead our nation. I still have not heard a single relevant source ask, “How did we arrive at this point” (That was the quesion regarding 9/11, I am still waiting for the
“correct” answer)

I can not explain within the time and space constraint herein what is and has happened to our nation, but suffice to say that it fits justly into the natural ways of life.  What we sow, we reap. And in the work of the reaper, innocence is not a factor.

It is my prayer, that on November 7th, we have the courage of conviction to vote in numbers of historic significance, bringing sweeping change, lest we are content to continue on the road to total disgrace, and the destruction of a once great nation in the presence of the civilized world.

Let me suggest that we revisit the Declaration of Independence, particually the instructions given to a nation becoming, and the duties we have to maintain, and protect that nation, and our constitution from those who disregard the validities therein.

It is so very hard to realize that the appointed leaders( by the Supreme Court) of this country have no apparent regard for the near sacred oath they took, “To uphold, and defend the Constitution”. In retrospect, they never served our nation in a military uniform, so God, honor, duty, are but words they use with no real meaning, or conviction.

Many stand with you, and your family, though silent. Many others need to shout as though through Gabriel’s trumpet, that “Truth must prevail”

God bless your family, and God Bless the United States of America, with mercy and forgivness.

Somehow, Patti Sheehan became Kevin tillman.

The Axis Powers learned the futility of invading and occupying other countries during World War II.
The European Allied Powers learned the same lesson after World War II when their colonies gained independence; many with the aid of the Soviet Union which was committed to wars of national liberation.
The Soviet Union learned that lesson at the cost of the fragmentation of the Soviet Empire following the occupation of Afghanistan.
The United States did not learn that lesson in Korea when it intervened in a civil war and had to accept an armistice in 1953 to a war which has been technically ongoing since then.
The United States did not learn that lesson in Vietnam which it was forced to evacuate in 1975 leaving Saigon to fall to North Vietnam in another civil war.
The United States has not yet learned that lesson in its occupation of Iraq.  The United States was content to supply Saddam Hussein with arms and medical supplies as long as he was engaged in a war of attrition with Iran.  When Saddam Hussein failed to defeat Ayatollah Khomeini, he became an embarrassment to the United States until President George W. Bush decided to set up his own government in Iraq.  In doing so he forgot the lesson about the CIA coup which ousted the democratically elected Mohammed Mossadegh to set up the pro-U.S. puppet Shah of Iran.  That lesson came back to bite the U.S. in the arse.
The wartime requirements of Korea and Vietnam were filled by the draft.  The wartime requirements of Iraq and Afghanistan were filled by volunteers and reservists.  With three consecutive losses under its belt, the United States might have to rely on foreign nationals to fill the military enlisted ranks the next time around just like in the final days of the Roman Empire.

Hi Kevin

I believe that if our political leaders had went to Vietnam they would not be so quick to send others into battle.  I apologize for those who have personally attacked your opinions. They probably never served in combat or they were REMF’s. The longer you are in combat. bravery, heroism and freedom have a lot less meaning and surviving another day becomes more important.  May we all learn to respect one another.
Bless everyone
Freddy
Viet Vet

A stunning, heart-wrenching piece of writing. My deepest condolences to you and your family, Kevin. How it must have sickened you to watch the administration try to turn your brother’s death into a rah-rah ad for their war.  As they have so often demonstrated, there is no depth they will not sink to in their cause. These days I find it difficult to have any optimistic feelings about our situation. I try to hope the upcoming election will make a difference, yet I fear that it won’t.  It’s when I read pieces such as the one you wrote that I can find that glimmer of hope that we can turn things around.  With enough people speaking truth to power maybe it can happen.

Kevin,

Your points are well taken. In some ways you make a strong case against this war. However you have incorrectly labeled this country a “democracy”; we are not. We are a “rebublic”. There is a big difference, democracy is mob rule. In a republic those elected represent the weak, the minority, those without a voice. In a democracy if two wolves and a sheep voted on what to have for dinner guess what they would eat? That is why it is so important to be well informed and have an active voice in whom gets elected in this country. If we don’t care who gets elected we get what we deserve: “the same incompetent, narcissistic, virtueless, vacuous, malicious criminals” that get elected year after year.

Sincerely,
Ed Freyling

Ranger Tillman,

I am also a soldier and I respect your right to voice your opinion.  That’s what is great about this country - free speech.  You and I (and countless other soldiers) are in a very dangerous profession where we are willing fight and die for other’s freedom.  We are able to freely speak in our country because of the sacrifices of those before us. 

I can understand your bitterness.  If I had lost my kid brother, I would be bitter, too.  At whom you seem to have directed your bitterness is something you should reconsider.  I welcomed you and Pat as brother in arms.  We’ve all got our own reasons for deciding to become soldiers.  We all volunteered.  And, in some cases we’re triple volunteers - the Army, Airborne, Ranger.  However, even I will admit it was nice to see someone such as Pat give up millions with his deserve to serve. 

But, as you now see, this is not the Boy Scouts or a war movie with a happy ending.  It is real life, brother.  People don’t come home, they leave families behind or they come home all messed up physically and/or mentally.  I think you understand that now.  I think you were quite naive initially thinking that war was something glorious.  But, I think you quickly realized that there’s no glory, only death, destruction and a mission to complete.  Professional soldiers understand that - guys that have been in the battalion past their first enlistment and keep coming back. 

I would recommend that you re-visit the Ranger Creed.  I won’t recite it here for you because you know it Ranger Tillman.  You know it well.

Now, for the political bend of what you write.  Whether willingly or not, you’ve become a political pawn of the far left in this country.  You and I can argue tactics, techniques and procedures about the war in Iraq (or even Afghanistan) but you Iraq is not an “illegal war”.  And, when you write that, you reveal your true intentions to use a fellow Ranger’s death to further a political cause.  It just so happens that this fellow Ranger is your biological brother.

The same people that call Iraq and “illegal war” and say we should have used more diplomacy and built a larger coalition via the UN are the very same people that now say we should deal one-on-one with North Korea and act more aggressively.  In other words, its just a political game to them and you’ve succumbed to their lure because you’re hurting inside about Pat.  You’re mad because you lost your brother. 

I can understand being angry because I still see the faces of the fallen.  And, the emptiness I felt at their memorial service(s), hearing their names called during roll call and seeing their empty boots… 

You and I have trampled over the same bloody ground in this global war on terror, we’ve crawled through the same worm pit and felt the enormous sense of accomplishment when we finally earned that tab and scroll.

And, that’s why I am disappointed at your political rant.  I won’t argue that there have been some serious miscalculations and mistakes made.  You and I both know and have felt the ramifications and these mistakes.  But, unlike you, I realize that’s the way it goes in war.  War is one big series of successes and failures.  You don’t give up when you have a setback though - again, revisit the Ranger Creed. 

Which party would you rather have in power?  It may be like choosing the lesser of two evils but I for one, don’t want to just give up.  Otherwise the things we’ve fought, bled and in some cases, died for just become worthless.  And, I we didnt lose good people for nothing.  They didnt sacrifice their lives for nothing.  Pat didnt die for nothing.  But, to hear you describe it, he died for nothing.  And, I refuse to believe that. 

If we dont succeed in Afghanistan, Iraq and the various other places we’re fighting these Islamic fundementalists then they’ll get stronger and we’ll be weaker.  Our families will be targets in our streets and we will all truly feel terror on a much more frequent basis - remember 9/11?  Remember what that felt like?  Remember what we’re fighting for?

I know you’re hurting brother, but you’ve become a mouthpiece for the liberals - those that want to just surrender and think if we hug the terrorists then they’ll like us.  They’ve used you and you should feel dirty.  They’ve rolled you out right before an election in order to politicize Pat’s death.  That makes me sick and should make your stomach turn, too. 

Rangers Lead the Way,

“Long Time Ranger”
School of Hard Knocks
Class 12-92

Thanks for having the courage to speak the truth. We are in danger and need to stand up for what is right.

