Muhammad Ali dies at age 74

[Roughneck93]

http://www.alanpun.com/

[regaleagle]

Very articulate and intelligent for a boxer that was often misunderstood by John Q Public and portrayed as a racist. I think in his era there were individuals that took advantage of his popularity and caused him even more malignment than he had already endured. He caused much of his own, but willingly did so for various reasons. Overall, one of the best ever, if not the most talented and intelligent boxer of all time. When he boxed......everybody wanted to watch.

[1st and goal]

He was a draft dodger.

[regaleagle]

He was a draft dodger.

Not really all that important in the grand scheme of things. The military has many, many people to choose from that want to serve....he didn't. Some want the benefits, some want the experience, some want a better opportunity, and some are very patriotic. Some have legacies in the family. And some don't have any desire whatsoever to be in a military lifestyle and serve. I'm a believer in free choice.....unless the situation dictates otherwise like in WWII.

[slingshot]

Never was a fan... Did not like the way he belittled his opponents and did nothing but loudly proclaim his greatness. Was a complete jerk until old age and medical problems caught up with him, then he became this 'great humanitarian'.

[speedbump]

I'm a believer in free choice.....unless the situation dictates otherwise like in WWII.

Changing religions and then hiding behind it,was a choice every American that was about to be drafted had. They didn't have those or any other of the free choices you're a believer in,because of people like cassius clay. Maybe they can bury him in a country he cared about.

[BwdLion73]

Not really all that important in the grand scheme of things. The military has many, many people to choose from that want to serve....he didn't. Some want the benefits, some want the experience, some want a better opportunity, and some are very patriotic. Some have legacies in the family. And some don't have any desire whatsoever to be in a military lifestyle and serve. I'm a believer in free choice.....unless the situation dictates otherwise like in WWII.

That's not quite right. He was not the only one who did not want to go to Viet Nam.

Some people were raised different and were taught that it was their duty as an American. I registered as did most. Believe me when I tell you that when my Birthday lotto number was double digit I was confident that against my wishes it was time to sing "and its one two three what are we fighting for...don't matter I don't give a damn...next stop is Viet Nam".

He was a great Boxer and I wish nothing but the best for his family in their time of loss, but I still have trouble with some accolades he receives.

I kind of like Nixon for saving me...

[regaleagle]

Wasn't saying that I agreed with his choices.....only that he made them and was a great boxer despite all his malignment.....whether self-imposed or not. We all have choices to make in life, and some regrets with certain choices we make along the way.

[Macarthur]

He was a draft dodger.

No, he was not.
http://rare.us/story/muhammad-ali-wa...ople-who-were/

[BwdLion73]

No, he was not.
http://rare.us/story/muhammad-ali-wa...ople-who-were/

Jack Hunter....

[Matthew328]

Ali may have dodged the draft but he didnt run to Canada he faced the music and consequences of his actions...he gave up a lot...right or wrong you have to give credit that he was willing to sacrifice for his principles...

[PurplePop]

Very interesting discussion. I agree with Matthew that at least Ali took a stand and paid a price for not going to Vietnam. He didn't box two years during his prime years (ages 25-26?). It wasn't the most convincing stand, that's for sure. But rich guys like George Bush, Al Gore, etc. found much more politically correct ways to avoid the fighting in Vietnam. I 100% respect and understand those who did fight despising Ali. I don't think race enters into it. Just money. As for Ali the boxer, by the mid-70's, he had slowed a bit from his prime. He would have been 29 or 30 when he fought Frazier the first time. He was already past his prime. Watch some highlights of Clay in the '60's. Pretty amazing.

[Macarthur]

Who was President when the Sham War started? Exactly. Seems like political affiliation arguments don't apply here. He took up a religion to avoid fighting for the country in which he lived period.

If your point is both parties suck, you'll get no argument from me. Not a nickels worth of diff in them.

But I think you're off base saying he took up a religion solely to avoide the war. And if he did, that's still more noble than the other POS mentioned in the article.

[bobcat1]

If your point is both parties suck, you'll get no argument from me. Not a nickels worth of diff in them.

But I think you're off base saying he took up a religion solely to avoide the war. And if he did, that's still more noble than the other POS mentioned in the article.

Noble? BS! That word does not fit with him.

[Macarthur]

Noble? BS! That word does not fit with him.

You are still avoiding answering the question, as are others. Hold Ali to the same standard you would others.