“I got no quarrel with them Vietcong.”
January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016
American
Professional Boxer, Activist, Olympic Gold Medalist, Heavyweight Champion
table of contents
Quote
“I got no quarrel with them Vietcong.”
Explanation
This brief but historic statement by Muhammad Ali became one of the most powerful anti-war declarations of the 20th century, encapsulating his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War in 1967. By saying “I got no quarrel with them Vietcong,” Ali made it clear that he saw no moral justification for fighting people who had not harmed him, especially when racial injustice was rampant in his own country.
Ali’s stance was rooted in both his religious beliefs as a member of the Nation of Islam and his political awareness. At a time when many Americans still supported the war effort, Ali’s defiance cost him dearly: he was stripped of his heavyweight title, banned from boxing, and faced a potential five-year prison sentence. But his moral clarity and willingness to sacrifice everything for his principles turned him into a global symbol of conscience and resistance.
Today, this quote remains a touchstone for those who oppose war on ethical, political, or religious grounds. It reflects the belief that true patriotism is not blind obedience, but standing up for justice—even when it’s unpopular. Ali’s words continue to echo as a bold reminder that courage isn’t just shown in combat, but in refusing to fight for a cause one does not believe is right.
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