A Measure Of Civility
Last week, NFL star Michael Vick publicly admitted to being involved in a dog fighting operation and faces up to five years in prison for his role in it. He has also been indefinitely suspended by the NFL.
Human beings have been watching animals kill one another for sport for thousands of years. Then again, we also used to believe that the earth was flat, and, in some cases, that entire races of people were actually not humans at all, but subspecies that could be bought and sold.
Civility is not measured by the tangible accomplishments of man, nor is it represented by man’s achievements in various fields. It is measured in our ability to place compassion and reason before base instinct. Watching two animals rip each other apart for sport, having been bred and trained for no other purpose, is something that is devoid of both compassion and reason.
While Michael Vick is a talented athlete, he is, unfortunately, not civilized, and no amount of adoration for his skills on the field, or the size of his bank account, can alter that fact. Perhaps, in the years to come, he will realize what he has done and will make amends for it in some way, and by that I am not suggesting that going to prison entails making amends. Ultimately, Vick has to come to terms with why there is a difference between the exhilaration felt by some when they watch two animals rip each other apart and the disgust that it causes a civilized person.
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August 27th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
his apology was BS today. just trying to save some face for 3-5 years down the line when he tries to play again.
the fact that he electrocuted dogs after “poor showings” in fights is unbelievable. and those that defend him saying he had a rough upbringing or it’s part of “a culture” might benefit from a few shocks themselves.
Where the shit was this guy’s Jerry Macguire?….It’s not like something of that nature stays a secret.
But here’s an interesting question: Every body knows Boxing Future Hall of fame inductee and multiple division title holder Roy Jones has been supporting and breeding roosters for cock fighting for years….
Where’s his day in court?
August 27th, 2007 at 4:35 pm
I first heard about cock fighting while on a long, dusty bus ride in rural Cambodia a few years ago. The man sitting next to me was reading a magazine called “Cock Fanciers” - which of course got my attention. It was actually a glossy glamour magazine for roosters, complete with photos of the cocks, bios, stats and the like. This is big, big business in other parts of the world. Who knew?
The fight for animal rights is a slow one, but I think we are heading in the right direction. 50 years ago a story like that of Vick and dogfighting would likely not make the news.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
As I’m sure some of you may have done by now, I read an article about DMX and how he recently got busted with much the same:
http://www.azcentral.com/community/scottsdale/articles/0824dmx-dogs0825-ON.html
I have a feeling the Vick case is gonna bring to light a lot of these celebrities who believe they’re above the law. If this is only 2 people…makes you wonder how many more are out there.
August 27th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Part of Vick’s guilty plea involves him rolling over on others involved. Watch for a slew of other athletes being named in the next little while….
August 27th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
I heard on the radio today Vick found god.
August 27th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
So many people have expressed outrage at the actions of Michael Vick with his involvement in dogfighting, which of course, is justified. I’d just like to know where all these people are when celebrities and athletes are arrested for violent crimes againt other humans? It seems like you get a free pass or three in the court of public opinion and in a court of law if you punch your girlfriend in the face or break a few of her ribs, but as soon as their rage is focused on animals, all of a sudden these people are worse than the devil himself.
If Michael Vick had been running a fight club and killed another man or perhaps got a bit ’slap happy’ with his girlfriend, I truly think there would be far less outrage by the public and in the media than he has received for his involvement with the dogfighting. People would forget about it as long as he kept his nose clean and he still was able to help their team beat those pesky division rivals.
August 27th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Once again our me above all living things society shows it’s ugly face.
August 27th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
What would make someone even CONSIDER dog fighting, its terrible!. Forcing 2 animals to fight till the death for your enjoyment.
It also brings up anothing thing with me, Bull Fights where they throw spears at the bull and make it fight, or they keep throwing them
ANOTHER one that i saw on Worlds Most Amazing Videos, people wrapped cloth around a bulls horns, then lit it on fire…..people who are cruel to animals are honestly heartless
August 27th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
He’s sorry he got caught, and it’s no more an apology than that.
Just another extension of grandiose pride, wealth and the “me me me” attitude that society as come to embrace over the last ten years. Do what you want with no regard for others. And when you’re forced to answer for your actions, backtrack like a motherfucker and beg for God’s forgiveness.
