Behind the Bastards The Bastards Who Killed Pat Tillman
Jul 23, 2020
Join Joe Kassabian, co-host of the Lions Led by Donkeys podcast and an Afghanistan veteran, as he delves into the complex legacy of Pat Tillman. They discuss the juxtaposition of Tillman's public heroism versus the harsh reality of military life. Kassabian shares insights on the chaos surrounding Tillman's tragic death by friendly fire, highlighting the dangers of unverified orders. The conversation also critiques the manipulation of his narrative for political gain, shedding light on the emotional toll of such tragedies in the military.
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Pat Tillman's True Character
- Pat Tillman was portrayed as the All-American hero who left a multimillion-dollar NFL contract to serve in the Army.
- He later revealed himself as a more complex figure, skeptical of the Iraq War and interested in anti-war philosophy.
Jessica Lynch Rescue Staged
- Pat Tillman participated in the staged rescue of Jessica Lynch, which was a PR operation by the Bush administration.
- The rescue was bloodless, and the media embellished Lynch's role to create a heroic narrative.
Friendly Fire Tragic Mistake
- Pat Tillman was mistakenly shot and killed by his own unit during an ambush in Afghanistan.
- His squad mates fired on him believing he was an enemy, illustrating tragic friendly fire risks.
