'it took real guts to step out of the ring and risk everything.'

[jhain]

Louisville Unveils Ali Center, Honoring Boxer
*******

Bryant Gumbel said Ali showed remarkable character for his stance against the Vietnam War. Ali refused to serve in the military during the war, a stand that cost him his heavyweight title. Gumbel said "it took bravery to get into the ring and risk his pretty face, it took real guts to step out of the ring and risk everything."

Gumbel said Ali's "principled views" eventually won him the admiration of those who once reviled him.

"The lesson of his life is that while our choices may sometimes put us at odds with others, we should always be willing to exercise our independence and never compromise our beliefs simply to curry public favor," he said.

Ali received a videotaped congratulations from President Jimmy Carter, who praised the champ for standing up for racial equality and promoting peace. Actor Chris Tucker said he was star-struck by meeting Ali.

**********

http://www.nbc10.com/news/5367502/detail.html?treets=phi&tid=2652733666813&tml=phi_12pm&tmi=phi_12pm_1_10550211202005&ts=H

***********
People changin' their bloody minds all over the place these days..have you noticed??
***************

[Wind Dancer]

1. Nice article.

It's amazing the differences between the interaction of * and Clinton regarding Ali's Medal of Freedom. The boyking is incapable of honoring anybody due to his narcissistic personality.
------------------------------

From the article:

"The world is a better place because of you," Clinton said. "You thrilled us as a fighter and you inspired us even more as a force for peace and reconciliation, understanding and respect."

Though frail, Ali still flashed his famous playfulness. As Clinton praised him, Ali discreetly put two fingers in a V-shape behind the former president's head, drawing laughter from the crowd and Clinton.

Clinton said Ali was unmatched as a fighter: "No one was ever more beautiful or brash or bright or powerful or fast in the ring. It was breathtaking."

Clinton said Ali's greatness continued long after his boxing skills faded and his career ended.

"As your body slowed down, your heart speeded up, and I never saw anything quite like it," Clinton said.