4-28-1967: Muhammad Ali

[H2O Man]

“On April 28, 1967, I reported to the United States Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station in Houston, Texas. I was very nervous as I approached the building. I knew that everything I had worked for was on the line, and I knew that if I refused induction I was facing possible prison time. ….

“I refused to step forward. An officer warned me of the consequences of what I was doing, but nothing he could have said would have changed my mind. If I had to go to prison, I would do it, because if I didn't follow my true beliefs, I would never be free again.

“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 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.”
--Muhammad Ali; The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on Life's Journey



It was 44 years ago today that world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali refused to be drafted into the US Army. Though it may be hard for younger people to appreciate the significance of this brave stance by Ali, older forum members will recall how controversial it was at the time.

After upsetting one of the sport's most feared champions, Charles “Sonny” Liston, the former Olympic star had announced that he was a member of Elijah Muhammad's Nation of Islam. More, he changed his name, from Cassius Clay, to Cassius X, and toured the United Nations with Minister Malcolm X. In time, he became Muhammad Ali.

When the military responded by changing his draft status, the highest-profile athlete in the world told a reporter, “I ain't got nothing against them Viet Cong. They never called me 'nigger'.” The outspoken Ali would also tell reporters that he was unwilling to travel half-way around the globe to fight brown-skinned people, when his own people were not free in America.

Various black leaders across America advised Ali to accept a comfortable, “touring” position in the military, similar to that of the great Joe Louis during WW2. Even the NOI leadership was concerned that Ali's actions would bring unwanted government attention to their sect. But Martin Luther King, Jr. fully supported Muhammad Ali's stance. FBI director J. Edgar Hoover taped the phone conversations between King and Ali.

The stance Ali took would result in his being stripped of his title by boxing commissions, and put into a forced retirement from the ring for the three and one-half years that would have marked his physical prime. Ali could have made millions of dollars in that period of time. But he had the courage of his convictions.

[malaise]

1. Wow thanks for the reminder

Ali became an international hero that April day.
Have you ever read Mike Marqusee's Redemption Song: Muhammad Ali and the Spirit of the Sixties?

It's a great book

http://www.amazon.com/Redemption-Song-Muhammad-Spirit-Sixties/dp/1844675270

http://www.blackstarreview.com/rev-0034.html

[H2O Man]

11. I have not ....

but I definitely will.

[dixiegrrrrl]

2. "the military responded by changing his draft status"

says a lot about times even back then.

I remember that turn of events, he was demonized in the public eye for his actions.

[H2O Man]

12. Right.

The powers-that-be did not appreciate the top black athlete joining the Nation of Islam. By changing his draft status from the lowest to highest level, without explanation, they hoped to put him in check. But Ali was outspoken, and while in the forced retirement, was a featured speaker on America's college campuses.

[trumad]

3. K&R

[H2O Man]

13. thanks!

[rooboy]

4. Recommend the book 'What's My Name, Fool?' by Dave Zirin

great volume on political/social activists in American sport.

[malaise]

8. Great book

:hi:

[H2O Man]

20. One of the things

that I like the best about DU is having people recommend books that I have not read. Thank you.

I remember when Ali was being harassed by Uncle Sam, and knew that he had little time to get more fights in before facing incarceration. He signed to fight Chicago heavyweight Ernie Terell, who "won" some paper "title" one commission stripped from Ali for joining the NOI. Though Terrell was part of a progressive community -- his sister joined the singing group, The Supremes, and was closely associated with Marvin Gaye -- Terrell aped Floyd Patterson's habit of calling the champ "Cassius Clay."

Years earlier, a young Cassius Clay had sparred Ernie, then a top contender. Terrell was 6' 6", with an 82" reach. He had caught the younger Clay repeatedly with his left jab. When they met at the Houston in February, 1967, many "experts" believed Ernie would give him a tough fight. Terrell was noted for using dirty tactics to his best advantage, and was more than willing, for example, to have points deducted in early rounds for low blows that paid off in later rounds.

