Embarrased by that award to Cassius Clay.

Submitted by David (United States), Dec 2, 2005 at 16:30

I simply feel embarrased by it. Who is advising President Bush to do these things?

Clearly it is a race card thing judging by the facts of Clay's history, a draft dodger being granted the Medal of Freedom? Dumb Dumb Dumb. His given name was Cassius Clay. All through his career I remember feeling insulted and assaulted by this "man." His first frightful exhibition came after defeating the quiet dignity of Sonny Liston in 1963 - his boastful cries of "I am the greatest...I am the greatest..." He didnt say "boxer."

I was only eight years old then and I was sickened by that display of rank overt self esteem - that meant to me that he had NO personal integrity and must be mentally disturbed to act in such a disgracefull manner. The media, Howard Cossell seemed to accept it! Bad cultural influence.

Then, some years later the draft dodge, adding fuel to the anti-war fire, this time I was confused by his name change and apparent disrespect for our nation which did nothing harmful to him. His 'poetry' added further distance - In all his future bouts I wished him to lose for I saw that man act with aggressive hostility which set for our nation, during a toubled time, a very bad example.

There is something to cherish and value in a man with quiet dignity, Clay/Ali always lacked that. Now the winds of fate have imposed their own restraints upon that human...

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