Ali - Democratic Underground

H2O Man

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Thu Aug-21-08 09:59 PM
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Ali

In the above photo, Muhammad Ali chats with Yoko Ono and John Lennon at President Jimmy Carter's inaugural gala. As most DUers know, The Champ will be coming to watch Barack Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention. I thought that people would find the below quote, from Ali's book, of interest:

"Every man wants to believe in himself. And every man wants to be fearless. We become heroes when we stand up for something we believe in. … The year was 1967. For months I had tried to prepare myself for what would happen if I refused to be introduced into the United States Armed Forces. I could continue my boxing career and remain heavyweight champion if I went against my religious beliefs. Or, I would face certain backlash from the public and possible prison time and a fine if I stood up for my religious beliefs. That was my choice as I saw it.

"The consequences of my decision were even more dire than I thought. …(M)y religious beliefs were not compatible with the responsibilities and expectations of a soldier in combat. I didn’t agree with the reasons why we were in Vietnam in the first place, but most especially I couldn’t see myse;f trying to injure or kill people whom I didn’t even know, people who had never done any harm to me or my country. But even the Nation of Islam tried to persuade me to accept induction. I just couldn’t believe that was God’s plan for me. ….

"Sometimes I hear myself described as a draft dodger. I did not dodge the draft. I did not run to Canada, and I did not hide in this country. I reported to the army induction center as I had been ordered to do. I asserted my right as a conscientious objector to refuse to be drafted, and I was prepared to go to prison for five years if I had to. I worked within the system.

"After refusing induction, I distributed a statement to the press that read in part: ‘I am proud of the title "World Heavyweight Champion." … The holder of it should at all times have the courage of his convictions and carry out those convictions, not only in the ring but through all phases of life. It is in light of my own personal convictions that I take my stand in rejecting the call to be inducted into the armed services. I do so with full realization of its implications and possible consequences. I have searched my conscience, and find I cannot be true to my belief in my religion by accepting such a call. …. I strongly object to the fact that so many newspapers have given the American public and the world the impression that I have only two alternatives in taking this stand – either I go to jail or go to the Army. There is another alternative, and that alternative is justice. If justice prevails, if my constitutional rights are upheld, I will be forced to go neither to the Army nor jail. In the end, I am confident that justice will come my way, for the truth must eventually prevail.’

"I never regretted the decision I made that day. Most people know that I was stripped of my heavyweight championship title almost immediately, and that state boxing commissions around the country refused to give me licenses to fight in their state. My passport was taken from me so I couldn’t go overseas to fight. My prime boxing years were denied me, and I had to find other ways to support myself and my family. The greatest cost to me, however, was that the Nation of Islam turned its back on me. I was no longer a member, and its members were not allowed to associate with me."

-- The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life’s Journey; Muhammad Ali; Simon & Schuster; 2004; pages 86-89.