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 Burbia Blogs- added on 02/20/2009 Michael Phelps, Meet Muhammad Ali. Just Say NoCan you name an Olympic gold medal winner who was publicly vilified for breaking (or appearing to break) an unpopular law? I can name two: Michael Phelps and Muhammad Ali. Now granted, Phelps may float like a butterfly on steroids but he's no Ali, regardless of his 8 to 1 lead in Olympic gold jewelry. The former Cassius Clay took his place in the pantheon of American heroes by seamlessly cementing performance with personality. It's the latter that Phelps seems to lack. The recent dust-up over the infamous Bong Photo shows why when it comes to forging a legend, Phelps needs to turn up the heat. Some say Phelps did the right thing by profusely apologizing for the photo; stating that his actions were not appropriate for a role model. Hold on though, who elected Phelps to be America's role model? He could yet become one, but not by spouting the politically correct line his handlers would have him spout. There is no greater example of institutionalized hypocrisy than current drug laws that criminalize the use of marijuana while turning a blind eye to "acceptable" drugs like alcohol and tobacco. Anyone who's taken a toke (and you know who you are) is anything but ashamed of it, so why should Phelps be? His wooden apologies just don't come off as sincere, and when you lose sincerity, you lose respect. Who wins in this situation? Certainly not Michael Phelps, who has the threat of arrest by a self-righteous South Carolina sheriff hanging over his head regardless of what he says. Society also loses, in that this country's archaic and unfair marijuana laws once again come under the spotlight, embarrassing the authority figures who framed them. Phelps could do a lot for himself, his admirers, his generation and a huge silent majority out there by emulating what Ali did: take one for the team now and reap the rewards later. To recap, in 1967, at the pinnacle of his pro boxing career, Muhammad Ali declared himself to be a conscientious objector when called up by his local draft board. Ali's stand against the Vietnam War cost him his greatest prize when the New York State Athletic Commission suspended his boxing license and stripped him of his WBA heavyweight title. It would be almost 4 years before Ali would be allowed to box again. By the time the Supreme Court unanimously reversed his conviction for refusing induction into the army (on June 28, 1971) however, he had become a champion of another sort. An entire generation saw Ali as their hero, someone who did the right thing by refusing to fight in an increasingly unpopular war. As mentioned, Muhammad Ali's almost saintly standing today owes much to that day back in 1967 when a young man stood up for what he believed in. What does it all mean? Well, I'm not here to tell Michael Phelps what to do - he already has more than enough voices shouting in his swimmer's ear and besides, the most important voice he hears has to come from within. If I were him, however, I would take a page from Muhammad Ali's book. I'd use my celebrity megaphone to shout out to the waiting world what I really think: "The letter of the law goes against the spirit of the people. You can crush my endorsement deals like a box of stale Corn Flakes but you'll never crush my self-respect. Now who's with me?" ...read more blogs markbecker ??Fri, 02/20/2009 ?? 11:05
  Michael Phelps is dumb as - submitted by Anonymous on 02/20/2009
Michael Phelps is dumb as wood. he should smoke pot regularly to give himself a personality. taking a social or political stand is probably the last thing this guy would ever do. too bad Bongs away. - submitted by Anonymous on 02/20/2009
Bongs away. Phels is the best. - submitted by Anonymous on 02/23/2009
What is all this bashing on Phelp's personality? I doubt you know him personally. I think this whole ordeal about him smoking pot is the dumbest thing I have ever seen yes he SHOULD apologize because he is a huge role model to young kids everywhere and like the greatest athlete ever but at the same time give him a break he is doing what just about every young adult his age is doing it just so happens he has to do it in the spotlight. Rock on Phelps if anyone deserves to get high its you. Why - submitted by John Dough on 02/23/2009
Why say no? Pot is good! RT www.anonymity.eu.tc Of course the pot issue - submitted by Anonymous on 02/24/2009
Of course the pot issue isn't the same as the war but Phelps could take a stand. he won't because he's a kid who has no interest in anything except partying and swimming and there's nothing wrong with that. but if you believe that criminalization of pot is wrong, a celebrity who stood up against it might make a difference. 14 gold medals - submitted by jcy on 02/24/2009
phelps has 14 gold medals, not just 8 From one avid pot smoker to - submitted by e-money on 02/24/2009
From one avid pot smoker to another, I'll say this: our nation's best swimmer (ever) did do right in apologizing for his actions. As a world-famous athlete and idol for all young athletes, there are some things you just don't get to do. Smoking pot is one of them. Unfortunately. If anyone deserves a great bong hit, it's Michael Phelps. That doesn't change the fact that, in most states, possession of the drug (yes, drug) is a crime, and its use should be kept private - especially if the user hopes to be a role model for children. Granted, I'd say the dirt bag with a cameraphone is more of a bad egg than Mr. Phelps for circulating such a photo out of - what, spite? jealousy? We may never know, but THOSE are character traits that our young must be taught to recognize and abhor. Smoking a little bud, well, that's still not something in which they should see an idol actively participating. ha - submitted by Anonymous on 02/24/2009
yeah, phelps could take a stand and lose everything he has built up over the years. not exactly a bright idea, stupid. Not to mention... - submitted by bilton on 02/24/2009
All that role model stuff is great and everything but also he was doing everything in his power to keep his sponsors, it's really all about the cash money. Plus .... - submitted by bilton on 02/24/2009
...think of all the extra weed he could buy if was still in Kellogs pocket. Great article! - submitted by Dan on 02/24/2009
You know, I'm glad that you brought these two things together to provide a similar light. In a time and age where we have learned the benefits of marijuana greatly outweigh their negatives (no thanks to our trusty government), we no longer need be afraid to voice ourselves. Instead of hiding in the shadows of corporate sponsorship, basking in the glory that is riches and fame, and pressing forward to promote awareness on an issue is something that benefits us as a whole, not just yourself. This is something that Michael Phelps should take to heart. Ross Rebagliati - submitted by Anonymous on 02/24/2009
He got his medal back..... Well, whatever smoke juice - submitted by Johnny Blaze on 09/21/2009
Well, whatever <a rel="" href="http://www.halocigs.com/american-made-smoke-juice">smoke juice</a> that Phelps is on, its keeping him on top. I don't know why people give others a problem when they smoke weed, even when they have proven they are the best in the world. Shouldn't we be taking advice from Phelps? He's obviously more successful than anyone reading or writing on this site, plus most of the country! Weedies...the breakfast of Champions. Johnny Blaze  |
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