[Growltigger]

I read about Pat Tillman in the English papers this morning, so was interested to read this thread.

I saw the discussion about whether this poor chap was a hero or not as the case may be. I had a look at the definition of "hero" in the Oxford English Dictionary, and was interested to see that one of the limbs of the definition was as follows:

"A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life"

Well, it is obvious to me at least that this man evidenced strong moral views. To give up a life of riches and comfort and to put yourself, as Dogscoff said, at the direction of perhaps misguided people into danger, show to me if nothing else, a nobility of purpose.

Was he heroic? possibly not in the classic sense of the word. But it strikes me that it takes unusual courage to make this sort of decision, and whilst he was not going into any greater danger than other soldiers with less fortunate backgrounds, it still is an unusual and noteworthy action. I hope that serving his country gave him all he was looking for.

I am ex-military, I have an extremely comfortable lifestyle now, with sufficient money that I can pretty much do what I want (ok work commitments mean I never have the time to do any of it, at least not the bits involving Angelina Jolie). I would like to think that I have the nobility of purpose to give this all up and take up arms to fight for something I believe in. I doubt however, that I have the courage to.

Whatever this man was, and whatever he did, whether he was a hero or not. He was a patriot, and was willing to risk his life for his beliefs. You have to give that respect, whatever side of the fence it comes from (keep in mind that your terrorists are their freedom fighters etc).

He gets my respect.