Dear Editor:

Amir Shaw's letter "They Will Destroy You" needs a rebuttal. Mr. Shaw maintains that ". when it comes to acceptance of the black athlete," America's "love is conditional." It is a "given" that fame is fickle. However, the public's adverse reaction to the violence of dogfighting is a universal, genuine emotion. The London Times (www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article2358058.ece) and The Washington Post reported (after Vick's story broke) that Gerard Cavlan, an Irish star football player, is the subject there of a 17-month undercover sting for his having organized an illegal dogfighting ring.

Gerard Cavlan is being subjected to the same public outrage in England, Ireland, and Scotland as Michael Vick has experienced in America. These feelings of outrage for violence to domestic animals are widely shared human feelings. They know no gender, racial, or national boundaries, nor do they pardon one based on his race. As for Michael Vick, I admire his manliness in accepting his wrongdoing. Though he first denied it, he accepted responsibility and made a genuine apology. Vick blamed no one but himself for his troubles. And he did it far more quickly than many public servants have done here in Washington, D.C.

Michael Vick will be back, I predict. He's already grown, and will return to his career a better person than many of his critics. -neil scott, Washington, D.C. -adam jones

Share this article with a friend

Page 1 | 2