Posted By:
boxingcardmanAli was willing to stand the consequences of his refusal to fight (jail), on the basis of his religious views:
"War is against the teachings of the Holy Qur'an. I'm not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger. We don't take part in Christian wars or wars of any unbelievers."
As a result he was convicted of refusing to serve and sentenced to prison. On appeal, a unanimous (8-0) Supreme Court decided that Ali's conviction for failure to appear at induction for the Armed Forces should be overturned since the Appeal Board gave no reason for the denial of his conscientious objector exemption application. A man who is wiling to risk 5 years at Leavenworth over his religious views is about as sincere as I can imagine and is worthy of my respect.
He didn't just decide he had "other priorities" like some did.
Sic Gorgiamus Allos Subjectatos Nunc