I am pleased to tell you this article is being featured in the Culture Focus today, September 4th.

Diana Hartman
Culture Editor

Peter, you absolutely DID "get it" - with Steve, he was all about educating people and he was one of those people who elicited excitement wherever he went.

My son has been begging me to take him to Australia for years so he could meet his "future father-in-law" and will be devastated by the news.

Don't forget all you learned from him and don't forget to keep sharing that knowledge!

Steve was a man that had the chance to be one of the best teachers the world has ever known.His life gave him the chance to touch millions, he will be missed. See ya when we get there Steve, and may youre teachings continue even in youre death!

Steve Irwin was a great person. I watched his shows all the time, and truly admired the kind of person he was. He was willing to put his life on the line to teach others the gentlenss of many dangerous creatures. My father died July 18, 2006 at the age of 45, and the thought of these men dying so young is heart breaking. My mom told me this morning the news about Steve, and I started crying. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace buddy,
Carmen

It is 11:00 am. My cousin called me nd told me that Steve was dead. At first i didn't believe her but when i got on the internet I found out it was true. I was devastated. He was one of my heros that I looked up to. I watched all of his shows and, I just thought he as the best.I know that he'll be one of the greatest figures in history.R.I.P Steve, may you be remembered for ever more.

The first time I watched his show many years ago I thought, man, what is this guy?

I continued to watch his show and he never ceased to amaze me. Watching him dealing so lovingly with creatures who could have done him in "Bammo" as comfortably as I would handle a puppy he demonstrated his absolute love of the world and every creature, no matter how large or small, how cute and cuddly or how large and grotesque. He passed those qualities on, not only to myself but to many people who, if not for Steve, would have never even been introduced to the existance of many odd and obscure.
He had a couple of controversial moments in his latter years, one involving his child being held in one arm while feeding a chicken to a large crock with the other. This looked a lot more dangerous for the child than it was when in all actwhileuality it was he who placed himself in great danger as he would not have hesitate to hand off the baby and place himself in harms way. I have no doubt that Steve's intentions were to beginning to acclimate his child to his way of life and the only way to do that was to expose her to his world.

The other story pertained to his comming too close to penguins and seals while filming in Alaska. Again, the laws in place are meant for people who would threaten the animals welfare and habitat, things which Steve stood up for every day of his much too short life.

This world, while the actual balance of our ecology is possibly hanging precariously on the edge, where even the tiniest of organisms belie their un-importance, needs another Croc Hunter, someone who could educate us on the importance of the balance of even the tiniest of organisms. Unfortunately for us, their is no other Steve Irwin and we can only hope for someone who can fill his shoes.

For his wife Terri and his children, my heart aches for you, the whole world shares your grief and recognizes the loss of one of the most important teachers of Nature in the 20th-21st century.

For me, the saddest part of Steve Irwin's death is that he won't only be missed by millions of fans, myself included, but he was a son, a father and a husband who will be missed greatly. My deepest condolences to Steve's family, to his loved ones, his children and his wife. May God keep you in this time of sorrow. I suppose his death is a relfection of his life, he was in the deep blue, amongst wildlife and nature's finest. I think we all can find meaning and purpose not only in his life, but in his death as well.

Steve Irwin was truly a remarkable man. The world is at a tremendous loss after his demise for he was a man who did more for life than possibly any other man ever did.


What an irony his death was, he stared death in the eyes with fearless audacity while in the company of deadly snakes and ferocious crocodiles, and he lost his life because of a small sting ray. Worldwide, there are just about 30 records of deaths caused by sting rays. What an irony!


I close my eyes and pray to god to bless his soul, for he really was unparalleled. I pay my tributes in honor of one of the greatest men of all time. May god bless his soul and give strength to his wife and kids to be able to pull through this difficult time.


You are immortal Steve, for your memories will be etched in a special place in our heart for eternal recollection.


I salute you Steve! You were a good man!

i wanted to say that steve is the greatest no matter what i watched his shows a like to learn from him he always love animals and like working with them as steve would always say crocs rule and i will remember that all the time

What a tragedy this guy went toe to toe with some of the deadliest animals on our planet and has been killed by a very rare accident but personaly i think the saddest part is i always thought of steve as somone who gave the planet that little bit of hope that we all would still respect this place and turn things around for the future....this man has inspired millions including myself

see ya soon steve

We were stunned to hear about this. Steve donated so much of his time to help animals and to entertain. We will miss him dearly.

We will miss you steve....

