The Vick Factor

[BleedBurgundy]

Originally Posted by Daseal

First let me say, I'm not trying to defend the actions of the people below, but rather trying to point out the reasoning behind such outrage. There are lots of people that commit crimes in the NFL. Few I see as disgusting as what Michael Vick did to those poor animals.

The most common of the NFL arrests seem to come from alcohol, and the most serious offenses are DUIs. Don't get me wrong, driving under the influence is beyond stupid and no one, especially people such as star athletes should ever drive drunk. But, this is where we start looking at intent. These people are stupid, not malicious. Their intent is NOT to harm and maim other people, it's to get home. A bad decision for sure, and worthy of jail time, but in my mind the crime isn't as gross, but can definitely be more tragic.

Domestic disputes are also very high. Violence in the home is a scary thing. I would never advocate the abuse of a spouse. However, I also start to lose patience the longer a person stays in a situation like that. If the words "He hit me" and "again" are in the same sentence -- you've lost my sympathy. Wife beaters DO NOT CHANGE. If he hits you once, get the **** out. You're a human with control and the ability to leave a situation. Perhaps a shelter isn't the ideal situation, but it gives you ability to get back on your feet and away from the asshole.

The problem with dog fighting is this, the dogs have no say in the matter and Vick made a conscious decision to torture them. So not only do the animals not have the power to leave the situation, Vick also is killing them, brutally, on purpose. Are there worse things than dog fighting and the torture of animals? Absolutely, but that type of reasoning is dangerous. That's asking people to monopolize all their time, effort, and money on one issue. I am a huge animal lover, I currently have two cats, and my parents have 4 dogs. I just don't understand how someone could do that to something that gives you nothing but love, all the time.

Exactly.