The Rumble in Our Jungle

Written by: Marshai R

November 2025

It is an art form to fight with family above the belt. Especially, when you have that one card,

which would silence the argument. But how could you use it? You love this person, and you don't want to severely damage the beautiful relationship you have. 

There is one such festering argument in my family that has been on the shelf for over sixteen years.  It's get taken off every few years for a dust up, to see if life has altered the other's view.  When our previous stances remain unchanged after another heated bout, the argument is neatly packaged up and put right back on the shelf.  What is the topic of such recurring matchup?

Mohammad Ali

Yes, Mr.  Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee himself.  May he rest in peace.  Why him?  Well, my loved one (combatant) and I are veterans from two different eras.   He is from Vietnam, and I am from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).    The argument surrounds on whether Mr. Ali should have done his duty and serve when called or refuse as he did. 

*Since I am visible on the internet and my loved one is not and doesn't want to be, we will call him David.

In the Blue corner, you have David, the youngest son of working-class ranchers.  As he was going to college, the Vietnam War was in full swing, and he was lucky enough to win the lottery.  One college deferment later and the young lieutenant was off with his eagle, globe and anchor. 

In the Red corner, you have me.  The oldest daughter of a young mom from a working-class family. While a freshman in college walking aimlessly towards an unknown major, a tall good-looking man with a blood stripe going down his leg flashed a smile.  Within a few months, I was standing on the yellow footprints in Parris Island earning my eagle, globe and anchor. 

Two paths, two missions: One Vietnam the other OIF/OEF, but both are ultimately United States Marines.

Ding! 

Blue: The country made him a millionaire.  He should have done his duty out of respect.

Red: Why should he go and help liberate a country, when he is not liberated at home!

Blue: He could have been a good example and helped race relations in the US. 

Red: Black Americans have fought in every major war this country has had and were given so many false promises. The time to prove our humanity is over. 

Blue: They would have just put him on public relations and boxing exhibition duties to help cheer the troops.

Red: It was against his religion to fight in Vietnam.

Blue: He just converted to avoid the War.

Red: Well, the Amish got to stay on their farms during Vietnam.

Each bullet shot in either direction, is pulled by an equally passionate finger. 

So, what do you do when two immovable forces collide?  Could we have went below the belt and called out each other's privileges? 21st century Marine vs one in the heat of 20th century American turmoil or One Light Green Marine vs a Dark Green one would have driven the disagreement closer to the belt.

Another shot fired.  Eyes locked.  Long pause. 

We hear children laughter coming into the room.  Our attentions diverted to our initial task.  Getting our beautiful feast on the table.   Prayers and chatter of football.  David makes the best prime rib.  Dessert. Cleaning. Rest.

The Mr. Ali disagreement is lightly dusted and place back on the shelf.  See you in five years. 

Some may say this is not healthy, but for us it is.  We kept it above the belt. We stood our ground.  We didn't allow a stranger, albeit a significant one, to interfere with what mattered, our family.