I was stunned to hear of the tragic death of someone whom i felt i new as a friend.Although i never had the opertunity to meet the great man.My thoughts are with his close family and friends.On behalf of everyone in scotland,rest in peace and may god be with you always.You changed my hole output on wildlife as a whole and i will always be gratefull for that.We will miss you dearly.Crocs rule see you soon.

I was sad to hear about his sudden death this morning. It´s a big lost not just for the human wolrd but to the animal world too. New generations would never now what the wolrd has lost.

I was shocked to hear of the great loss the world recieved today when I heard of the loss of the croc hunter Steve Irwin he taught so many and will be remembered by all od those whos lives he touched and taught when we turned on our tv's.My deepest sympathy to his loved ones god bless you.And thank you Steve for all the education of those so many of us overlook

To his father, who inspired such entusiasm and love of nature to his son. Thelove of his mother who was so often refered to in such a loving way and cheery smile.. Mum.. To Terry, who joined his side in so many exciting adventures and nurtured his scraps and bitten nose.. and Bindi and little Bob.. I hope will carry on his enthusiasm and his love of the wild kingdom.. Our hearts go out to all of Steve's family, his friends and co-workers.. His menagerie of croc's, wallabyes, and all of his animal children. He made our place a much much better place to be. All our love and greatest depths of condolences.

i herd everything about his death and i still am in shok why did he have to die???
i dont understand why

i will miss him i herd he did show for the audience at his zoo
and i always wanted to go to austrailia
then i sed 1 day i will go there and see that tourist show.....
but now hes dead and
i dont no why he had to leav the earth especialy when he has 2 kids and a wife
steve irwin may your soul rest in peace

I write to you just 1 hour south of Australia Zoo from Brisbane. It is the day after Steve's tragic death here in Australia and we are all in mourning. I have been to the Zoo but I never met Steve. He was a genuine bloke and the person you all saw on the screen was not acting...that is just how some of us Aussies really are! Condolances to his family. R.I.P. Steve. Crikey Mate!

This coment is for Terri Irwin if she should happen to read these. I know from personal experience how devastated you feel right now. My 4 year old son was ran over by my babysitter 10 years ago. I just thought that this may help in the long run. The heartache never goes away or gets better, you just gradually learn to deal with it better. Good luck to you and your family and his memory will live on forever.

Steve was a legend. He will be dearly missed but remembered for eternity. Deepest sympathy for his family. He was one of the best things that the world could have but was snatched away so soon. I hope people will follow in his footsteps, he was a great man. He died doing what he loved and may he rest in peace.

This is for Terri also.
I am from Memphis, Tennessee, and even though you are on the other side of the planet, I just want you to know that I was a huge fan of your husband and I am very, very sorry about what happened. I am really sad and I have been crying all day. I am so sorry about what happened, but all I can think of is that God had sent him for a mission- to communicate animals, save animals lives, and teach others how to do this. He has deffinately done finished this job beautufully, and so God decided that it was his time to go. He has had a great life, doing what he loved most, being with animals. Once again I am very sorry about this tragic event. I wish the best of luck to you, Bob, and Bendi.

We love to watch the Crocodile Hunter and will continue to watch in rememberance! Terri our hearts go out to you, Bindi and Bob, please continue Steves work and let your children grow up the way you and Steve planned. Have comfort knowing Steve is with his Mom, and Bob(dad) I can't imagine your grief may you have the same comfort knowing Mother and Son are together again! God bless the Irwin family and friends we feel like we know all of you personally! We love you and when my family makes it to Australia we will visit Australia Zoo as planned! You're in our hearts and prayers!!!!!!

I am still stupified..I can't believe that this great man is gone. My condolences to his family. My heart goes out to you.

when i was a kid i always wanted to be like steve irwin a crocodile hunter, i went to a lake once and tried to get this huge croc here in miami, FL, like two years ago when i was 16 years old, i went a little closer but then the croc got angry and almost got me because somebody threw a rock at him,then i decided not to do it because i wasn't a pro like steve, then i saw the dangers of all the animals that steve has caught and showen on animal planet,then i decided not to become a crocodile hunter becase sometimes i dont pay attention when im close to an dangerous animal and for that one of them could kill me or eat me steve was my greatest idol i never met him but i wish i had but he will never be forgoten, like they say hero's are rememberd but legends never die.
R.I.P steve irwin

RIP Steve...as an aussie through and through i watched steve from a very young age. he was a very passionate man and passed that on to his children...i only hope that bindi carries on his legacy.
to terri, bindi and bob, we are all thinking of you.

We will miss Steve dearly, god bless his wife Terri and their little angels.

