Michael+Vick+(KK)

We all make mistakes but some are bigger than and not as forgivable as others. For example, Michael Vick. Michael Vick was one of the most loved, and looked up to quarterbacks of his time. He was a huge asset to his team and possibly the biggest contributor who wanted to get to a super bowl game. He signed with the Atlanta falcons a 10 year 130 million dollar contract along with 37 million dollars in bonuses. He had a huge mansion, a wife and a good family. He was the man that seemed to have it all so why did he throw that all away to put animal’s lives in danger? Michael Vick has now been able to return to the NFL but just how do NFL supporters fell about this action? Stephanie Basca, A Philadelphia fan says “I feel like Michael Vick has not harmed their reputation but has only enhanced it. The saying “the city of Philadelphia is brotherly love;” the eagles brought Michael Vick back into the football program to help him grow as a new healthy person. However, some fans don’t feel the same. Some sports fans like Deanna Rizziello say that “I won’t even turn on the TV when the eagles play.” Vick was released after being sentenced to jail for two years. He was in jail for cruelty of animals and gambling. Michael Vick ran numerous illegal dog fights at his home in Atlanta. He gambled, drank and sat back while watching harmless, innocent dogs hurt and bruise each other horribly. But why did Michael Vick do it? Why did he enjoy watching animals brutally attack one another? For some dogs stepping into that ring was just another fight. For others it was a death sentenced forced upon them. Today, Michael Vick is signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was offered and accepted the 2.3 million dollar contract to play for the birds for two years. He can also earn up to a million in incentives. Now that he is back in the game, football that is, Vick is earning up to 3.3 million dollars. Most believe he shouldn’t be able to earn this much and others, think that he shouldn’t even be able to play. Children across the United States geared up every Sunday or Monday night to watch Vick play. How is this being a good role model for children? How can he say that what he is right in what he did? When interviewed, all Vick could say is that “children it’s obviously immature what I did and I need to grow up”. All children love their pets; it wouldn’t even cross their minds to hurt other dogs. For Michael Vick to say that what he did was just immature is very wrong. The NFL is now dealing with a serious consequence of image. The image that the NFL once knew is slowly drifting further and further away. Most people say that now they have stopped watching the NFL, even sports in general. Athletes either have bad sportsmanship or are criminals and walk away with no punishment and a multi million dollar paycheck. Without a doubt athletes, around the world are exempt from the blame and punishment that average working people have. However most eagle’s fans do not feel that this is true. Stephanie Basca has been an eagles fan since birth along with Heather Lonchar, they says that “the Philadelphia eagles is a football team that represents all of what Philadelphia stands for as far as brotherly love, community involvement and leadership, but they also represent all of what the sport of football represents, hard work, teamwork, and a love for the game.” Since there is nothing that we can do to change the fact that Michael Vick will be playing in the NFL there is some things that he should do. Every time one of those commercials come on about animal abuse and it makes you want to give all your money away to the animals involved in hate crimes. Some feel that he should be the one donating more than half of his salary to those animals in need. Also he should go around shelter to shelter promoting adoption of animals that have been previously abused. This would prove that he is trying to become a different person and can be looked up to instead of looked down upon.
 * __Is Vick a Villain?__**
 * __Speaking For The Silent__**

Imagine being separated from your family, experimented on then thrown in a cage until the next cruel and unusual experiment. Imagine having no say in what people do to you or where you'll end up. If you can't speak then who will speak for you? So who will give a voice to the millions of animals who have been beaten, experimented on and locked in a cage to waste away? Who will try to stop animal cruelty and help the innocent animals? There are several organizations, blogs and shelters that want to help and put an end to this terrible action. One of the largest organizations is the ASPCA. The ASPCA stands for animal society for the prevention of cruelty towards animals. They are one of the most influential organizations out there. They do everything from run shelters to rescue animals who are suffering. It was founded by Henry Bergh in 1866 on the belief that animals should be treated the same as humans. The ASPCA has been granted the right to arrest and investigated in any case of animal cruelty. Their mission is to stop animal cruelty and bring it to an end. Also the ASPCA works to create new humane laws to prevent any new types of cruelty. Another organization fighting against animal cruelty is PAWS. PAWS stands for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society. They have been protecting animals since 1967. They work to shelter homeless animals, rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife, and empower people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives. PAWS is the leading voice for animals in Washington State and a recognized leader in the nation for its progressive outreach and education programs, legislative work, and premier wildlife rehabilitation and companion animal services. Collaborative relationships with organizations and individuals, PAWS are making a better world for animals And finally, the American humane society takes its part in ending animal cruelty very seriously. However, the American humane society is unique. Not only does the society protect the rights of animals it also protects those of children. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane provides national leadership in developing policies, legislation, curricula and training programs and taking actions to protect children and animals from cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Locally, we have our own pet store in Hopewell crossing that runs an animal adoption program. Cats and Dogs Rule, the pet store holds adoption nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This gives people interested in adopting a pet, the chance to get a rescued cat or dog. Ronnie Verbeyst, an employee says “both of my dogs are adopted and I love it! Also I love every time we hold adoption night because I feel like we make a significant change” The law is also cracking down on animal cruelty offenders. Jail time for abusing an animal is anywhere from one to five years. Although jail time is not always the punishment fines and community service may be. The fines are severe and the community service is enough to make a person think twice. One example of stopping animal cruelty is the Chihuahua case of NYC. Several Chihuahua’s will soon be killed if they do not find a home for them. The owner said “there just isn’t enough room”. The ASPCA is disgusted with this case and has been working day and night to find these poor dogs new homes. As far as the owners of the shelter there have been no charges or fines placed yet. As a result of this case major news companies such as CNN and Good Morning America have pitched in to help promote this case and get people to come out find these dogs a new home. Throughout the quest to get equal rights for humans and animals, it has come very far. Now there are serious consequences for any type of animal cruelty. There have also been originations such as the ASPCA, PAWS and the American humane society who are working to investigate and rescue several animals. The investigations and these new laws are all helping to crack down on convictions. Also these aren’t the only ways to help animal abuse. Several people across the world are donating money and volunteering their time at animal shelters. Also instead of buying from breeders people are adopting rescued dogs.