It was one of two fights in which Ali was vicious in the ring. He was cruel to Patterson in their first bout (11-22-65), as Patterson not only called him "Cassius Clay," but promised to "return the title to America." Ali was cruel that night.

But he was even more intent upon humiliating Terrell. This was after Ali had been forced to defend his title, first in Canada, then in Europe against three contenders. Ali had devastated Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams the previous November, in what is generally recognized as the best example of his prime in the ring. Ali, who both liked and respected Williams (part black, part Cherokee), took him out in three rounds. As intense of a beating as it was, Muhammad definitely held back, not wanting to inflict permanent damage.

With Terrell, his holding back was clearly to prolong the fight. He could easily have TKOed Ernie after the 4th round, but wanted to punish him. When Terrell attempted to foul Ali with 'rabbit-punches" and a thumb to the eye in a clinch, Ali literally rubbed Terrell's face on the ropes, blinding him in one eye. What the anti-Ali folks found most outrageous, however, was Ali's taunting Terrell, over and over, yelling, "What's my name?" By the 15h round, Terrell gave the correct answer, "Muhammad Ali." But the punishment he took ended his days in the top ranks of the division, and even with Ali "retired," Terrell was only a journeyman after this fight.

[mahannah]

51. I'm proud to say that three years later, I followed his example.

[era veteran]

5. Magnificent man in many ways. K&R

Glad to have met him once at a book signing.

[H2O Man]

21. A great man, indeed.

One of my brothers used to hang out in his training camp. He was friend with Bundini Brown. He has some nice photos of Ali holding his infant daughter.

[era veteran]

34. That is so cool.

[Pacifist Patriot]

6. Thank you.

[H2O Man]

23. Thanks!

I think it was one of the most important actions taken by any American in that decade.

[leveymg]

7. He is The Greatest. Others in sport are dwarfed by the character and guts this man displays.

He is one of the few, real heroes who achieve fame.

It was an honor and inspiration to grow up while this man's legacy was being created. Everyone should have a real hero.

[H2O Man]

25. I absolutely agree.

I'm glad that he came of age when he did. Many people do not know that Ali could have played professional basketball or football; he was gifted with size, strength, and speed. In boxing, of course, he would have been the heavyweight champion in any era. Fighting when he did, it was great for the sport, because it was the Golden Age for the division. More, he helped define the 1960s.

It's funny, but no matter what mood I'm in, if I see a photo or a film clip of the Champ, it always puts a smile on my face.

[TheUnspeakable]

46. These should put a smile on your face!

I wandered into an art show a few months back and saw a couple of these-I thought of you, because of your avatar, of course, and because we had nice exchange once about John Lennon.

[dhill926]

27. + a gazillion........n/t

[Mira]

9. Well, I was very young then, and a new immigrant to the USA

and had to pay attention to things that were critical to my own survival - but I'm making up for it now. I'm almost done reading the new biography of Malcolm X by Manning Marabel that you brought to our attention when it came out about a month ago. I am riveted with every turn of the very well researched detailed account which includes lots of what you are reminding us.

Thank you H2O Man

[dixiegrrrrl]

14. There's a new bio of Malcolm?

Did not know that.
I will look for it.

[H2O Man]

26. It's outstanding.

One of the very best books that I've ever read.

[H2O Man]

28. "Turning my back

on Malcolm was one of the mistakes that I regret most in my life. I wish i'd been able to tell Malcolm I was sorry, that he was right about so many things. But he was killed before I got the chance. He was a visionary -- ahead of us all." -- Ali; The Soul of a Butterfly

[Mira]

30. This is chilling and warming both in its honesty and again a demonstration of

Ali's deep moral integrity. Thank you for posting this in a reply to my comment which in retrospect was somewhat derailing of the OP.
It came from being deeply involved in the book I mentioned and I apologize.
I have already pulled from my book shelves a few others written by and about other principals in the Manning Marable book about Malcolm. And since I think this book is so exquisite I will be very involved in reading their accounts again with new insights.

Now "The Soul of a Butterfly" will go up on these shelves and will be read as well.

