Posted on 11/03/2005 4:49:32 PM PST by Pharmboy
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush on Thursday announced the recipients of this year's Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civil award.
Those to be honored at a White House ceremony this coming Wednesday are:
-Muhammad Ali. The three-time heavyweight boxing champion successfully defended the title 19 times and was a gold medalist at the 1960 Olympic Games.
-Carol Burnett. The actress and comedian debuted on Broadway in 1959 and starred for more than a decade on "The Carol Burnett Show."
-Vinton Cerf and Robert Kahn. They designed the software code used to transmit data over the Internet.
-Robert Conquest. The historian is known for his work on Soviet history, politics, and foreign policy. More than 35 years after its publication, his book, "The Great Terror: Stalin's Purge of the Thirties," remains one of the most influential studies of Soviet history.
-Aretha Franklin. The singer has nearly two dozen No. 1 singles and has won numerous awards. Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.
-Alan Greenspan. He has been chairman of the Federal Reserve for the past 18 years.
-Andy Griffith. The actor first achieved national acclaim in the 1950s for his standup comedy routines. He went on to star in television shows such as "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Matlock" and numerous Broadway productions and films.
-Paul Harvey. The radio personality's broadcasts started airing nationally in 1951.
-Sonny Montgomery. A veterans' supporter during his 30 years as a member of the House of Representatives. The Montgomery GI Bill helped make education affordable for millions of veterans.
-Gen. Richard Myers. He recently retired as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
-Jack Nicklaus. The golfer won 18 major tournament as professional as well as won more than 70 PGA Tour events.
-Frank Robinson. The current manager of the Washington Nationals, Robinson won most valuable player awards in both the American and National leagues. He broke the color barrier for managers, becoming the first black manager in Major League Baseball in 1975.
-Paul Rusesabagina. The hotelier's life was the subject of the movie "Hotel Rwanda," which depicted his courage and compassion in sheltering people at the hotel he managed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The Medal of Freedom, established by President Truman in 1945 to recognize civilians for their efforts during World War II. The award was reinstated by President Kennedy in 1963 to honor distinguished service.
Where's Linda Tripp?
What about Michael New?
Wow, talk about diluting something
And what do most of them have to do with "Freedom"?
I'm really surprised Ali and Robinson hadn't won it before.
Other than the Internet guys, ya got me...
Interesting that its supposed to be for contributions to our "national security" and at the head of the list is one Muhammad Ali, who refused induction into the armed services of this country, even to provide exhibition boxing matches.
I wonder, how many posts before someone blasts this recipient?
That's my point.
The PMoF has become a feel-good award; it really means nothing.
Wow, all you have to do to get this honor is be a trash-talking, draft-dodging racist like Cassius Clay. Whouda thunk it? When does Hanoi Jane get hers?
And no Hispanics...heads will roll.
I see I was too slow.
Alot of Democrats there...but at least they're being recognized for something. Clinton's picks were best known for filling a quota of some type or for donations to the Dimwit Party. No-talent @ss clowns who write bad poetry about gay cowboys eating pudding under trees in Kyoto, etc.
And the list was approved by that noted "conservative", George W. Bush. Just like his father giving his own personal "service to America" medal to Teddy Kennedy last year while the guy was trashing his son on a daily basis.
LOL! How in the h*ll did the gay cowboys get to Kyoto?? Sounds like an HBO Special...
You guessed right, it didn't take long.
Meanwhile, Rick Rescorla , who saved more than 2,700 lives on 9-11, continues to be ignored by this White House.
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