Dear Mr. Smith,
I am a College Professor and a youth football coach in Ontario and I was reading on the TSN report that you are planning on “renting three billboards near the Eagles’ stadium blasting the signing of Vick” in protest to his recent signing with the Philadelphia Eagles Football club.
As a life-time pet owner, the father of a young, impressionable football player, and also as a College Professor who works regularly with ‘Youth-at-Risk’, I would just like to ask that you please reconsider your perspective on this matter.
Many people in this life make mistakes. I deal with them every day, and not always are they bad people. Good people make mistakes as well. Michael Vick has lost much and why as you may not agree that he deserves a second chance, I think that you are missing the bigger picture on how this situation can help to further your own cause for the humane treatment of animals.
Just last night, I was sitting around with friends as they asked about my job. I explained to them that it was incredibly rewarding because having had been through tough times myself, I have always felt that it was (and is) the personal obligation of anyone who can rise up from adversity to help those around them. Michael Vick will do more positive work and awareness creation for your cause than I think that you can even imagine. He is committed to becoming an ambassador for your cause and perhaps it would be wise to use Mr. Vick to your own advantage – thus turning a despicable act into something positive that can benefit many.
If I can please quote Law #2 from the book “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene – Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies. – Be wary of friends – they will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical. But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove. In fact, you have more to fear from friends than from enemies. If you have no enemies, find a way to make them.
The point of that is simple; use Michael Vick to help further your own cause. You don’t have to like what he did and you don’t have to like the man himself, but I think also, you would be considered a wise man by many if you use Mr. Vick’s popularity to help save animals. In the height of his career, giant corporate sponsors could only have dreamt of getting a massive sports celebrity such as Mr. Vick to endorse their product, and even then, it would have come with a price tag in the millions. You have an opportunity to do something good. Do not waste your time, energy and money fighting a lost cause. Mr. Vick has served his time in prison and society is ready to forgive him. God is ready to forgive him. His fans are ready to forgive him. The question is; why are you in a position to condemn him?
I appreciate your time and consideration in reading my letter. I hope that for everyone’s sake, especially the animals, that you make the right decision.
Sincerely,
Professor James F. Ryan
www.coachjamesryan.com
That letter was great! I wanted to Thank You for that! I read it twice and I totally agree with you! If more people would use a negative and make it into a positive the world would be a better place! One Love!
coachjamesryan
Vick really needs more people like you in his corner.
he paid his dues.
Great words, I don't see the real issue either. The NFL needs Vick like Vick needs the NFL.
great letter coachjamesryan
Very well put…. people like you make the world a better place. Keep changing lives around you and in time the world will be a better place!
Nice letter ryan. I don't understand why people are so against Vick and his second chance – like they are so perfect themselves.
Beautiful letter man. Hopefully it gets through to him because renting those billboards really is just ridiculous and will serve no purpose in helping their cause to raise awareness about animal cruelty. If Mr. Bill Smith's deepest darkest secrets were revealed to the entire nation how would he be perceived??…NO ONE is perfect.
I agree with you Coach very good letter
coachjamesryan: That letter of yours was very well written. I think you hit the nail on the head with it.
Your letter lacks something very important. You missed the definition of a mistake…6 years of premeditated torture and killing is the act of a sociopath…not someone making a mistake. By your reasoning, Rae Carruth murdering his pregnant girlfriend was just a mistake.
Vick lovers throw the word mistake around way too loosely and don't know what the word means
Hi Phil,
I know that this is a very sensitive topic for many, which is exactly why I have chosen to speak about it. My apologies if I have offended you. I can assure you, it was not my intention. Perhaps you are correct, and the term 'mistake' is an understatement.
I have been reading the sports blogs all weekend and unfortunately, your comment is only about as constructive as most. Michael Vick is continuously being compared to serial killers throughout our history, while self-proclaimed puritans get the opportunity to stand high on top of their soap-boxes and judge another human being for the personal gain of their own crusades.
In no way have I ever claimed to be a Michael Vick supporter. I'm just not a Michael Vick condemner. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. I applaud you for living a good life. I am sure that you are a very nice person. It is unfortunate however, that you lack compassion and empathy in your life.
In my experience, anyone can be negative. It requires very little effort or intelligence.
