6-10-16
An 18-year-old kid named Cassius Clay dazzled at the 1960 Olympics. Boxing. Took the Gold. Like no one before him. That very same kid four years later, then 22, got a shot at the Heavyweight Championship. The year? 1964. No one gave that kid a chance against the older more experienced Sonny Liston.
Can still remember the night, 2-25-64. Listened on the radio as that kid took it to the Champ. Kicked his ass. So much so, the older fighter failed to answer the bell at the start of the seventh round. Six rounds was all it took. That kid was soon to be known as Muhammad Ali. The rest is history. Ali was certainly one of the most gifted. -- Light on his feet. ... Quick with his hands. "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." He did.
Had a mouth like no other fighter before. Unlike Trump, however, had the talent, gifts, skills, personality to back it. Unlike Trump, as well, had a heart. Cared about people. Turned out to be a great civil rights icon, humanitarian, and ambassador to the world. Was his own man always. Rattled the cage of the Right like no one before him.
Changed his religion to the chagrin of the Right, fearlessly displayed courage, attitude, always stood for what he believed. Took no prisoners. Couldn't care less the personal consequences. Stood tall no matter what. -- Whether or not it was an unjust war, racism, Jim Crow, corrupt, abusive, inept government, etc.. ... And yes, despite the fact he, on occasion, took things over the top. Way over the top.
Sadly, the sport he so loved took its toll. Pugilistic-related Parkinson's. Died at 74 of septic shock, 6-3-16. Loving family around him.
Most remarkable artistic talent he so readily shared? A master of rhyme, a gifted poet, whose verse as we know it, will live long and was stoic. Stood on principle and against the draft, cost him dearly professionally, but had the last laugh.
Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril
Tim Chorney, Publisher
Liberty In Peril
Formerly,
The Llano Ledger
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