Wow...i couldnt belive that steve Died...He was my child hood hero,and im only 16....He was a good father,husban and freind....He will be missed...


May angels lead you in steve,
Forever you will be missed

steve will sadly be missed my family and i have learned so much from him on animal planet, our hearts go out to teri and his children, he will always be remembered fondly in our hearts

i cant beleive this great man is gone he had such a rare and special zest for life and his enthusiasm couldnt fail to rub off on you. my thoughts go out to his wife and family they must be absolutely devastated at the loss of steve

I never watched his show much, but when i saw those words on the news

"steve irwin, the crocodile hunter is dead "

i was guttered, i always thought him immortal, the way he handled those animals

everyone here is talking about him and his untimely death, our whole school got together and had a moment of silence for steve, i just wish i watched his shows more but now i dont think i can without being reminded how i ignored a great man like him
R.I.P steve, you died doing what you loved

You were simply thr best of the rest... My heart goes out to your wife and kids.... They have so much to be proud of....
In my house ,with my kids you rate up there with God.... Two of the same Loving,Caring, And Intense.... You Have taught the world so much... We shall never forget you or your family... Always in our prayers

We are all mortals, Steve included. My heart goes to his family.

I have not felt sadder for anyone else's death. I realized how most of us have spoken too much & had done too little in our lifetime. There was Steve...seizing every opportunity to introduce as many creatures to us & our children; of which, most would have been overlooked by our ignorance.

A man who spoke loudly in his thick Australian accent, but never louder than his act of passion & sense of responsibility.

It never occured to me that Steve would be brought down by 1 unsuspecting ray. I learnt a great lesson - just don't judge.

Hats off to Steve for who he was.

Seems to me Irwin was a nut who harassed animals for a living. Finally, one of them successfully protested the invasion in the only way available.

Looks like modern people are so over-protected and coddled that, starved for real achievement, they must invent vicarious adventure at the same time they seek institutions to secure their own lives. It's a TV nation. Probably a TV world.

Damn, Bliffle. You're a sad little troll, posting the same lame comment to three different articles.

This thread demonstrates how much Steve Irwin meant to so many people. Reading through I noticed how many young people were touched by his love, not only for the animal kingdom but also for humanity. Only a true lover of humanity would take the chances he took to demonstrate and teach the importance of his work and reach the numbers of people who understood him and shared his enthusiam to learn. Very few people didn't get that message.

The chances Steve took were not for personal gratification. His style and exuberance were real and a blessing, for as a true teacher who shows great love and exuberance for his subject matter and even more for the children whose lives he touched so profoundly, he made a lasting impression on almost all who cared to learn.

I think of his explosive personality as a gift, a tool for him to reach more people with a lesson in humanity that not all people were intelligent enough to recognize. Thankfully most were.

His study of all types of animal species at his zoo in Australia demonstrates first hand the impact that we have had on nature. He wasn't only concerned with the large and ferocious but also the smallest and most seemingly insignificant as he recognized these critters to be the 'canary in the mine', warning us with their extinction and dwindeling numbers that we're getting precariously close to joining them if we didn't wake up and realize the delicate balance of nature.

I can only hope that, when the time is right, that Terri and friends pick up and carry the banner. We have lost a beautiful soul and first class teacher. Remember him and what you learned and keep passing those lessons to your children.

You don't die until you are forgotten.

Thanks Victor!

Biffle wrote:"Looks like modern people are so over-protected and coddled that, starved for real achievement"

Yes Biffle, you are starved for real achievement so you posted your meaningless, and thoughtless article about a man that died while trying to provide an educational film to kids. You really need to rethink living. We don't need you, now Steve, on the otherhand was great. R
.I.P Steve Irwin

Oops, #38 is refering to Bliffle(post #34)

Terri,

I'm from USA. Stevo has touched our lives and we haved learned so much from him. He's been the # 1 show in our home because my kids were captivated by every word that came out of that mans mouth, and everthing he did.

We have faith in YOU, Terri. I know you will continue his dream. Keep it going!!!!!

May God Bless You Terri, Bindi ,baby Bob, Steve's Dad, and all at Austrailia Zoo(employee's ect.)

Victor,

Sorry about the multi-post, but the servers returned errors afterward so I didn't think it made it.

And I AM sad, sitting here reflecting on several sudden, unexpected, and rather terrible deaths in my family. Too close to home. Why risk death in dangerous activities when death is too close anyway?