All the best,
Coach James
Phillip,
He grew up aorund this, and everyone know it. They say children that grow up in abusive environments are likely to repeat this behavior, as are children who grow up with alcoholic parents. The point is, when you are doing something your whole life you don't really have an opportunity to reflect on what it is you are doing. Most people do not realize something is wrong until they are removed from the situation and are able to look at it from all angles. This is what happened with him. Since he was a kid hes seen this and thought it was no big deal, thats what he was brought up to think. Now that hes had everything taken from him he is able to realize that his behavior was unjust, and not warranted under any circumstances. I used to drink and drive. Then one day I was in an accident. Thank god nobody was hurt, but It was not until then that I realized what I was doing was wrong and now as a result I will not drink and drive. Many people are only able to live in the moment, and if nothing is going wrong then there is no reason to change. It often takes a large shock to bring people down to reality. You need to give him a chance just to prove himself. If he screws up again, then you can say you were right. But so far he has been doing just fine. Nobody cared when Pacman jones was involved in 20 altercations, one which left a man paralyzed. He got every chance in the book, and he most certainly didnt deserve it. If he does things right he will be able to shine a light on a subject that he can speak about first hand, and may actually prevent someone from killing a dog. You dont think he should get this opportunity? If not then lock yourself in your room, because one day, if you haven't done so already, you will make a mistake. And when that day comes you should be sentenced to life in prison, because according to you nobody deserves a second chance.
Very well put. Thank you.
Well said Mr. Ryan, I hope Mr. Smith will take heed, the negativity is not necessary to make a point, Micheal Vick has suffered enough and he would silly for not taking the opportunity to redeem his name.by helping their cause.
How does a person go from being a dogfighter to a sociopath? Does that mean that people who hunt will end up on the roof of some tall building picking off people like Whitman? One has nothing to do with the other. Jesus forgives when we ask for forgiveness. God forgives when we ask forgiveness and confess our sins. Vick has done this so when does the man get a break from you that appear to be mightier GOD himself.
Before you start condemning another man first do as he has and confess you owns sins to the rest of the world and give US a chance to judge you. Then and only then are you allowed to judge another human being. And I have OWNED and loved dogs, fish, cats, and birds but i could careless about dogfighting it's your own decision much like hunting. Now judge that.
Let's talk forgiveness after he's spent as much time preaching against cruelty as he spent dispensing it with his own hands. That's deliberate and premeditated, that's not a “mistake”. I'd also like to see in his very lucrative football contract a “performance” clause wherein his penalty for flubbing a play is being hanged, electrocuted, shot, beaten, etc. If he survived, he'd have a real reason to cry every night, poor thing.
I think Tom4Vick is on the money here. Dogfighting is condoned in many neighborhoods throughout this country. How many times was dogfighting in the mainstream media before Vick was indicted? I can't think of any. Vick's case brought to light how violent and disgusting dogfighting is. It's more common than people think and it must be stopped. In my opinion, people who think Vick is a sociopath are flat out wrong. He grew up around dogfighting and thought it was normal. Whether people like it or not, not all people view dogs as pets. Go to any city in this country and you will find people involved in dogfighting. It is engrained in certain segments of our society. Law enforcement needs to do a better job in enforcing the law and animal rights organizations need to do a better job of educating people.
I would be utterly shocked if Michael Vick dabbles in any type of animal cruelty in the future. He knows what he did was wrong. He has faced 2 full years of “in your face” backlash from the media, public, and animal rights organizations. His apologies have been sincere and he seems remorseful for what he did (or he's a great actor). As for the people saying that Vick feels sorry for himself, of course he does. He probably wishes he was taught to treat animals humanely since day one, but he wasn't and he has learned his lesson.
The bottom line is, cut the guy some slack. He has served his time, he has apologized profusely, he has shown humility, and he has to go to bed every night knowing that he committed a heinous crime. Vick's punishment did not end when his house arrest ended. He will be reminded of what he did for the rest of his life.
Excellent. Thank you.
