“I Don’t Stop When I’m Tired, I Stop When I’m Done.”

“It’s just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound sand. I beat people up.” – Muhammad Ali

The braggadocios young Muhammad Ali, nee Cassius Clay, mellowed with age and illness butt he will nevertheless always be known for his swagger.

I, however, am partial to the equally great boxer butt less bodacious Joe Louis –

Joe Louis and Ali

the first black Heavyweight World Champion. He was always described as a gentleman. (full disclosure: my uncle was the “Brown Bomber’s” commanding officer in WWII and his promoter for awhile afterwards)

The Brown Bomber with Uncle Lou, 1946

Boxing is a lot like politics, everyone brags, everyone exaggerates and everyone dances around trying to evade the punches while awaiting the opportunity to land the winning blow. Butt unlike boxing, people playing the blood sport of politics will always play to the death. 

Which brings me to my brother’s favorite peripheral Joe Louis story. It involves Max Baer who, after being pummeled by Louis in a fight that only lasted four rounds, told a post-fight reporter “Sure I could have gotten up the last time. Twenty bucks entitles these people to see a fight. It don’t entitle them to see a murder.” 

In the world of politics however we demand the murder.

There will be blood – Lord Byron

So, carry on troops; it’s not over yet.