Kevin,

I am sorry for your loss and for anyone who has lost a friend or relative to war.  I can relate to your feelings because we have lost a nephew to the war in Iraq.  Also, I served in Viet Nam and lost friends in that war.  However, you are so totally wrong!  You are feeling sorry for yourself and your family and are releasing your anger in the wrong direction.  You and your brother were adults, educated and capable of making the decision to join the armed forces.  (I didn’t have that luxury, I was drafted at 19.)  Please don’t insult us and say you didn’t know what you were getting yourselves into.  You made the decision so be a man and accept all that happened.  Do you really think that you brother was the first to ever die by “friendly fire”?  Do you think you were ever the first to be lied to by politions?  Do you really think that you were the first to think that you were going into a combat zone and “kick ass”?  Believe me, you are not!  So grow up and face your decisions and QUIT YOUR BITCHING!!! . . . . . Especially when you don’t have a clue about that which you speak!

Right on brother!!!  This Administration has lied to the American people and the process they have trashed our Constitution and the Geneva Convention to justify their ill conceived invasion.  They have even used Christianity to get into office as the moral patrol.  They are traitor to our democracy and they must be removed from government.

Pat Tillman died for nothing. If Bush and Co. took the August 6, 2001 memorandum about Bin Laden planning to attack the US seriously and prevented it, Tillman and thousands more would be alive.

First off, kudos to Kevin Tillman.  Secondly, why is comment 29962 on this website.  It is just a bunch of paranoid anti-semitism, links and all.  It is not helpful. In fact, it furthers the image that islam is made up of a bunch of illiterate, cave-dwelling savages willing to riot and fire bomb embassies because of a few cartoons and which consequently, need be viewed with suspicion.  This is of course not true.  I cannot figure out why some muslims insist on blaming the jews for all their problems when the fact is that muslims have done more bad things to each other than Israel or America could ever dream of.  Why no outrage at domestic repression?  Certain muslims (and of course, Mel Gibson) need to stop blaming “the jews” for all the world’s wars.

Dear Kevin and others,
> As a Vietnam veteran, Intelligence officer,
> interrogation officer for five
> years (1962-1967) I concur with your depiction of
> our country.  As a history
> major in college and a history student ever since, I
> am watching our
> country’s leaders and many of our country’s subjects
> embrace principles and
> actions of the Middle Ages in Europe, which
> continued up to and
> (unfortunately) past the Second World War.  I often
> feel physically, as well
> as mentally, sick at the cold-heartedness of our
> country.  Kind and
> compassionate people have a hard time combatting
> this movement because we
> will not allow ourselves to indulge in vicious,
> repulsive language or
> actions.
> Doing right and being compassionate to each person before
> us every day no matter
> what WILL ultimately prevail.
> Thank you again, Kevin and thank you Bill Nichols
> and my brother George for
> passing this on to me.
>
> Bill Klein
>

On your closing paragraph:

“Luckily this country is still a democracy.”

Unfortunately this is no longer true.

Mr Kevin Tillman,
no one in this world is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. As a parent, God intrusted me with 3 of his angels. I gave it my best. I made mistake but my children still love me and I still love them. Your brother had a free will and you did too. No one held a gun to your head to sign up for the army. I think that your brother would be very sad if he read your writings. I was borninto a very democratic Italian family. My Grandfather severed in Europe and was placed in a concentration camp in Germany. He barely made it out alive.My Dad and all my Uncles served in all the other wars. Many of our friends and family served in the Vietnam war. Recently my nephew and mnay of my other friend’s children have served in Iraq. My husband’s partner just came back from serving a few months there. They all say the same thing “they would go back”!!!!
They also say that the news media are not telling the truth and they leave out all the good things that goes on ther. WHY!!!!!!!
I am no longer a democrat because they are not the Democrats of my grandparents. I usually vote Repbulican except I would vote for Mr. Liberman because he is of the old Democrats. I pray to God that he wins!
It is very sad that you feel this way. I know that you have had a hugh loose and I know personal what it is like to loose a family member so tragically. Just think about the Amish people and how they forgave. When my wonderful cousin Paul was shot to death in front of his home in Long Island, NY my aunt felts sorry for the parents of the men who were convicted of this crime. Our family was never the same. But do not become another cindy sheehan. She is a disgrace and traitor to our country.
may God have mercy on your soul. I will pray for you. God Bless. Cathleen Cantarella-Matheson

Little did we know the Iraqi people would not embrace democracy. Most countries welcome democracy. Some blame should rest with the Iraqi people.

Thank God for the courage, clarity, and intelligence of Kevin Tillman.  Too many loved ones of this war’s casualties are compelled to defend this debacle in order to deny that their sons and daughters are victims rather than heroes.  What they must realize is that they indeed are true heroes who were exploited by monstrous egos.  The callous use of the truly good for one’s own selfish interests is one of the most vile deeds that can be done.

We openly invite you to take part in our Mission “Operation Vigilant Truth.” Among other things, we advocate a citizens’ independent investigation into the events of 9/11. As Veterans we vow to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Our principal focus and mission is to enlist the assistance of veterans from all branches of military service, but we gladly invite all patriots who want to help out and enlist in this urgent cause.

Alfons v911t

God Bless you and your brother. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country. I am a veteran as well, I think that you and your brother are TRULY GREAT AMERICANS. You both put off ,fame, fortune, and safety , to go out and be warriors for our country. God Bless America.

Gillean

Kevin,

Obviously there is nothing I can say to you concerning your brother. He and his situation speak for themselves. Loudly, and proudly. I know it is a word bandied about recklessly these days,both by the right and wrong people, and for the right and wrong reasons, bot both you and he are truly heroes. Thank you so much for speaking out. It is commendable. You recounting your conversation with Pat about being at the will of our nations leaders rang true and personal. I am an airline employee and after 9/11 I was ready to quit and enlist, finally seeing a purpose worth investing myself in. My girlfriend at the time, who was ex military, blew her top at my idea and after much heated discussion talked me out of doing it (reluctantly)for the exact same concerns you and Pat considered. Then Iraq happened. I can’t thank her enough for keeping me out and it tears me up thinking of every one who has been robbed of their life or physical or mental health because of it. I empathize deeply with your pain, though I am not even pretending to tell you I know what you are feeling. Know only this- Pat’s life was no waste and neither was your effort. I will never forget your brother ( I did meet him on a Cardinals charter. He was the quiet, polite guy reading a book studiously while the other guys watched their DVD’s and played poker.)And I can’t stop thinking of all the other tragic victims of this travesty. Bless you man, and may you somehow find peace with all that has hapenned. Thanks Again

Since Sept. 11th 2001 I began to more actively take notice of our national agenda, leadership and state of affairs compared to those around us- the world. Reading sources from other perspective than our own as well as national news services and the individuals that run our country allow me and others to find answers and learn truth. I’d hate to say we slowly deteriorated with lies, furtive motives and dissolved values at the face of failure in our overseas campaigns but the more I think about it, I guess I’d rather have that be the case than a pre-mediatated plan devised to accomplish personal and business agenda while using the heart of the American people as a call to arms. Either way, the outcome is disappointing whether it was the path there or the origin. Neither is acceptable. I hope others take up there country given right and learn for themselves about the world around them. I hope that your message has helped them to not be complacent, to not be force fed what is passed down, and to use their intelligence to change what isn’t right. Understand that not everyone is looking out for our country’s best interest, as it was founded, like our leaders say they are. Patriotism never included being a lemming, it meant standing up for what our country believed not its leaders. Thanks again for your letter and voice.

I’m trying to remember when a Recruiter pointed a gun to my head, forcing me to sign papers, and raise my hand, taking an oath to defend my Country.  Just can’t recall…sorry, gutless Libs and website. 

Guess Pat’s opportunistic brother can tell us of his own experiences, right?  We’re so “unlucky” to be Americans…

Spare me, Michael Moore wanna-be’s.

