Post by RealPitBull on Sept 14, 2009 11:59:09 GMT -5
POSTED FROM FACEBOOK:
Below is a letter written to the owner of the Philladelphia Eagles, Mr. Jeffrey Lurie from the President of Purrfect Paws Rescue in Philladelphia, PA:
Donna F. Interrante, President
PurrFect Paws Rescue
PO Box 363
Drexel Hill, PA 19064
610 328 2070
purrfectpawsrescue@msn.com
August 23, 2009
Mr. Jeffrey Lurie
Dear Mr. Lurie:
As a Founder/CEO of a local non-profit animal rescue and loyal Eagles fan, it is my hope that you will help me understand your decision in signing Michael Vick. I have listened to and read what you and the coaches and players have said over the past several days and now I hope you will allow me to share my thoughts and feelings. Naturally, I have some questions and it is my hope that you will take a few moments to read what I have written.
I am especially puzzled by an interview you gave in August of 2007 where you were quoted as having said that you would "never" allow someone who was involved in dog fighting to play for the Eagles. Unfortunately, it seems "Never"-Land came to Philadelphia on Thursday. Allow me to quote you: "We're very disciplined in what we stand for," you told reporters just over two years ago (via MDS of FanHouse ). "Let me give you an example -- a few years ago we had a couple players who were . . . to put this nicely, not very respectful of their dogs. . . . Well, we don't respect that. We don't do that. And they were gone from the team almost immediately if not immediately. That sets a tone, that these kinds of attitudes are unacceptable." "Individual teams have to be diligent in the way they mold (players) who are 22, 23 years old in a positive way," Lurie said. "It's not foolproof. But that gives you a chance to avoid any (incidents later on)." I certainly remember former players Damon Moore and Thomas Hamner who were both charged with animal cruelty in 2001 and subsequently cut. It was a responsible, ethical decision made by your organization that sent a message. The Eagles were a cut above. Zero tolerance policy and your organization was respected for it. Thankfully there were no second chances for Moore and Hamner, why Vick?
Mr. Lurie, do you know how to electrocute a dog? I don't. Have you recently purchased a piece of property exclusively for your “dog hobby” ? Most of us have not. I heard you say in a media interview that you were an “extreme” dog lover. Have you ever shoved electrical wires up into your dog’s anus because that dog just didn’t do what was expected of him or her? If you were to breed your dog, would you forcibly strap the female into a rape stand ( one of the many torture toys used by the Michael Vicks of the dog-fighting world) ? Would you toss your own pets into the dog fighting ring just for “fun”, like Michael Vick did? I know the answers to these questions are no. Not because you love dogs, but because, you , like many human beings in our society have all the proper components essential to humanity, those qualities that separate us from beasts. Not everyone likes animals but most humans would never consciously inflict harm on them because all of the connections within our human wiring do not permit us to cross the line into savagery . There is more proven documentation written regarding the distinct nexus between animal abuse and escalating human violence than I can comment on here. Many FBI profiling manuals are the result of detailed scientific investigation into criminal minds and not surprisingly the common dominator is animal abuse.
Michael Vick served his time under due process of the law. He could serve another 50 fifty years, be a model prisoner, say all the right things to “show” the remorse necessary to qualify him for release and still return to society as deranged and twisted as the day of his mug shot shooting. All the prison time in the world cannot correct the broken wiring, the lack of essential humanness or eradicate the sociopath streak that enables animal abusers to commit their atrocities. Does he deserve a second chance? All ex-convicts do when they are released. The fundamental basis of our prison systems is to “rehabilitate” the offenders so they can become productive members of society. Recidivism rates tend to disprove this but that is the theory on paper. As an ex-convict, Michael Vick cannot vote or serve in our military, but he can make 1.6 million dollars this year playing a sport?? How many ex-convicts just pick up where they left off? Not many and all of us know that. I wonder what Michael Vick’s co-defendants, Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips and Tony Taylor are earning these days? Michael Vick can read, write, speak, and is able bodied enough to find another line of work and prove himself worthy of his release. Why not work for the Humane Society of The United States as their spokesperson? He may not make a million dollars but I am sure he would be able to garner a decent wage.
