Michael Vick's Dog Would be the Luckiest Dog on the Planet

[MrScorpio]

Earl Ofari Hutchinson
Author and political analyst
Posted: December 20, 2010 09:19 AM


Any dog that Michael Vick owned would be the luckiest dog on the planet. But a dog won't get that honor, at least not just yet. And it's dumb and silly not to give Vick the chance to give a dog the love, care and devotion that he would give the lucky pet. There are two reasons why Vick won't get to own a pet now. They tell much about the idiocy of a court system that deals in rigid absolutes and about many that are still blinded in part by mania over the Vick's past reprehensible actions toward dogs, and in part because of racism.

Vick is barred from buying, selling and -- most grievously to him -- owning a dog. Grievous, because he has publicly pined to own a dog, his children's desire to have a dog, and most importantly that owning a dog would send the message that redemption is more than just a Webster dictionary word. Vick understands the importance of that message and said so in an interview, "I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process." Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States cosigned that message when he said "I have been around him a lot, and feel confident that he would do a good job as a pet owner."

The sad thing is that Vick and Pacelle can talk all day about the message that Vick would send by being allowed to own a dog but it won't change anything. This is the same Humane society that whipped up public rage against Vick to the point that Vick was tried, convicted and sentenced in the court of public opinion long before he put a toe in a court room. This assured that Vick's name would be spat out in the same breath as the names of the worst of the serial killers, pedophiles, and terrorists.

Vick could have volunteered round the clock at PETA events, camped in front of fur manufacturers with a picket sign, cleaned kennels at pet shelters, and bankrolled and appeared in ads against animal abuse. It would not have changed his fate. The imprint "reprehensible" that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stamped on him and his crime, not to mention the much less charitable epithets that thousands have hurled at him in Internet chat rooms and on sports talk shows would have still stuck tightly in big, bold letters on him. Despite Vick's 19 month sentence served, full cooperation with federal authorities in identifying dog fighting rings, storybook triumphant comeback with the Philadelphia Eagles, his earning the accolades of coaches, the NFL establishment and sportswriters for his gracious, thoughtfulness, and exemplary comportment on and off the field, Vick is still a much hated figure among many.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/earl-ofari-hutchinson/michael-vicks-dog-would-b_b_798782.html

[blondeatlast]

1. Oh, FFS. Maybe he should have thought of that before. The man not only watched his

dogs fight--he helped train them.

No sale.

[HelenWheels]

18. He also tortured them

Read the book about Vick's dogs and than say you would let him own another dog. He should never, never have another dog. He shouldn't touch them or even look at them.

[blondeatlast]

22. I'm well aware of the hands-on horror he gave those creatures.

And the key is--HANDS_ON. He didn't pay people to do it, he did it himself.

[denem]

36. Stupid Kick for Vick

[FreakinDJ]

2. Rather then talking about protecting SSI we'll talk about Vick

Stupid is as Stupid Does

This is right out the KKKarl Rove /FUX News Playbook

[hlthe2b]

3. Good Gawd. PLEASE tell me, MrScorpio, that you don't agree..

PLEASE! Heavens, I fear you may destroy what I thought I knew and liked most about you. Gawd....

[MrScorpio]

4. Would you like an explanation?

I'm not sure if you're willing to listen.

[hlthe2b]

5. Are you going to promote Vick's having a dog?

Then, no. Truly, I would be too horrified.

[MrScorpio]

6. Not at all. And frankly it has little to do with Vick nt

[hlthe2b]

7. Good. then, yes. please do.

[MrScorpio]

27. To me, the visceral reaction to Vick's post incarcerated life...

Is a sign of the fact that Americans love vengeance above justice.

Vick could never reoffend again, and he could… and let me quote this from the article "Vick could have volunteered round the clock at PETA events, camped in front of fur manufacturers with a picket sign, cleaned kennels at pet shelters, and bankrolled and appeared in ads against animal abuse. It would not have changed his fate. "

That struck me as what's going on around here. The belief that another human being is beyond redemption NO MATTER WHAT HE DOES. Instead, punishment must be heaped upon him.

This is the funny thing, Vick was ordered to surrender a million dollars to rehab dogs that would have otherwise been destroyed if the money wasn't there. And of any kind of dogs, they were pit bulls, which may or may not have a bad rap on the breed, depending on who you're talking to. When ever any of those dogs require any kind of vet care for as long as they live, Vick will be required to pay the bills. As fitting, I think.

However, to the self-righteous among us, none of that even matters.