Oh, spare me, Libs.  This guy…a Patriot?  You are living embodiments to a mockery of the word.  Yeah, you’re Patriots…if this is Iran or North Korea.

You and this liberal Anti-Patriot website make me sick.  You’re all gutless cowards - cry about that!

Kevin, as a retired US Marine and Vietnam veteran who was wounded three times, please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family.  Somehow, from experience, I know exactly how you feel. God Bless those who still fight. May they be safe, but more impotantly, may WE bring them home soon. How about beginning NOvember 8th?

Look folks,

We’ve been there twice so far. Let’s not make it three!

I serve. I’d rather not have my boys go back because the American people don’t have the strength to finish this… just like last time.

We knew when we left; we’d be back.

Yeah, it sucks and will continue to suck. Yes, we use a lot of oil so we will continue to be there or Iran until someone can make cold fusion work or get our own.

Boy, I’d love to hear a Dem say that they want to win. Guess that’ll never happen…

Kevin, I agree with everything you have written. I feel your sorrow and rage. God Bless you, your family and your beloved brother.
Let’s go to the polls and make Pat’s birthday the moment when we all stand up together and say,” I’m mad as hell and I won’t take it anymore!!!!!”

Mary

Sorry…the tears I’m shedding is for this generation that’s all about giving up and looking to others, NOT themselves for responsibility. 

I’ve lost friends, comrades, in this War, and I could lose my life.  After my death, I WON’T my life to be “used” for Liberal Democrat LOSER purposes. 

Kevin, you and Cindy should get together with those 9-11 Widows who have capitalized on their loved ones deaths.  Are you going to run for Democratic office, since you support your Cut & Run brothers so? 

I feel for Pat…that he died young, and that his brother, like Ms. Sheehan, has dishonored his memory.

Kevin

How “Soviet” of you.  It certainly is easy to accuse and blame with out substantiation.  “Illegal invasion” and “subversion of the Bill of Rights” might sound powerful but are hollow without explanation.  I could just as easily say you are a fraud and an embarrassment to Pat and all of your brothers in arms, including me.

Kevin,

I am very sorry for your loss and your family’s loss of Pat. However, I have had a loss of my own as I lost my first husband in the Gulf War. I am very disappointed you would exploit your brothers service to this country for your own polical gain right before election time.  I do not think this is serving as a tribute to your brother for his birthday.

Search your heart and see what your motive could really be. 

Sincerely Sheila

Wausau WI

I have never heard or seen someone breakdown the truth of this war in such a moving and powerful way.  What an excellent article! I am the wife of a soldier and have friends who husbands are on their second or third deployments.  Many soldiers do not believe in this war and don’t trust the Bush Administration.  Soldiers do not and can not speak truthfully and honestly about what’s happening because of what can happen to them.  They chat amongts themselves about the lies the Bush administration has feed Americans. I am really proud of Kevin Tillman for seeing and speaking the truth of this situation.  Thank you for expressing what many active duty soldiers are thinking but are not allowed to express publicly.

VOTE -  VOTE - THE PERSON AND NOT THE PARTY——VOTE FOR THE PERSON WHO WILL DO WHAT THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WANTS———————————-

The Last Poets said it over 30 years ago. ” It is better to die for a cause, rather than just because.” Somehow you got that. Somehow we must take this country back one ballot at a time the day after Pat’s birthday. Stay strong!

I just want to say GOD bless you.

What you have written here sums up everything I couldn’t really put into words…This is a masterpiece article - and I am going to share it will everyone I know.

Thank you, Kevin.
Thank you for your words, your actions…
Thank you for everything you’ve had to go through to get you here today.
Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
... and Thank You for being a TRUE American.

hugs and God bless you and your family…
Celena & James Barton

Eloquently written.  I still am so sad over Pat’s death.  I have been a Cardinal fan since they were in Chicago.  I shake my head in disbelief that so many continue to support this Grand Oil Party’s agenda.  How did America let this happen?

I extend my condolences to the Tilman family.  I also wonder how many others have to die in the name of patriotism before we come to our senses.  As George Santayana philosophized, “Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.”  It seems we have forgotten Vietnam and the lessons we should have learned there.  Our fearless leaders lied to us back then too!  Remember good old Patrick MacNamara and the boys?  Also, in the novel Catch-22, the hero Yossarian refuses to fly any more bombing missions believing that he should not have to sacrifice his life, if no one else (the bigwigs)  were willing to sacrifice theirs.  I certainly don’t see George W., Donald, Dick, Colin, or Condalezza, or any of their children out there in front of the troops!

It is almost embarrassing to be an American.  I have lived through WW11, Korea, Vietnam and this is the worst travesty ever.  I will surely vote for anyone except an incumbent.  Will this country ever be able to regain our world status and dignity!!

All I can think of right now is of the over 58,000 military people who died for the Vietnam war that wasn’t won.  How many of our Americans will die for this war overseas?  Here we are living in the best of civilized times, yet people are still killing each other all over the world.  We should all fight global warming and diseases instead, verses putting bullets into each other.  This is just a BIG QUESTION I have….........  Who can answer this question, or will there ever be an answer to this question?

I have read the comment calling Kevin a coward and a traitor and would he be saying this if Pat were alive,You people who speak this way about Kevin are totally disqusting pieces of crap.You dont have to agree with Kevin but until YOU have walked in his shoes then Shut up you are a disgrace to this country and everything the men and women in uniform represent.Kevin thank You for writing this and My heart goes out to You and Yur family.

Dear Kevin,

I hope you don’t read this and ignore the ignorant comments posted by some people in response to your touching and honest letter.  My heart is full of compassion for you.  My daughter was my best friend, too and died a year and a half ago.  The memories still haunt me.  I tried to make changes in our community so other people would find help and not suffer her fate.  I know about the endlessness of the pain you suffer.  I’m sorry that you have lost your brother and his companionship in your life.  You are both heros.  The people who write critical comments to you here certainy have that right.  Just remember that it was your brother’s and your own bravery that sought to preserve that right for them.  It’s so sad that they don’t understand how you feel cheated that your brother died in this cause and they are too stupid to realize or appreciate it.  My heart cries with yours.

With much love, gratitude and hopes for your peace,

Kathy

Thank you so much for your courage. You nailed everything dead on. We must stand up and take action, finally…

Dear Kevin and Family,

  My deepest heartfelt regret goes out to you and your family for it’s loss.
  From the start of the Iraq war I have spoken my mind against the war and the errors of those that are running our country have made.
  I find it funny that we have people that have never served our country willing to gamble with the lives of those that are currently serving our country. Too often do I talk to people in the suburbs (where I live) that support the unjust war in Iraq, but they will never send their sons or daughters to fight in that very same war.
  Since when did dissension become so unpatriotic? Since when did questioning your leaders become baseless? I have served my country while in the Navy 93’-97’ and have learned that it is and extension of my duty to question those people that call themselves representing our country.
  You speak of apathy.I have lived with this disgust. I have listened to the people (who voted for Bush and his cronies) make excuse after excuse for the people making poor decision after poor decision. These are the same people that will not send their sons or daughters into harms way. My position on this is simple. It’s time for them to send their children in harms way and we will then see how they react to the policies of this country. If this was to happen we would see a polar shift in the way things are done in this country. Or if we made it mandatory for people to serve at least two years in the military I can guarantee that we would see a shift in how things are done, especially when it comes to sending our people into harms way. The average American citizen wouldn’t be so relaxed about the policies that this administration has been allowed to enact without congressional consent. I will tell you Kevin I am with you about November 7th. It’s time to let our voices be heard, it’s time to make some changes. Let’s truly lift “every voice” and sing.”

Thank you so much for saying what is in your heart - and mine.  I have shared this with a lot of people of like mind, and not so like mind.  If it causes even one person to vote against this corrupt and immoral administration, you have done your job and I will keep trying to do mine.

I’m 77 years old and this is the worst administration in my lifetime.  All I can hope for is “Never Again”.