[H2O Man]

43. If Muhammad had not

been strongly influenced by Malcolm, he would not have taken the stance he did.

Elijah in particular had made it clear that the NOI would benefit from Ali accepting a cushy position in the military. The Champ would never have seen combat; he would have toured bases, and put on exhibitions, and traded jokes with Bob Hope. More important to Elijah's two top aides, Ali would have still served as their cash cow.

Ali understood the threats that outspoken black men faced in the 1960s. Some of his interviews from that era highlight that awareness. By refusing to be drafted, Ali knew he was in greater danger of being shot, than he would have been had he joined. Thus, your connecting Ali and Malcolm was absolutely accurate, and in no sense "derailing" the OP. Of course, I think comments on Malcolm are appropriate in any conversation!

[Mira]

47. Thank you yet again!

I think of you as brilliant and full of kindness. And I just bought Muhammad Ali's book on Amazon. Next I'll read Arthur Magida's "Prophet of Rage".

[H2O Man]

57. The Ali book

is one of the most powerful that I've ever read. And I re-read it frequently. (Also, I bought lots of copies of it, to give to family and friends.)

You are very kind. Were I able to blush on the internet, I would surely be bright red. Thank you!

[H2O Man]

10. ........

[Sky Masterson]

15. Ali will always be the greatest fighter of all time!

:)

[StevieM]

39. I'm not much of a boxing fan, but isn't Joe Louis regarded by many as the greatest fighter

of all time?

[H2O Man]

44. Louis is recognized

by almost everyone as being, at very least, among the top two or three heavyweight champions of all time. Besides Ali, the other fighter considered the greatest would be Sugar Ray Robinson, who held both the welterweight and middleweight titles.

A lot of boxing people from the older generation put Louis above Ali. And, at his best, Louis was a great, great fighter. Anyone he hit, he could knock out.

However, Joe was flat-footed, and slow on his feet. Guys like light heavyweight Billy Conn and Jersey Joe Walcott gave him problems, because they had outstanding speed and footwork. Ali was not only far better than them on his feet, but he was much larger, far stronger, significantly faster, a far superior puncher, and in his prime was easily able to go 15 fast, hard rounds.

I think Muhammad would have outboxed Joe. But I certainly appreciate those who think that Joe would have won.

[givemebackmycountry]

52. H20 -

I have to go look for it, but did you ever hear the story that Billy Crystal told about Joe Louis?
I don't know if it's true and I can't find verification so all I have to go on is memory.
Crystal said he was waiting to cross a busy street in Manhattan, and there was a elderly black gentleman in obvious distress because he was having difficulty getting across the intersection.
Crystal says he offered to help the man, and took him by the arm and walked him across the street.
When they got to the other side of the street, the elderly gentleman looked up at him to thank him and that's when Crystal realized that this was the Brown Bomber himself, Joe Louis.
They chatted for several minutes, and Crystal recalls it was just a few days later when he heard that Joe had passed away.

I think this may have been on one of those Bob Costas interview shows and that's where I saw this.
Crystal was visibly moved as he relayed the story and I think that is why I remember it so vividly.

[H2O Man]

54. There is a good book

titled "Brown Bomber," by Barney Nagler.It was published by Berkley Medallion (if I remember correctly, in about 1972). It detailed Joe's battle with mental illness. It wasn't until after he retired, and had no real structure in his daily life, that the symptoms really took their toll.

Louis was psychiatric hospitals, and his illness was made worse when he was introduced to cocaine. A large number of parasites made his final decades of life even more troubled, as he was easily taken advantage of. Though paranoid about invisible enemies, Joe trusted the shitheads that too often surround the sport.

Based upon that book and other things that I've read/heard, I suspect the story you mention is true.

[JEB]

16. Ali is the greatest

along with the likes of Olympic Gold Medalist, Tommie Smith and Bronze medalist, John Carlos. Jim Brown, the greatest running back, has some pertinent things to say concerning our society.

[Scuba]

32. Don't forget Jessie Owens.

[H2O Man]

58. I agree.

Good points.

