Posted on 11/03/2005 4:49:32 PM PST by Pharmboy
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush on Thursday announced the recipients of this year's Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award.
Those to be honored at a White House ceremony this coming Wednesday are:
-Muhammad Ali. The three-time heavyweight boxing champion successfully defended the title 19 times and was a gold medalist at the 1960 Olympic Games.
-Carol Burnett. The actress and comedian debuted on Broadway in 1959 and starred for more than a decade on "The Carol Burnett Show."
-Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn. They designed the software code used to transmit data over the Internet.
-Robert Conquest. The historian is known for his work on Soviet history, politics, and foreign policy. More than 35 years after its publication, his book, "The Great Terror: Stalin's Purge of the Thirties," remains one of the most influential studies of Soviet history.
-Aretha Franklin. The singer has nearly two dozen No. 1 singles and has won numerous awards. Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.
-Alan Greenspan. He has been chairman of the Federal Reserve for the past 18 years.
-Andy Griffith. The actor first achieved national acclaim in the 1950s for his standup comedy routines. He went on to star in television shows such as "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock" and numerous Broadway productions and films.
-Paul Harvey. The radio personality's broadcasts started airing nationally in 1951.
-Sonny Montgomery. A veterans' supporter during his 30 years as a member of the House of Representatives. The Montgomery GI Bill helped make education affordable for millions of veterans.
-Gen. Richard Myers. He recently retired as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
-Jack Nicklaus. The golfer won 18 major tournament as professional as well as won more than 70 PGA Tour events.
-Frank Robinson. The current manager of the Washington Nationals, Robinson won most valuable player awards in both the American and National leagues. He broke the color barrier for managers, becoming the first black manager in Major League Baseball in 1975.
-Paul Rusesabagina. The hotelier's life was the subject of the movie "Hotel Rwanda," which depicted his courage and compassion in sheltering people at the hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The Medal of Freedom, established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize civilians for their efforts during World War II. The award was reinstated by President Kennedy in 1963 to honor distinguished service.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, recognizes exceptional meritorious service. The medal was established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize notable service in the war. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy reintroduced it as an honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime.
Looking for "meritorious service."
Sort of a Presidential "People's Choice" award.
Or Buckhead?
Paul Rusesabagina genuinely deserves credit. Hotel Rwanda, the story of his heroism, was one of the best films I've seen in recent years. Here is part of his story:
http://www.immortalchaplains.org/Prize/Ceremony2000/Rusesabagina/rusesabagina.htm
Yes...I agree. This guy showed amazing courage.
Conquest is a poke in the eye with a sharp stick to those who wax nostalgic about the good old days when Communists ruled Russia with an iron fist.
And if you haven't seen Hotel Rwanda, it's an excellent, althought disturbing, film.
Don Cheadle's performance is outstanding.
Sorry folks, but forcing someone to join a government agency is wrong. Nevertheless, the law is the law, and Muhammed did his time.
And thats...the REST of the story!
I don't recall Cassius Clay going to prison. What was the name of the establishment where he supposedly entered the Big House?
2. Ali was sentenced to five years in prison, but it was reversed three years later on appeal.
Hands down, no questions asked, ABSOLUTELY deserved this honor:
-Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn. They designed the software code used to transmit data over the Internet.
-Robert Conquest. The historian is known for his work on Soviet history, politics, and foreign policy. More than 35 years after its publication, his book, "The Great Terror: Stalin's Purge of the Thirties," remains one of the most influential studies of Soviet history.
-Sonny Montgomery. A veterans' supporter during his 30 years as a member of the House of Representatives. The Montgomery GI Bill helped make education affordable for millions of veterans.
-Gen. Richard Myers. He recently retired as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
-Frank Robinson. The current manager of the Washington Nationals, Robinson won most valuable player awards in both the American and National leagues. He broke the color barrier for managers, becoming the first black manager in Major League Baseball in 1975.
-Paul Rusesabagina. The hotelier's life was the subject of the movie "Hotel Rwanda," which depicted his courage and compassion in sheltering people at the hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
I'd rather have it than the Noballs Appeasement prize. Especially with this POTUS.
It didn't take long, did it?
Muhammed Ali is a wonderful person. He also has a wicked sense of humor. Don't understand why some people don't like him.
Where's Congressman Weldon???
Oh, I think I fully understand it. It goes back to when he gave up his crown to avoid military service based on his principles. But I think you knew that.
It is amazing that at the prime of his career, even when offered, basically a 'Joe Louis' style enlistment, he turned it down. The ban from boxing literally cost him millions.
People also forget that it was Muhammad Ali that almost single handedly saved Howard Cosell after the "Look at that little monkey run." comment.
but this guy . . .
-Paul Harvey. The radio personality's broadcasts started airing nationally in 1951.
I'd like to have him present when everything about Wilson and Plame comes out so he can stand in the well of the Senate floor and state: "And now you know . . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
the REST of the story.
And you cast aspersions at Cindy Sheehan, whose son fought and died for this country while Cassius Clay praised the Viet Cong. Even if you disagree with Cindy Sheehan, she has the guts to speak in public against a war that makes no sense.
From my recollection,and a little research I just did, Clay didn't serve a single day in jail.The SC overturned his conviction.He didn't have to go to Canada.He,like The Most Ethical President In History,managed to scam the system and,thus,dodged the draft.
Joan Baez's husband did prison time for refusing to serve and I assume others did as well.For those guys,I have at least some respect.For the ones who went to Canada and for the likes of Clinton and Clay,I have NONE!
There were plenty of guys who would gladly have given up large sums of money rather than pay the price they *did* pay.
Those of us who lived through these times and who served (in SE Asia or elsewhere) even though we didn't want to (and were afraid) have nothing but contempt for him and his ilk.
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