Mr. Tillman,
Thank you so much for having the courage to say these things that have to be said. While too many believe they shouldn’t question the government, it is actually more patriotic to challenge the government’s harmful policies.

As a girl from Arizona, I just want you to know that there are many who share your beliefs. And I am deeply saddened by your family’s loss and how the government has treated your brother’s death and the investigation.

Again, I thank you for your courage.

With teary eye, I sit here and read Kevin’s sentiments, one who has been there, done that, and a member of a family who knows the price all too many have paid on all sides of conflict in Iraq as well as Afghanistan. In the case of Pat, such as waste of a guy who really wanted to make a difference. In the case of Kevin, it is tragic that his quest to awaken our fellow countrymen from the apathy is the result of such a personal loss.

It seems that the Afghanistan confrontation was truly warranted since the executioner who also chose to awaken America but did it by means of the 9/11 massacre had chosen Afghanistan as his temple on earth.  As well, the Taliban certainly did not do much to enhance the world’s pursuit of domestic tranquility, thus the efforts remove verifiable vestiges of terror were justifiable.

Certainly, the Iraq leadership was no friend of the Bush family. At one point, the Iraqis had weapons of mass destruction. As Senator Bird testified before congress, “of course they once had weapons of mass destruction as he held up the shipping invoice for materials that the US had actually provided them when our national leadership felt that they needed assistance to fight Iran.

The former Iraqi leadership may have needed changing but that should have happened through a natural Iraqi process and not at the whim of a foreign power, us.

Somehow, are we to believe that centuries of Iraqi tradition, governance and culture were going to change over-night just because we decided that they needed democracy and a secular government. How is this to be accomplished? Are we going to collectively un-crew the heads of the Iraqi people, re-format their mental processor and give them a value system and standard of life courtesy of US dictation? What is the reaction here in the US when others try to tell us who to live? Right or wrong, good or bad, we are foreigners in Iraq and as well intended as the help may or not be we will always be viewed as foreigners. In the eyes of the Iraqi, we may have done a good thing getting rid of the dictator, but it seems that their wish is that we now leave.

We must each answer the question for ourselves, was all the stated Iraqi war justifications reality or is the possibility of securing unfettered access to Iraqi oil the prime US Administration interest?

If no other lesson was learned from the Vietnam experience, the realization that people committed to self-rule, protect their way of life and culture is an unstoppable force. As history has indicated, any government we fashion to our liking that is seen as a US puppet and does not have the support of the governed will soon collapse. Occupiers may control society short-term but eventually, local rule is return in whatever form the indigenous population decides.

When brothers fight (Sunni / Shiite), wow to the those who interdict for they will soon will be the one facing the brotherhood that will set aside their differences long enough to get rid of the common menace, then return to the original confrontation until it is decided on their own terms. This is human nature. Are we going to referee this internal Iraqi squabble forever?

It seems that the sixties / seventies have returned once more when people should question what is being done in the name of the American people. The annals of history illustrate the follies of other regimes, eventually demonized by the world, that captured the emotions and fears of the people and then lead them on the warring path to ruin. We need to wake up, smell the stupidity for what it is and return some integrity back into the leadership of our nation, re-empower the people, not big business and check the unlimited abuse of power that now exists.

Our military is our nation’s greatest watchdog and deserves every change to be successful that we can give them. It was once said, “There are no good wars”, but unfortunately the need stills exists for the lives of good men to be used as a buffered against bad men for the worst of men must fight and the best of men must do the dying.

With our military fighting a prolonged war that has no end in sight, our nation becomes less and less able to contain other hotspots that could pose a more eminent threat to our comfortable status quo. Can anyone actually be so naive as to believe that the US is now safer since we invaded Iraq for the second time?  As would anywhere else in the world, the scars of war fought on the Iraqi homeland will not go away quickly. If anything, they provide a real good reason to hate the USA for generations to come, not to mention the rest of the Arab world.

Unfortunately, since the downfall of the former Soviet Union, the bilateral balance of power is now non-existent. Many of the ethnic feuds that were kept in check have surfaced and flared up. As in the “Wizard of Oz”, the cloak is off for the US and we are now seen as just another schoolyard bully throwing its weight around and not the champion of truth and righteousness anymore.  Similar to the Vietnam conflict, those less powerful have found a way to flight on their terms and not ours. Many of those who were once kept at bay are now energized to perpetrate their dirty deeds with less and less fear of the might of the US.

At times, force needs to back up diplomatic resolve but should be used judiciously. When scrutiny of the governmental policies that lead the Iraqi fiasco was required, where was our congressional leadership?  Rally around the flag is a great strength of the American people but also a great weakness when emotions out weigh thoughtful consideration. Where was the congressional leadership that is entrusted by the constitution to serve as a counterbalance to over zealous abuse of power? Were they more concerned with the perception of the public that they might be weak or unpatriotic if they questioned the Presidential determination to invade Iraq contrary to international opinion and advise,  less interested in serving the nation and the constitution which once governed the land and more interested in their own self-preservation / re-election? 

Soon, a moment of truth will be in the hands of our fellow countrymen when they have an opportunity to vote.  Let us hope that accountability will be returned to the American vocabulary and that everyday Americans will take interest in the tasks that their sons and daughters are directed to undertake in our name and also take note of those who put them in harms way recklessly.

Kevin; I got the feeling you wanted that piece reproduced in it’s entirety on every blog in America.  I was happy to oblige.

Thank you for crystalizing perfectly what I have been raging about for five years.

I am the wife of a retired USAF officer, the daughter of a retired Chief Petty Officer, and the sister of a retired Lt. Colonel.

My family is devoted to debunking the myth that everyone in the military is a Republican by default.

If undermining your country and the values that your brother died for is a good thing, then I guess you should be applauded.  I am sorry for your loss, but I am sad for you.  Nobody made you a former Ranger, but you.  Nobody made your brother a Ranger in harms way, but him.  Perhaps you are happy to take a sideline, but I would happily return to the battle if I were able.  Giving aid and comfort to the enemy?

Kevin
If you think the posts on this site supporting your view is indicative of the American public then run for office. If you win - you can start implementing the change you desire.  I would caution you not to believe for one second that these well-menaing posts represent the vast majority of soldiers, veterans or Americans.

If you are writing a piece to honor your brother; then write a piece to honor your brother. When you sell this piece, it becomes just another liberal wrant that offers no solutions to a difficult situation.

The only thing you have accomplished is directing site visits to an obscure web-site. 

Fool me once….

War, civil disobediance, government corruption, etc… has been, is now and will forever be a part of each of our lives.  Those that suffer the most are usually the low and working class and those that believe in their principals to the point that when events like 9/11 happen, they are the first to put their lives on the line.  Does this mean that we should ACCEPT government manipulation…certainly NOT. That is hopefully why each of us VOTES. This is OUR world…each one of us.  Stand up for what you believe and what is right for you and your time on this Earth.  That is what Kevin has done.  BRAVO!

We need to somehow take this county back from the oil pigs who corrupted it,, those are the true enemys…

Dear Kevin,

Thank you for your powerful and truthful words.

I hope the heartless people who attack your character and have the audacity to claim to mourn your losses more than you will someday develop a conscience.

Hey Kevin,

Thanks for serving our country.  We appreciate everything you and your brother have done for us.

I try to capture some of what you are talking about in my book Rogue Threat, though it is fiction.

As a fellow Soldier, I mourn your brother’s loss and honor him while I currently serve in Afghanistan.

Stay safe,
AR

Now that you know 9-11 was an inside job*, no one in your family should ever make the fatal mistake of believing the govmt again.

*Pearl Harbor was a rigged up event too by the way, Roosevelt knew about the attack in advance. Google “terror storm” and click Video and see for yourself. Fake attacks are how the govt gets the less educated to fight in their phony wars.

