I have to add my two cents to the Michael Vick controversy. As we all know by now he was released from prison earlier this week and I believe is now living in some sort of half-way house for recently released inmates. Even before his release there was a media frenzy as to what his plans would be post-prison. Initial reports had him working low paying construction jobs and there was little hoopla to that announcement. Further reports indicated that he also be touring the country on behalf of animal rights organizations speaking to youth and discouraging cruelty to animals. This announcement received kudos. Then the proverbial you-know-what hit the fan. Word reached the masses that Vick was interested in and had a real shot at being in the NFL again. Every media outlet was stormed was people voicing rage at the very idea of Vick being welcomed back into the NFL, especially if given a lucrative contract.
Now for my opinion. Leave the man alone!! He, unlike a majority of criminals, has paid his debt to society. He went to prison and had his career stalled, possibly permanently. He plead guilty and did his time. Does he not deserve redemption? Does he not deserve to make a living and live his life? He will never earn what he did before his conviction and will surely not see a dime from any endorsement deals. What he did was despicable. I in no way condone cruelty to any animals. However, I do feel that we have some serious issues in our judicial system. We can send an individual to prison for harm to animals, yet in Peoria County we have only a 2% conviction rate for sex offenders (including offenders of children). This low conviction rate is about the norm across the country. I am appalled by that. Sexual predators walk the streets by the thousands and we are more outraged by animal cruelty.
I will share a personal story. I am an animal lover, especially dogs. Our first Rottweiler (Maximillion) was stolen from our back yard and we believe he was taken by individuals working for a dog fighting operation. I say this because dog fighting was a major issue at the time and several dogs throughout the community had been stolen for that very purpose. I just about get physically sick at the thought of sweet loving Max being forced to fight another dog to the death. The image is just too much for me. So please as you read this know that I am in no way saying that dog fighting should not be punished, perish the thought. I am trying to draw attention to the disparity in how criminals are tried according to their crimes. If we would show as much outrage at the perpetrators of crimes against humanity perhaps we would see higher conviction rates for other crimes.
Let Michael Vick's fall from grace be an example of what can happen when you disrespect any form of life, but remember that he has paid his debt to society and deserves the right to go on with his life. Get some perspective people.
J