August 27th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
IMO the way people are reacting is disproportionate, considering that every year, worse crimes are committed by worse people who end up getting off easy. The justice system is hardly free of holes - shouldn’t we be more concerned about that?
August 27th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
should get more than 5 years if you ask me.
August 27th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
[quote comment="24556"]IMO the way people are reacting is disproportionate, considering that every year, worse crimes are committed by worse people who end up getting off easy. The justice system is hardly free of holes - shouldn’t we be more concerned about that?[/quote]
That seems like a cop-out to me. Yes, worse things happen every day but that isn’t any reason not to be upset.
One might argue that sentencing Vick to the maximum sentance closes one of those holes.
August 27th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
A radio dude said today that maybe the NFL will kick Vick out and that then he would come and play for the CFL…and that would be (and I quote) “really cool”.
He did not seem to be ironic.
That made me really depressed.
August 27th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
[quote comment="24549"]So many people have expressed outrage at the actions of Michael Vick with his involvement in dogfighting, which of course, is justified. I’d just like to know where all these people are when celebrities and athletes are arrested for violent crimes againt other humans? It seems like you get a free pass or three in the court of public opinion and in a court of law if you punch your girlfriend in the face or break a few of her ribs, but as soon as their rage is focused on animals, all of a sudden these people are worse than the devil himself.
If Michael Vick had been running a fight club and killed another man or perhaps got a bit ’slap happy’ with his girlfriend, I truly think there would be far less outrage by the public and in the media than he has received for his involvement with the dogfighting. People would forget about it as long as he kept his nose clean and he still was able to help their team beat those pesky division rivals.[/quote]
Seems to me they’re all in the same place. I remember the fracas about Kobe Bryant and his problems concerning that girl, which as far as i can tell, seemed pretty weak to being with. But the outcry was still there, calls for justice.
You’re blowing it out of proportion a little, i think, by claiming that there would be no public outcry for another crime. Other stars have done other things, and depending on the severity, they have faced the consequences. I’m tired of people saying this is out of proportion.
I think it only illulstrates how tired everyone is of hearing people abuse animals just because they’re not humans. There are public outcries against murders, rapists and pedophiles all of the time, every day. Its not that the public doesn’t care, its just that this large a case gives many people a voice.
A chance to stand up and say listen, this is bullshit, this guy is bullshit, and our laws concerning cruelty to animals is bullshit. Lets do something constructive for once.
August 27th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
M.V. found “God” even faster than Paris Hilton did (and at least Paris carried around a bible for a few days first). This “God” fellow must have a special direct line for celebrities to call.
August 27th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
[quote comment="24560"]should get more than 5 years if you ask me.[/quote]
He has too much wealth to do that much time, unless it’s in a country club. He’ll likely be slapped on the wrist and ordered to volunteer so many hours at an animal shelter or some sort of speaking tour.
I’m starting to wonder why Mr. Vick stands alone on the docket. Perhaps we lemmings are quicker to eat up a story featuring a high profile celebrity - who just so happens to be of African descent, though I wouldn’t dare insinuating anything pertaining to that. Is hunting animals for sheer amusement any less cruel? How about furriers and meat farms? Is profiting from animal cruelty really all that alien to us?
August 27th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
quoting misinformation:
“He has too much wealth to do that much time, unless it’s in a country club. He’ll likely be slapped on the wrist and ordered to volunteer so many hours at an animal shelter or some sort of speaking tour.”
Don’t kid yourself…this guy is DONE where pro football is concerned. Nike dropped him, and the NFL comish’ has given the go-ahead to the Atlanta Falcons to “assert any claims or remedies” to recover US$22 million of Vick’s signing bonus from the 10-year, $130-million contract he signed in 2004.
Truth be told, these major sports leagues are just as full of bs as Vick’s statement. Are they really concerned about the animals as they say? OR are they more concerned with the integrity of their image that has been tainted by GAMBLING! Just ask Pete Rose about this subject, and while you’re at it, ask Michael Jordan why, in the prime of his career, he decides to go play AAA baseball??? Come on. Please.
Pete took it in the nuts. Michael scored the brass ring and hid-out ’till the dust cleared.
Vick? Well…he’ll get everything he deserves.
I just hope this does set some sort of precedent where celebrities and the law are concerned.