The trolls can’t bring any arguments against this piece. There aren’t any. Let them sit behind and pray for more government at the expense of freedom while they fail to sign up themselves. Let them pay their own taxes, sign up and volunteer themselves, and keep this insane war off our backs.

My heart goes to Pat tillman’s family.

About the war… I mean the illegal and inmoral war against Islam and the people or Iraq and Afghanistan I would like to say is just that, the war is ILLEGAL AND INMORAL. SADLY, OUR SOLDIERS WILL PAY THE PRICE WITH THEIR LIFES IN VEIN…Finally, DEMOCRACY AND COMMUNISM ARE THE SAME Those in power are they ones who decide and have the final say where our soldiers go and die.

Thank you.

So, how much is the book deal?  I hope you’re at least getting a lot seeing as how you have totally disgraced your brother’s memory.  As a former Marine, I find your comments so typical of a cut and run democrat.  As long as everyone is treating you like a hero, you’re in the game.  However, as soon as there is a REAL price for doing what your country asks, it’s all of a sudden “ILLEGAL”.  I don’t necessarily agree with everything our country is involved in, nor did I when I was in the Marine Corps, but I signed a contract that said I would defend our country, and I didn’t question what our commander-in-chief said.  That sir is the beginning of the un-raveling.  You dishoner yourself, your country, the United States Army and most of all your brother by writing what you did.  It seems you’ve found out how profitable Cindy Sheehan has made her son’s death and decided to follow suit.  You are pathetic and sad.

Kevin Tillman is about to learn part of the answer to an important question: “How many have been persecuted for committing the unconscionable
wrong of being right?”

What about running yourself for office.  You’ve given up more than enough of yourself and now you can do something about it.

Dear Kevin:
Excellent and eloquent writing, you have voiced the feelings of many of us who supported the initial action in Afghanistan, but who could not rationalize invading Iraq, no matter how malevolent saddam hussein was. One was self defense, the other an outright invasion followed by occupation. Now the troops and their families are paying a heavy price, not the ‘leadership’ in the White House. We have indeed met the enemy, and it is us…
With best regards,
Jose Amram

What a sad, beautiful counter to the modern Karl Rove reality!  You know, the one where decorated and disabled combat veterans are cowards and Viet Nam era draft dodgers are heroes.  Many thanks for writing it.

I am proud to be an American that Loves his country.

It is sad to see so many who hate our values and try to tear apart our great Country.

If you hate this place so much- LEAVE. But, don’t think that your new host country will give you the same voice to speak that others have died to protect. Like the death of Pat.

God bless the United States, and our President.

/I know a lot of you quivered at that last statement, and those are the ones who should be ashamed of themselves.

I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am for you and your family, and all of the families that have lost people to this ilegal action. The absolute disregard this administration has for it’s people is disgusting.  No one represents us in this administration. The greed and total lawlessness is heart breaking.  I fear for the young people of this once great nation. While in Europe this year I saw just how foolish we seem to Europeans.  There is no way to defend what is being done here, or in the rest of the world.  I hope some good comes out of your letter to us.
Thank you sincerely for expressing our thoughts so eloquently.
Fran Townsend

The cause:

International Greed/Nationalistic Grief

Artificial Abstract Concepts to Decieve the True Nature of the Beast…

The Beast is International Banking and Millitary Industrial Complex…And the beast is always Hungry

New American Century = Wofolwitz = World Bank = War Profits = Energy Industry Profits

As a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan war I can relate to the things you have seen and done.  I am sorry you lost your brother due to the war on terrosim.  I see that you do not agree with the war however nobody forced you to sign the papers.  It is very honorable that you chose to do this and I hope you do not regret what you did while in these countries b/c I am sure you have made a difference for a child out there who you have never met.  Once again I am sorry that you lost your brother due to the war.

Dear Kevin, Thank you for the excellent, intellegint, truthful, opinion piece from one who was there. I feel I must comment on the ravings of one who was not.
Comment #31039 is typical of the ignorance of the Limbaugh/Hannady-obsessed morons that are responsible for the continuance of this mess. His credibility suffers as he continually misquotes your excellent and true article—he says “what the hell is an illegal war”: your piece says “illegal invasion,” which, if he took the time to read the bill of rights, rather than being fed his opinions from raving rhetorically-challenged ignorant loons like Limbaugh and Hannady, he would see was true.
    He also proves his ignorance when he states “There is an awful lot of claims…” Anybody who passed fifth grade knows that should read “There are an ....” He further says “What do you people” when he means “Why” and in closing, he calls you a “quiter”—not sure what that is, but I assume the idiot means “quitter.”  Basic grammar requires some logic and intelligence, which this war- supporting, but I bet non-participating, moron further shows his lack of by calling you a coward, loser, and “quiter.”
    For one thing nobody can be any of those things and get through Army Ranger Training—I invite him to get out of his armchair and try. Furthermore, it takes balls and courage to admit you have made a mistake and change your policy when it is shown to be not only wrong, but illegal and very dangerous; for your fellow Americans and the whole world.
    Lastly, invading Iraq because a small band of relious-zealot criminal murderers (mostly Saudis, the Bush family’s best friends)—from Afganistan, got off a lucky shot on us when we weren’t looking would be analagous to invading Greece because of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, carried out by a small band of cash-obsessed Italians long ago. After all, they are similar countries, rather close together, and the people look somewhat alike….(Mr. Moron, {sorry to keep calling you that, but you didn’t have the guts to sign your name. Maybe you cannot spell it}, please look “analogous” up in a dictionary, if you have one—or any actual books—also try reading the Bill of Rights or the Constitution, I am quite sure you have not and probably cannot, but it would do you a world of good to try.) 
    Lastly, this ignorant moron is one of the few without the courage to sign his poorly-writen blather. I am not. Thank you for this excellent piece, and if there are enough intelligent people left, and they get off their asses, out of their armchairs, and get out and vote, maybe we can get these war-mongering, death-profiteers out of power and into the hole Mr. Moron refers to.
Sincerely, Clinton S.Burhans .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

I appreciate your service to your country by joining the armed forces with your brother.  The handling of your brother’s death was mismanaged, no question about that.  However, your nobleness in joining the armed forces came with a commitment on your part, and you don’t have the luxury of picking or choosing your duty assignments.  You can personally agree or disagree, but you knew that when you signed on the dotted line, you, like every other soldier, serve at the pleasure of the commander in chief.  Did it not cross your mind when you signed on that you were going to end up in the middle east following 9/11?  I mean, if you felt so strongly that being sent to Iraq to fight was so wrong, and so illegal, and so immoral, why didn’t you stand on your principles and just walk away and face the consequences?   

The pot shots you take at the elected leaders of your own country after the fact is striking, and your choice of verbage speaks to your own personal hatred of your own government. I just wonder if the situation on the ground were different right now if you would be so overly critical and paint our leaders as “criminals.” 

Your “paid for” president bashing story published here within this web site discredits you personally, and your otherwise noble service. You have managed to turn yourself into just another left wing bomb thrower with your hypocritcal diatribe by “breaking your silence.”  You do a disservice sir to the men and women continuing to serve in our armed forces in the middle east. The difference between you, and the men who served in WW II, is the veteran returning home from Iwo Jima, no matter what his personal inner feelings might have been, would not take money in return for spewing venom about the mission he was tasked with undertaking.

I agree with part of what you’re saying such as, “faking virtue…profiting from death and tragedy…” but that’s about it, but that’s directed at the Cindy Shehans of the world, not OIF supporters.

Before I write about anything else we have to clear up a few things.

1.  International law is based on treatise…not humanity. It takes two parties to enter into a contract…thus law or obligation. After the fist Gulf war, Saddam entered into a contract with the UN…he sued for peace and got it. Part of that was Saddam would:
a.  Give up all WMD’s (which were found)
b.  Give up delivery systems (which were launched at coalition forces at the beginning of OIF)
c.  Abide by other stipulations.