And why pester other creatures while seeking fun? I count it a sign of maturation when a man lays down his shotgun and picks up a guidebook when he goes out in the woods inhabited by birds. And there's no season.

jimmieclay, #17 ,

It's very sad when someone who you love dies but you still have life.
The best way to keep someone who you love alive is by remembering him and the good things that you like about him.

If you love the Croc Hunter try to be what he was about. You don't have to act like him but learn about him. His shows will still be on tv, you can read books about his adventures, but most of all he was a man who loved the Earth and everything on it.

He didn't just handle snakes and crocodiles, he studied them and what he learned he taught to others. If that's what you like then you can start learning by studying biology or books about different animals and their habitats.

Just remember though, for you he can always be alive in your heart everytime you think of him. What you wrote was nice, maybe you could write a letter to Terri and send it on.

Take care jimmi, remember, all ,of these people are sad like you so his memory is sure to live on.
Peter

this man was and still be a great man. his death was really ironic.why?this man got to get involved with the dedliest spider snakes and creatures for him to fet killed by a sting ray.ok well he teached us lots of things of animals he got me intrested in animals and caring for them. he made learning about animals fun and intresting.but o well what happened happened it was destiny. well miss u steve!forever rest in peace! GOD Bless U Steve!

Bliffle, I'm sorry to hear of the deaths in your family. It was unfair of me to ascribe destructive motives to your comment. Are you sure you are being fair to Steve Irwin? How can we really know his motives were the worst possible motives, as you ascribe to him?

Irwin was rather famous for not using a shotgun in his interactions with animals. If he'd been more willing to harm them, he might still be alive today. It would certainly be less risky to speargun a stingray and exhibit the carcass for the cameras than getting it into position to be photographed alive. Perhaps he chose his risks for reasons of conscience, and was not merely "seeking fun" as you accuse.

Some of the animals he brought to his audience's attention probably suffered some mild annoyance as a result of his handling, this much is true. Yet his actions seem rather mild when compared to the mindless destruction we all too often wreak without ever knowing any animals were there in the path of our bulldozers, our logging crews, or our four wheel drive vehicles. His goal was clearly the opposite of those who have hunted and trapped so many species to extinction.

I'm amazed at the hype about Steve Erwin. Do any of us remember Timathoy Treadwell AKA Grizzly Man? Eaten by a Grizzly bear in Alaska in 2003. Some say a passinate conservationist and teacher to children. If you live your life by living dangerously for what ever reason then you should accept responability for your actions. This doesn't make you better than those that are the quiet acheivers in conservation. I am saddened for his family and close friends but no more so than for the families of anyone else who dies. Imagine if we paid this much attention to the soldiers and families of those killed in Iraq, wouldn't that be something?

Most of us can walk down the street to the store and we will encounter 3 birds, but we know not what they are, what their name is, what their habits are, what they eat. Most of us can turn over a board or branch in the garden and see 3 beetles, but we know not what they are. Most of us can go into a garage and find 3 spiders, but we know nothing about them. Most of us can walk or bicycle or public transit to a stream, creek or river where we can turn over a rock in the bed and discover crayfish, water scooters, perhaps an ozoul. I know, because I did that when I was a lad, and I continue to do it now.

Is it required that wildlife be sponsored for 20 minutes of every hour for us to be attracted to it? Doesn't it count if it's not sponsored by Ford Explorer? Have we delegated experience of the world to one expert?

I am saddened by the loss of Steve Irwin, his passion for life was refreshing, his love of family was real, and then when humans should show compassion for a life lost, but no let's throw some political hype in or say well he got what he deserved, both comments are sad also, so from me to the Irwin family I am sorry you have to read such cold hearted attacks about the death of your husband, we are not all so hard hearted my prayers are with the Irwin family linda

I understand what you guys are saying but I think you are affording too much attention in the wong direction.

Whether or not you liked him, respected him, or couldn't stand him you've got to try to understand that this particular man became hero status to millions of children around the world and appreciated by probably as many adults as a teacher of their children and even themselves.

By ignoring his untimely demise or denegrating his role in the world as a teacher and student of all living creatures you would be denying people of all ages of mourning the loss that they perceive as theirs.

Because nobody heard of Grizzly Man or any other person who devotes their life to the study of earth's creatures does not deflect any from their lives.

Anyone who pursues a study in life and choses to pass that knowlege on does so for a passion for life and I'm sure that Steve Irwin is not sitting on a cloud somewhere laughing at how much more attention he got over Grizzly Man, or his wife Terri and children are consoled by the fact that he's getting so much attention.