August 27th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
[quote comment="24568"][quote comment="24560"]should get more than 5 years if you ask me.[/quote]
He has too much wealth to do that much time, unless it’s in a country club. He’ll likely be slapped on the wrist and ordered to volunteer so many hours at an animal shelter or some sort of speaking tour.
I’m starting to wonder why Mr. Vick stands alone on the docket. Perhaps we lemmings are quicker to eat up a story featuring a high profile celebrity - who just so happens to be of African descent, though I wouldn’t dare insinuating anything pertaining to that. Is hunting animals for sheer amusement any less cruel? How about furriers and meat farms? Is profiting from animal cruelty really all that alien to us?[/quote]
hahah good points…
me personally though?
nope, not racist…in this circumstance and all others it’s irrelevant…of course!
I do think hunting animals for sheer amusement is cruel..I don’t wear fur…I couldn’t afford it if I wanted to anyways, but who wants to dress in somethings carcass???…and although i am not a vegan (can’t pass up a rare steak..c’mon.) I still don’t eat a ton of meat…I guess some people would look at our meat farms as somewhat cruel towards animals…but the animals aren’t pitted against each other to fight for the right to be last one slaughtered are they?
I mean, my personal justification for eating meat is simply that it is used to sustain life on this planet (although there are certainly more avenues other than dead cows etc). I find it’s much like an Owl swiping a rat now and again from a farm…it’s done out of survival. The owl isn’t killing the animal for sport…he’s hungry.
I guess this is just a tad more unsettling than me eating steak (I am so craving one) because the dogs get trained to kill from birth, are abused on a daily basis in order to build up an immensely aggressive nature, have to get thrown in a ring and fight to the death in front of bystanders or be eventually killed for refusing to obey their masters if they refuse to fight, and to top it all off these people make bets on it. We as human beings are supposed to know better…I mean, I thought we were more evolved than that… SO i guess, Misinformation: Yes and No…no animal cruelty isn’t all that alien to us, but at the same time this particular manner of animal cruelty is a little more repulsive because its such a brutal form of animal cruelty (that people would force animals to fight and kill or be killed all for a couple bucks in winnings and some underground type of ‘prestige’).
Yeah, Vick you’re looking real prestigious now.
August 27th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
[quote comment="24565"][quote comment="24549"]So many people have expressed outrage at the actions of Michael Vick with his involvement in dogfighting, which of course, is justified. I’d just like to know where all these people are when celebrities and athletes are arrested for violent crimes againt other humans? It seems like you get a free pass or three in the court of public opinion and in a court of law if you punch your girlfriend in the face or break a few of her ribs, but as soon as their rage is focused on animals, all of a sudden these people are worse than the devil himself.
If Michael Vick had been running a fight club and killed another man or perhaps got a bit ’slap happy’ with his girlfriend, I truly think there would be far less outrage by the public and in the media than he has received for his involvement with the dogfighting. People would forget about it as long as he kept his nose clean and he still was able to help their team beat those pesky division rivals.[/quote]
[quote]Seems to me they’re all in the same place. I remember the fracas about Kobe Bryant and his problems concerning that girl, which as far as i can tell, seemed pretty weak to being with. But the outcry was still there, calls for justice.
You’re blowing it out of proportion a little, i think, by claiming that there would be no public outcry for another crime. Other stars have done other things, and depending on the severity, they have faced the consequences. I’m tired of people saying this is out of proportion.
I think it only illulstrates how tired everyone is of hearing people abuse animals just because they’re not humans. There are public outcries against murders, rapists and pedophiles all of the time, every day. Its not that the public doesn’t care, its just that this large a case gives many people a voice.
A chance to stand up and say listen, this is bullshit, this guy is bullshit, and our laws concerning cruelty to animals is bullshit. Lets do something constructive for once.[/quote]
I never said there wouldn’t be public outcry for Vick’s actions had he instead done something to another human, but it’s already been established time after time that people have short memories and are rather forgiving about domestic violence abuse and other indiscretions when Johnny All-Star can win games and be a human highlight reel on ESPN.
Make no mistake, Vick will likely serve less of a punishment than he deserves. He can be sentenced to up to five years in prison for his actions, but it’s looking like he’ll only get a year. The outrage expressed for Vick’s actions are loud and many and he has very little to no support from the writers and fans that normally play down the devious actions of athletes as nothing more than minor lapses of judgement. The point I made in the original post was that I firmly believe that the people calling for his head now wouldn’t be as outraged at Vick’s actions had he instead harmed another human being. I simply want to know why this is the case? Human or animal, it’s still barbaric.
