not sure about that to be honest. I agree there were shouts of traitor and draft dodger. however there was praise across the board. Cant remember the magazine (maybe Times?) that had hd him on the cover etc. As feelings against vietnam grew so did praise for his stance I would go as far as to argue that people agreed with his stance against the war, but not his statement that it was against his religion. This religious argument I believe gets glossed over now and just being anti war is focussed upon and i honestly believe ali is probably more popular with the white community than the black.
He was stripped of his title so I think that fact alone shows how he was treated by the Authorities. I can't say I agreed with his stance but he's still a hero to me anyway.
I agree re the authorities, they came down on him like a tonne of bricks. dont necessarily agree with all the arguments why they did. Not a lot of choice imo.