And Bliffle, we all did those things as kids and if you chose not to learn what those creatures were that is your loss, I learned a lot about those creatures by watching shows like Steve's among other on National Geographic.
What is upsetting you guys so much?
And why on earth have the soldiers in Iraq have to do with any of this?

does anyone know where you can get a video of his death? and the url please

All fair comments with your justifications for why we SHOULD honour Steve Erwin.

I am giving another point of view and expressing that I am at a loss, of why poeople feel That someone on television is the next best thing to god!

My point with regards to the soldiers in Iraq and other vitims of crimes etc., also have grieving families and do they have millons greiving for them. For one, the soldiers that give their lives do so in the name of freedom for you and your family and yet we forget their names and the sacrifices they make to let you enjoy the television.

Television is an illusion at the best of time, it is a snippet of time and place. You talk as if you have had your life changed by Steve Irwin and you would ceased to exsist without him, yet how many of you eat meat, go fishing or hunt. How many of you take time to consider what YOU could have done for wildlife.

I am not degrading or being heartless at his parting or the loss his family is enduring. I am trying to find some real understanding in why a single person is presented as a God like hero, not by his family and those that truely knew him but by a public that doesn't really know anything about him except from a persona on Television.

"OH LOOK, HE"S A BEAUT"...

Steve Irwin's death is a huge loss to all the people and animals of the world. Everyone is saddened and grown men have even been crying. Steve brought so much knowlege and so many amazing experiences right before the eyes of the whole world in a manner that no other human has. Steve Irwin has made an unmatched contribution in protecting and teaching about God's creatures and being caretakers of the earth with his big heart, his guts, his knowlege, and his entertaining qualities.

Anyone who's paying attention can see that this world is getting pretty scary. Who knows, maybe God is going to turn the earth back into a paradise and took Steve to help out. After all he was one in a billion. My heart goes out to his wife Teri, his kids, and all his loved ones. To all of you and everyone who is grieving over him, there is one thing I hope for in my heart and that is that you will see him again.

i loved it how steve was such a great man i never would have thought he would die from an animal attak he was so hot and lovely

May his legacy carry on and that what he believed and loved and also fought for me as strong as when he was alive

Long live the memory of Steve Irwin! A man that died doing what he loved, if only we all could be so lucky.

Brendon,, Man, what a twist.
Rent Faces of Death or go to ROTTEN.COM
You'll love'em. Lots of people dying, beheadings, eaten by bears and so much more.
Pop up your pop-corn and hold on to your seat, Probably should have a towel handy to clean up after.

Steve Irwin would have been the last person on earth to idolize himself, he loved everything around him, his wife and children, wildlife, and nature more than he felt about himself.

To your' questions re: soldiers in Iraq. Millions ARE mourning them every day. Of course this is a situation where not every single person gets recognition individually (especially those wounded and are permanently maimed or disfigured beyond belief. You can thank the administration for that. They surely don't want you to see an interview with a young boy (soldier) with his bottom jaw blown completely off or worse, if you can imagine worse.

Plus, there are millions of Americans who have made it their life to bring our boys home and out of harms way ASAP! There are definitely people who are fighting to save their lives. Unfortunately, I'm sure not even Bush remembers so much as one of their names, nevermind all of them, and he's the man responsible for them.

As far as the attention he's getting on TV, why blame him. We all know that the networks are money mills. Their job is not only to entertain you but,(and you may find this hard to believe)to sell commercial space and make money, lots of money.

How could you be upset with a man who, whether you agree or not, was loved by children, admired and entertained by adults (myself included) and appreciated by other wildlife conservationists for his contributions to the studies of wildlife?

Maybe, if his personality were more subdued he may not have had all of the opportunities afforded him for his studies snd work.

What I can't understand is, in this world today , when all we here is war, civil war, terrorism, etc. why can we not stop and take a moment to reflect on what this man has offered the world while he was here.

He will be truly missed always my heart goes to the family! God Bless

A great man with an amazing ability to love the deadly and grotesque. I loved his show...entertaining as well as educational. He will be deeply missed and I pray for his family to get through these difficult times. Millions will mourn, yet millions will always remember his love for animals. God Speed...Mr. Irwin.