What absolute nonsense James Ryan's letter is. How would he like it if Vick and his cronies had tortured and killed one of his pets. What adversity did Vick rise up from-the adversity of torturing and killing innocent animals for monetary gain? Or maybe you are thinking of the adversity of having been caught for his crimes ? You said society has forgiven Vick. Society has not forgiven Vick and never would or should for his heinous crimes.Only people like you who cannot think for themselves would think otherwise.Nice to know that you look upon your friends as really being enemies. Quite the philisophical reasoning you have going there
It's tough to argue with 'logic' like that. Thanks for reading
James
Animal lovers worldwide now have access to more than a decade's worth of proof that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) kills thousands of defenseless pets at its Norfolk, Virginia headquarters. Since 1998, PETA has opted to “put down” 21,339 adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens instead of finding homes for them.
PETA's “Animal Record” report for 2008, filed with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, shows that the animal rights group killed 95 percent of the dogs and cats in its care last year. During all of 2008, PETA found adoptive homes for just seven pets.
Just seven animals — out of the 2,216 it took in. PETA just broke its own record.
At the end if the day, Mike Vick served his time, was punished under the law and deserves another shot at as a citizen. Leave him alone until he messes up again.
PETA can take their $32 million budget and give it to me! YAY!
And if you consider yourself a Christian, but won't forgive Vick, find another faith because you're not living by your current one. Hypocrites….
Interesting letter Jamie and great job on your site
Great article…
James I agree with most of what you say. He will do much for animals now,
he has to. I just cant get the images out of my mind, seeing Micheal Vick
Watching those dogs being chewed on torn on dying and enjoying the sight.
It sickens me. That was intertainment to him and his friends. Can you change
his sick mind?
Another thing, why would this guy waste his money on a billboard? The money he is spending on this useless billboard could be used to feed hungry children, or to help animals. They signed him, get over it. They are not going to release him just because some idiot puts a billboard next to the stadium. It blows my mind that this guy would consider doing this. Of all the things to spend your money on he chooses this? Some activist. Seems to me hes just looking for attention. Keep the money for the billboards and start an anti-dog fighting campaign if you want to make a difference. Everyone wants to point fingers at Michael Vick, but how many of these people are doing anything to help the situation? Go out and make a difference, don't bitch and hang billboards. Most likely Mike Vick will never harm another animal again, so he is really wasting his breath. Go try and change people who are still doing this, there are plenty.
Oh, “Coach” you obviously don't know Bill Smith. He doesn't need this attention. He is the person that was the force behind changing Pennsylvania's Puppy Mill Laws. (The state that had the worst laws in the country, hmmm. Pennsylvania has two dirty marks on it now). A think most people can agree that Vick didn't make a “mistake”. If he raped, hung, electrocuted your daughter with jumper cables, you wouldn't call that a “mistake” and you probably wouldn't want that person in a glorifed position like a player in the NFL. It takes a very sick mind to do what he did and you don't “wake up” doing a short stint in jail from a crime that sadistic.
I adopted a dog from Bill's shelter a year and a half ago. Bill had rescued her by meeting someone on an expressway exit to take her into his shelter. She had no hair and her skin was red and raw at that time. When I met her she had to wear a sweater 24/7 because she could not have her raw skin exposed. Bill takes all the animals to veterinarians for as many visits as is needed to get them back to a healthy condition. They are housed in a loving and humane environment. There are numerous people who volunteer to take care of the animals that were discarded by people who think a dog is a form of amusement or a toy for children to play with. He personally came to my home, an hour away, before I was able to adopt her. He does not want the animals to be adopted only to be abused again. I don't think this man ever sleeps in his efforts on behalf of innocent abused animals. Until you have taken care of 10,000 abused cats, dogs or rabbits, you should defer to Bill's judgment on animal abuse. When I returned to the shelter to return a dog carrier, I left there sobbing because I could not believe the number of unwanted and abused animals in Bill's care, and he loves each one of them. He even had a nickname for my little dog, even though she was one of over 100 dogs. It's a sad situation that so many people in this country prefer to “love” a sport full of overpaid atheletes. Have your children aspire to loving and nurturing living creatures. A football is not a living thing. Michael Vick still looks indignant and I believe he is only sorry because he was caught.