Saddam did none of those things, therefore violated the terms of surrender. Once the terms of surrender were violated, and invasion was justified per international law, to force capitulation of the original terms of surrender.

2.  The Bill of Rights only applies to American citizens per the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. So holding a foreign terrorist for 500 years is not a violation of his Constitutional rights because foreign terrorists aren’t citizens of the United States.

US Citizens that operate with foreign agents have a less degree of protection due to their interaction of a foreign nexus. This is authorized by Executive Order 12333. Executive orders are directions by the President and confirmed by Congress, sort of a backwards approach to legislation. This particular one was created by Reagan; Clinton found fit to allow it to survive his administration. 

3.  Lying is generally not tolerated, especially by the military. Anti-war proponents constantly lie. The two points above indicate either you don’t understand macro politics, or you do, and are intentionally misleading people (IE Lying). Major lies by the anti-war crowd are:

a.  WMD’s were not found: Not true. Mustard, and Saran depots have been found (do a Google search).
b.  WMD facilities were found that could be spun up and produce more chemical weapons quickly. The CIA report that ‘blasts’ the Bush administration actually said, “the parts to make chemical weapons were there…” Look at it like this, if I have my M-16 field stripped, is it a weapon. No. The barrel by and of itself is not a gun. The lower receiver by and of it itself is not a weapon. The ammunition by and of itself is not a weapon. When all components are combined it therefore becomes a weapon…the same thing as the chemical factories that were found throughout Iraq are. By and of themselves were not chemical weapons, but combined, you have them.
c.  General George Sada (Iraqi Air Force General in his book ‘Saddams Secrets’ tells that more WMD’s were sent to Syria.
d.    Iraq did not harbor terrorists:
i.  Abu Abbas was the mastermind of the Achille Laoro…he was found in Iraq where he was afforded a safe harbor. http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/04/15/sprj.irq.abbas.arrested/
ii.  The world’s largest terrorist training camp was destroyed by 3rd Special Forces Group near the Iranian border. The operation was called ‘VIKING HAMMER’. (You can read about it in ‘Hunting Down Saddam’ page 30, by Robin Moore.
iii.  Currently we’re fighting al-Quadea in Iraq…I shouldn’t have to say anything more about this point.

4.  Democracy: We don’t live in a Democracy; we have what’s called a ‘Republic’. A republic is when we elect representatives to represent us. Democracy would imply we vote for everything; we just don’t do that.

I’m sorry for the loss of your brother and for all other Americans and coalition forces members that have died in this war against terrorism. But you’re misguided, and don’t fully appreciate the context of this war.

Iraq and Afghanistan are the same war, you may not be able to see behind your blind faith of politics, but it is.

The quickest way to end this war is to simply let people fight it as a war. As a soldier who has been in Iraq, and will be going back, we don’t need arm chair quarterbacking. We need for the American people to have faith in us, and let us do our jobs.

The best thing you can do to help us is simply stop lying, stop politicking, and shut up.

As you sit in your big house and debate how bad we are, don’t you realize that we were already in Iraq ensuring this dictator, his son and others like him would not kill the Kurdish people and anyone that opposed him? Why did this same policy work with so many countries in the past? (Panama, Japan, Germany, Grenada and so many more) Look at the real problem! Yes it was our fault that we didn’t realize that these people are too ignorant and brainwashed by the Muslim culture that they will not stand up for their country and continuously revert back to fighting each other because each subscribes to a different brand of Muslim beliefs. Are the Iraqis and some Americans that backwards that they don’t understand what we are trying to do for them? Maybe we should have just gone home and let Saddam and his henchmen him kill everyone once the United Nations didn’t stand up and do the job oh so many years ago. Then again, maybe Iraqis don’t understand how to live in a civilized society yet and need someone like Saddam to rule over them! As a prior service veteran, I volunteered just as so many other have. All we can do is try to give the common Iraqi a chance at freedom. That is truly what we have done and are currently doing. Yes, it is our duty as Americans, but it’s up to them to fight for it!

Why We Went To War In Iraq:

Somehow, somebody asked why we went to Iraq. The reason Junior Bush went to Iraq is to teach Sadaam Hussien a big lesson for the failed assassination attempt of his Dad by Sadaam Hussein in Kuwait. That was it. The war is simply a payback to Saddam. Now, look at what that have led to.

Approximately 3,000 troops gone just because one man decides to humiliate another man for attempting to assassinate his Dad.

Finally, we all thank God that Sadaam did NOT accomplish his goal of taking out Bush Senior. Was that enough to take a country to war? Hell no.

Kevin,

Thanks for that excellent piece. I strongly share your views.

Kevin,
The dishonesty of the Bush Administration, their blind followerrs and the Pentagon so mirrors the Vietnam debacle that it is frightening. Like others, I appreciate your honesty about the current situation. Your brother’s senseless, needless death is an example of the senseless, needless deaths of so many good people caused by this poorly thought out, poorly run campaign. As happened in Vietnam, the Administration preys upon the patriotic nature of American boys to advance a senseless cause and fight a war that is uncessary to all Americans other than to those who profit from it, such as Haliburton and big oil.

The comment #31039 above, in which the writer says that anyone who is against this ridiculous war is “a quiter (*sic) (misspelled, by the way, which is not surprising) and a coward has it backwards. Those who fail to stand up against illegal and unjust manipulation of Americans by a misguided, zealous government are the ones who are cowards, and quitters too. They are quitting on this country for failing to think and then to stand up and be counted.

The writer who says that “the media” (which media, which medium?) only reports the bad things like the rape has got it all wrong and is certainly reading very selectively. Our soldiers are, I think, great boys…they have just been maipulated by a self-serving, wrong-thinking administration into being in the wrong war at the wrong time.

I congratulate you for your courage to speak out and I hope that you and your family will someday find closure to your grief.

Kevin,

You are going to be called a traitor, a liberal and a coward. You are going to hear garbage such as “You’re brother died so you could have the right to voice your own opinion”.!

IGNORE IT ALL…. You have as much right to say your piece as any of the other armchair diplomats. The only difference is that your there and these guys remember Vietnam with the fondness of a serial killers recollection of his first kill.

When you here these fools ignore them. I bet that none of the so called service men that call you these names really fought or if they did they were probably commissioned officers who are normally the biggest liability on the battlefield.

Soldiers are pawns, militarily and politically. You are being used by the left and the right to justify thier political ends. Its a shame.

I agree with you and your letter nearly broke my heart. When the enlisted man no longer believes, were screwed. We cannot rely on the politicians to do the job and ALL of them are corrupted by power.

A lot of people of died thanks to this regime in an attempt to resolve a argument that involves a few rich people and share prices.

But what really gets me is WHERE ARE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE? Where are the so-called enlightened college kids that normally issued the rally call for people to say thier piece. BTW - for those fools that talk about the power of free speech. The liberals, lefty’s, or whatever you want to call them, fight harder than you fat cat republicans who are happy to follow the mantra of thieves, without ever questioning them. Back to my point where are the protesters? Are the youth of today so brainwashed by MTV and poop (yes I mean poop) culture, that they’re more concerned with J’Lo’s latest husband or Madonna’s latest escapade, that they’ve taken their eye of the country/world they are about to inherit. I could be wrong, but it feels that way.

BTW - I don’t support the extremists that bombed the WTC (twice) or the ones that still believe that the Crusades are still on. I believe that all these extremists are adept at brainwashing kids into certain death for a skewed vison of words meant to enlighten, encourage and empower. Be it the Koran, Torah, Bible, Constitution or the Bill of Rights..

Thank you for your voice, thank you for your courage and I honor everyman or woman who serves thier country (REGARDLESS OF THIER OPINION).

I think your Brother is very proud of you…!! I am too. You epitomise the brilliance of Americas system that is being wiped out by these yee-haws that get thier military strategy from John Wayne movies. We should always question our moves, decisions and actions. These dumb fools that don’t may as well move to Tehran or China as they love politics of “shut and put up” as much as the people they call thier enemies.

