Opinions about Michael Vick are along racial lines?

Question

That's what I've been reading today. But can't we all agree on the following?:

1. We should all wait until the evidence comes in before we "convict" him. Vick must be given due process like every other American, and is entitled to a trial where he's "innocent until proven guilty."

2. Right now though, the evidence sure looks bad. Lots of dead pit bulls buried on his property who died from fighting and from barbaric forms of execution. Also, Vick has a license for dog "breeding," and has been seen by numerous witnesses at these brutal events.

3. If Vick is convicted of what they said he did, he should do substantial time in jail, and be banned from the NFL, or at least suspended for a long time.

I'm not saying that Vick's race makes any difference as to what he did or didn't do. I've just read a few articles today about how opinions about Vick are largely divided along racial lines, which I think is unfortunate.

Answer 1

This is not about racial lines. If people are taking it to that level, it is a shame. The real issue is the dogs, and whether or not Vick is a participant in dog fighting. If he is, I don't care what color this man is, it is an illegal activity, it is inhumane, and he needs to be punished. If he is innocent, then he should be able to prove that, and once again, color doesn't matter. Its sad that in this day and age ones skin color is still a major issue.

Answer 2

(I'm answering this as a beautiful Pitty sleeps at my feet)

I don't think this case has anything to do with the race of the humans involved, it has a lot to do with the race (breed) of the dogs. This case is another example of people giving this breed a bad name.

1. No. There is enough evidence in my opinion, he is not innocent. This was happening, and has been proven to have happened, ON HIS PROPERTY.

2. Exactly why I don't need to wait for the trial to form my opinion.

3. Exactly. We need to make our animal cruelty laws harsher. There is nothing worse than abusing something that is defensless against you.

Answer 3

While I believe in due process I think people are so upset by the cruelty involved in this case. I find it difficult to believe he is innocent, due to the information thus far presented, but it has nothing to do with his race. I have seen white people be horribly cruel.

I think it is a good thing people are so disgusted. It shows compassion. Pit Bulls can be just as loving and wonderful as any dog and it it heartbreaking that they are so abused.

Answer 4

Innocent until proven guilty is how it should be in criminal court and he is not going to do any time until the trial is over.

However, even if evidence is insufficient to convict him in criminal court, it is sufficient to show that he has a complete lack of judgment, and is cruel and brutal to animals (and this is coming from somebody that does not have any pets).

Also, even if he wins in criminal court, you can bet there will be civil suits following where the burden of proof is lower than the unanimous verdict required in criminal court.

He won't be putting on the pads again (unless your talking knee pads in prison)

Answer 5

I agree that he is innocent until proven guilty. He deserves his day in court. We only hear what is spoon fed to us from the press. The jury will hear much more from both sides.

I will wait until after the verdict to make my own personal decisions

Answer 6

Completely AGREE

Answer 7

Sigh.
The whole thing is just disgusting.
I just hope whoever tortured those dogs gets what they deserve.

Answer 8

I definatly agree

Answer 9

you bet ye, my dog does not like blacks either.