In Vick's hometown of Newport News (And by the way, what the hell kind of name is that for a town? Did they name the town after the local paper, rather than the other way around?), the local chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference is planning on holding a celebration in honor of the embattled quarterback.
Vick's celebration is going to be part of a larger, multi-day event staged by the SCLC in honor of its first president, Martin Luther King, Jr. The event is intended to promote the ideals of Dr. King; namely, his belief in nonviolence toward others.
My first response: Really? You want to include a tribute to Michael Vick, convicted felon, in a celebration of the life of one of the greatest figures in American history? I have absolutely no problem with Michael Vick being a free man, nor do I object to his being allowed to ply his trade as a football player. He paid his debt to society; he has every right to live his life and pursue gainful employment. But to make Michael Vick, a man who forced animals to fight, often to the death, and killed many others with his own hands, a part of a tribute to a true American hero, a man of peace and enlightenment? I say again: Really?
Apparently, the idea of celebrating Vick was presented by none other than Vick himself, who, in the words of one of the event organizers, "...wanted to give back to the community, like he always does." Isn't that nice? The man is a giver.
The organizers are planning on somewhere in the neighborhood of 500-1000 people attending the family-oriented event, which will feature, among other activities, face painting, music, and pony rides. As an added attraction, children unhappy with the quality of pony ride they receive will be allowed to drown the offending animal for its poor performance.
