Comments on Sandra Rose discussing Michael Vick Part 2 - 7.19.2007.2

Continued from Comments on Sandra Rose discussing Michael Vick Part 1...

It can be argued that the media is unbalanced in discussing African Americans, with or without fame and money, that they shine a spotlight at. Guilty or not bias exists. I’ve discussed it often on several cases including Jessie Davis and the Duke Rape case".

This is not that. The fact that Mr. Vick has money has nothing to do with dogfighting that occurred at one of his homes. The fact he is black has nothing to do with the accusation that he may have suggested, or helped to, electrocute a dog for fighting badly.

The government did not make Mr. Vick run, or allow to be run, dogfighting on his property. The Feds did not incite Mr. Vick to allegedly bet on the outcome of fights. The local, state, or federal law officials did not promote the drowning, electrocution or other tortures inflicted on these dogs – some of which Mr. Vick has been accused of doing. This is not a witch-hunt.

Would this have gotten the same media attention if this were a White male that was poor? No. Would the same charges exist? Yes. Would there still be an indictment based on the same accusations? Definitely. Is it still a display of a lack of humanity and compassion? In my opinion, yes.

With all the issues of racism and prejudice in this nation today we don’t need to create false issues. Emotional connection to an athlete on your favorite team, or the success of a Black man, is not reasons to excuse poor potentially criminal behavior. That same argument is the one used to excuse gangsta rappers for the language they use and the violence that often accompanies them.

I disagree with Ms. Rose, respectfully. Mr. Vick is culpable at the least. Dogfighting is reprehensible. Comparing one abuse of animals to another is, in my view, silly. To claim racism in an issue that does not involve it weakens the justifiable arguments where it does apply.

I will say it again, as a Black Puerto Rican man of nearly 40, I am familiar with racism. This isn’t that. The fact that Mr. Vick is Black, rich and famous make this a big media brouhaha, but still valid. No amount of wishing, nor accusations of prejudice change that.

This is what I think, what do you think?