Letters: The debate over Michael Vick rages on

AS A DIE-hard Eagles fan, I'm appalled and outraged at the signing of Michael Vick.

Andy Reid and Donovan McNabb say everyone deserves a second chance. Did the dogs that were tortured and killed by Michael Vick get a second chance? Shame on the Eagles organization for not thinking of the fans by making the stupidest decision in team history.

Karen Morrissey, Philadelphia

Selective outrage

Michael Vick comes to the Eagles and - surprise! - the Daily News has one of its classic headlines and the protesters are out in force. Philly never lets you down.

Well, I remember when Officer Alberto Lopez slapped around Agnes Lawless after his son rear-ended her car. The protest when her complaints weren't taken seriously was massive. When an 11- year-old girl was raped at the Vet during a Phillies game, you couldn't see the street through the people.

When Geno's posted "When ordering speak English," an embarrassed community stood as one to say no.

When a neighborhood watched from safety in their homes as Eddie Polec was beaten to death or when young Faheem Williams was the latest victim of gun violence, the rally to make tighter gun laws was beyond words.

I love this city whose people are so passionate about justice and equality. So protest the already-convicted/time-served Michael Vick. If you have time, you can then march against the SugarHouse casino, maybe.

A.M.Mace, Philadelphia

He's remorseful

It's so not surprising to hear the disheartening comments coming from the signing of one Michael Vick.

But I applaud the organization. I listen to all the people calling in on the radio, being interviewed, out on the street. I wonder, how can there be so many people like this?

I guess it's all the churchgoing, righteous-judging people in this city and elsewhere. (I wonder how many of them own fur coats?)

Mr. Vick apologized to the world. Coach Reid was being chastised about his sons, Mr. Lurie had to explain why he made a decision for his business. But the really big question for me is how can people say they don't see remorse? The man was adjudicated, he paid his debt to society, he was judged by our system, he did more time for his crime than anyone in this country - or for that matter, the world - has ever done.

Don Rodgers, Philadelphia

On to the Super Bowl

When I heard of Michael Vick signing with the Eagles, I was shocked for a moment.

Then I thought of Andy Reid and the team. They are in this business to win football games and Super Bowls. Michael Vick is a part of that organization now.

What he did was so inhumane I personally feel words can't describe it. But I also feel he not only paid for his actions through jail and fines, he and his family will have to live with it for the rest of their lives. So let's move forward and support the Eagles and look forward to the Super Bowl.

Dan Kaleta, Stuart, Fla.

What about the women?

I am not a fan of Michael Vick and did not appreciate the part he played in torturing those dogs. But he paid his debt, and it's something he has to live with. He deserves a break like anyone else. I'm sure not a day goes by that he doesn't regret what he did.

Everyone knows that, during football season, the male fans treat their spouses and children worse than dogs after drinking or betting on the game.

You can go to any emergency room on a football night and find women who've been beaten worse than a dog by their husband or boyfriend.

Josephine Wilson, Philadelphia

It wasn't a 'mistake'

As a lifelong Eagles fan, I'm appalled at the team for signing Michael Vick. I believe in second chances, but Mr. Vick will never, in my eyes, deserve one. He made a "mistake"? Leaving the lights on, being a few minutes late to an appointment, that's a mistake. Intentionally breeding dogs for fighting isn't a mistake - it's a crime.

Sarah Dixon, Mayfair

Some lawbreakers more equal?

The Vick controversy proves most Americans still hold onto the unrealistic belief that we are somehow superior or above all others. Get over it!

Vick has admitted his mistakes, paid the price and is ready to move on with his life.

When powerful political figures are handed light sentences, we suddenly "remember the good they did." But when an African-American sports figure has been convicted, served his time and then given a chance to redeem himself, we're outraged?

Loretta Brown

Philadelphia