Yeah, sure. I’m all for forgiveness, rehabilitation and redemption. Who isn’t? We humans are capable of accomplishing some incredibly abhorrent or stupid deeds. We are also capable of extraordinary forgiveness. Without forgiveness we would either all be in the clink, or never talk to each other again. What good is that? Plus, it’s Christmastime, that magical time of year that we like to forgive and make amends and all that, but is there a line you sometimes have to draw when it comes to forgiveness? I don’t know. I think there is or at least there should be.
Forgiveness is a hard thing to nail down. For me it’s usually something in my gut that tells me someone is genuinely sorry and worthy of forgiveness. This same gut feeling says some people are beyond redemption and simply don’t deserve a second chance. And still there are others that might need more time to prove they are worthy of forgiveness. Then there is Michael Vick.
Michael Vick wants a puppy. The Daily Beast posted a link to a story in the New York Post. Most of you will remember that Vick, a bonafide NFL superstar, served time for running a dog-fighting ring in his backyard. In the article, Vick laments, "I would love to get another dog in the future. I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process.” Uh, I don’t know, Michael…. wouldn’t that be like rehabilitating a pedophile by putting him in charge of a daycare center? Okay, maybe that’s a bit strong, but perhaps Vick should start out by nurturing a goldfish or a parakeet. Baby steps, Michael. Baby steps.
Vick also states in the article that, “My daughters miss having one (a dog), and that’s the hardest thing: telling them that we can’t have one because of my actions." Really, Michael? Hmmm. I agree that that one is a little tougher to digest. Should his children have to suffer because of their father’s past actions? Probably not. On the other hand, there are plenty of kids that don’t get to have a puppy for any number of reasons. They live in apartments that don’t allow pets. Their parents move around a lot. Whatever. Things are tough. Life ain’t all lollipops and rainbows. There are plenty of families out there that are being forced to give up their pets because of the economy. That is a jagged pill for a kid to have to swallow. Fortunately, kids are resilient. They will find another outlet. Buy them a Wii, Michael. Life goes on.
But, what about Vick? Once the darling of the NFL, blessed with endless talent and the world at his doorstep, Vick’s dog fighting conviction produced one of the hardest falls in all of sports. No doubt his was a heinous, tasteless and repulsive crime. Some will argue that he man did pay a heavy price. There was the time in prison and the loss of two NFL seasons. His actions cost him millions in endorsements and he now plays for a pittance of what he earned before the conviction. Vick is working hard and seems determined to salvage his damaged career. Everything I’ve seen or read about him points to the premise that he is on the road to recovery and redemption. America loves a comeback story and loves giving second chances, but I’m not sure I’m ready to forgive Michael Vick.
I’m conflicted about the whole thing. I question the sporting world, and especially the NFL, for their indifferent forgiveness of so many felons on the merit of their talent or how many seats they can fill. I worry about the message sent to impressionable kids looking for a hero. I struggle to understand any culture or sub-culture that considers animals fighting to the death as a source of entertainment. Still, I suppose I can understand how someone, even one of Vick’s stature, might be sucked into something like that given the right set of circumstances. I can forgive Vick for the dog fighting on those grounds. What I have trouble forgiving is his treatment of his dogs that wouldn’t fight in the pits. People forget that he beat, tortured, electrocuted and shot some of those animals. My gut tells me that you have to draw a line somewhere when it comes to forgiveness, and that is where I draw mine. You can draw your line wherever you like. We should all be tolerant of the freedom to decide who, how, when and why we forgive but, Michael Vick wanting a new puppy? I don’t know. It feels a little soon to me. Maybe next Christmas, Michael.
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Jan Wilberg
Margaret Feike
Dianne Schuch - Lindsey
MichelleD
Lydieth A
Susie Lindau
Salon.com
Comments
I find your analysis spot on. Feel sympathy for Michael Vick? Not in this lifetime. He chose to do what he did with those animals and with those choices, he made his decision as to how the rest of his personal and professional life would be affected. His "rehabilitation" would be moved along better by spending several years cleaning kennels for shelter dogs. Frankly, I worry about his children being subjected to his poor judgement, but that's another story.