We're a society that easily redeems a "dangerous" breed of fighting dog on one hand and rejects a human being who has wronged in the past, but who is successfully completing the terms of his punishment today.

No one, it seems is condemning Vick for any current misdeeds, merely rehashing his old ones while disregarding what ever restitution that he's made. He's decried for using whatever talent that he has to make an honest living. No. To some, that's not good enough. He should be penniless, even if that means that whatever money that he would have made as a football ball player would never be available to pay for the care of his former dogs.

That's an irrational belief, fueled by an irrational thirst for vengeance. And we've read it all: Vick should be tortured by his dogs, his dreams should be filled with horrific images and on and on and on.

It's everything except a humane stance that a person who is trying to redeem himself should be allowed to.

Instead, the thirst for vengeance persists.

It's just a sign that I see about us. In the way that we treat the incarcerated in general. in the way that we've built a prison complex that's the largest in the world, in the cavalier way that we commit violent acts against each other, whether it's by way of the state or not. And this thirst culminates in our society all the way to the ultimate sanction, The Death Penalty. Yet, in spite of all the vengeance that we, as a society, sickeningly indulge in, none of it is ever good enough.

It's about sheer cruelty for cruelty's sake. It's a hypocritical stance of wishing the same thing on a person that one's condemns him for.

It's about the inability to move on when it's the best thing to do.

The Vick situation is the latest focus of our penchant for vengeance, much of it as a distraction. And it's a distraction, because the self-righteous are using it as a vehicle to promote themselves in the wake of Vick's rightful punishment and restitution.

At this point, we should be moving on, but the need for vengeance is preventing any progress.

To me, that's a sign of a greater societal problem.


Lastly, the Blame Obama is taking this whole thing and running with it. They have their own reasons, for which they refuse to be reasoned with.

[hlthe2b]

29. I appreciate your thoughtful response...

In a series of threads filled with vitriol and emotion, your response is refreshing.

While I can understand the reasoning behind your points and agree on some, I think where we disagree is as to whether Vick has actually "rehabilitated" through sincere acts and restitution. If you have read the letters that some have posted from the shelter that actually cared for the animals in the aftermath, I think you would realize why many have doubts. Apparently he never reached out to them, offered them money nor his time, nor inquired as to the fate of the animals that they took on. The HUSA is one of several national organization that promotes and fund raises for animal issues. At the local level some HUSA chapters have shelters, but that is not the role of HUSA. Giving them money and doing some speaking appearances, is a relatively easy thing for someone of his means to do. Yet, it does not necessarily afford him the opportunity to see the animals and the impacts that fighting has on them--to really understand why it is that so many were outraged and why it is that he should be out promoting children to treat animals with compassion and kindness. I think many see the greater world of celebrities, that get in trouble, and throw money at the problem as their "evidence" of having been rehabilitated-- only to get in trouble again down the road for the same issue--whether it be drunk driving, drugs, hate language, or whatever....

There are very real problems that this episode underscores. None larger than that of released felons who need a second chance. Given the inequities of our society, a large proportion of those released are black men. They DO deserve chances, jobs, opportunities. But they are so incredibly different from Michael Vick, whose fortunate athletic abilities, and financial means open so many doors from the moment he left prison. So, for him to be held up as an example of "successful second chances" and rehabilitation seems to many of us a slap in the face to the impoverished average man or woman released from jail. They do deserve a second chance. They are quite unlikely to receive it. That is why Obama's statement seemed like pandering to many of us and a very inappropriate subject for his outreach. Rehabilitation and second chances are a noble (and progressive) policy and philosophy, IMO. How pointing to Vick's very different situation helps those more average people caught up in the system is hard to understand.

And yes, many of us have cared for animals (or children) who were abused. It leaves a very lasting impact and imparts a very strong need to ensure it doesn't happen over and over and over. Maybe that makes some more skeptical of Michael's conversion and rehabilitation. I think that should be understandable to most.

[MrScorpio]

30. I see this "reaching out requirement" as nothing more than changing the goal posts

Here's a copy of Vick's court order and none of that is contained within:

http://www.sanantoniobankruptcyattorneylawyerinformation.com/vick/PleaJudgmentRestAgreement.pdf

As long as he's meeting those requirements FAITHFULLY and not reoffending, that should be good enough and any other point rendered moot.

I don't see the point of some subjective desire that he should "change what's in his heart". He's not required to do that. He's required to act accordingly as ordered by the court.

Changing the goalposts does nothing more than hamper resolution and denies any kind of redemption.

