MICHAEL VICK BLOG
Am I really supposed to believe that Michael Vick is deserving of all of the ridicule, criticism, and convictions legally and in the court of public opinion? I have seen more outrage from this situation than I have seen when a rot or a pit MAULS a child to death. I have also seen more outrage when a man (or woman) commits rape or murder. This just doesn't seem to be right.
"Domestic Animals"
What is particularly interesting is that people can separate the difference between killing dogs, birds, rabbits, etc. All of the aforementioned animals are and CAN be considered domestic animals, but let's be honest, NOBODY cares about killing birds or rabbits. Just because YOU call something domestic doesn't necessarily mean that anyone else should place that same value on that animal that you do. Some people think rabbits are domesticated pets; others like to eat them. Who is right? For the record, I do not kill dogs or endorse it.
Dog Fighting v. Dog Killing
There are two issues (at least) here that are being conflated daily by the majority of the people discussing this Michael Vick case. Most people claim the dog fighting itself outrages them, but what they are really upset about is the dog killing – fine. However, let's break down the differences. First, let's understand that the felony charge is for DOG FIGHTING, NOT DOG KILLING. Killing the dogs only ultimately affects the severity of the sentence you receive.
Dog Fighting, Cock Fighting, Horse Racing
Are we REALLY that mad at dog fighting? I find it interesting that people CLAIM to be so mad at dog fighting, when they are the SAME PEOPLE who drive and endorse other fighting industries in which animals (or humans) are being abused.
Boxing, Ultimate Fighting, Fight Clubs
I know, I know. "These are different. Although they are humans being hurt and sometimes to the death, these people have a choice", etc, etc. This argument is elitist, shortsighted, and flat out WRONG. If these fighters have such a meaningful "choice", why is it that the substantial majority of these fighters come from lower class environments – not just here, but internationally? Coincidence? Status: Doubtful.
I want you to tell me what person with a meaningful choice in life would EVER decide to choose a profession, which his /her job is to beat up people (at best), and run the risk of being beaten up themselves????????????????????????????????????????????????? None of you would or did. Neither did I. We would rather stay pretty, not look like Muhammad Ali, and not run the risk of dying in the ring.
Additionally, WE DRIVE THESE INDUSTRIES, because AMERICA LOVES VIOLENCE. Another reason why a boxer may "choose" to do so is because he now knows that if he is very successful, he can make 30 million dollars on a fight! And how is that? It's because of all you Michael Vick haters who fly to Vegas to attend fights, bet on fights, and/or order these fights on payperview. Yes, that was YOU who said," Hit him! Knock him out! Kill him!" These are REAL people - HUMANS.
Background, Exposure, Environment
This story is very SAD. I, AS AN ATTORNEY (yes I am barred in New York), did not know until this case that dog fighting was a felony! Additionally, several attorneys I know also did not know that dog fighting was a felony. If we did not know, HOW could Michael Vick know? We are talking about a young man who grew up in the inner city and who was exposed to this at a young age by relatives and others he trusted. This doesn't necessarily excuse his actions (at least legally), but it puts it in proper perspective. Everyone in this country (oh, and especially internationally, where dogs are killed regularly in many countries) does not place the same value on dogs. As Roy Jones said, "these dogs don't have locked jaws for nothing." People buy and own Pit bulls for protection, because they know that at the snap of a finger, they will (and can) rip someone to shreds. They are beasts - not what I call domestic. Lions and Tigers can also be tamed, but that doesn't mean they are domestic.
Closing
There are MANY more people in this country who have (and are) committing MUCH WORSE crimes than Mike Vick. Need an example? George W. Bush - killing PEOPLE everyday. I believe this is America's attempt to dehumanize a black man who has become so successful through his athletic ability. He has defied the odds that YOU stacked against him, was one of the faces of the NFL, but now a demon?? I personally can't and won't accept it. Quite frankly, I could probably write an entire book on this case, but I will stop here. It is a perfect illustration of the oppression that black people in this country still face. Modern day servitude. Let us unite
