A tale of two citizens

I saw a couple of news articles this week from Aus about two very different people.

One was the first Australian Trooper killed in Afghanistan last week serving with the Army he loved. His country, his family and the Anzac tradition were what were important to him.

This man had the strength of character to volunteer to defend others and his mates depended upon him when the bullets started to fly.

The tribute in a national newspaper read 'Australians owe a debt of gratitude to a man or woman who dies serving their country that can never be repaid. Today 'The Australian' honours the sacrifice of Trooper David Pearce...'

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,22601666-2702,00.html?from=public_rss

The other person was a rising national football star who had everything - money, girls, fame, championship trophies and the adulation of every kid in the state.

He was a state-wide icon and a national hero. He had it all but was arrested (yet again) on drug charges and was finally sacked in disgrace by his AFL club.

The Herald Sun wrote 'He has brought disaster on himself, letting down the people who tried to help him...'

There were a lot of people at home who were very disappointed. A generous public had forgiven him time and again and now look and just shake their heads at how someone who had so much could choose to throw it all away on self-pity, drink, drugs and bizarre tattoos destroying a promising career and his club's future.

This post is not to deify soldiers or add to the critiques of a fallen idol.

I don't know, it just really struck me that while Trooper Pearce was in the dust and the mud on the other side of the world getting shot at because he wanted to help others, this former football star was sitting in his comfortable suburban lounge room navel gazing and feeling sorry for himself.

I hope he read the article about that Digger this week and decides to do something positive with his life. He should for the sake of Trooper Pearce and all those like him.