[hlthe2b]

31. You seem to think that you can DEMAND public forgiveness...

What is required by the court and what might be expected in the "court of public opinion" can and should be different. Can you not see that?

It is this DEMANDING that we all forgive Vick that I think strikes so many negatively. Forgiveness is a very personal thing. Some have no problem forgiving Vick because they don't value animals that much to begin with (I'm not implying that to be the case with you or any other Duer, btw). For them, his crime is not so personally offensive.

[MrScorpio]

34. My point has always been that some people will never be satisfied...

No matter whatever Vick has done and will do to changes his ways. NOTHING, to some, will ever be good enough.

The court has given him a concrete set of guidelines by which he is impelled to comply with.

I choose to defer to the court's orders and remark that the vengeance riddled desire for superfluous punishment and disregard for what he is impelled to do and had already done is nothing more than an unnecessary distraction.

It doesn't really matter.

[hlthe2b]

38. Do you believe he should be allowed a dog?

(though the original court judgement was that he could NEVER again do so)

[MrScorpio]

39. The court order stipulates that he should not own dogs

I'm totally fine with that.

[SidDithers]

45. Great reply...nt

Sid

[rfranklin]

9. I agree, classic distraction...

this is just the beginning of the "hey, look at that flying pig over there!" gambits.

[hlthe2b]

23. I care about the dogs... Vick can persue whatever he wants...

garner the accolades and success as he can. Good enough for him. I don't wish to deny him those opportunities.

It is not a matter of forgiveness, but one of protection. I would feel the same with respect to putting a child in the household of a convicted abuser.

As for what some are suggesting-- that the reverberation towards Vick is racially motivated-- I don't agree. I could readily make the case that it is a classism issue, however. I think a lot of Americans are fed up with the intense inequities that come from having money and celebrity, versus, NOT. You can count me in that particular boat.

[Safetykitten]

8. Is this satire too?

[Lucian]

10. This is why HuffPo is a worthless read.

You get shit in there like this.

[JVS]

11. Unlike the other dogs he's owned.

[blondeatlast]

12. Here's another thought--let Mr. Vick have a dog, BUT...

If he wants publicity, how about he rides along with Animal Cops and lets AP film him responding? WITHOUT men in $2000 suits in attendance. Let's see a little empathy AND sincerity--then I'll buy what you are selling.

Let's see some ACTION, Mr. Vick--then I'll offer some sympathy with the plight you created in your own family.

[LynneSin]

15. He has done alot these past 2 years working with the Humane Society

But that's not a bad idea. Might be good for an episode of Animal Cops. They do film that here in Philly.

But please remember that Vick volunteered with the Humane Society, not as part of his parole but above and beyond. Mainly to reach out to children who live in areas of the country where dog fighting is practiced. I know many of us here at DU think dog fighting is horrible but there is a strong culture out there that thinks this is ok. He was raised in that environment and he wants to let other kids know this is not normal behavior and not worth getting involved with.

[blondeatlast]

21. Hands-on volunteered? Picking up poop? Scrubbing kennels?

That's the kind of stuff that COULD (not necessarily would) convince me that he's sincere.

[Goblinmonger]

33. So you would rather he pick up dog poop

than go out and try to stop kids from getting involved in the dog-fighting culture (which he is probably doing--at least he has had a good number of speaking engagements to do so)? Does that even make sense? He is using his high profile to make a difference.

My thought, as the OP alludes to, is that if Vick had been picking up poop for two years, you would be saying that he needs to do something about the problem instead if he really wants to be forgiven.

[blondeatlast]

37. I'm saying that since this seems to me a blatant appeal to get endorsement money,

he'd be more successful at it if he picked up dog poop or rode along with animal rescue units.

I don't need a court order or the thought of a million dollar endorsement contract to tell kids that torturing creatures is wrong. Apparently, Mr. Vick does.

FWIW, I DO pick up dog poop and volunteer at a shelter. I actually enjoy it.

[hlthe2b]

24. I'd tend to be convinced if he had reached out at all to the shelter

that cared for his dogs in the aftermath. That he has not, at all is quite telling, particularly as I know the very real differences in the HUSA and local chapters, in terms of their outreach and hands on efforts. The former is a policy, fund-raising and promotional group. The local chapters very often have shelters and do real "on-the ground" outreach.

[naaman fletcher]

13. Come on people. Get over it. he did his time. cant believe this is still an issue. nt.

[flvegan]

14. Racism? Really.

Lots of folks throwing that "redemption" word around. Spending a big chunk of money so that you could torture dogs? Oh, sorry Little Mikey Vick but redemption is a long, long way off.

