It seems everyone has an opinion on Michael Vick's redemption story including President Obama. In case you were under a rock yesterday, Obama phoned Eagles owner, Jeff Lurie who shared:
“The president wanted to talk about two things, but the first was Michael,’’ Lurie told Peter King, who wrote of the conversation for SI.com. “He said, ‘So many people who serve time never get a fair second chance. He was ... passionate about it. He said it’s never a level playing field for prisoners when they get out of jail. And he was happy that we did something on such a national stage that showed our faith in giving someone a second chance after such a major downfall.’
The second thing President Obama wanted to discuss with Lurie was the use of wind turbines, solar panels and coming soon, a biodiesel plant at Lincoln Financial Field. I know, yawn.
A few of thoughts on the Presidential phone call before I weigh in on Vick. Firstly, shame on Lurie for the kiss and tell. Also, this might be the stupidest "I'm outraged that Obama did/said that" story of the year. Lastly, I agree with President Obama on Michael Vick.
I love dogs, especially my dog and I hate the Eagles. But Michael Vick and the NFL deserve a pat on the back. A young black man, not to mention an elite quarterback, who was wrapped up in a dog-fighting and gambling ring as large as Vick was bankrolling to plead guilty, go to prison for nearly two years and lose everything is a sad tragedy, if the story ends there. But the story continued, after his release he did not fall back. Statistics were not on Vick's side, the NFL was. Vick wasn't angry at "the man" and if he was, he didn't show it. He followed the rules, went to meetings, swallowed his ego and his pride and did what Roger Goodell asked of him to get his life back. I'm sure it wasn't an easy thing to do, the path to self destruction is usually easier and more common. And if you want proof, check out the stats, both on and off the field, of Vick's younger brother, Marcus.
This leads me to Tucker Carlson, who said yesterday while filling in for Sean Hannity:
"I'm a Christian, I've made mistakes myself, I believe fervently in second chances," Carlson said. "But Michael Vick killed dogs, and he did in a heartless and cruel way. And I think, personally, he should've been executed for that. He wasn't, but the idea that the President of the United States would be getting behind someone who murdered dogs? Kind of beyond the pale."
What the bleepity, bleep, bleep, Tucker? You know, anytime a person starts a sentence off with "I'm a Christian..." it's gonna be a doozy. In the name of unity I'm going to refrain from further comment but methinks Tucker is still upset that he was never able to play the "Name Game".
Cross-posted at Pundit League
