Michael Vick on “60 Minutes” | Questions Are a Burden (Pt. 1)

Sign with Eagles, run from dogs

He's an Eagle now, folks. He stays in the bird family... and dogs love to chase birds (Photo: flickr.com)

As most of the news-watching public knows by now, Michael Vick did not sign with the Buffalo Bills. He has inked a two-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, which, according to ESPN, bears the following terms, which coincidentally do not include provisions for the payday loans and short term loans he’ll need if he’s cut and can no longer make it in the world of football:

• $1.6 million total salary for 2009, which won’t go into effect until the 2009 NFL regular season begins. Vick cannot play in a game until after Week 6, per NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
• There are $2.75 million worth of incentives for 2010
• $3.75 million in salary next year ($1 million of which is guaranteed)
• A $1.5 million roster bonus
• If the Philadelphia Eagles decide to pick up Vick’s option for 2010 (it is not guaranteed), he could make as much as $8 million total

I’m not keen on the concept of redemption

Why should I automatically accept that Michael Vick deserves a second chance? How many molesters and murderers have gone on to repeat their crimes as soon as they are released from the sheltering arms of their rehabilitators? Too many, as far as I’m concerned. I’m not one of those who think that our tax dollars are well spent on the traditional American prison model. Simplicity and low cost hold more appeal for me. Paying to incarcerate those who would do injury to me makes no sense at all, and neither do notions of “human rights” that include multiple chances for those who take the lives of sentient beings for sport or the thrill. Neither can I condone those who slay the innocent due to irresistible compulsion or some other cold, premeditated reason. If I person cannot help themselves from killing, I do not believe rehabilitation is possible or cost effective. If evolution made a mistake, the mistake should be removed from the gene pool so that nature can try again.

So what am I saying in relation to Michael Vick?

I struggle with this, because I don’t believe in taking life without a very good reason. And according to his words in the Michael Vick “60 Minutes” interview, Michael participated in dog fighting because it was a “cool” thing to do in the community that spawned him. Thus, we come to the question that psychologists have debated for years: Just how much of a role does environment play in shaping the human being? I definitely believe that it is a factor, but I also believe that human beings have an innate sense of right and wrong that evolution grants us. There are certain things you know are not contributing to the betterment of the race, or at least your continued genetic lineage. So you don’t do them. People make this out to be much more difficult and mystical than it should be. This is basic stuff, everyone. If you need payday loans and short term loans to buy a book that will teach you what you should already know, do it. Because this is something you must know.

Pain and suffering, left unchecked, lead to death. When a living being is dead, it cannot contribute to its society or continue its genetic line. Extinction follows, and extinction should never be taken lightly, as sport. Michael Vick thought it was “cool.” CLICK HERE and see just how sorry he is…

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