No dog for you!

[City Lights]

16. michael vick = auto unrec.

Good gawd, DU needs a dog fighting forum.

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ladywnch]

19. and people don't seem to remember, he was tried/convicted on racketeering

and gambling NOT animal abuse. He was only tried because he was caught making money from it all. the Authorities don't give a shit what he did to those animals, only that he was making money and they weren't getting any from it.

By much of what I've read, we should give the whole Bush administration a pass because they didn't realize torture was bad. Vick didn't realize dog fighting and torture of animals was bad.....it's a 'cultural thing'. Bush/Cheney live in a 'cultural thing' that says it's okay to torture brown skin people since they're not really human.

If someone really needs to be told that inflicting pain another living being for amusement is wrong, they are mentally defective and should be under constant monitoring and care....and certainly never own another animal.

Does Vick have a wife or kids? Studies show that people who abuse animals are far more likely to also be abusing spouses and children. Although, maybe someone 'told him' that that would be wrong earlier in his life. What else does he need to have 'explained' to him?

[xchrom]

25. +1 - I've said it before - 'repeatedly' is a word

Not used often enough when referring to Vick.

[Goblinmonger]

35. Do you agree with bull fighting?

That is a pretty horrendous activity that is culturally accepted in other countries. Why are we not willing to put dog fighting in with bull fighting as something that people could grow up thinking is OK? Is is because cattle aren't as cute as dogs? Because bull fighting is not an activity of the poor? Interested to see where the line is drawn.

[ladywnch]

41. no, I do not condone bull fighting. I'm also not a fan of

tying bulls' testicles in a knot to make them buck more for rodeos either.

The following is not directed to you personally: All these right to lifers....'all life is sacred' types.....well, as it turns out, not all life is equal. Anything that doesn't walk upright is, by definition, no longer sacred......anything that doesn't believe in the flying spaghetti monster isn't equal. Inflicting pain for the mere sake of inflicting pain or for purposes of amusement is beyond 'rehabilitation'.

[Goblinmonger]

44. But what Vick was doing IS something that is a cultural thing

and not a sociopathic one. Just as people delight in Bull Fighting, he came from a culture where dog fighting was OK. He appears to have learned the error of his ways and is trying to tell others in the same culture that it isn't OK. I think that is a good thing. Claiming that he is on the path to Dahmerland is a little too over the top for me. And I'm a 20-year ethical vegetarian with strong animal rights views.

[ladywnch]

47. I never claimed or even implied he was 'on the path to Dahmerland'

but there is substantial data that shows direct correlation between animal abuse and spousal/child abuse. I equated his actions with Bush/Cheney's actions. I never said he was a cannibal....or even on the road to cannibalism. I simply said anyone who has to be told that torture for entertainment is wrong has something seriously wrong with them and they don't 'rehabilitate' overnight. He reminds me of the convicts who 'found Christ' while in prison and are all better now. I believe him about as much as I believe them. And as far the 'cultural' argument, bull fighting, reprehensible as it may be, is LEGAL and a national cultural thing......dog fighting is ILLEGAL in every state and community in the US. THAT should have been enough. He KNEW it was illegal which is why he was hiding it. He should have understood inflicting pain is morally wrong.....being a good Christian and all.

[AndrewP]

20. Ohhh....poor Michael Vick....wahhhhhh

:puke:

[Motown_Johnny]

26. Unless he blows out his knee, ends his career and falls off the radar

then that dog is screwed


I have had dogs live 15 years. How many years do you think Vick's career has left?

[Arkansas Granny]

28. It is my understanding that part of Mr. Vick's sentencing agreement was that

he would never again own a dog. That sounds like a reasonable stipulation considering the nature of the abuse that he had inflicted on the dogs involved in the criminal charges against him.

[meow mix]

32. maybe he'll lose his eyes and need a seeing eye dog.

just to get thru basic living necessitys. woudlnt that be ironic

[LanternWaste]

40. Octamom's kids are the luckiest kids in the world...

By the same measure, Octamom's children are the luckiest in the world...

[CreekDog]

42. Why don't they call it "Fluffington Post"?

the way it sounds to me. :eyes:

[WorseBeforeBetter]

43. "...storybook triumphant comeback with the Philadelphia Eagles,"

If ever a :rofl: was warranted, it's now.

[Critters2]

46. So someone from the Onion is contributing at Huffpost now? nt

[TBF]

48. Poor, poor dog torturer. Should we allow convicted pedophiles to adopt children also?