August 27th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
I just want everyone to be aware there is a huge difference between Animal Rights and Animal Welfare. Keep this in mind when you choose which organizations to support!
August 27th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
[quote comment="24561"]One might argue that sentencing Vick to the maximum sentance closes one of those holes.[/quote]
True, but that kind of sentiment has to be consistent and proportionate. Otherwise it’s like throwing away one piece of trash from a street full of litter and just leaving the rest.
August 27th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
I just don’t see the logic in “why do we care so much about Vick? people do bad stuff all the time.”
Apathy isn’t the way to go. The dude murdered dogs who couldn’t fight. He deserves to be punished.
August 27th, 2007 at 9:36 pm
They should put Mr. Vick in a ring and make him fight with one of his dogs. He’s a pretty meaty guy, so I’m sure it would be a good show.
August 27th, 2007 at 10:00 pm
menzies2 - not apathy. I’m talking about more universal awareness and action, not just when celebrities or public figures are involved.
August 27th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Oh, I see.
It’s a double-edged sword, celebrity- at least people are becoming aware of the problem, be it from vapid gossip magazines or Wolf Blitzer’s stupid, stupid mouth.
August 27th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I figure money will pour in from those people who are horrorfied that such things go on. And Vick will be Hounded to his last days by little old ladies in tennis shoes who will seek him out and picket his every movement. It will be entertainment of a different sort, in some ways, more savage. Knitting needles can be quite punishing.
August 27th, 2007 at 11:28 pm
I didn’t read through all the comments, but I will concur with ONE Patrick Pitt. MIke Vick is a piece of crap liar…
he’ll be back in the NFL after a couple years….after all, the league does have killers, crackers and gangbangers playing in it.
August 27th, 2007 at 11:40 pm
[quote comment="24577"][quote comment="24565"][quote comment="24549"]So many people have expressed outrage at the actions of Michael Vick with his involvement in dogfighting, which of course, is justified. I’d just like to know where all these people are when celebrities and athletes are arrested for violent crimes againt other humans? It seems like you get a free pass or three in the court of public opinion and in a court of law if you punch your girlfriend in the face or break a few of her ribs, but as soon as their rage is focused on animals, all of a sudden these people are worse than the devil himself.
If Michael Vick had been running a fight club and killed another man or perhaps got a bit ’slap happy’ with his girlfriend, I truly think there would be far less outrage by the public and in the media than he has received for his involvement with the dogfighting. People would forget about it as long as he kept his nose clean and he still was able to help their team beat those pesky division rivals.[/quote]
For me, it boils down to this.
A man in a fight club or an abused woman both would have the opportunity to leave, to get out of their predicament. It may be difficult, but they still have options and it is possible for them to change their situation. Animals and children don’t…they are vulnerable and helpless and, unless we speak up for them, they stand no chance at all in the hands of a perpetrator. So it’s important that we’re advocates for them and perhaps that’s why it’s a stronger voice in these situations.
But it doesn’t mean that we don’t feel as strongly or as outraged when the attacks are on other human beings…I was just as outraged throughout the OJ ordeal. And when Clifford Olsen was on the loose. And over the Willy Pickton spree……(etc.)
August 28th, 2007 at 4:48 am
Patrick Bell: Good point. Cincinnati had like an arrest per week for 12 straight.
August 28th, 2007 at 6:38 am
In related news, I read this about rapper DMX yesterday:
“A raid on DMX’s house in Arizona found three dog corpses and several unattended pitbulls outside. A search of the property yielded three canine corpses, one of which “seemed to be burned.” Police also found “a large number of weapons, some drug paraphernalia, and a lot of cars that don’t match the license plates.”
WTF!??
August 28th, 2007 at 6:38 am
Re: “If Michael Vick had been running a fight club and killed another man or perhaps got a bit ’slap happy’ with his girlfriend, I truly think there would be far less outrage” -
Well I guess the difference is in theory, that the human being has the opportunity to bring such actions to an end - much more chance of it than a defenceless dog or cat. I’ve had this conversation with friends and family - I don’t even speak to people that feel otherwise - I just don’t relate to people who don’t love and respect animals. I was raised with an inate sense of compassion towards animals and I find this Vick case so horrific that I can’t bear to watch any newscoverage on it.