Thomas, a “mistake,” like the majority of language, used by people with a connotation specific to them but ends up interpreted with a connotation specific to the listener. Vick's circumstances don't appear to be the same as yours, thus you differ. I don't mean to imply you should feel different about him in any way, but you do have to take into account that Southern Virginia, much like many regions across the country, has a social pocket heavily invested in dogfighting – I mean, why else would Vick spend so much on the dogs and Bad Newz Kennels reportedly invest in inter-state fights? In all of society, there are perceived vices that, unfortunately, end up as the predominant culture for many individuals. What I think you have fallen into, as I have and many people do in instances, is a pattern of over-specification. He is a very prolific instance, but because he is presented as such, we lose sight of the context.
Yes, the real tragedy is that much of the focus has gone on “Vick the individual,” and not “Vick the member of a organization.” This incident could have been used to put another, much more public face on the growing trend in legal proceedings to punish everyone to the full extent and impose harsh penalties on all parties involved in animal cruelty cases. But instead, the other members testify against Vick and he gets sent in as the main fall guy. So now we're discussing Vick's reprehensible acts in very scoped terms – the merit in his reinstatement and what sort of person he is to have done these things – instead of actively seeking to combat a very troubling reality in many places in the world, not just the United States.
All of this being said, for as “sick mind[ed]” as you paint Vick to be, the level of openness in his admissions of remorse and his desire to atone for his actions have to speak something of his character. Also, spending 700+ nights in a jail cell, upset with himself to the point of tears most nights and having nothing to do but mull over how horrible his decisions had been to that point, can feel like an eternity. This is coming from a person living with depression. He may not be cured, but he is showing that he is human.
James,
The piece on Vick was interesting. I agree that people deserve a second chance, and I hope Vick turns his life around. I am just tired of people putting these guys on pedestals. Role models should be the people around you, people you can speak with and learn from. Sure, you can gain inspiration from a pro athlete and learn a lot from them from what you see on TV, but in the end, it's the people in your life that make a bigger difference.
Vick had more transgressions than just dog fighting. Giving fans the finger, spreading STDs, he's no choir boy. While he served his time in prison, Vick will need to work a long time to earn other's trust. He lied continuously about his involvement in the dog-fighting ring, and realized the jig was up when his cohorts struck deals with prosecutors. Is he a changed man? Only time will tell. I hope he prevails and is an inspiration for others to overcome adversity and that his story acts as a deterrent for others who may consider some of thing he was involved with in the past.
Cheers,
Steve
I love this letter! I even posted it on my fb wall with my comment—use the money to help some kids!
This was just posted today on TSN. “Eagles Meet with Animal Rights Groups” The Canadian Press
PHILADELPHIA – Animal rights groups and the Philadelphia Eagles are looking at ways they can join forces to combat dogfighting.
The team drew criticism after signing convicted dogfighting ringleader Michael Vick. He didn't attend Monday's meeting.
Tom Hickey of DogPAC says he believes the upshot of the meeting was that the Eagles have a responsibility to battle dog fighting because of the Vick move.
Eagles spokeswoman Pamela Browner-Crawley called the conversation a tough but constructive beginning.
She says the team has an obligation to the community and work with kids particularly, to discourage them from engaging in dog fighting or any animal abuse. A second meeting may be scheduled.
Sounds good to me!!
Coach James
Thomas,
I didn't know that Michael Vick 'raped' any dogs and the reference towards the Coach's daughter is stupid at best. Very innappropriate and pointless to your argument. And why are people so hung up on the definition of 'mistake'?? Talk about losing focus on the real issue. Get a life!!!! At least the Coach is trying to turn a negative into a positive. What are you doing with your life to better protect the animals used in dog-fighting rings?? Maybe you should focus your energies on that instead of criticizing people who are just trying to do some good.
You are vile and evil person. This is the reason that you are fixated as such. How dare you equate the rape and torture of a child with what Mr. Vick was convicted of doing to a nasty ass dog? One bred by English men to be a force of violence, no less.
You need to stop watching the “News”. You have been programmed to fixate on and gravitate to negative information and imagery. Now you expect and sustain the creation of it. I implore you to go stare at flower blossom and contemplate God.
You are a sick, psychotic loser… quitting hating and go find yourself in sunflower.
Bravo to Bill Smith and Main Line Rescue for taking a strong stand against Michael Vick and putting the focus back where it belongs, on the millions of dogs who suffer because people like Mr. Vick have no compassion and view pitbulls as a symbol of their own viciousness.
