Michael Vick and others

On the way to school this morning I was listening to the radio. The morning show was talking about the recent promotion of Michael Vick to opening quarterback for the Philidelphia Eagles. I was trying to decide on my stance for this.

I see both sides of the arguement. I agree it was 100% wrong of him to participate in the dog fighting. However, he did go to jail, he served his time, and was released. That being said, where do we draw the line, as a society, for what is adequate repentance for your crimes?

Personally, I believe the punishment should fit the crime. I guess you could say I am a bit of a radical here, but the old proverb "an eye for an eye" should be in place. You shoot someone, someone shoots you. You kill someone, you should die. I agree it is a barbaric ideal, but if you take someones rights from them in some way, your rights should be taken from you in the same way.

However, our society (being American) has a system in place that allows for repentance, of a sort. Michael Vick served his sentence, came out and admitted what he did was wrong. Did a public apology that was broadcasted across the country, I would say that he has repented. Some will argue that he isn't truely sorry. How do they know? Are they mind-readers? If so, why are they not millionaires? Not taking a man for his word is one of many problems that plague America today (but this is a whole different topic to discuss).

The sad thing is that Michael Vick is only one of many offenders. Because he is a football star, a public figure, we tend to hold him to a higher standard. Several former presidents have done illegal things (Bush for instance went AWOL, had cocaine charges, and DUI's). Lindsay Lohan has had several problems with drugs recently. O.J. Simpson is in prison in Nevada for armed robbery. Those are just a few examples of the endless list of "stars" or "public figures" that are offenders.

What about the countless Americans that offend everyday? Just because your name is known by most households in America, doesn't mean that you are not human. The saying "One learns from their mistakes" has been forgotten. Some argue that you should learn from the mistakes of others, This is true in some respects, but how do you grow as a person if you don't try walking and fall on your rearend a time or two?

So yes, Michael Vick deserves a chance to play, just as George W. Bush deserved a chance at being president. Just as any other American who as been busted for anything deserves a chance at life once they have served their time.