I do not forgive or forget what he did. He has not even come close to paying the price he should pay for his actions. I'm an NFL fan and when I watch him play, I continually hope he'll suffer a career-ending injury. Earlier in the season he missed some playing time with a rib injury; Bill Maher commented that he thought Vick should be "put down" like a dog that can't perform in the fighting ring. I think Maher put things into proper perspective.
Do two wrongs make a right? No, I think not. Would I condone the "putting down" of Vick? No. Should he be forgiven? No. He and all those who trivialize what he did by saying he has paid an adequate price for his actions should be societal pariahs.
RATED
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So proud to see ya have the time to post here again dude.
“…he apologized and did his time …” I wonder how you would feel about his actions if he had done what he did to several of your family members, apologized, served two years time, and then moved on to a privileged life that his physical attributes will now bring him.
I know nothing about you, but your statement indicates such a disregard for the sanctity of living sentient beings that I find it difficult to hold any respect for you. The pomposity of your dismissive attitude regarding the inhumanity Vick has displayed in his actions reflects a, perhaps, Christian perspective that humans can do whatever they wish to other living beings with impunity.
The disregard that is so prevalent in American culture, which is clearly exemplified in your attitude, for all forms of life, except when regard for perceived life is self-serving in some manner, is baffling. Are you an American? Tarheel implies that you are. There are times when saying you are sorry and serving your time simply are not enough and this is one of those times.
Vick is a sadistic serial killer. His self-pity about wanting a dog and about his kids not being able to have a puppy is sickening. Let his kids grow up knowing that they can’t have a puppy because of his inherent cruelty. That is a result of his actions for which HE will carry the guilt. Someone who defends Vick by telling those who recognize his total disregard for life to “shut up” is an ass.
The earth will suffer from a severe drought due to lack of rains. All vegetation and life forms will disappear and vanish from the planet.
A second sun will appear in the horizon, resulting in the evaporation of many streams and ponds.
A third sun will appear resulting in the evaporation of many great rivers like the Ganges.
After a long lapse of time, a fourth sun will appear in the sky resulting in the evaporation of great lakes.
After another long lapse of time, a fifth sun will appear and the oceans will dry up slowly till they will become a finger deep.
After another long lapse of time, a sixth sun will appear. The earth crust and core will heat up to intense temperatures resulting in many volcanic explosions, scorched earth and smoke filled skies.
After another vast interval, a seventh sun will appear. The earth will become a fiery ball of flame and expand. Its flames will spread far and wide. Finally it will explode and disappear altogether.
Sorry, that's the Buddhist apocalypse. But the conjoining of ACC rival opinion results in a similar thing, I think.
And here in Philly - the only thing selling faster than Cliff Lee jerseys are Vick jerseys.
- well said!
I could care less whether he is a football great or a janitor.
Clean those kennels Mr Vick. Forever and a day....
If Vick wants a dog, he can go volunteer at his local Humane Society. Heck, his girls can join him.
I'm sure Vick was talking with his heart and not his head when he made this statement. Based on his financial situation, a puppy is the last thing he needs. In five years, let's talk about it, then.
Agreed too. You don't get a damned puppy Michael.
Don't think the pedophile in charge of the daycare was
too far off at all Michael (Rodgers).
Sidenotes... this font is easy on old eyes, and hey, cool to see ya on the cover. Well deserved!
Explains very clearly your hate for black people.
Token Tarheel, you are absolutely correct.
With hateful resenters like this, nobody would ever be able to get over anything.
And, let's hope that Rick doesn't get "Luckey".
That would be just what we need, more breeders of hate.
Let it go, you racists and own up to the truth about yoursleves.
It has NOTHING to do with aminals and EVERYTHING to do with your racism.
I would have said:
"Yeah, sure. I’m all for forgiveness, rehabilitation and redemption. Who isn’t?"
Michael is not.
XJS, speaking for myself, it has not one fucking thing to do with race. Nada. He tortured and killed dogs, and in the not very distant past. Black, white, or otherwise, he agreed to the terms of his probation, which I don't think are a bit harsh.
Yes, the pedophile in charge of the daycare. Would you send YOUR kid there? Maybe you would. No matter... I know this author from two years of interaction here on OS. A racist he is not. He made this case and conclusion in a very measured way. I agree with him... nothing to do with the color of Vick's skin.
R
Yeah, and giving an alcoholic a membership to the "wine of the month club" is also a big step in the rehabilitation process.