Main Line Rescue is going to donate five bags of dog food to a DC animal shelter for every time Vick is tackled in the game against the Redskins and I hope the shelter gets more food than it can ever use
In most professions, Mr. Vick would not be able to waltz out of jail into a multi-million dollar job. If he was a doctor, he would have lost his license, if he was an attorney, he would have been disbarred. But because he can run with a football, he will continue to be presented as a hero and role model to the millions who watch the NFL
He has gotten second, third and fourth chances long before his dog-fighting ring was discovered but is being enabled by people like his coaches, Tony Dungy and Roger Goodell to get back on the football field after giving a couple speeches saying he's contrite about his “mistake” when in fact what he's really sorry about is being caught
Mrsmax,
I have to give you credit for one thing; you make some valid points. Admittedly, I have had to remove some of the statements made by certain individuals because in my opinion, they could not express themselves or thier viewpoints in an intelligent way. You have done so and your comment shall remain.
With that being said, Mr. Jack White – as much as I am sure that all Vick fans appreciate your support, I do not feel that you are doing a very good job in representing Michael Vick or his best interests with the use of foul language or vulgar terms. As such, and as much as I appreciate you visiting my site and taking the time to leave your comments, I feel that I must exercise good judgement and remove one of your less constructive comments. My apologies.
All the best.
Coach James
Coach James – Great letter and I applaud you for being fair and allowing everyone to intelligently express their own personal views. I think it says a lot about you as a person and as a 'Coach'. Keep up the great work.
Michael Vick is far from a hero. But that's not to say that Michael Vick can't make a positive difference in the lives of others. Absolutely he can.
Mrsmax – your choice of wording (“waltz out of jail') is biased and narrow-minded. It shows extreme prejudice on your part. Michael Vick went to PRISON – not jail. You are implying a sense of cockiness or 'proudness' by Michael Vick. I can assure anyone that is reading this that Michael is not proud of what he has done. Quite the opposite in fact. Michael is full of regret and shame and I commend him each and every day for showing the strength in the face of his critics to carry on and even attempt to make a positive difference.
Bill Smith is going to donate 5 bags of dog food each time that Michael Vick gets tackled against the Redskins?? (remembering of course that he is a Quarterback and unless he gets sacked, he could potentially go untouched throughout the entire game). I can not think of a more useless promotion. Is Mr. Smith that dense and stubborn that he refuses to listen to the words implored by Coach James Ryan even?
A better idea would be if all of the Michael Vick protesters could each purchase one bag of dog food and donate it just for the simple act of helping. I am sure that Bill Smith would gladly match any donation if asked. Right Bill??
I also have been wondering; how many Michael Vick protesters have gotten closely involved with the dismantling of dog-fighting rings throughout America since Michael Vick was first charged. Hmmmm…. how do you spell hippokritt?
CF3
I know… B – I – L – L – S – M- I – T – H ….hypocrite.
There is alot of activity on Facebook… just log on and search- Anti Michael Vick, or Ban NFL… you'll see plenty of people who are marching forward for the cause…. Cheering Dick's Sporting Good's for not selling Vick's jersey… organizing for the bigger protests on the 27th when Vick might play in Philly… organizing here in Chicago when Eagles come to town in November… websites like http://www.stopmichaelvick.com with emails and addresses for organizers 'all over' the US… we may be spread out by geography but the cause and the objective is the same: To play NFL Football is one of the greatest honors bestowed upon an athlete. These players are “heroes” to our kids and should set an example- their actions should be held to the highest of moral and ethical standards…
and the bottom line is: Vick does NOT fit the criteria for these ethical and moral standards.
The Commissioner of the NFL has allowed Michael Vick to return to football, despite the fact that he was responsible for the brutal electrocution, torture and rape of countless innocent dogs. Some of these dogs were drowned, slammed against walls and had their teeth ripped out- all for his profit and gain!
Even though the 'courts' say he has repaid his debt to society and served his time… that doesn't mean that he has the right to once again play in the NFL.
Again with the 'rape' reference??!!
I fear I'm starting to develop a very stereotypical view of Michael Vick protesters – say anything, even if it doesn't make any sense at all, just to show the world how morally superior you are to another.
