I think it is important to remeber the real social impact of the Michael Vick issue. As a pet owner, I understand the terrors dog fighting creates. The stories we are hearing through the news outlets right now are horrifying. Dogs with their skin hanging from their bodies, is just one of the phrases I've heard recently which I cannot stop thinking about when I weigh the pros and cons. However, I think we need to begin to see this issue in a different light. A light which shines on the prison system and a possible change of pace.

The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world at 750 inmates per 100,000 persons (Russia comes in second at 624 inmates per 100,000 people). We are spending more money on the prison system than any other country today at an annual cost of $200 billion. But this is not what bothers me. What bothers me is the fact that one in two former inmates will return to prison within three years of their release.

I ask readers to keep this in mind as we continue to debate the issue with friends and the media. Remember that this is a chance for a celebrity to prove that one can serve his time and re-enter the world with a second chance. Vick could be that celebrity model who is put with role models like Donovan McNabb and others with the Eagles organization, only to prove that when given a true second chance former inmates can succeed in the realworld again.

It is sad to see people we know struggle with the legal system enter and re-enter prisons throughout their lives. Perhaps Vick can be the changing factor or even the "mascot" to raise awareness to this issue that those who go to jail need help when they are released. Former inmate rehabilitation is an issue which needs to be mentioned much more often than the current conversation.

Must we really push him back into the black abyss that has become the circle of a former convicts life? Please leave me your comments and let's begin the intelligent conversation our county and country needs.

Labels: Eagles, Michael Vick, Philadelphia