McCain Question to DU

[OKDem08]

Something I thought of earlier today - does anyone know if McCain knew the truth about the death of Pat Tillman when he participated in the funeral services in Arizona? I was wondering if his participation in that facade was intentionally deceptive.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

1. I don't know, but does it matter?

I think it's agreed that he died in a battle. Smoke, noise, dust, adrenaline, mistakes will be made. The soldiers deserve a good funeral, no matter whose bullet caused the death.

The cover-up was a public relations gambit, having little to do with the life or last moments of Pat Tillman.

(Unless there's a MIHOP conspiracy theory.)

[Democrat 4 Ever]

2. I agree Pat Tillman deserved every ounce of respect and tribute/

I'm guessing the OP was wondering how deep the deception into Tillman's death went, if McInsane knew and participated in the cover-up because it would certainly be an indication of what could be expected if Grampy gets elected.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

5. I bet these "lies" or "cover-ups" are common

and the letters to the parents are boiler-plate. It's easier to write (and read), "your son died doing his duty to country and squad-mates", than to write (or read) a truth: "your son never learned to keep his head down", or "he died in a fight over a gambling debt", or "he shot himself", or "he just got careless", or "shit happens".

Some lies are perceived as kindnesses. It's debatable as to whether that's a good thing.

[Sal Minella]

7. Nice posthumous smear on Tillman. Congratulations.

Both Jack and Ted Kennedy should have learned to keep their heads down too, apparently.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

8. Ted? You mean Bobby?

I don't expect to ever know the truth about those two.

But, no smear intended on Tillman. Just saying that his CO may not have wanted to write "Dear Mrs T. Pat was shot by a buddy who mistook him for a bad guy. Most unfortunate.". High praise is easier.

[Sal Minella]

9. Yes I meant Bobby.

I just wish I could believe what you believe about Tillman's death. I really wish I could.

[uppityperson]

10. Here some other truths they cover with these letters

Your child suffered from severe PTSD and we didn't care enough to treat them.
Your child was murdered by a comrade who has severe PTSD that we didn't care enough about to treat.
Your child was killed by another person in the military after they spoke out about atrocities.
Your child was sent out on patrol into an area we knew he/she shouldn't have gone into but hey, we had our orders to go there.

The hard thing about lies is you don't know which way they are lying.

[boobooday]

6. I think it matters

He deserves to be honored for his service no matter what the circumstances of his death, which only makes it worse that they would lie about those circumstances in order to glorify themselves.

[malaise]

3. Bearing in mind how Pat Tillman's death was used

to further the political gains of the Rethugs, this is a very good question. When in doubt quote Scotty - permanent campaign mode.
delete word.

[boobooday]

4. That's a very good question

Related to the McClellan allegations about propaganda . . .