Michael Vick, RACISM and why the U.S. is still living in the 1950's

In many ways, I am a bit of an idealist. I want a "perfect world" in which there is no poverty, where there is no such thing as injustice, and where all people are treated equally under the law.

Sadly, and in spite of the heroic struggles of men and women such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rosa Parks and modern day Civil Rights advocates (for example the upcoming Black Empowerment Day here in St. Petersburg, FL), RACISM still exists in our country.

Take the example of Michael Vick.

Vick, an NFL star, and an African American, just entered a plea agreement on (get this!) conspiracy charges in relation to his role in a dog-fighting ring. For Vick's involvement, he will receive anywhere from between 1 - 5 years in prison, unless of course, the sentencing Judge acts justly and not according to the color of Michael Vick's skin!

It turns out that dog fighting, although a heinous form of animal abuse, is usually not given a jail sentence for first time offenders. But, since Vick originally lied about his involvement, conspiracy charges (of all things!) were levied against him.

1 - 5 years in prison for dog-fighting.

This is an example of the institutional racism that is still present in our nation.

If Vick were a white quarterback, such as Peyton Manning, who looks like a character out of the 1950's Leave it to Beaver television show, do you think that Peyton Manning would be facing a 1 - 5 year prison sentence for dog-fighting even if he had originally lied about it?

It is tough to answer this question completely, but I cannot help but wonder if Vick is not being sentenced so harshly because his skin is black rather than for any actual crime that he may have committed.

So, what do you think?

Please post your response . . .

Blessings in Jesus,
Rob J. King, FOR JUSTICE for ALL American citizens