Many of us may not have agreed with Muhammed Ali's refusing induction into the armed forces, but let's not forget he applied for "conscientious objector" status, and the US Supreme Court finally, after 3.5 years, agreed with him.
How easy it was in the 60s and 70s to "run" to Canada, yet he did not.
Instead, he spent all of his boxing earnings on lawyers to plead his case, and gave up the only way he knew of making a living because of his deep personal convictions.
That may be a draft dodger to some, but in other's minds, that was a person who stood by his beliefs, no matter what the consequence.
We can never forget what he did for the sport of boxing by earning an Olympic Gold medal in 1960 and then coming home afterwards being refused to eat in a restaurant because of the color of his skin.
I choose to look at the accomplishments of a man who grew up a poor kid in Kentucky, made the most of his talent, and became the most recognizable face on the earth, despite the indignities he faced.
He was "The Greatest".
Time to get past the 60s and 70s....it's been over 40 years.
Old Hippie,
ReplyDeleteMany of us may not have agreed with Muhammed Ali's refusing induction into the armed forces, but let's not forget he applied for "conscientious objector" status, and the US Supreme Court finally, after 3.5 years, agreed with him.
How easy it was in the 60s and 70s to "run" to Canada, yet he did not.
Instead, he spent all of his boxing earnings on lawyers to plead his case, and gave up the only way he knew of making a living because of his deep personal convictions.
That may be a draft dodger to some, but in other's minds, that was a person who stood by his beliefs, no matter what the consequence.
We can never forget what he did for the sport of boxing by earning an Olympic Gold medal in 1960 and then coming home afterwards being refused to eat in a restaurant because of the color of his skin.
I choose to look at the accomplishments of a man who grew up a poor kid in Kentucky, made the most of his talent, and became the most recognizable face on the earth, despite the indignities he faced.
He was "The Greatest".
Time to get past the 60s and 70s....it's been over 40 years.