Biting Michael Vick

Published February 8, 2014

by Gary Pearce, Talking About Politics, February 7, 2014.

This blog comes from a long-time, active Chamber member. I approve this message:

 

“There’s a political lesson for all of us in the needless maelstrom that has engulfed the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce: You get fleas or worse when you lie down with dogs and dog killers, and you can destroy your credibility in a flash of bad judgment and sloppy PR.

 

“The chamber has inexplicably invited convicted felon, dog abuser and pro football player Michael Vick to speak to an event honoring ‘champions.’ The chamber’s defense is that his story is about human failure and redemption … and the chamber apparently believes that going to prison for hurting and killing dogs is a life lesson for young people.

 

“Vick has retired from hooking up dogs to car batteries and returned to the comfortable life of multi-millionaire football player and after-dinner entertainer, so the chamber is counting on him to sell some tickets.

 

“But business leaders whose names adorn the chamber’s membership list count on the organization to advance their political agenda and to be taken seriously. Their tolerance – and silence – around this misguided speaking invitation is contributing to the erosion of the organization’s political credibility and effectiveness.”

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February 8, 2014 at 5:57 pm
Patricia J WInn says:

I find it absolutely sickening that, of all the possible candidates they could have chosen, the Raleigh, NC, Chamber of Commerce selected the CRIMINAL Michael Vick to speak before them! That person is a disgusting example of the lowest common denominator in society; one who would exploit and abuse innocent animals for his own entertainment and profit!

That the man may have rehabilitated himself is of no matter to me. Let him go quietly into anonymity and ponder his crimes. Highlighting him in this manner creates the impression that what he did (and who knows for how long or how many poor animals suffered at his hands?) was of no great import. The Chamber clearly lacks an adequate moral compass - SHAME!!!