GaryMrMets
11-23-2005, 05:43 PM
Forgotten History - The Greatest
The Greatest
By Denis Mueller
The champ is about ready to die. His battle with Parkinson disease has gotten worse with no real possibilities for improvement. But in this age of self-centered stupid athletes like Terrell Owens, and civil rights leaders like Jesse Jackson whose main concern seems to be to get into the papers, we forget how important people like Muhammad Ali were. Ali burst into the scene as Cassius Clay the Louisville. But he was mere than a mere athlete, or a mere mortal for that manner, but a prince who made us laugh.
The late Malcolm X befriended Ali during the turbulent 1960's. His conversion to Islam shocked and angered the country. He said things like: "I won't be what you want me to be." His outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War made him a folk hero to many. "I have no quarrel with those Viet Cong they never called me a nigger." In an age when it seems impossible for any sports star to think about anything other than themselves, Ali talked about walking amongst the poor, the winos, those that are addicted to drugs and making an impact with ones own life.
Ali wrote poetry and became one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. But what is unique to me are the differences between the athletes of today and of Ali's time. There were others, Bill Russell, Jim Brown, Tommie Smith and John Carlos who gave the black power salute at the Olympics. These were people who had ideas of their own, who had beliefs other than their new contract.
A long time ago. Ali decided that his life would be important, and on the way to making us laugh and thrilling us with the drama of his own performances. He taught us something about having the courage of your own convictions. It must be remembered that for a full three years Ali had no income. He gave away his best times as a fighter all for what he believes. I think that was his noble gift to all of us was his ability to make us laugh. Soon he will be gone and there will never be anyone like him. He was an athlete and a man who went far beyond his limited education to become a world figure.
"Float like a butterfly
And sting like a bee.
Your hands can't hit
What your eyes can't see."
"If you want to lose your money then go ahead and bet on Sonny."
The Greatest
By Denis Mueller
The champ is about ready to die. His battle with Parkinson disease has gotten worse with no real possibilities for improvement. But in this age of self-centered stupid athletes like Terrell Owens, and civil rights leaders like Jesse Jackson whose main concern seems to be to get into the papers, we forget how important people like Muhammad Ali were. Ali burst into the scene as Cassius Clay the Louisville. But he was mere than a mere athlete, or a mere mortal for that manner, but a prince who made us laugh.
The late Malcolm X befriended Ali during the turbulent 1960's. His conversion to Islam shocked and angered the country. He said things like: "I won't be what you want me to be." His outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War made him a folk hero to many. "I have no quarrel with those Viet Cong they never called me a nigger." In an age when it seems impossible for any sports star to think about anything other than themselves, Ali talked about walking amongst the poor, the winos, those that are addicted to drugs and making an impact with ones own life.
Ali wrote poetry and became one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. But what is unique to me are the differences between the athletes of today and of Ali's time. There were others, Bill Russell, Jim Brown, Tommie Smith and John Carlos who gave the black power salute at the Olympics. These were people who had ideas of their own, who had beliefs other than their new contract.
A long time ago. Ali decided that his life would be important, and on the way to making us laugh and thrilling us with the drama of his own performances. He taught us something about having the courage of your own convictions. It must be remembered that for a full three years Ali had no income. He gave away his best times as a fighter all for what he believes. I think that was his noble gift to all of us was his ability to make us laugh. Soon he will be gone and there will never be anyone like him. He was an athlete and a man who went far beyond his limited education to become a world figure.
"Float like a butterfly
And sting like a bee.
Your hands can't hit
What your eyes can't see."
"If you want to lose your money then go ahead and bet on Sonny."