As far as his so-called talent in football - I could give a rat’s ass what some dude that can’t locate his own country on a globe, does with a football. I think the only place for Michael Vick and his team of abusive thugs is Hell. He’s beyond redemption. Harming animals? Please, you’re nothing more than vile.
PS: Here’s a campaign - have Michael Vick taken up North and let him “fight” a nice, big, cuddly grizzly bear. Let the bear tear him apart. That would be about the right justice for me.
August 28th, 2007 at 7:09 am
Vick was also the second highest paid player in the NFL. Furthermore, the property in Virginia on which this transpired was purchased solely for this disgusting purpose.
The whole situation is really quite sad and bothersome.
August 28th, 2007 at 7:19 am
Beyond redemption? Sorry I refuse to believe that.
I am no Vick fan, never have been, but I’d like to take a moment to examine the other side of the coin here. While I think what Vick did is ridiculous, and that, as most people are he is sorry he got caught, I also saw something in his apology that is rarely seen today…someone taking responsibility for their actions. He admitted there was no one to blame but himself, no excuses, ifs ands or buts.
Whether or not that was out of fear for the coming sentencing or legitimate sincerity no one knows for sure but Vick himself. But I did find it interesting in the midst of all those willing to condemn the man, that not a soul has offered to help the guy, come up with any semblance of a suggestion for remedying the situation.
Despite my ragging on the guy for being the worst professional passing quarterback I’ve seen, and my reprehension for the actions he has now admitted to, I’ll leave the casting of stones to those without any guilt in their lives about anything they’ve ever done.
August 28th, 2007 at 7:31 am
I can’t imagine enjoying watching dogs kill each other- although such activities have been popular for much of human history. It’s so often glossed over that, while Shakespeare wrote the greatest plays in world history, his audience was just as happy to watch bears, bulls and badgers be torn apart by dogs. And of course, in the Rome of Virgil and Seneca, it was human beings that were killed for viewer’s pleasure, along with animals- sometimes thousands of animals and dozens or even hundreds of men.
Dogfighting, thankfully, is illegal in most countries, although sadly widespread in many of them. However, sadly, not all animal bloodsports are so- take for example bullfighting, illegal in Canada, yes, but celebrated as an invaluable part of the cultural heritage in Spain, Portugal and Mexico. Of course, the practice is controversial even in those countries, but it seems, sadly, that bloodsports retain significant appeal in the 21st century.
August 28th, 2007 at 8:11 am
Blood lust
August 28th, 2007 at 8:53 am
[quote comment="24609"]I also saw something in his apology that is rarely seen today…someone taking responsibility for their actions. He admitted there was no one to blame but himself, no excuses, ifs ands or buts.[/quote]
Yes and strangely responsibility was only taken after six years of operating a dogfighting ring and only after being caught. Must be some kind of coincidence then, because surely he would have come forth and pleaded in the same manner if nobody ever found out.
[quote comment="24609"]But I did find it interesting in the midst of all those willing to condemn the man, that not a soul has offered to help the guy, come up with any semblance of a suggestion for remedying the situation.[/quote]
And what might the appropriate remedy be to such a situation? A simple apology? What of all the dogs that have been injured or killed and the immorality of his actions?
[quote comment="24609"]I’ll leave the casting of stones to those without any guilt in their lives about anything they’ve ever done.[/quote]
This is an existentialist world and we are all responsible for our own actions. I’m sorry but I don’t buy your comparison to someone who say, stole a cookie when they were four years old and this.
August 28th, 2007 at 9:03 am
Can’t wait for the barrage of “Free Michael Vick” T-shirts. I’ll get mine, and hang it next to my Paris Hilton and Glenn Campbell T’s.
Seriously though…M.V. will never step foot on another football field again, NFL or CFL.
