Muhammad Ali Dead @ 74

I particularly liked this obituary; perhaps others will post more of them:

I Never Felt Taller Than When Standing in Muhammad Ali's Shadow

There are many paths of donation for Parkinson's disease research. That disease essentially chose Mr. Ali as its spokesman. If it gets 'beaten' I would count it as another Ali win.

 

I remember Ali from Marine bootcamp. It wasn't I was ever a fan (nor even now) of boxing. But he was his own man:

• Islamic yet religious
• Anti-Vietnam war for religious reasons that made sense
• An honest appraisal of his abilities

There are people who have gone before me that I still admire:

• Steve Jobs
• Dr. Martin Luther King
• John Kennedy
• Jimmy Hendrix
• Janis Joplin
• James Ward Wilson
• Mohamed Ali

But these were those of my generation and I will always have fond memories because they were more than the ordinary.

Bob Wilson

 

"Islamic yet religious" I have no idea what that means. But I am afraid of saying something (anything!) that could send this to pillowfights.

 

Ali refused the draft, to fight in Vietnam, because of his faith, and paid a price. Eventually the US Supreme Court upheld his point of view and he subsequently regained his championship. I was not so religious.

I trained to be a Marine but never served in a combat zone. Yet I've never resented Ali nor any others who chose not to go. Sometimes it is the luck of the draw and my draft lottery number was 34 but I also grew up to be one of our country's warriors. The Marines ground those 'lifer tendencies' out of me.

All of this was between 1968 and 1977, a long time before PriusChat and our 'pillow fights'. But I can admire a man who because of his Islamic faith chose not to go and paid a price.

Bob Wilson

 

Ali is worthy of admiration and respect.
Period.

Thanks for the memories Champ!

 

Watching the moon set early in the morning, I am reminded Ramadan started Sunday, June 5. Hopefully, some will remember the example of Ali in their prayers and follow his path.

Bob Wilson

 

There are a few Ramadan Mubaraks around here. Tomorrow's birthday party (not mine!) is after sunset to accommodate them,