[KG]

17. heroic

were there more citizens of conscience willing to take such a stand and endure the consequences

[The Wizard]

18. He had the courage of his convictions

And when he was champ he had the most recognized face in the world. The greatest of all time and a great man.

[RagAss]

19. I would love to hear those taped conversations between Dr. King and Ali.

[democrank]

22. Was it....

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee? Great man.

[hifiguy]

24. Ali is the only athlete who deserves to be called "The Greatest"

and he deserves it for many reasons.

[spanone]

29. i grew up watching mr ali fight...in the ring and out

he was amazing.

he has all of my respect.

44 years....my goodness.

[Odin2005]

31. An amazing man. Rec'd.

[mdmc]

33. r

[paparush]

35. "No Vietnamese ever called me nigger..."

[Nevernose]

36. I was told he was "un-American" yesterday

I was telling a student, an 18 year old Senior, the story of how Cassius became Muhammad and how he refused to fight in Vietnam, and the kid's only response was "That's un-American!"

FYI: He's actually a neat kid, just from a super-conservative, racist family. One gets the distinct impression that he's not actually articulating his own thoughts, merely echoing someone else's (e.g., he secretly listens to rap and hip hop).

[Warren Stupidity]

37. The answer is -1991? nt

[deaniac21]

38. Meanwhile, Elijah Muhammad was transporting back and forth

from the mother ship.

[DeSwiss]

40. K&R! n/t

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

41. He was courageous and way ahead of his time

He had guts, but was falsely labeled a coward. What he did took more courage and
integrity than anything.

[Hoyt]

42. Big admirer. His statement -- "No Vietnamese ever called me a _______" was perfect.

[JonLP24]

45. K&R

[Bluenorthwest]

48. I've been thinking about this post all night....

I remember when Ali became an objector to the draft. I was very young, we will say 7. It is surprising to me that I was that young, because I remember it so well, and my Father, somehow he knew to talk to me as he did at that age. There were many layers to the conversation, first Dad did not care for boxing much or sports in general at all, but he admired Ali which puzzled me because Dad really disliked bragging, talking yourself up was his pet peeve, so I asked him why it did not bug him that Ali said "I am the greatest" and all of that. Dad told me Ali was not bragging, he was making a point of fact on his own behalf because those who should be hailing him as the greatest often hesitated because Ali was a black man, and this pissed them off. So he said Ali had to speak for himself in that way, he said if Ali was a white man, others would be saying it for him, all the time, because he was the greatest, of this time or any time. He then told me that was part of why Cassius Clay changed his name, he said he probably would feel the same about a name that had been given in slavery, and about the religion as well, Dad was an atheist, but he said that he'd also not want the religion some slaver gave to great grandpa and that Cassius is a hell of a name, he might not have picked Muhammad Ali, but he figured that name made the point and drew a line, he thought Ali was a fine name chosen for what he called 'righteous reasons'. He told me other white people might not feel the same about that, as well.
Dad was a veteran of WW2, but he also supported Ali's objector status fully, and for the same reasons Ali gave. He told me that war was not like the one he fought in, he thought Ali probably would have gone to WW2. He said he did not know if he'd have gone to Viet Nam. That he did not know if I should, if that war lasted until I was of age.
He said many people would call Ali a coward or unamerican for not going to the war, but that Ali was clearly a man of flawless courage, not afraid of the fight or of physical harm, also not afraid of fat men in expensive suits who make wars for not always the right reasons. He said that when your country is wrong, or if you believe in your heart that it is wrong, then to stand up and object was more patriotic than to jump up and do as you are told. He said Muhammad Ali was a Great American, Cassius Clay was just a great boxer, Ali had made himself a great man, a man to take as an example of courage and conviction.
Parents, I feel for you, for all of that was when I was 7, and it was like yesterday to me. My Dad, he was also a great man. Muhammad Ali is the only sports figure that either of my parents ever pointed to as a role model. The Greatest.

[H2O Man]

55. I have mentioned

elsewhere in this thread that one of my brothers got to spend a lot of time in Ali's training camp. He was friends with Bundini Brown. When there aren't crowds and cameras around, Muhammad was actually a rather quiet, almost shy person.