Plain and simple, Michael Vick failed. He failed as a person and a sportsman. By his own admission he was no student of the game …the last to practice the first to leave. He failed as a human being. Most importantly he failed as a role mode. Did you watch the news clip with young kids at Papa’s Playground in West Philadelphia over the weekend? They think of him as a shining example of all they want to be. That is pathetically tragic and sad. Michael Vick had everything: “the life”, “the image”, “the endorsements”, and “the adoring fans”. He literally had the world at his feet, an opportunity few of us, if any are privileged to know. He had a gift of talent, good enough to earn him a $100 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Indeed, he was a heady sports superstar. What he never had or ever will is compassion as a human being and a soul. All he had wasn’t good enough. He lacks the “wiring” to be aware of that. He was compelled to cross the line and engage in aberrant behavior for self satisfaction. That sheer pleasure drawn from torture and killing of animals brought him what he needed. At the time of the allegations in 2007 his own father was quoted in the Atlanta Journal Constitution regarding his dog fighting operation as follows: “I wish people would stop sugarcoating it. This is Mike’s thing. He likes it, and he has the capital to have a setup like that.” There is nothing sporting, amusing or acceptable in any of what he did. He certainly did not need the money. If his addiction or need was gambling, there was Vegas. If his addiction was drugs, he had enough money to blow enough lines up his nose until his heart exploded. Was he addicted to the limelight? He could have taken a page out Terrell Owens’ book for that. No, Michael Vick’s addiction is sadistic and sociopath in nature and no matter how much you think your actions are redemptory in nature, sadly, Mr. Lurie, you are in way over your head this time. It is a deep character flaw that cannot be undone. The dogs that suffered at Michael Vick’s hands had no ability to save themselves. They couldn't call their assistants to bring the limo around when they wanted to go home. They didn't have the ability to call a time-out and regroup. They had to fight until they were dead, or so bloody and injured that they prayed for death.
T.O. may have divided a locker room by his immaturity, but sadly, Michael Vick has torn apart a city and alienated the animal advocacy community and loyal fans throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond. Is this surprising to me? Absolutely not. The Philadelphia Eagles are not exactly crusaders in the world of animal advocacy. For five years we have repeatedly begged for a small item, a picture, a ball, anything for our Silent Auction, and only once did we receive a photo. Our rescue always featured Eagle’s items, though we purchased them, at every event alongside those donated by the Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers organization. You see, Mr. Lurie, while Michael Vick collects his 1.6 million dollar paycheck this year, PurrFect Paws Rescue, struggles with a bank account of under $20 thousand and hundreds of abandoned and abused animals in need of veterinary care and shelter. The likes of Michael Vick keep us busy with torn up hearts, empty pockets and desperate pleas to find just one more spare room to fit the next shot up, tossed from a car, beaten, abused and abandoned animal in. We sleep at night because we know what we do for our communities is the right thing, a moral and ethical undertaking. We are the ones that cry as we hold the animals that are beyond repair when we HUMANELY end their suffering. And you know what, not myself or any other volunteer gets one red cent for this work while Michael Vick collects his million dollar paycheck. Nothing can ever erase the heinous acts of Michael Vick and probably nothing can be done to change such a God-awful decision to have him stay here. He is now part of the landscape of Philadelphia, a city rank with dog fighting operations and animal cruelty beyond expectations. A city where Animal Precinct cops are out every day cleaning up the dog-fighting rings and where Michael Vick “plays” a game that earns him a million plus. It is rather ironic.
The Eagles organization at one time held their players and personnel to a higher “moral” standard. No bad conduct, no trash talking, no second chances. The bottom line in this Sport is money but I am really having a difficult time understanding the risk/reward ratio here. It is clear that the organization and corporate sponsors are willing to sacrifice respectability and responsibility in the name of profitability. On the same hand we can all do our part by boycotting your sponsors, merchandise, games and anything associated with The Philadelphia Eagles until Michael Vick no longer wears the uniform. I was a season ticket holder for 22 years and I truly regret having given them up a few years ago for it would have given me an inordinate amount of satisfaction to do so now. It will break my heart to forsake this team, but I will never watch or listen to another Eagles broadcast. It is the least I owe to Vick’s dogs. Our organization has put out a statement to our members and supporters condemning Vick’s signing and has embarked on a campaign to contact every corporate sponsor via mail, fax and phone to peacefully exercise our right to protest.
We will rally with other rescues far and wide as was done in 2007 and fulfill our obligation to be the voice of every abused animal silenced at the bloodied hands of the Michael Vicks of the world. At the end of the day, Mr. Lurie, Michael Vick’s dogs never had the chance to play again, why should he?
Sincerely,
Donna F. Interrante, President
PurrFect Paws Rescue
Enc.
