nysoldiers
Command Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2008
- Messages
- 2,372
Surprised that there has been no mention of Ali's passing on this forum. Is he too controversial for our forum? We talk about the passing of famous actors, musicians and other historical figures.
Most would agree that he was a great athlete and when you consider that he was prohibited from boxing for almost three and a half years while in his prime he may even have been the greatest boxer of all times.
His conscientious objector battle with the government, his anti-Vietnam War stance and his joining of the Nation of Islam undoubtedly disturbed many Americans and veterans.
Yet with the benefit of historical perspective I think that his motives were honest and understandable. He didn't run away to Canada, fake an injury or mental disability. He certainly would not have seen combat and like Joe Louis would have entertained the troops and been treated as a celebrity. His three year and four month ban from boxing cost him well
over 100 million dollars in purses and endorsements (in current valuations) and left him with diminished skills on his return to boxing.
Joining the Nation of Islam, an organization that some categorized as a hate group, was probably a reaction to the racism that still existed in America and later on he modified his positions and preached inclusiveness and peace.
I remember that he traveled to Iraq under Saddam Hussein to help free 15 Americans who were imprisoned there.
I saw Ali fight Frazier and Bonavena in Madison Square Garden, NYC and sat with him during a charity event 15 years ago.
Obviously he has had an impact around the world and deserves some praise and understanding.
Curious what others think.......if the moderators allow discussion.
Most would agree that he was a great athlete and when you consider that he was prohibited from boxing for almost three and a half years while in his prime he may even have been the greatest boxer of all times.
His conscientious objector battle with the government, his anti-Vietnam War stance and his joining of the Nation of Islam undoubtedly disturbed many Americans and veterans.
Yet with the benefit of historical perspective I think that his motives were honest and understandable. He didn't run away to Canada, fake an injury or mental disability. He certainly would not have seen combat and like Joe Louis would have entertained the troops and been treated as a celebrity. His three year and four month ban from boxing cost him well
over 100 million dollars in purses and endorsements (in current valuations) and left him with diminished skills on his return to boxing.
Joining the Nation of Islam, an organization that some categorized as a hate group, was probably a reaction to the racism that still existed in America and later on he modified his positions and preached inclusiveness and peace.
I remember that he traveled to Iraq under Saddam Hussein to help free 15 Americans who were imprisoned there.
I saw Ali fight Frazier and Bonavena in Madison Square Garden, NYC and sat with him during a charity event 15 years ago.
Obviously he has had an impact around the world and deserves some praise and understanding.
Curious what others think.......if the moderators allow discussion.