Now, if only he could play basketball…hmmmmm…
August 28th, 2007 at 9:29 am
[quote comment="24615"]Yes and strangely responsibility was only taken after six years of operating a dogfighting ring and only after being caught. Must be some kind of coincidence then, because surely he would have come forth and pleaded in the same manner if nobody ever found out.[/quote]
Someone must have selectively read my comment. Perhaps you should re-read it. I explained that while it may have been out of fear for his coming sentencing, at least he didn’t try to weasel out once caught. Being honest from the start (or not doing any of it all…) would have been the best policy, but at least he was forthright in the end. Perhaps this will be the beginning of a realization for Vick. Maybe he will end bringing about societal change that will stem from this, much like Stanley Williams tried to do when he was in prison for murder. Being quick to condemn the actions is all well and good; but to say that he is “beyond redemption” or suggesting various gruesome ways in which the man should die as penance for this is beyond ridiculous.
[quote comment="24615"]And what might the appropriate remedy be to such a situation? A simple apology? What of all the dogs that have been injured or killed and the immorality of his actions?[/quote]
I’m not sure, I’d have to think about it, but in the midst of this onslaught of media fueled hysteria to condemn the man, no seems to be focusing on the bigger picture…how to prevent this from happening again. Educating the public to the horrors of what the dogs are subjected to is a start.
[quote comment="24615"]This is an existentialist world and we are all responsible for our own actions. I’m sorry but I don’t buy your comparison to someone who say, stole a cookie when they were four years old and this.[/quote]
You don’t have to buy it, I’m not selling anything, it’s free advice.
It was jus a remark, warning people who are assuming the moral high ground here…be careful, it isn’t like you’re perfect (and I highly doubt, Sagar, that the only thing you’ve done wrong in your life was steal a cookie as a 4 year old…way to set up an incredibly weak straw man argument there).
We all make mistakes, Vick’s is a terrible one (or several). But lets work to make this situation better, rather than to continue to sling venom at the man for doing something wrong. Between CNN, ESPN, and every network and local news source covering this we’re all aware of what Vick has done. How many of us are aware of what is being done to make this better? How many are aware of programs designed to stop the maltreatment of animals? How many of the people condemning him right now are actually [i]doing[/i] anything other than talking?
Just some food for thought.
August 28th, 2007 at 11:07 am
[quote comment="24617"]Someone must have selectively read my comment. Perhaps you should re-read it. I explained that while it may have been out of fear for his coming sentencing, at least he didn’t try to weasel out once caught.[/quote]
How exactly would he weasel out? Sure, maybe he did have a divine realization. Unfortunately, given the lack of empathy portrayed in his prior doings, it’s my belief that this so-called “realization” was merely his lawyer telling him the only thing going to save his ass was the display of remorse. Call me a pessimist if you will.
[quote comment="24617"]I’m not sure, I’d have to think about it, but in the midst of this onslaught of media fueled hysteria to condemn the man, no seems to be focusing on the bigger picture…how to prevent this from happening again. Educating the public to the horrors of what the dogs are subjected to is a start.[/quote]
As far as I’m concerned the media onslaught is a good thing in that it’s an issue nobody gives two shits about until a pro NFL player has something to do with it. And yes, you are correct, the bigger picture has nothing to do Mike Vick but rather organizations such as PETA, the Humane Society of America and the UAN, among others. But never have I seen such rampant discussion on the issue of Animal Rights, an issue which most people easily turn a cold shoulder to, as in the past few weeks when this whole thing was brought to light.
[quote comment="24617"]It was jus a remark, warning people who are assuming the moral high ground here…be careful, it isn’t like you’re perfect (and I highly doubt, Sagar, that the only thing you’ve done wrong in your life was steal a cookie as a 4 year old…way to set up an incredibly weak straw man argument there).[/quote]
I don’t recall claiming to be perfect, but I can however assure you that never in my life have I done something as cruel as intentionally harming a living animal, if that’s what you were trying to suggest.
While I do agree with you on the fact that people should take action with regards to this issue, and use it as stepping stone toward stopping the mistreatment of animals, I also don’t see any reason why Vick should be granted any leniency given what has transpired.
August 28th, 2007 at 11:13 am
The sad thing in all of this…aside from the killing of dogs, is that Vick probably doesn’t think that he did anything wrong. I’ll bet, and I have no evidence to back this up, that he was raised in some manor to de-value the life of other animals, and especially dogs. His appology and statements on Monday were nothing but a cover of his true feelings. He plead guilty to the crimes that would get him the least amount of time behind bars and not of illegal gambling which all reports show he was heavily involved in. This guy doesn’t get it, won’t get it, and time behind bars won’t help him get it.
