Muhammad Ali
Bradley Dorsett Period 7
Muhammad Ali
Ali was a world famous heavyweight boxing champion, who was know for his powerful knockout skill. As well, Ali is also know well for being a big name athlete to evade the draft; the draft for the Vietnam War. This caused much controversy because it was against the law, yet it was what Ali believed because of his religion. Ali was suspended from boxing because of this, but was able to fight in court and eventually get back to boxing.
Ali's case
Former heavyweight boxing champion Cassius Clay is surrounded by a battery of newsmen and photographers as he leaves federal court in Houston June 20, 1967, after an all-white jury found him guilty on charges of refusing to be inducted into the U.S. armed forces.
Protest
a protest of the draft and shows how many americans where against the draft and the war itself.
Newspaper
this newspaper explains how daring it was for someone like Ali to be evading the draft like he is.
Thoreau and Ali
Just like Thoreau, Ali believed that the government had more control over him and everyone else than needed. As Thoreau said in Civil Disobedience, "The character inherent in the American people has done all that has been accomplished; and it would have done somewhat more, if the government had not sometimes got in its way." Ali understands like him that we have are own beliefs and control and that the US is only trying to bring down those that do not follow the rules set for society.