Yesterday, I was watching a video of Floyd Mayweather Jr. (boxer) on Youtube, where he was illogically comparing boxing to the UFC and mixed martial arts. His rationale was that people shouldn't be forced to enter into a cage for fighting purposes. “That's what you do with animals” he claimed. Geez – I wonder what sort of animals he was referring to??
Michael Vick is not the only American or person to have participated in dog fighting. It is more common (which isn't a good thing) than I feel anyone realizes or is willing to admit.
Let's focus on changing things in the future. The past is the past. Get over yourself!
Oh, and Parents…
Professional Athletes should not be viewed as heroes.
To quote Steven G – “Role models should be the people around you, people you can speak with and learn from.”
If you are so concerned that your child is being influenced by Michael Vick's 'past' behaviour instead of taking influence from the hundreds or even thousands of morally solid athletes around this world, than maybe you should try having an actual conversation with your child to make sure that they understand the difference.
Stop letting television raise your kids and you won't have a problem!!
Lead by example: if you want your child to know how they should lead a good and ethical life, then SHOW THEM by way of your OWN actions and behaviour – and not just by criticizing others.
The hypocrisy is becoming a much bigger issue in my eyes. No body is perfect. Every body makes mistakes. Everyone deserves a second chance.
Sorry, but that last comment really got under my skin.
Okay, so I checked out the website and it reads as follows:
“I hope we all agree that sadistic animal torture for pleasure is not “normal behavior”. Michael Vick is Ill. Doctors can tell you that Vick's symptoms are consistent with someone who suffers from psychopathy.
(Wikipedia). (symptoms of psychopathy)
People on both sides of this controversy should set aside their passions and not lose FOCUS on this question. Whether or not you believe Michael Vick is remorseful, whether or not you believe he made a mistake in judgment, whether or not you believe he should get a second chance,, etc..
ONE question remains:
Should Michael Vick be allowed to play professional football?”
Good question.
I have a question of my own; what gives anyone the right to dictate how another human being should live their life or make a living? Seriously. This is a 'professional' sport. He gets paid to perform. If he were unable to perform, he would not be playing. This is not a charity handout by the NFL. Michael Vick had to earn his way back into professional sports and amazingly after missing 2 years, he was able to accomplish that.
All of these complaints are sounding far too petty and jealous, which is somewhat understandable given our current economic struggles. I surmise that it must be very insulting to millions of people that Michael Vick should get to play a professional sport (a dream for many) while others are losing their homes and lives to unemployment each and every day.
I really think that it is unfortunate that so many people are unable to move past this entire issue into a more positive direction. They clearly view Michael Vick as a symbol to their own pain and misfortune.
If for some reason, Michael Vick were no longer able to play football (please resist the temptation to wish injury upon another person), the animals would not be any safer. The past will not have changed. Your own life and circumstances will not be personally affected for the better.
The only thing that will have changed is your own level of personal gratification. Petty.
Jack why the hell are you here? You feel pretty good about yourself internet tough guy? I'd love for you to meet my “nasty ass dog”. You offer nothing here, no actual input or view but you seem to take pleasure in calling everyone names, you arent needed, go away. F*ck you.
Here's another thought. I am a supporter of animal rescue and vehemently anti-Vick. We could argue about “second chances” indefinitely, but the bottom line is, the Eagles can obviously do what they want. I just choose not to support it any more. I'm a Philly area resident and was an Eagles fan in the past. At this time, I have donated my jersey to charity and only watch Eagles games to root for the other team. I'm not saying that he necessarily shouldn't be allowed to play, but dog lovers can make their own decisions, and hopefully the sheer numbers will have some impact on the Eagles' bottom line. Why can't we all just make our own personal decisions and stop the endless debate? I don't think anyone who is strongly on either side of the fence is going to convince someone on the other side to change their mind.
Hi Pitfriendly,
Thanks for taking the time to visit my website and leaving a message (sincerely).
I don't completely disagree with what you are saying – it is your opinion and you are entitled to it. I am a bit concerned, however, by your final remarks.
This forum, by the sheer number of visitors, has become a place that a lot of Michael Vick supporters feel comfortable with. When I first wrote the letter, it was not my intention to bash Michael Vick or Bill Smith. It was not my intention to make excuses either.