My wife just called for me from the front of the house, "Steve O from those 'Jackass' movies is dead!"
"No," I said, "that's flat out bullshit." I wondered what kind of moron starts these things and to what purpose.
"I don't think so," she replied, "it was just on Good Morning America." Another unreliable news source I rarely watch. I did what we all do when we want to verify information -- I went to Suicide Girls.
I always thought Steve O was a bit over the top, but I got it. He got kids interested in the world of stupid risks taken for the meaningless adoration of total strangers, made them care about geek shows, and taught them why it was so important to dry hump even the smallest and ugliest of the world's creatures. I'm looking at you Wee man. I also was aware of the risks he took. I felt that at any moment this guy could become history but, no, I'm sure that every precaution was in place to prevent that from happening. Again, I was wrong.
Reading the news describing his encounter with a stingray, an animal which I was always taught was docile unless you actually stepped on one, left me thinking, sadly, that of all the times he handled the deadliest snakes and spiders, made contact with the most dangerous and ferocious of Rawlinses, his life was finalized by an animal which is known for its ferocious appearance but rarely for being dangerous.
I tried to find some lesson here, but there was none that wasn't so cliché it was worth mentioning. So I'm feeling sad for a man I never met and his constantly loaded friends and what the world has lost, not only an entertainer but also a teacher to all of us. Even if you couldn't stand his staccato bursts of speech or his overly enthusiastic delivery, I think we all learned something about the creatures of the world that we hadn't known before.
Later, Steve O!

My sympathy goes out to Steve's family. I enjoyed watching his shows, but lost respect when he took his baby in the pen with the crocs. Another Jackson stunt?

Great guy sucks that happened.

Peter J, Thank you for your insight from your point of view. It is as valid as mine should be. This doesn't mean either is right or wrong in our views and it certainly doesn't mean that one is desrespectful to the man nor his family for asking questions or debating peoples perceptions of what really is fuelling this idolising of a single person.

Case in point, I read everyone saying how much he did for wildlife, yet we forget that his wife, his staff, and the cameraperson the production crews all made it happen as well. Steve was the "face" people saw. You don't have a football team or a business where a single person does it all by them self (a hermit perhaps) it is a team effort each contributes something to the cause.

Another point which you touch on to some extent. You say "appreciated by other wildlife conservationists for his contributions", how do you know that? That is do you know personally that he was held in high regard? I doubt it (no desrespect intended).

The point is people are idolising a persona which is designed again as you said to sell an image to make money. Did you know in Australia that most public television channels did not run the crocodile hunter programs. Steve Irwin was mainly aired when he was either selling something or was in trouble because of something he said or done. His exposure in Australia was through his Zoo. Yet people are saying that they knew him like a friend and learnt so much from him. I'm at a loss to know how.

Now before everyone jumps on my back saying I shouldn't be trying to put him down or be dissrespectful, I am not, I am trying to get my head around that the public feel that he is a demi god. That is not Steve Irwins problem, it is the people that put him up on the pedistal.

Even his father stated in his interview that he and the family wanted people to stop idolising him "that he was just an ordinary bloke" and for people to stopp telling the media that they knew him.

Now that say and should send a powerful message, which I think has fallen on deaf ears.

Have a look on e-bay and other auction sites, these people that claim they are devestated by the loss are selling items for profit. A sad twist to the whole saga.

When they say "rest in peace" perhaps that should apply and lets allow him to rest in peace and for his family to grieve with dignity and in private. I am sure the family know how much people liked him and will miss him but to be hounded by people just adds an insult to their pain.

To dissolutioned - The reason that the soldiers in Iraq don't seem to get as much attention is that no one sees the life of any individual. There is no TV program showing them. However, there are TONS of E-Mails praising them as a group, such as the story of the plane being held up and then they announce that what they were waiting for was some soldiers returing from Iraq and as they enter the plane, it erupts in cheers and applause. Another E-Mail showing that there are two who have died for you - Jesus died so you could live and the American Soldier dies so you and live FREE. There are MANY that bring tears to your eyes.

As far as Steve Irwin's contributions, I believe that he has bought land all over for preservation and donated money to Africa so that they could get Equipment to help deter poachers. He's done lots of things like that that go unmentioned.

To MJayne,

I have no doubt that Wildlife Warriors and Mr. Irwin has contributed to the preservation of wildlife throughout the world. Isn't a measure of degrees though as to whether someone that might give a million dollars when they make sixty million a year in comparison to someone giving one hundred dollars when they might make only nine hundred a month. Who would you say was the more generous person?

We all can do something, if we choose to, and we all can contribute something no matter how small it may seem but does that make you less of a person because you're less known or you not recognised on the streets. I think not, I am sure the message Steve Irwin was trying to convey to the masses was, we all need to do our part to protect our wild creatures, big and small.

I think as I have mentioned, that people really aren't that interested in what state the plant is in but were captivated by the persona that Steve Irwin presented to the masses.