I believe people spend far too much time condemning, convicting, judging, and determining a course of punishment or action for people's wrong! We are not the judge nor the jury or God ...yes God (I threw him in the equation!!) We are all imperfect people living in an imperfect world. In fact we have all made some not so good, bad, unethical, irrational, and for some people, illegal or criminal decisions at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, Michael Vick is one of many people who made a bad, unethical, irrational, illegal and criminal decision! I believe most would agree with me that there is NO justification in what he was doing and/or supporting! The whole situation was absolutely cruel!! And, he should NOT be exempt from the full extent of the law because of his professional football celebrity and financial statuses. However, I totally disagree that he should not be allowed a second chance at his career and an opportunity to some day own a dog again! Who am I or you to determine that he should not be permitted a second chance at his career or cannot or is not already rehabilitated to own a dog? I would think that if we were ever caught in a similar situation, we would want to eventually be given a second chance. I know I would!! This should not be an attempt to make the first chance right or to prove anything to anyone. Second chances are designed to help people to move FORWARD from the past! And, I believe Michael Vick is working hard to do just that!
I commend the Eagle's coach and owner(s) for giving Michael Vick a second chance at his career. And, I hope one day he will be able to get a dog for his family, as long as there is NO reason to believe otherwise!! I would say to Michael Vick to continue to soar in a positive direction like your team's mascot no matter the opposition will continue to receive even past your life time.
Last, there is a saying, "We know where we've been in this life, but we do not know what our future holds." Although I agree to disagree with people’s comments, we tend to toss words (sometimes harsh words) about people as if we are perfect and incapable of making poor or even bad choices/decisions in life. All I am saying is we should be careful in what we say and/or our actions towards people (even when they are as wrong as wrong can be). Ask yourself what if one day (for whatever reason(s)) I found myself in a similar situation… on the other side of the law, would you want to be given a second chance?
DawnVJ
According to some of those here unable to leg go of anything, I should never be allowed to drive even though I've been C&S for almost 28 years.
I quite agree with most of what you said, but I would add that pit bulls are the way they are because humans bred them to be that way and train them to be that way and reward them for being that way.
@Michael
Congrats on the EP!!!
I also agree that Brett Farve got a pass he surely didn’t deserve, but that has little bearing on Vick’s story. Would Farve have gotten a pass had he been in Vick’s shoes? I doubt it. Would Vick have gotten a pass in Farve’s shoes? Maybe. I can see the possibility. As far as this being a racist piece or me being a racist, I don’t see anything in the post that warrants that label, but whatever. We are allowed to have our opinions. So, thanks again for all the comments on both sides and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Vick has left the slums. He has left Blacksburg. He has figured out fighting animals is wrong. Let him go on with his life. If y'all are so fired up over this why are you not combing the woods of south central VA looking for all those who do it. This is not an isolated sport where only a few take part.
-R-
I don't give a flying fuck who Michael Vick is. I don't care that he is a NFL star, a CEO or a janitor. I don't care if he is black, white, purple or green. I don't care that he is famous vs. unknown. Blah, blah, blah. You get the point.
What I do care about is this: he tortured, abused, neglected and killed dogs primarily for profit, perhaps also for amusement. The fact that the dogs were Pit Bulls vs. Chihuhuas is beside the point.
You can compare him to child molesters, rapists, drug dealers, repeat DUI offenders, murders, or any other type of criminal. I don't care if you do. I don't. He did what he did. How any other criminal chooses to offend is their choice.
"Pits are aggressive". Whether they are or aren't is up for debate. I'll just state from my experience: I have worked with and/or been bitten by aggressive Golden Retrievers, Labradoodles, Schnauzers, Cattle Dogs, on-n-on..... I don't care. Yes, I have witnessed aggressive Pit Bulls, some of which were not allowed to step one paw into my facility. I can say their owners had no business owning any type of dog or any pet for that matter. My point here is-a dog is a dog.
I don't give a rat's ass if he "paid his dues". Fine. Hooray for him. So, his daughters want a puppy. Well, too bad. Boo-Hoo. I know it's not their fault their dad is a .........., but they will just have to wait until they can move out of the house.
It all comes down to one sentence:
He has LOST HIS RIGHT his right to own a dog.
PERIOD!
Merry Christmas Bitch (Michael to everyone else). I hope you have a wonderful holiday and new year!