[KC Burke]

Any American who contributes to an accurate portrayal of our nation's intentions should have his contribution respected. Ali, as a past draft resistor and convert to the Nation of Islam is only helped in making such a communication by his past history. He sure isn't my cup of tea, but I see nothing here less than could be asked for from this fellow, sickened by chronic disease.

[Random Access]

Ali, as a past draft resistor

That is the key. Ali was a draft resistor. He stood his ground and took the punishment. He did not run to Canada or Sweden. He was a draft resistor not a draft dodger. He lost more money because of his stand than most of us will ever see in our lives.

While I do not agree with his stand, I do admire him for accepting the consequences of his act. If he had gone in the Army, he never would have had to face combat in Viet Nam. He would have been assigned to Special Services and given boxing demonstrations for the brass. He could have had a soft job, kept his title and saved a lot of money. The difference between civil disobedience and terrorism is that the former is willing to accept the punishment because of his acts.