The Hero and the Idiot:Ted Rall Insults the Memory of Pat Tillman

Military — By Joe Carter on May 3, 2004 at 7:23 pm

Last week Pat Tillman was post-humously awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star and promoted to the rank of Specialist. His memorial service was held in his hometown today, the same day this strip by UPI editorial cartoonist Ted Rall appeared in many national publications:

In a mere four panels, Ted Rall manages not only to malign the memory of Tillman but implies that the Taliban were not supporting Al Queda, claims that the military has killed more “innocent civilians” than terrorists in Afghanistan, and calls the people hiding Osama bin Laden — a man responsible for murdering over 3000 American — the ‘Afghan resistance.” I suppose tomorrow we can expect Rall’s strip to deny that the Holocaust ever happened.
No, Mr. Rall, Pat Tillman wasn’t an idiot or a sap. Nor was he a ‘cog in a low-rent occupation Army.” He was a brave man, a heroic soldier, a great American. Tillman gave his life so that you might live without fear. He died so that you would remain free to draw your silly little cartoons and espouse your ludicrous conspiracy theories. He died for your freedom, the very freedom you use to besmirch his reputation.
No doubt you lash out because this man’s devotion, courage, and self-sacrifice exposes what a mean and petty coward you are. Next to a man like Tillman your efforts must look exceedingly pathetic. Though what could cause you to lower yourself to such a disgraceful display is beyond my comprehension. I pity you, Mr. Rall. I really do. You are a sad, sad excuse for a man.
(Hat tip: Ramblings’ Journal)
Update: Arguing with Signposts has an amusing parody of this cartoon.