The World's Common Tater

Michael Vick is back in the news for more than his habit of turning the ball over in the red zone. Yesterday we were treated to the “breaking news” that Michael Vick’s family now has a dog. Cue the outrage.

I have a few short observations on the story.

• This is not news.
• To the people commenting on the stories – please do not compare what he did to child molestation. I love dogs, but they are not equal to human children. Just stop with that.
• Michael Vick did a bad thing. He was caught and went to prison for doing a bad thing. He’s done his time and should now be allowed to go about his life, even if that means being a highly paid professional athlete.
• Michael Vick owns a dog. He got it for his kid as a pet. This is a good thing. He is teaching his kids the proper way to treat an animal, as a beloved family pet. A lesson he likely did not get growing up. This is a good way to end the cycle.
• How do we expect convicted felons in general to be productive members of society if we are unable and/or unwilling to forgive their past and let them try to lead a new life when out of prison?

It’s time to stop judging Michael Vick and others who have been to prison based only on what they have done wrong. We need to give people a chance to show that they have been rehabilitated and can do the right thing. If we can’t forgive Michael Vick, how are we expected to forgive your average, non-famous felon?