Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose, but still I press on

Don Quixote

What is it about a windmill that makes me go crazy? I try to sidestep controversy and keep things nice and simple but no; it had to happen this week - I'm talking about the reinstatement of Michael Vick...

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For those of you who are not familiar with him, he was a star quarterback in the NFL, a talented athlete - made millions.  Michael (Vick not Jackson) decided that the best way he could spend his millions was to invest in the illegal dog-fighting industry by getting involved with "Bad Newz Kennels". He got busted and in a plea agreement, Vick admitted he bankrolled the dog-fighting ring on his 15-acre property in rural Virginia, provided money for bets on the fights but said he never shared in any winnings. He was sent to jail for 23 months and after serving his time was released earlier this month and was reinstated by the NFL. But teams seem afraid to sign him, fearing a backlash from the animal rights activists. Which brings me to my windmill: I can never condone what Vick did and others are still doing, it is barbaric and cruel just as cock fighting, bull fighting and Lord knows what else goes on in the dark confines of night and soul...but...there is a 'but'; this country has legalized abortion and has found itself split down the middle in terms of politics and religion as a result. There is passionate debate and rhetoric on both sides of the issue; con and pro. We have the death penalty, are considering euthanasia in our courts, spend trillions on war and by far, the biggest chunk of the national budget goes on military spending while teachers lose their jobs. When it comes to humanity we seem to be 'anti-life'. It seems to me (in my humble opinion) that we are viewing things upside-down; I mean how can we have respect for animal life and the environment when we don't respect the highest form of life: human life? We can talk about going 'green' and hug trees and respect nature all we want but if we truly want to be effective in these areas then we have to pay attention to the words of a song by Michael (Jackson not Vick) "I'm talking to the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways".  How do we feel about human life, where do we stand on abortion, war and the death penalty? If we truly learn and strive to protect and elevate human life, only then will the animal kingdom and God's green earth have a fighting chance. As for Vick, if he's truly remorseful then he deserves a second chance, like all of us. Peace. Sancho!... it's time to go!!!


Don Quixote de Deacon Michel