Premature Forgiveness

I don't comment on politics very often, because most people seem excessively attached to their opinion and resent you for yours if it differs. And I'd rather not contribute to the number of silly things that divide people. But I'll make an exception for Michael Vick (or "Mike," as the announcers call him). I can see the moral appeal of both extremes regarding Vick, yet I know one of these extremes is my own.

On the field, when he's playing his good game, he's a lot of fun to watch (last night, not so much). Despite my belief in and repeated personal need for second chances, I find it hard to believe that someone who would torture and kill animals for fun and profit can change after only a couple of years. If he'd spent a decade volunteering in animal shelters first, I might consider him reformed. Mr. President, he's not the one you want on the poster for the Second Chance Foundation. He's a great football player who's also a sadist and an idiot about what really matters. I believe it's possible he will change, like anyone changes after they've been caught. I don't think either he or we were helped by his return this soon. I'll continue to watch him play and marvel at his skill on his good days. I'll continue also to wish he were still in prison.