Michael Vick Can Be a Hero, According to Last Chance for Animals

A Modest Proposal Offered to Michael Vick From Chris DeRose, President and Founder of Last Chance for Animals

 | Source: Last Chance for Animals Last Chance for Animals

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - July 25, 2007) - The following is a statement offered from Chris DeRose, President and Founder of Last Chance for Animals (LCA), to Michael Vick. LCA is a national non-profit organization based in Los Angeles and one of the most well respected animal rights organizations in the country. LCA deals strictly with big investigations of animal cruelty cases.

"I propose something entirely different: Yes, there must be severe punishment for Michael Vick's actions;

1) He should be suspended from football for the amount of time he would serve if he were to go to prison on these charges -- approx: 6 years.

2) Pay a strong fine to local pit bull and other animal rescue organizations equaling expected fine of his offenses -- $350,000.

3) Instead of incarceration (approximately 6 years), Vick does a national public service campaign against dog fighting and animal cruelty; 

   a)  Public Service Announcements

   b)  Educational lectures in schools and youth organizations

   c)  Public outreach work with other professional sports players

   d)  All future endorsement money goes to non profit organizations
       working with kids and animals.  For example, pit bull rescue
       organizations and halfway houses dedicated to homeless children.

   e)  Vick agrees to every large and small media interview

   f)  If he fails to perform any of the above, Vick serves his full
       sentence

Through the public service outlined above, Vick can redeem himself and come out on the other end a real hero that makes a real difference in the world. At this point, he can resume his life as the athlete he aspired to be and the athlete people loved watching. It's never too late for one person to make a real difference in this world.

I make this proposal for selfish reasons: As a big brother to 26 tough street kids over the years, I know I made a difference. Vick would now have the same opportunity to set a positive, healthy example for countless thousands of young people. Also, he would be saving many animals' lives from a horrific existence. As the great late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) said, '...THERE COMES A TIME WHEN ONE MUST TAKE A POSITION THAT IS NEITHER SAFE, NOR POLITIC, NOR POPULAR; BUT HE MUST TAKE IT BECAUSE HIS CONSCIENCE TELLS HIM THAT IT IS RIGHT...'

In this case, it would be safe, politic and popular -- but not at first!

I would stake my reputation as an author and foremost leader in the animal rights movement that this proposal would work. This would be one of the most challenging and rewarding opportunities for any human to take on, to quote MLK again, 'If a man hasn't found something worth dying for, he isn't fit to live.'

At a great chance of being ostracized and criticized, I publicly request this proposal of the US Prosecutors office and OIG, whom I have worked with on many successful occasions.

It's time to make this world a little better place for all to live in... and what an opportunity Vick has to do just that.

I present this proposal with respect for all life."

Chris DeRose, President and Founder, Last Chance for Animals

LCA has been active for more than two decades. Founded and led by animal expert, author, and actor, Chris DeRose, LCA fights for the rights of animals by conducting investigations that expose animal cruelty. For more information, visit www.LCAnimal.org.

Contact Information: Contact: Lisa Beal Campaigns Director LCA (818) 681-3672 lisa@lcanimal.org

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