Way off base

Submitted by andrea stone (United States), Nov 29, 2005 at 17:41

It seems clear to me that Ali was simply "jabbing" back at Bush in Bush's feigned boxing stance. Once again in this "polarized" world we're twisting candy canes into pretzels.

I find the Nation of Islam reprehensible and I don't agree with Ali's stance on a lot of issues but the man stood up for something he believes in. He didn't make a call to a favorable politician, and we all know he could have, to get out of the draft. Ali chose to make a statement, whether you agree with it or not (paraphrasing): I got no problem with the Vietnamese. I'm not gonna kill the yellow man for the white man when the white man is killing the brown man here at home.

Cheney jumped from Jr. College to College racking up 5 deferments, Bush hid behind his dad's power and got the cushiest post in the country as a "Champagne" warrior. I might not agree with Ali's conviction but I gotta say, at least he showed up, and stood up. More than I can say for most.

The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.
William F. Buckley

Democracy is not something you believe in or a place to hang your hat, but it's something you do. You participate. If you stop doing it, democracy crumbles. Abbie Hoffman

Would you have ever believed that Bill and Abbie ever agreed on anything? If they could, so can we - stop the ad hominem attacks. This country is tearing apart at the seams. Cleland, McCain, Kerry, Murtha, and now Ali. To me this has become no better than a modern day version of McCarthyism.

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