Jul 29
Michael Vick, Deion Sanders and Dog Fighting
This story came out last week, and I’m sure most of you are well aquainted with it. For those of you who aren’t, here’s the background…Michael Vick who is a professional football player in the NFL and quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was indicted last week on charges of dog fighting.
That’s pretty bad. BUT it gets worse. Then, the news came out that he allegedly saw to the death of many dogs who weren’t “game” for dog fighting by shooting them, drowning them, hanging them and electrocuting them.
Me and Aminamals
It may not sound like it at times with my best friend the cat, but I’m very much an animal person. Ever since I can remember I’ve been around dogs. When I was little we had a poodle, and after that it was German Shepard after German Shepard. (Hey! - They’re the best dogs out there!) After that I met my wife and I was introduced to her two awesome dogs and the multitude of other animals she had including guinea pigs, ferrets, gerbils, a rat, rabbit and birds. Obviously, she loves aminamals too.
Animals are Wondrous Creatures
There seems to be a general consensus on that front. They are beautiful, intelligent and unbelievably loving. Your pets will be there for you when no one else is, giving you more affection than you could ever want only asking for food, water, and a show of affection in return. Personally, there have been may times when I was growing up where I felt like my only friend was my dog. When he was happy I was happy. When he was sad I was sad. And when we had to make the painful decision to put him down after something like a 13 year life…It was the most empty and pained I had ever felt before.
It’s for reasons like this that I’m writing this post…One that has been a long time coming to be sure. Nowadays, there are so many things on the news that aren’t really news. And as such I don’t bother to comment on them. They’re really only reported on because there’s nothing else interesting happening and in truthfulness, they don’t have any bearing on me. THIS on the other hand disturbs me so much that I literally feel sick deep in my stomach every time I think about it.
Which is Worse?
And honestly, I don’t know which one is…That Michael Vick allegedly did this or that there are those who apologize for him. Take Deion Sanders. In response to all this Mike Vick stuff he asks us,
Why are we indicting him? Was he the ringleader? Is he the big fish? Or is there someone else? The fights allegedly occurred at a property that he purchased for a family member. They apparently found carcasses on the property, but I must ask you again, is he the ringleader?
My response to that is: Who the hell cares? If Vick was engaged in dog fighting on a property HE OWNS and was responsible for the inhumane deaths of adult dogs and puppies, what does it matter if he was the ring leader or not?…I’m not a member of PETA, I don’t particularly like cats, but I can’t imagine how any person with a heart in their chest could ever look Michael Vick in the eye again. I don’t know how anyone could buy his jersey, put him on a football team or really be the same room with the guy. He’s a sick person, an evil person, and… and… *sigh* I don’t know what else there is to say.
I believe in our legal system, innocent until proven guilty and all that. But what’s been presented in the media so far seems pretty damning. To say that I’m dissapointed with how a lot of people have reacted (or not reacted) to this story would not do my emotions justice, so I can only hope that after all the facts come out that more people stand up and talk out against this.
(And I apologize that this post isn’t about blogging or web developement but I felt I had an obligation to say something. Sorry if I bored you).
July 29th, 2007 at 6:12 am
I didn’t follow the story too closely and had no idea he was doing all these other things to his animals however I’m not surprised in our society certain animals are expendable.
All animals aren’t treated the same ways take a look at farm animals “farm animals” abuse, which is common, wouldn’t even make the front page and things like that happen every single day.
I really haven’t heard too many outcries about their unfair treatment then again people can be more forgiving or care less about how the animals are treated when they know they will eat it.
“Farm animals” really aren’t considered animals (if anyone disagrees wit me you need to check how they are classified) and many, especially within the factory farm industries are treated the same way, strangled, electrocuted, butchered while alive, live chickens dipped in boiling water etc., Imagine doing that to a “pet” think of the outrage? ;-)
I’ve had many farm animals as pets so I can say they are capable of giving and receiving affection that is usually reserved for “traditional pets.”
People are conditioned to put animals in separate categories similar to the way people were (an still are) conditioned to believe that all people aren’t equal, and it was ok & abuse others based on race, religion, sexual preferences, etc.,
Am I angrier at him than what I see in the farming industry, no. I do think that all animals should be treated equally it’s unfortunate that he views animals this way. I am not surprised people place different values on animals. I don’t any animals should be abused.