My intention was to convince certain people that everyone just needs to come together on this and find a more positive and constructive way to move forward.
Your statements, at least how I interpret them, seem to be the opposite;
“hopefully the sheer numbers will have some impact on the Eagles' bottom line. Why can't we all just make our own personal decisions and stop the endless debate? I don't think anyone who is strongly on either side of the fence is going to convince someone on the other side to change their mind.”
First off, you obviously feel that the Eagles football club deserves to be “punished” for signing Michael Vick, even though you also say that “the Eagles can obviously do what they want.”
This makes no sense. If you don't want to cheer on your football team over this issue, that is your choice, but I strongly doubt that you were much of a 'fan' or supporter to begin with. In all likelihood, it wouldn't surprise me if you made up the part about owning a jersey, just to make your point to the team that they are losing supporters (and money). For every fan they lost, I am sure that they gained twice as many in return – I know I’m one.
The Eagles took a huge risk and they deserve some credit for that.
You donated your jersey to charity??? LOL Why? Why wouldn't you burn it or throw it in the trash? Why would you want to give it to someone else so that they can support the team?
My “Judge Judy sense” is going off!!
If it doesn't make any sense, it probably isn't true. I think you are lying.
Second, if everyone thought the way that you did, half of your beloved country would still own SLAVES (not to turn this into a ‘race’ issue – it’s more of a ‘choice’ issue).
I will never underestimate the power to change things for the better and I hope that others feel the same as I do. I may not be able to convince YOU that everyone deserves a second chance, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to stop searching for those individuals with an open mind and a sympathetic heart.
Take care.
James
Well, the Washington game on Monday October 27th has come and gone. Main Line Animal Rescue had agreed to donate 5 bags of dog food each time that Michael Vick got tackled.
TSN summarized Michael Vick's activity during the game as follows:
“… The Eagles ran the wildcat formation a few times, and Michael Vick also got a handful of plays at quarterback. He completed his only pass for 5 yards and ran three times for nine yards.”
On one of the plays that I saw, Michael Vick ran out of bounds on the play.
I hate to say “I told you so….”, but this was a useless promotion from the start. Now maybe everyone can start focusing on something more positive.
JR
Perhaps this is the sort of thing that people should be more upset about and creating crusades for?:
http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=1222506…
CBC News – Toronto – 5 Charged at Toronto Humane Society
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2009/11/…
Five senior Toronto Humane Society officials, including president Tim Trow, were charged with cruelty to animals and obstruction of a peace officer after a raid Thursday.
Around 3 p.m., the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, with the help of Toronto police, raided the THS's 11 River St. location.
A Toronto Humane Society spokesperson called the OSPCA's actions disgusting and politically motivated. There has been a long-running feud between the two animal-care organizations, he said.
The five people charged include general manager Gary McCracken and the society's head veterinarian, Dr. Steve Sheridan. Members of the society's board of directors were also charged with five counts of animal cruelty, a provincial offence under the Ontario SPCA Act
All five people were led out of the building in handcuffs and taken to the police department's 52 Division. It is expected they will make a court appearance Friday morning at Old City Hall.
Charges stem from an investigation that began in early June, looking into the care of four cats that were found to be in distress, the OSPCA alleges.
Left to die
Christopher Avery, criminal lawyer for the OSPCA, alleges dozens of animals were neglected at the THS shelter, including dozens left to die in their cages without proper care and nutrition.
During the June raid, one officer recalled a cat whose skin came off in his hands when the officer lifted the cat up, the OSPCA alleges.
“There is absolutely no disease control or pathogen control in this building,” Avery said, adding that the shelter “is absolutely disease-infested.'
“The animals are left to catch horrible diseases and die in their crates, based on the euthanasia policy and refusing to allow the veterinarians who work here to do their jobs.”
The shelter will remain closed to the public while the OSPCA investigates further.
The roughly 1,000 animals in the shelter home will remain there, with investigators going through each cage to investigate the conditions of each animal. This could result in more charges, the OSPCA said.
Not everyone agrees with what happened, though.
A volunteer at the Toronto Humane Society shelter said animals there are looked after. She was visibly upset and worried about the animals inside.
Were those dogs he tortured given a second chance?