You are a very brave man and a good American citizen. Thank you for protecting us from many foes here and abroad.

Kevin: A heartfelt thank you for your message.  God bless you and your family.

The smirking halfwit/drunk/drug addict/draft dodger/deserter continues to babble about this stupid, stupid war and continues to send good Americans into the morass he created.

I think that the people are finally waking up.

Whether you are for or against Mr. Tillman’s views:I will to the death defend his right to express them.I look at the present day “heroes” actions when it was their turn to defend it Cheney,Ashcroft,Hastert,Limbaugh,Hannity,Rowe,etcWrap that American flag tightly around you even though you never wore the uniform that protects it.

Kevin Tillman is a disgrace to his unit, the military and this country!  This is a voluntary military in this country and these men and women chose to defend this country as well as freedom around the GLOBE!  While an evil dictator supressed and killed millions of people, countries stood by and watched and did nothing!  Well, he financed Al Quaeda and Hamas for too long and this president did something about it.  We are a super power for one reason: We have the balls to stand up and do something about what evil goes on in this world.  Your brother is a hero and I doubt he would feel the same thing you feel.  If he were alive today and the mainstream LIBERAL press painted a different picture of IRAQ and the War on Terror, you would NOT be making ridiculous comments that bring down moral in our military and this country.  These comments are nothing but politically motivated and define your true position - LIBERAL!  Sorry for your loss but thats as far as I am going to go.  YOU ARE OUT OF LINE!!!!!!!!

War sucks, let there be no doubt about it.

It would be nice, however, for some people to think what the consequences are of abandoning the mission.  Those results will surely be many times worse than the costs we face today.

Sure, things haven’t turned out how we expected, but we’ve got to see Iraq through.  It must work.  Iraq’s recent anglings towards federalism should help stabilize the three main groups.

The decision to remove Saddam’s regime was made over 3 years ago.  We can’t continue to whine about spilt milk.  Understand the cahallenges we face today and adapt the project to ensure success.  That is the right thing to do.

I am a ASU grad Class of 2000.  I feel exactly the same way as Kevin Tillman.  I am sick of waiting for politicians to take care of this problem. With impending elections that may or may not be the turning point to removing this President, I am trying to figure out what I can do to be part of the solution?  Besides talking about this group of people, how do we remove them.

You and your brother are not only a credit to the U.S.A but you are both a credit to us, the human race.  I have never been to war and I do not plan on going.  Maybe it’s because I’m lazy or maybe it’s because I’m scared, I don’t know.  I personally don’t believe in the war but I am sure that a lot of you over there don’t believe in it either.  But by saying I don’t believe in the war don’t let that be a representation of my feelings to you, the American solider.  I believe in you and your cause.  To take commands and follow them In order to preserve a country in which you love, for a people you love.  Whether it is right or wrong.

What is a shame here is a brother’s hurt being exploited by a left wing junket! War is hell!! To say anyone in this or previous admins just goes off to war not thinking of the people who will be killed, injured or other wise be effected ... is to really disregard how most of us were raised in this country. Our leader are not “evil” they are not “good” ... they are human ... as such they make mistakes.

Much as this letter is human and full of deep feelings for a brother/friend lost. The perceptions are real, the hurt is obvious. Please take this letter as such ... wars can never be fought as they should w/ the advent of the 24 hour news cycle. The force needed to be used to really win a war would horify the world as images come blasting though the screens around the world. This with the ever present handshake between those who are in political power and those who would use these images to gain that power also hinders the ability to wage war in the way that would solidify a conclusion.

The sad truth is, emotion has no place in war ... as such the emoition vented here should be taken into account when reading this !!!

Pat Tillman is a true American Hero !!! Kevin we all grieve your loss ... wish you well in your life ‘s journey ... god bless you and your family !!!

You’ve said it all succinctly, truthfully and frankly. Perhaps it will wake people up before Election Day. Personally, I won’t vote for any “Republocrat” who approved this war. No member of the Administration or Congress even has a child serving in it to my knowledge. They are indeed traitors. They knowingly, approved the invasion illegally. They should be brought before the Hague Tribunal, since thousands of our troops and innocent civilians died due to their evil, immoral decisions.

As for our citizens who looked the other way and supported them, they too are guilty. How easy it is to point the finger at citizens of other nations who did just that. They are not worthy of being called Americans.

What you wrote, is truly the finest memorial one could give to one’s brother.  I was moved. Thank you.

Just…wow.

Kevin, you are my hero.

This is a very moving statement. I believe it is the one statement addressing where this country is, right now, that we should all consider for a good long while, before November 7th elections. Thank you Kevin, I am, we all are, sorry for your and our, loss.

Wah wah wah. Same old “I hate war and my country sucks for being in one” manure. I see a lot of “blame Bush” and “I hate W” but I never see any well thought out, rational, non-emotional or polical driven alternatives being presented- just the same hysterical nonsense on a different day.
Do yourselves AND YOUR COUNTRY that you profess to love so much- stop fixing the blame and start fixing the problem. Yes, we are in an F-ed up war. We are having problems with bringing this war to a conclusion. Every day you sit there and bitch about how your government screwed you into war or how Bush sucks is another day of our kids dying over there without YOU doing anything to help. Yes, it IS a problem and will not be fixed until you shut the f-ck up about who did who and who did what and work on who WILL do what to fix it.
There will be plenty of time for the Nuremburg trials afterward, for now, shut the hell up with your incessant whining and start working on a solution. Otherwise, you are just as guilty of those who got us here.

Currently in the military, my take on this is a little different then most.  I refuse to believe in one persons voice because his brother was a known football player with the NFL, when most of the people living the experience cannot tell of their stories and their sacrifices.  Tillman’s death, while tragic and unfortunate, does not refect the views of all military personnel, alot of whom have seen hell, seen the affects of Saddams power and greed, and viewed directly what the axis of evil can do to a country.  Tillman, sorry about your loss, but quit your fucking crying and start realizing what these poor people have dealt with their entire lives.  As a Senior NCO in the Army, i am disappointed you voice a one-sided opinion so flagrantly mouthy towards your Commander in Chief.  Realize this, as having fellow comrades fallen ill since there return from Iraq, from exposure to chemical agents, If nothing gets done now to rid the country of this evil, it will spread throughout the world….you should be ashamed of your words Tillman….And stand behind ALL people, not just your own…The ones who need help the most….....

First of all,
Kevin, thank you so much for what you have done for this country.
Pat has moved me like no one else, I sport his jersey all the time in support.

Now the spineless, ignorant author of article #31039.  Let me start of by asking why you read articles of “truth” sites then criticize them?  Sounds to me that you were interested in how amazing this story is.  You then accuse Kevin of quitting at his first sign adversity, I would like to see you keep putting your life on the line doing the same thing that reminds you of losing your closest loved one, didn’t think so.  So sit home, be a hard headed, naive political party member and ask yourself, WHAT IDIOT CAME UP WITH THE IDEA OF CRITICIZING THOSE WHO SUPPORT AND DIE FOR OUR COUNTRY??? 

ANSWER:  jdkchem (to scared and embarrased to put name down)  Author of article #31039

Kevin, first of all I want to thank-you for your service for this great nation, and also want to send my deepest sympathy for your loss. With that being said, I believe your comments regarding the people back home supporting the troops are unfair. As a son of a Vietnam veteren I can assure you that bumper stickers and letters from a five year old would have been much appreciated during those times. I can understand your anger with leadership, but keep the people out of it. They are doing what they can do.

My heart goes out to the disillusioned.  It’s a hard thing to face a reality that changes one’s “world view”. How one lives their life it changed for ever but with deeper and more sober significance.

While, I’m sure Kevin Tillman intended his letter to be an encouragement to Americans to vote for a change of leadership.  How will that happen? Even the honest men & women sent to DC are corrupted or coerced once they arrive for orientation as new congressmen.