July 29th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Opal and Bush, I agree. It saddens me to know that animals (any) are abused on a daily basis. People like Vick give the breed of bull dogs a bad name and reputation. We used to raise bull dogs. I know first hand how aggressive they can be, however it’s all in how you raise them. I firmly believe that raising any kid of animal is like raising a kid. You don’t teach your kid to go out and fight until the death. And that’s what ticks me off is that people are ready to banish the breed and not apprehend the owners who are teaching these animals to destroy whatever comes in their path. Sorry I get a little defensive towards the abuse of animals and really defensive against the abuse of bull dogs.
July 29th, 2007 at 10:54 am
I have a 5 year old Shiz-Tzu that is the princess in this house (I have two sons).
I loved watching Vick play, but wasn’t a Vick fan prior to this happening. Now looking at him makes me sick. I think regardless of trial outcome, he is already seen as guilty by NFL fans, which is sad but probably accurate.
July 29th, 2007 at 11:41 am
Michael Vick is a moron. How can one have absolutely no idea what is going on at his property? It looks like this was a pretty established dog fighting operation. You can’t possibly be that stupid. I could see if his house was in Guam or something but c’mon.
July 29th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
I have to agree with you on the point of “ringleader”. Who cares whether or not he was the ringleader? It was done on his property, under his nose. That alone makes him guilty by association. It shouldn’t matter whether it was a dog fighting ring, or a drug ring, if it’s done on your land, it’s your problem.
Would anyone have asked if he was the ringleader had this been a drug bust??? Doubtful. If this had happened to some joe-schmoe off the street, we would have heard a little blurb about it on the news, and that would have been the end of it. But because of who he is and what he does, it’s going to end up being a media circus.
July 29th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
@Opal - You always seem to bring something new to the conversation and I think you’ve done it again with something that not too many ppl think about. Obviously, I agree with you 100%.
@Sassy - I’m with you too. I mean just like kids, it starts at home. And no need to apologize. I think you’re right on.
@Kyle - True true true. I don’t think he’s ever playing again.
@Angela - You know how much money that guy must have? You gotta just wonder why anyone would do something so STUPID?! But I think when you’re talking about something like this, it truly goes beyond stupidness into psychological.
@Sapheyerblu - And you know what, if this story is only getting some play because it’s Vick, I’m fine with that. Better the issue comes to light because of him than not at all. I do hope that it doesn’t become a circus (which I’m sure it will be) in our society. In the end, at least I’m fairly confident that in terms of football - he’s done. Sure that may be a bold prediction, but we can all have hope right?
July 29th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
I hope you’re right. I really hope this doesn’t end up being one of those “slap-the-famous-guy-on-the-wrist” type deals.
July 29th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
@Sapheyerblu - Agreed.
July 29th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I don’t agree on any kind of torturing! And even though I do agree on you’re innocent until proven guilty, I find this person guilty! :D
July 29th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
@Grace - The court of Grace has spoken. *nod*
July 29th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Hey Buddy, I feel just as strongly as you do. I wrote an article about Vick back in May on my site. I’m too lazy to link to it right now thanks to the Blogathon hangover, but if you want to check it out you can probably do a search for “Michael Vick” on my site and find it.
They’re going to find a lot more athletes from sports other than just football participate in dog fighting. I would almost guarantee that.
BTW, I had a German Shepherd years ago. It was the most wonderful dog. His name was Herschel. He was such a happy and friendly guy and just loved everyone.
July 29th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
@Mike - First off, great job again on the blogothon. You and Tish were amazing! Secondly, and unfortunately, I think you’re right. It’s sad how inevitable it all seems but yeah, that’s how these things go I guess. And thirdly, I believe THIS was your article that you were talking about. It’s very interesting reading it…Especially now *nod*
July 30th, 2007 at 3:55 am
I just have to add a hearty “amen.” I’m not a terribly sensitive person, but when it comes to animals I can’t even listen to jokes that involve animal cruelty—they resonate too strongly with real-world incidents I’ve heard about, and that just makes me sick to my stomach. How anyone could do these things to an animal is beyond me.
July 30th, 2007 at 7:53 am
@Heather - That same sentiment was evident in me when I was writing this post which is why at times it was such a struggle…At times it’s hard to talk about something which you truly can’t comprehend. *nod*
July 30th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
I really didn’t want to come off as preachy in my post it can be hard to do when you’re writing, lol. I do think for issues I feel strongly about I’ll save that for podcasting.
This is an excellent post I believe I’ll be including it in my spotlight.
July 30th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
@Opal - Thanks a lot! But remember, it only became a good post after all the input you guys added. *nod*
July 30th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
…and modest also ;-)