I am also sure that if he could descend from the heavens and tell people, the greatest thing they could do it would be to be more thoughtful towards the environment. Unfortunately, the world is in a mess in a multitude of ways and I am sure Mr Irwin never truly believed he alone could fix things by himself, hence why he call upon his viewers to start to take an interest in the world around us, start taking care of our natural environment.

Just to finalise my comments with regards to Iraq or any other war etc., I am a Veteran soldier and thank god I did survive! My point here is, I will admit, I feel somewhat betrayed by the public at large. In that I was prepared to give my life for people I didn't know, many have given their life, and who really remembers us? Truthfully!? Our families and close friends. Yet we have a face on a television who, let us not kid ourselves is in a business, is treated as a GOD, a HERO.

It's funny how quick we forget the sacrifices others make to make the world a better place for ever one.

HI Dis,
You're singin to the choir, man.
If you go back to #56 I said almost everything that you've touched on, and more regarding our soldiers who got sucked in to a bullshit war, go and maybe comeback, to find their girl (or guy) couldn't wait for him or for that matter his wife (being absent in a relationship is tough). Or, like I said, so fucked up most people couldn't even look at the only half of his face that survived?

Where's the fuckin honorable mr. president pinning a medal on the same half of chest as his face because it's gone too. That's fucked up of me to say, right? Let me know when you find me a picture of bush patting him on the back! He hasn't got the balls.

So now, bust on me some more for takin a minute to mouth how I feel and mentioned the irony of how it occured.

As far as what kind of man he was, Over time I've heard interviews with him and thought him to be not at all what I expected, some tough hardguy act full of bravado. Rather I saw a man who was pretty much a softy, especially when it came to his family.

There also was a show wher he was talking about one of his gators, or crocadile, I can't remember which, the animal had died from an injury and his eyes pretty much showed the pain, I believe he was authentic.

Actually, if you go back and read my article you'll not find much of anything you mentioned.
I think you've confused me with another article.

To Dis and PJ. Most people really do care about the Veterens, however there are too many who take our freedom for granted because everything has always been easy. They won't even educate themselves on the worldwide movement for the advancement of Extreme Islam. They estimate that there are around 100 million.

In my opinion, the war in Iraq is not a bullshit war but is most important to win. The mid east and the world needs to be cleansed of these terrorists, and when we see that Iraq can and is willing to keep terrorism in check, we will have accomplished alot. These people are so extreme that they consider any Muslim who cooperates with "Infidels" a traitor to Islam. Iraq is the front. The problem has gone much further than we ever imagined due to all the Madrassas putting out Jihadists. Governments that won't cooperate in going after the Terrorists have to be taken down. Sadam played a role in 9/11 by instigating holy war against the U.S. There is an excellent article in Newsweek dated Feb 7, 2005 that goes into detail on how Sadam, after his defeat in 1991 began getting all the Islamic fanatics and jihadists, peasants, the remains of his devastated military, fierce nationalists, rebellious tribesman, common thugs, etc. to wage holy war against the U.S. In 1993 they hosted a convention for more than 1,000 Muslim political and cultural dignataries from 51 countries and urged them to conduct holy jihad against the U.S. and their allies.

Many people like to think that the terrorists are just a gang of outlaws. Nothing could be further from the truth. Without People like you, who are willing to die for our freedom, our country will not survive. I only worry that there are too few of you left.

Today I saw a guy wearing a shirt that said, "Freedom is never Free" with the Eagle on it and Flag to remind everyone.

Here is a story I heard a while back showing that people care about Veterens:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/train.asp

I care about the Veterens and I care about the Planet. Thanks for paying the price for our freedom.

To Dis and PJ. Most people really do care about the Veterens, however there are too many who take our freedom for granted because everything has always been easy. They won't even educate themselves on the worldwide movement for the advancement of Extreme Islam. They estimate that there are around 100 million.

In my opinion, the war in Iraq is not a bullshit war but is most important to win. The mid east and the world needs to be cleansed of these terrorists, and when we see that Iraq can and is willing to keep terrorism in check, we will have accomplished alot. These people are so extreme that they consider any Muslim who cooperates with "Infidels" a traitor to Islam. Iraq is the front. The problem has gone much further than we ever imagined due to all the Madrassas putting out Jihadists. Governments that won't cooperate in going after the Terrorists have to be taken down. Sadam played a role in 9/11 by instigating holy war against the U.S. There is an excellent article in Newsweek dated Feb 7, 2005 that goes into detail on how Sadam, after his defeat in 1991 began getting all the Islamic fanatics and jihadists, peasants, the remains of his devastated military, fierce nationalists, rebellious tribesman, common thugs, etc. to wage holy war against the U.S. In 1993 they hosted a convention for more than 1,000 Muslim political and cultural dignataries from 51 countries and urged them to conduct holy jihad against the U.S. and their allies.

