As a lover of both animals and justice, I am conflicted. Many aren't.
Most animal-lovers wouldn't spit on Vick if his hair was on fire. The most rabid Eagles fans are so starved they'd sell their first-born for a Super Bowl win.
I am not rabid but, like the NFL, I'd let him play.
I don't forgive him and I still believe in tough sentences.
Vicious Vick got one.
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson slammed him with one of the heaviest sentences I have seen for the offenses he committed. (I will vomit the next time I hear Vick or an apologist lamely say he "made a mistake." It was a merciless felony - repeated dozens of times. He didn't just "run a dogfighting ring," he was an active torturer and likely a killer.)
Vick deserved the heavy sentence. Hudson recognized the danger that lurks in the sick minds of animal-abusers. He also questioned Vick's veracity and contrition.
Vick has done his time. He has expressed remorse. Some say he has "suffered enough." No, Vick's dogs suffered. What he did was pay a debt to society.
Prison has two functions - to punish and to rehabilitate. Vick has been punished, but is he reformed? I can't say what's in Vick's heart. I'm not always sure of what's in my own heart.
Vick killed his reputation along with his dogs, and will have to work long, very long, and hard to earn it back. He has begun speaking out against dogfighting, but that's only a two-yard gain. Because he's a longtime liar, Vick should show sincerity by sending a large slice of his salary to the Pennsylvania SPCA's underfunded Animal Care and Control Team. That would be fitting, because most of the homeless dogs in the kennel are pit bulls, the same breed he tortured.
Getting ready to leave for work Friday morning, I grabbed my black Eagles cap, then stopped. I asked myself if the hat might send a message of support.