Cc: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Below is a letter written to the owner of the Philladelphia Eagles, Mr. Jeffrey Lurie from the President of Purrfect Paws Rescue in Philladelphia, PA:
Donna F. Interrante, President
PurrFect Paws Rescue
PO Box 363
Drexel Hill, PA 19064
610 328 2070
purrfectpawsrescue@msn.com
August 23, 2009
Mr. Jeffrey Lurie
Dear Mr. Lurie:
As a Founder/CEO of a local non-profit animal rescue and loyal Eagles fan, it is my hope that you will help me understand your decision in signing Michael Vick. I have listened to and read what you and the coaches and players have said over the past several days and now I hope you will allow me to share my thoughts and feelings. Naturally, I have some questions and it is my hope that you will take a few moments to read what I have written.
I am especially puzzled by an interview you gave in August of 2007 where you were quoted as having said that you would "never" allow someone who was involved in dog fighting to play for the Eagles. Unfortunately, it seems "Never"-Land came to Philadelphia on Thursday. Allow me to quote you: "We're very disciplined in what we stand for," you told reporters just over two years ago (via MDS of FanHouse ). "Let me give you an example -- a few years ago we had a couple players who were . . . to put this nicely, not very respectful of their dogs. . . . Well, we don't respect that. We don't do that. And they were gone from the team almost immediately if not immediately. That sets a tone, that these kinds of attitudes are unacceptable." "Individual teams have to be diligent in the way they mold (players) who are 22, 23 years old in a positive way," Lurie said. "It's not foolproof. But that gives you a chance to avoid any (incidents later on)." I certainly remember former players Damon Moore and Thomas Hamner who were both charged with animal cruelty in 2001 and subsequently cut. It was a responsible, ethical decision made by your organization that sent a message. The Eagles were a cut above. Zero tolerance policy and your organization was respected for it. Thankfully there were no second chances for Moore and Hamner, why Vick?
Mr. Lurie, do you know how to electrocute a dog? I don't. Have you recently purchased a piece of property exclusively for your “dog hobby” ? Most of us have not. I heard you say in a media interview that you were an “extreme” dog lover. Have you ever shoved electrical wires up into your dog’s anus because that dog just didn’t do what was expected of him or her? If you were to breed your dog, would you forcibly strap the female into a rape stand ( one of the many torture toys used by the Michael Vicks of the dog-fighting world) ? Would you toss your own pets into the dog fighting ring just for “fun”, like Michael Vick did? I know the answers to these questions are no. Not because you love dogs, but because, you , like many human beings in our society have all the proper components essential to humanity, those qualities that separate us from beasts. Not everyone likes animals but most humans would never consciously inflict harm on them because all of the connections within our human wiring do not permit us to cross the line into savagery . There is more proven documentation written regarding the distinct nexus between animal abuse and escalating human violence than I can comment on here. Many FBI profiling manuals are the result of detailed scientific investigation into criminal minds and not surprisingly the common dominator is animal abuse.
Michael Vick served his time under due process of the law. He could serve another 50 fifty years, be a model prisoner, say all the right things to “show” the remorse necessary to qualify him for release and still return to society as deranged and twisted as the day of his mug shot shooting. All the prison time in the world cannot correct the broken wiring, the lack of essential humanness or eradicate the sociopath streak that enables animal abusers to commit their atrocities. Does he deserve a second chance? All ex-convicts do when they are released. The fundamental basis of our prison systems is to “rehabilitate” the offenders so they can become productive members of society. Recidivism rates tend to disprove this but that is the theory on paper. As an ex-convict, Michael Vick cannot vote or serve in our military, but he can make 1.6 million dollars this year playing a sport?? How many ex-convicts just pick up where they left off? Not many and all of us know that. I wonder what Michael Vick’s co-defendants, Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips and Tony Taylor are earning these days? Michael Vick can read, write, speak, and is able bodied enough to find another line of work and prove himself worthy of his release. Why not work for the Humane Society of The United States as their spokesperson? He may not make a million dollars but I am sure he would be able to garner a decent wage.
