I am a recent graduate and classmate of Pat Tillman. I did not know him but saw him on campus and at ASU and Cardinals football games. I was sad to hear about his death this summer and became interested in the story as I learned more about the circumstances behind it. I remember when he gave up on his NFL career to join the Army Rangers after Sept. 11, 2001; I was impressed by his patriotism.
I recently became aware of the public art exhibit by assistant professor John Leanos. While I do not agree with his political views, I support his freedom of expression and speech.
I too believe that the University and the NFL have commercialized the image of Tillman for their own benefit. Leanos' actions might anger some, but how is what he has done that much different from the actions taken by ASU and the NFL?
Many do not understand the difference between patriotism and nationalism. I will support freedom of speech every time, even when I don't agree with what is said.
--Joseph A. Rheaume,
ASU alumnus
The front page of the Arizona Republic placed Pat Tillman on their front page when he was tragically killed in Iraq. They put it on the front page so citizens would buy the paper.
Since then, there have been many attempts to make a profit from his death. The Pat Tillman posters were not created for any monetary profit. They were made to spur thought and discussion throughout the community. We, as Americans, love sob stories. Not from average Johnnys who graduated high school, enlisted and were killed in this war, but from celebrities.
That's what we want to hear about.
How many people have died in Iraq? No, not more than 1,000. More than 15,000. For some reason we don't value the lives of regular Americans as much as Americans who accomplished something in the public eye. And how much do we acknowledge Iraqi citizens' lives? Not nearly enough. We're all human, and we should value every life the same.
Money should not be made from tragic deaths.
--Alan Prevallet,
ASU student
I am outraged at the outrage over this poster. As an ASU alumnus (class of '95 and '97), I am very disappointed at the direction the University and the Arizona Board of Regents appear to be taking. Art is a form of free expression and as such should be allowed to be displayed unless overtly harmful to the community. I don't think Leanos' art comes anywhere close to being offensive or harmful.
This feigned "outrage" results from right-wing groups attempting to silence anyone with a message contrary to theirs. The board and ASU's current president seem bent on a business-orientated, strong right-wing track, which has no place in an academic environment.
Disagreement and debate in our society should not be squelched by those in power. Free discussion and sharing of ideas should be at the core of our nation and especially celebrated at state academic institutions.
I am absolutely disgusted by the hijacking by the right that seems to be taking place in our state university system. I feel that if the board continues to take such stances against free expression, the board needs to be replaced.
--Bert Herald,
ASU Alumnus