When they sometimes change their mind about the coercion that they’ve accepted and gone along with for so long, they are extorted, smeared in the public, ran out of office on the same corrupt charges that many others who still go along to get along are never effected by. Some are even murdered (by accident of course).

The greatest danger to a Senator’s or Congressman’s well-being and that of their family and reputation is a conscience that catches up with them.

The following is excerpted from Wikipedia at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_U.S._presidential_election_controversy_and_irregularities#Controversial_or_irregular_aspects_of_the_2004_election

VOTING MACHINE SECURITY AND HAVA
Main article: 2004 U.S. presidential election controversy, voting machines
In response to the 2000 presidential election controversy in Florida, where problems with punch-card voting systems led to Bush v. Gore [citation needed] Congress passed a law called the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) which appropriated $3.8 billion to replace punch-card and lever voting systems with computerized electronic voting systems. [15] The passage of HAVA acted as a catalyst to bring electronic voting machines, which had been in use for at least a decade, to a significant portion of the nation. [citation needed] It is estimated that around 40 million votes were cast using electronic voting machines in the 2004 U.S. election. [16][17][18]

As the use of these machines became mainstream, several reports were released that highlighted insecurities in them. [19] The electronic voting machine industry joined the Information Technology Association of America, an industry organization that represents hundreds of the top technology companies in the U.S., [20] and created the “Election Technology Council” in order to address these concerns.

Many voting machines do not provide an auditable paper trail. [21] Votes tallied on an electronic voting machine can be electronically altered, possibly without detection. [22][23][24] Without a voter-verifiable paper trail, proper auditing of results produced by the voting machine is difficult if not impossible. [25] According to a team of cybersecurity experts, even a small alteration of the machine could have been enough to change the result in battleground states. [26] Some computer scientists have said these machines are not tamper resistant and that open-architecture voting machines would make the process more transparent. [27]

Government agencies that purchased voting machines were usually denied access to the manufacturer’s proprietary software, and the official certifications were routinely bypassed by the failure to perform manufacturer-prescribed tests, the failure to apply instructions intended to safeguard their integrity once purchased, or the use of uncertified software and updates. [28][29][30] When software was available for review, there were concerns that most agencies lacked the technical expertise to find problems or audit changes to the software. [citation needed] In several cases, agencies and experts examining the machines expressed dismay at their quality and security. [31]

At least one voting machine began counting backwards to zero when it reached 32,000 votes. The manufacturer, ES&S, allegedly had known of this issue for two years but had failed to fix the bug. [32] In two cases, a certifying company (Ciber Inc.) recommended voting machines for certification without testing core firmware or attempting to verify any of the crucial security aspects of the machines. [33][34][35][36][37]

Some managers and/or affiliates of each of these also have criminal records, including cases of computer fraud, embezzlement, and bid rigging. [38][39][40][41] In addition, voting machine companies have been accused of major security and law violations. Employees (including senior executives) have been found to have had multiple prior convictions including bans for bid rigging, embezzlement, and drug trafficking, [42][43][44] installing uncertified and untested versions of software on touchscreen voting machines, and tampering with computer files. [45][38] According to internal email messages at the manufacturers, data files used in the machines are not password protected to prevent manual editing. [36][46]

The top three voting machine companies (ES&S, Diebold, and Sequoia) account for over 90% of voting machines in use. [47][48]

Two groups are trying to create new programs for electronic voting machines are The Open Vote Foundation and the Open Voting Consortium. [49][50]

Unfortunately we are past the point of effecting change through the electoral process. What we need is a Joint Chiefs of Staff that will uphold their duty to defend the Constitution from enemy abroad and AT HOME. Rather than the same military defending the government from the people it no longer serves.

Go back and re-read the Declaration of Independence and read what the right and duty of the people.

This is my first time posting and hopefully not my last but if I never post anywhere again you can know that the Military Commissions Act and it’s elimination of habeas corpus (the most basic form of the “right of redress or grievances”) is why.

As a people we have become seduced by welfare payments, 401(k), and conveniences of modern life. We are to drunken with the good life to protect the freedoms that are needed to retain it.

Dear Kevin,
  Your belated eulogy to your brother is a sham. You dishonor his memory by stating comments he supposedly uttered while alive. He gave his life for a cause he believed in—-dying by friendly fire does not change that!! You could best serve your brother’s memory by admitting it is better to die with honor than to live in disgrace. You my friend are a turncoat in regards to all which your brother believed in. When one joins the service he sets aside some of his rights (for a time)for the good and noble purpose of serving his country. In times of war some must follow and others lead. Not everyone gets to express his thoughts—some serve and trust in the ability of their leaders. You evidently fought with much resentment in your heart. How sad to   have made a choice which you really did not believe in and not had the courage of your convictions. I lost a nephew in Iraq and am proud of what he stood for and believed in.
            Sincerely,
              Everett L. Tracey

If you truly are moved by this piece, and for the first time feel something needs to be done against this illegal war-WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS!?  The closest any of you will get to protesting this war is going on the internet and writing in a forum.  You want something done about this, get of your ass, turn off Fox News, and openly protest.  Find your local Senator’s or Representative’s office and let them know how you feel.  Don’t forget to vote, but more importantly know who you are voting for.  You might be opposed to Democrats, but I guarantee you that a better job will be done by them instead of the crooks and cronies of the Republican party. I am not a supporter of the Democrat Party, I would rather vote independent, but I realize that the best way to make change is to get the Republicans out of office. 

It is very sad that the death of a well known person helps direct the thoughts of the masses to the injustices that have been going on for quite a while.  I personally suggest everyone vote smart, protest this war, and if you need some more motivation, watch some documentaries like “Why We Fight.”

Kevin,
I feel that many Americans feel exactly what you’ve published here and are thankful. Your words carry more merit because you have served in this war and please never doubt your intelligence for believing in the President of the United States of America. He sits in the position where he alone makes the decision to go to war or work towards peace; he chose war in the early 90’s. His advisors were advised to seek intelligence that supported his desired policy and to hide conflicting intelligence from the US Congress and American Citizens.

Sadly and brilliantly on the Bush administrations part this war has been hidden from the American people, except during election seasons. No sacrifice has been asked of the American population so our soldiers who are fighting in our name could have more. No sacrifice has been asked because when comfort is disrupted questions begin to arise.

Vote for Checks and Balances on November 7, 2006

Kevin you have millions who support you publicly and in the closet so keep up the good work.

Remember the more people that speak out create an atmosphere for more people too speak out. That is how a real movement gets started.

God Bless All Countries and People

Dear Kevin, 

First of all, thank you for your service in this horrible war and sharing your thoughts with everyone.  I totally agree with your views on everything that you said.  We hope that this war ends very soon and that everyone can come home where they belong.  We will all miss your brother Pat.

Great article, sorry for my reaction to words.

Words are very important
Please look up republic
then look up democracy
America was created a republic
In the early 1900’s it was re created as a corporation/democracy

You can call a dog a cat but that doesn’t change a dog into a cat.

Thank-you.

Kevin,
I am a veteran and a father of a 21 year old daughter who has just be re-deployed for her second tour in Iraq.  Needless to say I am not looking forward to another sleepless year while she protects Halliburton’s interests and profits in Iraq.

My family and I thank you for your service and have mourned your loss. 

Your letter combined with the response from the readers has given me hope that I am not the only one with enough intellengence to see what is going on.

Let’s keep the pressure on!

Rangers Lead the Way!

James Underwood
US Army
1971-1973

In response to comment #31017 by Jason.

The Internet is the last medium that is truly democratic (though companies such as Google, Fox, etc would like that to change). The visual aspect of ‘baby boomers’ lined hand in hand before Government buildings can be powerful but it can also be misinterpreted. I think Kevin’s emotions are clear to all in his well written letter to America. Blogs are gaining credibility. Just look at Daily Kos which was referenced in an American political convention. I would argue that far more people will be reached by this blog than any live protest of the war in Iraq has to date.

Thank you Kevin.