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The Humane Society Should Watch Out for NFL Star Michael Vick

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As a lifelong animal lover/owner/rescuer etc. I have been a monthly contributer to the HSUS legislative fund. When I opened the Washington Post this morning, and read that Obama- who I have been supportive up until a few hours ago-actually called the coach of the Eagles ( my former team ) and thanked him for giving Vick " a second chance " - I realized how absolutely ineffective the HSUS leadership has been in using what could have been a golden opportunity to help animals.
It actually comes as no surprise to me. I have been watching for coverage of Vick's supposed "outreach " programs and I haven't seen any evidence of anything other than that obviously pathetic ( what else do you expect from 60 minutes ) interview. I say that Purcell , the HSUS director- who makes approx. a quarter million dollar dollars a year, needs to step down. He is obviously star struck by Vick , as he does not have the ****to do his job effectively.
My next letter is to Obama. He may think that this act of "forgiveness " will be accepted as nothing more than that. I beg to differ.

Katherine of MD 8:13PM December 28, 2010

I e-mailed the humane society regarding their choice of "role model". I got a response, if you'd like to see what they have to say check out my blog where I posted the long letter.
http://lizzyeyes.blogspot.com/2009/08/michael-vick.html

liz of NY 7:02AM August 22, 2009

Thank goodness I found your articles about Michael Vick, and also found that several people have quit the HSUS. How could a prestigious organization like that let someone as devoid of feeling and caring as Michael Vick seems to be anywhere NEAR their dear animals? In my opinion, people who callously abuse dogs and cause their death -- PUNISHING the dogs for not fighting harder or winning -- has NO idea of what it means to be a human being. Evil DOES exist in this world, and Michael Vick is full of evil.
HSUS, wake up! You've not only let the fox into the henhouse, you widened the door so that he could sashay in with no trouble.

Dona of IA 9:49PM July 28, 2009

Blame selective media coverage, Lynne of Ga: I have never heard of Ed Faron- But I am going tolook this up.
But-- and again, if I have to tell you this, I'm probably wasting my time--Let me check that i have your reasoning right: Due to lack of coverage on some guy named Faron, some innocent dogs deserve horrific suffering? Think!
Why do I waste my time!

sherrie of NY 1:24AM July 21, 2009

Willie of fla-
What you don't get is that sadistic creep criminals like vick would torture people if they could get away with it.
Also, how you FAIL TO GET THAT THIS IS NOT about human color makes me realize I'm probably wasting my time here.
This has nothing to do with black or white or ANY kids not getting an education!!
"hang his head high"? He should hang his head in shame and spend the rest of his life remorseful- confined, where he can't indulge his sick need to torture. after having to feel some of what those dogs had to feel.
I know he'll "get his" (karma, etc,) but probably not enough, and not soon enough.

sherrie of NY 1:17AM July 21, 2009

HSUS and Vick are using each other -- I say great. Let Vick be the agent of change -- he will help the poor kids who are easily impressed with easy money.
Vick really didn't have a father figure and ran with a bad crowd - I am not giving him excuses because there are plenty of people without fathers and are poor, etc. But really being in a good environment or having someone you look up to tell you Stay in School, get a real job, etc... that really makes a difference.
I agree what Vick and his buddies did were apprehensible but at some point we need to use his popularity to do good. He can do something with his skills, bring focus to the HSUS and also give people hope. We all make mistakes -- yet we can deal with the consequences, learn from it and make the best of our lives.
I applaud Vick and Parcells and HSUS. Good luck and I look forward to the collaboration.

DIVA of GA 12:44AM May 25, 2009

As soon as I read about the outcry of Ed Faron's case and see countless columns on what a barbaric person that old white man is along with his family, then and only then will I even consider the possibility of caring about the dogs at Bad Newz Kennels.

Lynne of GA 9:43AM May 24, 2009

If child molesters and the murders of little children would get half the attention you received the world would be better. Now let's get real I have seen small children life taken by these vicious dogs and the news reported it when...not often as they talk about Vick. Dogs are not humans they lick their butts and kiss their owners in the mouth. (filthy)..
What is inhumane is when children of color is discrimintated against in education. When poor children in these United States of America goes to bed hungry and health care is unavailable to them. Let's focus on human beings a little more and a little less on what happened to DOGS.
Everybody knows that if Vick was related to a rich papa he would have never spent a day in jail. Don't people love to see a male of color beg. This is what they wanted Mr. Vick was to see you make $10 an hour from the beginning. Hold your head up high there are Real criminals in the world and you are not among them. I AM NOT AFRAID OF THE INHUMANE SOCIETY.

Willie of FL 6:30PM May 23, 2009

Vick is a piece of garbage; lower than a cockroach. In his new construction job I hope he falls off a scaffold and spends the remainder of his miserable life in agony.

FRED S. of NJ 12:10PM May 22, 2009

HSUS was outraged and furious when the dogfighting ring Vick presided over came to light. They could not scream longly or loudly enough about what fate Vick should receive. Now that Vick is out, Purcell offers his hand to this most evil of men, and has decided that, because Vick has served time and has had a "change of heart", HSUS should forgive his sins and give him another chance. Purcell should be fired immediately - he is making a mockery of HSUS and everything good and decent they stand for. Vick is what every dog lover fears most - someone with no morals, no conscience, and no compassion for animals. Vick and Purcell are at opposite ends of animal rights - how in God's name can Purcell sit down with Vick, much less make him a poster boy for rehabiliated thugs???? Shame on HSUS if they allow Purcell to mandate how they treat animal abusers of the very worst kind.

Kerry Velasquez of CA 8:22PM May 21, 2009