by Paula Countryman

Created on: July 26, 2007

Yes, I believe Michael Vick is a criminal, but as serious as that is, he also seems to be displaying the characteristics of a socio/psychopath which chills me to the bone. His lack of empathy,grandiose ideas of the power he wields, and the audacity to believe he would never get caught, along with monetary greed and his thirst for pain, torment and bloodshed, are huge indicators of a psychopath. Serial killers begin with the abuse and torture of animals. If anyone needs to be analyzed by a psychiatrist, it is Michael Vick.

Michael Vick knew what he did was illegal, he's not a child, and he also knew it was wrong, or else he wouldn't have attempted to excuse himself by accusing his relatives of taking advantage of his generous nature. He stated he played no part in anything illegal, when in reality, he was actively involved. He sought to make fools out of all who trusted him. Disturbingly, Vick didn't need the paltry money he received from dogfighting, he'd already been paid 44 million dollars from his football contract along with endorsements and bonuses.

Michael Vick now represents to me the illegal act of abuse,fighting,and starving dogs in exchange for money and drugs. It's what I will remember him for. We don't see wrestlers slammed to the ground, hung, electrocuted, shot, or drowned when they lose a fight, do we? Great athletes are not really that unique, they're overpaid, and there are always going to be eager young men who would love to prove their skills should the chance arise.

As for dogs naturally fighting with one another, dogs don't naturally fight in the wild, they instead live in a pack with one strong leader. The only reason a dog would fight to the death with another dog in the wild, would be when a younger or stronger dog feels he should be the leader, especially during mating season. I also don't believe we humans were ever given dominion over animals, that's an incorrect term. We were given stewardship instead, at which we've failed miserably.

In conclusion, the best thing that has come from this tragedy, is the medias attention to the barbaric act of dogfighting. To purposely torture, then kill an injured dog by his own hand, is an act none of us will excuse or forget, and I am hoping, along with many other animal activists, that an example will be made of Vick, that he will be ordered to jail for the maximum amount of time, along with any other participants, a huge monetary restitution enforced and a major crackdown on all illegal dogfighting will finally put an end to this barbaric act once and for all.

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