When you add to the fact that the NAACP spokesperson last week suggested that “it’s not like Vick killed another person, it was only a dog” we see another person who doesn’t get it.
Personally I think if all that happens is he goes to jail for a stretch, and looses his future NFL earnings he would get off far too lightly…but then again, that’s in my world where much steeper penalites would befall the likes of Paris Hilton, Nicole Riche and Lindsey Lohen.
August 28th, 2007 at 11:18 am
[quote comment="24601"]Patrick Bell: Good point. Cincinnati had like an arrest per week for 12 straight.[/quote]
I think that you are sadly mistaken when you said that women have the option to leave. You made it sound so easy. Although you added “It may be difficult”.. You have no idea. Women are brainwashed into thinking that they are worthless, dumb, etc. To an outsider they do have a choice, but to them, they really don’t. And if they have kids, it’s even harder to leave. I understand your point..Animals don’t have a voice, but neither do most abused women. It’s been silenced by the “men” that hurt them.
I just think you sounded a little cold.
I think it’s absolutely terrible that people have become desensitized to domestic abuse. When it happens, people should be outraged as much as they are when we find out some stupid celebrity was involved in dog fighting.
August 28th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Sagar; well put. I’m not talking about letting Vick off easy, I’m talking about being willing to forgive and having the audacity to hope for change…
forgiving someone does not mean forgetting what they’ve done…
…call me the last optimist left alive, but I believe that anyone can change…every moment is another chance to turn it all around…
August 28th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
I really don’t understand the need to have to pick whether you want to be concerned about battered humans or abused animals. I think those who dwell on “why don’t we care about people too” are missing the larger point. As Matt pointed out in his first post about this story, many animals abusers go on to become batterers, or in extreme cases, serial killers. There is an entire campaign established to raise awareness of dual abuse in the home — animal and child– and one usually follows the other. How can we afford NOT to pay attention to both?
August 28th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
[quote comment="24562"]A radio dude said today that maybe the NFL will kick Vick out and that then he would come and play for the CFL…and that would be (and I quote) “really cool”.
He did not seem to be ironic.
That made me really depressed.[/quote]
Just like last year when the Argos allowed Ricky Williams to play after he had been suspended by the NFL for repeated drug use. That’s a great way to raise the profile for the Canadian Football League - accept disgraced NFL players.
August 28th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
I just think it’s a little too soon to talk of “forgiveness”.
And forgiveness would’ve probably come easier if he’d stood up like a man and accepted responsibility when he was busted. He didn’t, he tried to pass the buck like a coward and that makes it just a little tougher to swallow (especially when the finger you’re pointing is at “family”, as he intially was doing).
I think his apology/remorse or whatever it is is nothing more than a desperate attempt to save face…he tried to weasel his way out and it just wasn’t working. So now he’s gone to Plan B and taken the high road and is “sorry”. I have a hard time believing OR forgiving him.
The dog abuse/torture was enough to make me despise this man. Then he iced the cake and added sprinkles with his actions after being caught.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:14 pm
This issue has cost Vick any chance at winning a super-bowl. He will be gone from the NFL for 2 or 3 years, and is losing his prime athletic potential. The best he can hope for is to be a backup when/if he is allowed to play again.
This incident has also cost him hundreds of millions of dollars.
I do not believe the man should go to jail… his career has been crushed, he has been publicly humiliated, and I think that that is enough, seeing as no humans were hurt.
For those of you who think dog fighting is unusually cruel, you are only half right. Dog fighting is cruel, however unusual; much worse things happen every day (eg. visit a chicken barn).
August 28th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
To be fair to the NAACP, it was a local Atlanta member who was first quoted as saying Vick had done little wrong. It was only a short time before a much higher ranking National Spokesperson for the NAACP set the record straight: They dis-avowed any connection to his legal troubles. He was on his own on this one. I don’t think anyone has played a Race card.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:50 am
This is sad. I was on the msn sports message boards and it seems like once again we are a nation divided by racial lines. It’s no longer about the crime committed, or the facts to back up the guilty plea entered, but what color the mans skin is.
It makes me soooooooooooo sick!!!!!!!!!!!
August 29th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
[quote comment="24782"]It makes me soooooooooooo sick!!!!!!!!!!![/quote]
Sick like Vick
Remember the slogan where you heard it first!