Come On

Submitted by MysteriousGypsy (United States), Dec 1, 2005 at 02:35

To act like Ali is a coward and a traitor for refusing induction in the Vietnam draft is ridiculous. To also act like he used his position as a member of the Nation of Islam to simply skip away scott free from the war is also ridiculous. Ali was STRIPPED of his title for refusing induction and not allowed to box for more than three years during his prime. He was despised for the stand he took. It took courage to do this, whether you agree with him or not. Did he flee the country as many who opposed the war did (see: Bill Clinton)? Nope. Did he get deferments for boils on his butt and for attending college as many who supported the war did (see: Rush Limbaugh, Dick Cheney)? Nope.

He took a very public stand against a war that is, it should be noted, widely considered a major mistake by both the general public and military historians. And he lost the one thing he really cared about - boxing - as a result.

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