I'm not suggesting the public performance was an act. It wasn't ... not entirely, even though parts were .... but the man had many different sides to him.

Thanks for sharing your story here. I really enjoyed reading it. Your Dad sounds like my type of friend, as do you!

[DemoTex]

49. In "My Breakfast with Muhammad Ali" I discuss this and other aspects of Viet Nam.

"My Breakfast with Muhammad Ali" is an essay I wrote based on a hotel lobby breakfast with Muhammad Ali in the late 1990s (his niece was a flight attendant on my crew so he had arranged to stay at the hotel in Chicago where we were staying on a layover). Muhammad Ali loved my story about a Viet Cong B-40 rocket attack against a public address speaker system on the control tower at Pleiku AFB that was blaring - live - his March 1971 fight with Joe Frazier 11,000 miles away at Madison Square Gardens. I hope to use "My Breakfast with Muhammad Ali" as a chapter in a book I'm writing.

[KatieW]

50. My father would have been described as a Republican right winger, but he did admire Ali for

taking a stance and accepting the consequences that came with it. He didn't agree with Muhammad Ali and his view on the Vietnam war, but he gave him credit for standing up for what he believed and taking whatever consequences came as the result.

[NICO9000]

53. Remember what George Carlin said about this?

"I'll beat 'em up, but I won't kill 'em!"

[DefenseLawyer]

56. Compare Michael Jordon: "Republicans buy shoes too." n/t

[Wait Wut]

59. A favorite childhood memory.

My father was the ad exec. for a strip mall in Hyde Park, Chicago where there was a popular Greek restaurant. They were having a sidewalk fair and my dad had to be there to make sure everything ran smoothly and I went with him (I was about 7). He was friends with the owner of the restaurant so we stopped in for lunch. Sitting in a booth, chatting with the restaurant owner and a couple of others was Mr. Ali.

I was terrified of people as a child. They had me tested for autism and learning disabilities when I was in first grade. If anyone looked me in the eye, spoke directly to me or, God forbid, touched me...I'd whimper and hide at the least, fall down on the ground in hysterics at the worst.

We walked up to the table and my father was like a little kid, shaking his hand and rambling. I was hiding behind my dad. Mr. Ali peeked around him and smiled at me. I actually smiled back. He held out his hand and I took it. He gently pulled me towards him and I followed. He put his ENORMOUS hands around my waist, picked me up and sat me in his lap. The whole world disappeared as this giant of a man whispered in my ear. I don't remember what he said, I remember giggling. I remember my dad standing there with his mouth hanging open. And, I remember feeling so incredibly safe. I sat there for a good 15-20 minutes while he ignored everyone else in the room and spoke only to me.

This isn't a great man just because he's been a great activist. He's a great man because the world needed someone as warm and kind as this. Someone a disturbed child could trust and look up to. It breaks my heart to see him now...until I look in his eyes. Those were the eyes I looked into so many years ago. Kind, compassionate and maybe a little mischievous.

Thank you, Mr. Ali, for all you've given to this country. A great leader, the world's best fighter, and a beautiful spirit. I will never, ever forget you.

[man4allcats]

60. What a guy!

Ali has always been my hero. Here's to you, Champ!
:toast: :toast: :toast:

[bobble1]

61. Ali

I think it should also be noted that one of Ali's earliest supporters was Howard Cosell. Howard, spoke out publicly in support of Ali's C/O status, and about how unfair it was
for him to have his titles stripped, without due process of law. Before becoming a broadcaster, Cosell was a lawyer.

He was probably the first mainstream (and white) guy who supported Ali's right to assert his position, without being dinged for doing so.

Ali's convictions was ultimately reversed by the appellate court.

[crazyjoe]

62. "Ali could have made millions of dollars in that period of time"

Actually, since he is a black man, he would have been put on the front lines and most likely come home in a body bag. Of all the pointless wars politicians got us into, Vietnam was the worst. A very sad time in our history.
Wars should be fought by the people that start them.
Ali is an American treasure.