I tossed around several ideas for posts today, but none of them felt quite right. Instead, since it appears to be a busy news day, I thought I would recap some of the stories we're all following through the weekend. Any thoughts and feedback are greatly encouraged.
1. Manson follower 'Squeaky' Fromme out of prison
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090814/ap_on_re_us/us_manson_follower_ford
I have to say, if she tried to escape in 1987, so she could "be closer to Manson," not sure that she's rehabilitated. But since she technically hurt no one and our prisons are woefully overcrowded (mostly with harmless drug offenders - another soapbox for another time), I suppose there wasn't much choice.
2. John Edwards Expected to Admit He Fathered Rielle Hunter's Baby, TV Station Reports
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/08/13/john-edwards-expected-to-admit-he-fathered-rielle-hunters-baby/
Possibly the most anticlimactic revelation to come about since the "shocking" discovery in the 1980s that cigarette companies always knew smoking was addictive and bad for your health. I feel so sorry for this baby.
3. Vick, Eagles agree to 2-year deal
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4397938
The man served his time, a decently long prison sentence and deserves a shot at redemption. We have all done something immature, greedy and stupid, even if animal rights activists (and me) won't soon forget the poor dogs he hurt. Boop has made plenty of mistakes in her life though, and would hate to have had the door shut on her permanently, although there was more than one time that could have happened.
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Hey Becks. I am cyber-stalking you on that last topic. I really wish you wouldn't put yourself as a comparison to Michael Vick as far as fair shakes go. His actions are a completely different animal in a whole different ball game. I used those metaphors intentionally. What you may have done in your lifetime most likely pales in comparison. You do yourself a disservice by identifying with his situation in that way.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree, everyone deserves a second chance for something that is redeemable. No evidence shows that tendency towards violence of this nature cannot be eradicated in a person. My issue is twofold: First, the penalties are not strict enough for a crime of this level. Second, he was not given the time that we as a society deserve to be confident that he is truly remorseful and fully intends to make recompense for his horrible actions.
Certainly, he did the time mandated by society. But really, 18 months of actual prison time is a slap on the wrist in comparison to what he did. Even to the most hardened towards animals, it must be acknowledged that violence begets violence. Children show up at those events. It is astounding. There are bad people everywhere that will commit crimes regardless of the penalties because impulses and hubris overshadow any fear of possible punishment that can be administered. Zero-tolerance and three strikes you're out policies, while flawed, are there for a reason.
Now, everything seems to be pointing towards actual contrition from the man. That is great and that should be the case. But, laws are not designed to take the individual into consideration, however, sweeping legislation is a slippery slope. There are circumstances that can sway a case one way or the other, and in his situation, his frame of reference was one of his downfalls. He is right to admit that it isn't an excuse. A college educated man should be able to make that intuitive leap that what he is doing is wrong on so many levels.
That being said, the fact that he is a talented athlete who made the NFL a lot of money is not a persuasive argument to be so forgiving so quickly. Let him prove himself for a while, then consider if he is worthy of being in the sport. It is a shame that what he did isn't against NFL rules, per se. They should be.
I might be mollified if he contributes some of the millions he can earn back to the cause. And, that he continues to invest his time spreading the word on this horrible crime that happens way too often.
Dang Di - this was longer than many of my posts! But everything was well said and not entirely unexpected. I knew that my controversial position on this topic topic was likely to get the dander up of a sensitive, intelligent, animal lover like yourself. My only rebuttal is this:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/16/sportsline/main5091566.shtml
If this is the standard, and neither myself or Michael Vick are saying it should be, then his 18 months was long enough. A mere 30 days for a human life and it seems everyone has long forgiven and forgotten Donte Stallworth.
First, I am a strong believer in rehabilation, redemption and second changes in most circumstances.
ReplyDeleteSecond, something is tremendously wrong in our Judicial System.
Vick gets 18 months for torturing and killing dozens upon dozens of God-given creatures.
Stallworth gets 30 days for getting drunk and killing an innocent MAN.
Plaxico Buress gets two years in prison and two years probation. For shooting HIMself.
All of these "esteemed heroes" behaved like morons, caused harm and belong to the same race and profession. I really can't justify these situations in my mind. And what message is it sending to our impressionable youth?