One may bemoan the evilness of the growing Imperialism that stretches its large, dark embrace from Washington to far and remote parts of the world. We may rightly admit that the US Military is a vital tool in the execution of Washington’s nefarious agenda. We also cannot deny the power of “patriotism” when used by the imperialist to further their goals. All true Americans are patriots and loyal to the ideals that founded this nation, no matter the nuances and realities of how far things have changed and how much of the original ideal has been lost.
We can talk, rightly so, about the causes of the current “War on Terrorism”. A rational and logical approach reveals that certainly Washington’s policies of economic and military domination of other nations plays a significant role in the reasons we are at war. It is a simple fact that the US cannot claim exclusive right to the moral high ground and state, “these terrorist have attacked us unprovoked”. There is a time and a place for such discussions. That is not the issue I will discuss here.
True Americans, being fundamentally loyal to the ideals of our founding and therefore basically patriotic, are prone to accept Washington’s policies and aid Washington’s wars without much question. It is a tribute to the indelible spirit of Americans that young men march off to war when called without much question or reluctance. While it may be sad that this very quality of patriotism and loyalty to an ideal is the very thing that has allowed the usurpers to destroy the ideal this fact alone does not diminish the sacrifice and service of young American patriots.
I write today about one ordinary soldier, a soldier that is not so ordinary at all. Pat Tillman had what almost all young American males dream of; he had the opportunity to play professional football in the NFL.
The story of Pat Tillman is interesting enough if we only consider his achievements prior to the age of 25. The current media culture of our out-of-balance society praises and worships professional athletes and celebrities. Pat Tillman was at a significant disadvantage to ever achieve such a status. He stood only 5 foot 11 inches tall and weighed 200 lbs, small by NFL standards. The fact that he was able to earn a starting slot on a Division I NCAA team is fascinating enough. While in college he was not just goofing off and playing ball. He graduated in 3 ½ years with a 3.84 GPA from Arizona State. He did more; he made it through training camp and earned a spot on the Arizona Cardinals.
Pat did well with the Cardinals, led them in tackles in 2000. He did well enough to garner and offer for a three-year multi million-dollar contract in 2001. By the standards of our media culture this man was a success. We so often equate fame and fortune with success.
In our principle deficient world Pat could have stopped there. He could have lived out his playing years, made enough money to be set for life, and enjoyed the perks of being a professional athlete.
This was not the path that Pat chose. This young man turned down the multi-million dollar contract that was on the table and instead enlisted in the US Army to become a Ranger. Yep that is right he enlisted in not only the Army but in the Rangers. He traded in a life of luxury and big paychecks for a mere $18,000 per year and an existence full of danger.
Why did this young man do this? Pat’s own words on the subject were few. He did not conduct press conferences. He did everything to distract from him personally. Pat joined up along with his younger brother to serve in the Rangers because he thought it was the right thing to do at a time of war.
The story could end right there and it would be fascinating enough. Who else among the over-paid, thugs, punks and gangsters of the professional athletic set or celebrity set have or would make such a sacrifice? None have and it is doubtful that none will. The unprincipled “low-lifes” that Americans idolize so religiously on Sundays are just not made of this sort of stuff. The can talk grandly about “going to war” on the playing field but they cannot begin to understand what that means.
How does this story end? Pat Tillman; US Army Ranger and a man that all of us can look up to, died this week in a firefight in Afghanistan. Pat knew the risks, he accepted the challenge, understanding a little about his intentions when he enlisted it is doubtful that Pat would want to be singled out for remembrance. After all coffins draped in US flags arrive daily at Dover Air Force Base. Each contains the remains of someone’s son or daughter, another soldier, sailor, airman or Marine that have given their life.
Pat’s story is a story that we must remember. As most Americans go about their fat and happy lives giving only passing recognition to those that answer a call that they see as duty it is important to remember men like Pat.
Many good and decent American young people are answering the call each and everyday. It is a travesty that their service and sacrifice is so little appreciated in either monetary compensation or honors due. As a whole they do not much care that the nation that they serve thinks so lowly of them; they willingly serve anyway.
It is time that Americans rediscover what Patriotism really means. As Americans we must honor those that serve and sacrifice. We must also ask why their sacrifice is necessary. What policies and actions brought the US to the point that the World hates us? The Founding Fathers warned sternly against “foreign entanglements”. It is these very foreign entanglements that have placed us in the position we are in now.
It is time for a renewed sense of Patriotism. The kind of Patriotism that demands that our government live by the principles that gave it birth. It is time to stop the march toward imperialism. We must accept that our own actions are partly to blame for the current mess. Young Americans will continue to volunteer to answer the call. True patriots must stand up and ask the right questions before the call is cried out across the land.
Recedite, plebes! Gero rem imperialem
El Cid