Plain and simple, Michael Vick failed. He failed as a person and a sportsman. By his own admission he was no student of the game …the last to practice the first to leave. He failed as a human being. Most importantly he failed as a role mode. Did you watch the news clip with young kids at Papa’s Playground in West Philadelphia over the weekend? They think of him as a shining example of all they want to be. That is pathetically tragic and sad. Michael Vick had everything: “the life”, “the image”, “the endorsements”, and “the adoring fans”. He literally had the world at his feet, an opportunity few of us, if any are privileged to know. He had a gift of talent, good enough to earn him a $100 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Indeed, he was a heady sports superstar. What he never had or ever will is compassion as a human being and a soul. All he had wasn’t good enough. He lacks the “wiring” to be aware of that. He was compelled to cross the line and engage in aberrant behavior for self satisfaction. That sheer pleasure drawn from torture and killing of animals brought him what he needed. At the time of the allegations in 2007 his own father was quoted in the Atlanta Journal Constitution regarding his dog fighting operation as follows: “I wish people would stop sugarcoating it. This is Mike’s thing. He likes it, and he has the capital to have a setup like that.” There is nothing sporting, amusing or acceptable in any of what he did. He certainly did not need the money. If his addiction or need was gambling, there was Vegas. If his addiction was drugs, he had enough money to blow enough lines up his nose until his heart exploded. Was he addicted to the limelight? He could have taken a page out Terrell Owens’ book for that. No, Michael Vick’s addiction is sadistic and sociopath in nature and no matter how much you think your actions are redemptory in nature, sadly, Mr. Lurie, you are in way over your head this time. It is a deep character flaw that cannot be undone. The dogs that suffered at Michael Vick’s hands had no ability to save themselves. They couldn't call their assistants to bring the limo around when they wanted to go home. They didn't have the ability to call a time-out and regroup. They had to fight until they were dead, or so bloody and injured that they prayed for death.
T.O. may have divided a locker room by his immaturity, but sadly, Michael Vick has torn apart a city and alienated the animal advocacy community and loyal fans throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond. Is this surprising to me? Absolutely not. The Philadelphia Eagles are not exactly crusaders in the world of animal advocacy. For five years we have repeatedly begged for a small item, a picture, a ball, anything for our Silent Auction, and only once did we receive a photo. Our rescue always featured Eagle’s items, though we purchased them, at every event alongside those donated by the Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers organization. You see, Mr. Lurie, while Michael Vick collects his 1.6 million dollar paycheck this year, PurrFect Paws Rescue, struggles with a bank account of under $20 thousand and hundreds of abandoned and abused animals in need of veterinary care and shelter. The likes of Michael Vick keep us busy with torn up hearts, empty pockets and desperate pleas to find just one more spare room to fit the next shot up, tossed from a car, beaten, abused and abandoned animal in. We sleep at night because we know what we do for our communities is the right thing, a moral and ethical undertaking. We are the ones that cry as we hold the animals that are beyond repair when we HUMANELY end their suffering. And you know what, not myself or any other volunteer gets one red cent for this work while Michael Vick collects his million dollar paycheck. Nothing can ever erase the heinous acts of Michael Vick and probably nothing can be done to change such a God-awful decision to have him stay here. He is now part of the landscape of Philadelphia, a city rank with dog fighting operations and animal cruelty beyond expectations. A city where Animal Precinct cops are out every day cleaning up the dog-fighting rings and where Michael Vick “plays” a game that earns him a million plus. It is rather ironic.
The Eagles organization at one time held their players and personnel to a higher “moral” standard. No bad conduct, no trash talking, no second chances. The bottom line in this Sport is money but I am really having a difficult time understanding the risk/reward ratio here. It is clear that the organization and corporate sponsors are willing to sacrifice respectability and responsibility in the name of profitability. On the same hand we can all do our part by boycotting your sponsors, merchandise, games and anything associated with The Philadelphia Eagles until Michael Vick no longer wears the uniform. I was a season ticket holder for 22 years and I truly regret having given them up a few years ago for it would have given me an inordinate amount of satisfaction to do so now. It will break my heart to forsake this team, but I will never watch or listen to another Eagles broadcast. It is the least I owe to Vick’s dogs. Our organization has put out a statement to our members and supporters condemning Vick’s signing and has embarked on a campaign to contact every corporate sponsor via mail, fax and phone to peacefully exercise our right to protest.
We will rally with other rescues far and wide as was done in 2007 and fulfill our obligation to be the voice of every abused animal silenced at the bloodied hands of the Michael Vicks of the world. At the end of the day, Mr. Lurie, Michael Vick’s dogs never had the chance to play again, why should he?
Sincerely,
Donna F. Interrante, President
PurrFect Paws Rescue
Enc.
Cc: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
280 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
I look forward to learning much here