Vick absolutely deserves second chance

Reading Pat Langhurst's Jan. 4 letter, “Vick doesn't deserve a second chance,” portrayed how judgmental and unforgiving some members of our society can be. I am a dog owner and a dog lover, but to make the claim that the law should prevent Michael Vick from returning to living among “normal people” is asinine.

Pro athlete or not, it must be remembered that Vick is a human being. Vick pleaded guilty to his accused crimes, spent 23 months incarcerated as punishment, and gave a public apology admitting that his actions were wrong and asking for the public's forgiveness. Who are we to judge whether his apology was heartfelt or not?

In no way do I advocate anything to do with dogfighting, but I want my hard-earned tax dollars funding a better cause than the expenses associated with the life imprisonment of Vick, as suggested by Langhurst's letter. There is a reason society sees it fit to differentiate between humans and animals within the law. You can argue that dogs are man's best friend all you want, but if your dog is struck and killed by a motorist who runs a red light, that motorist will not be charged with involuntary manslaughter.

In a way, we should admire Vick for turning his life around, and not dwell upon his past crimes.

Ryan Ekland

Cedar Rapids