Many people like to think that the terrorists are just a gang of outlaws. Nothing could be further from the truth. Without People like you, who are willing to die for our freedom, our country will not survive. I only worry that there are too few of you left.

Today I saw a guy wearing a shirt that said, "Freedom is never Free" with the Eagle on it and Flag to remind everyone.

Here is a story I heard a while back showing that people care about Veterans

I care about the Veterans and I care about the Planet. Thanks

I think Steve was a great perso and he and his wife Terri truly loved the animals of this world, I am sure when he crossed over God said a job well done my son. God be with Terri and the children during this painful time.

u shud show the video xx jade tamaya hayley

aww thata soo sad!!:(

i used 2 always watch croc diares xx

i didn't watch the crocidile hunter much but i watched it when i was about 3 and i had lots of fun pretending to save animals two but since steve was killed by a sting ray i want terri to know that steve was a great dad and no one knows the pain she as been through and she needs to cope so who ever is reading this well i want you two know that it was not the sting rays fault and even though i live in new zealand i still miss steve and i wish i went to his funeral butplease donate so not just terri but her kids can be happy and dont ever give up on the zoo just keep it and make it bigger so everyone donate! iam only 8 years old and i still want to have steve back on earth even though he is in a bwetter place now it was great to have him on earth and his show was great he showed kids of all ages all animals are beutiful so i would do anything to put steve back on earth so i am going to ask my mum to save up our fly byes points to go to australia to go to australia zoo

Hello Marie,
That was a very nice letter. It would make Steve happy to have read your kind words. I'm sure Terri appreciates the thoughts also.
It takes a special person to have the kind of person to love animals as Steve did.
Maybe , as you grow older you'll find that you feel the same way and do something similar. It also takes a special person to take care of animals so maybe someday you'll be a veterinarian.
No matter what you do I'm sure you'll do it well.
Thanks for the nice letter.
Peter

Peter, I would just like to know from whence comes your considerable wisdon, on this thread at least?

I meant WISDOM, of course.

Hi Patricia,
I don't believe that I'm any more wise than most of the writers here on BC but thanks for the ego boost,
Sincerely, Peter

By the way Patricia,
How did you come by this thread from so long ago,
funny how it seems like ages, Peter

Still thinking of you every day Steve! Your message wont be forgotten, nor will you! Thank You!

even thow im 11 year old boy and im not realy munch of a steve erwen fan I watch uniquie way with animals and his daughter bindi's speech and even thow I felt bad I new he's with his family

oops i mean watched

i love steve erwin and wish he could of got sick and not do that deep sea diving program ill thinck of you to the day i die aswell we will never foget you steve or the things you did no one ever dowted you never forget the things you did ,or you thank you steve!!!! xxx

Hi Matthew,
It's been over seven months since the day of the accident that took Steve's life.
You have to remember that Steve died while doing the one thing in his life he loved more than any other. He was making a contribution to science. What would have been tragic is if he had died while crossing the sreet and hit by a car or as songwriter/philosopher John Lennon died; shot to death for no reason by an insane attacker.

Steve is a lucky man Matthew, he left behind very important work which will continue on with his wife, Terri,his daughter Bendi and everyone just like you whose life may have been influenced in such a positive way that you may chose to become a Veterinarian or one of the many other interesting vocations working with animals.

Thanks to Steve many young people, just like yourself, were introduced to a whole world of animals they didn't even know existed and were exposed to many ways to work with animals and help carry on with Steve's work, saving species from extinction or discovering cures for diseases from animals venom. Whatever it may be, Steve has obviously made an impact on your life, I wouldn't waste that. Steve wouldn't want that and neither would all of the animals and people you may be able to save some day through your work. You appear to be a very smart young man and you have a brilliant future ahead of you. Make the most of it.
Good luck to you Matthew, Peter

hi im lucy i feel so sorry about the tragic acident i hope u continu ur life so happyand bindi ur show is going so good ur a great forgeter u gyes can be a happy family for ever u wll always be.i hope u fell great after everything if u need any contacting just ask people for help bindi ur going to be just like ur dad i lov u gyes so much
xoxoxoxo lucy

he loves me in so many ways not like his wife he loves me more

hi think he was cool i wish i was him not dead so lol lol lol lol lol mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I MISS STEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!