Paying Attention

Herein be random ruminations on politics, history, ideas, spirituality, religion, education, media, life, relationships, culture... and Boston sports when I really want to vent.

"If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention." (ubiquitous)

"Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never has and never will." (Frederick Douglass)

"I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires." (Susan B. Anthony)

"Clearly the trick in life is to die young as late as possible." (William Sloane Coffin)

January 18, 2012 9:06 pm

THE GREATEST

Picture 1 shows Cassius Marcellus Clay, a Louisville, KY abolitionist.  When his slave-holding neighbors assembled at his home to burn down his printing press, they found Mr. Clay had put a cannon on his front porch.

Generations later, a black woman in Louisville named her son after the abolitionist.   Pretty cool.  Obviously, she saw history, courage and greatness in her baby’s future.   Her son became a boxer (picture 2). 

That boxer became Muhammad Ali, who has just turned 70 (Picture 3).  I’m afraid today’s young people don’t understand the greatness of Muhammad Ali.  LeBron James took heat for his “Decision” — though he continues to play and make millions.  Another athlete is called “courageous” for tweeting something modestly controversial.  How silly!

Muhammad Ali made a courageous decision to resist the Viet Nam draft, and the financial, personal and professional price he paid makes a joke out of what today’s athletes have to deal with.  Now Ali is (almost) universally loved and lionized, but for most of his career he was subjected to a level of hatred and criticism LeBron, Kobe, Barry Bonds and their peers can scarcely imagine… if they even knew enough about history to try. 

Happy Birthday, Champ.  Those of us who grew up with you and your journey offer you our love and profound respect.  As for others, they need to do a little research and find out why Muhammad Ali will always be known as “The Greatest.”

His greatness was not only about boxing.

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