Vick, the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year, took the Eagles to the playoffs in his first season starting — his second year back in the league overall — after spending 18 months behind bars for operating an interstate dogfighting operation.
Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway presented Vick with the key at a special ceremony in Dallas last week, which also happened to be the host city of the Super Bowl. But Mayor Tom Leppert was quick to denounce the move.
“The action taken was not sanctioned by my office and was not an official ceremonial honor on behalf of the city of Dallas,” he said. He added that official keys to the city are presented by the mayor or an elected official designated by the mayor and are reserved for “an elected official of international status.”
“Clearly, this was not the case in this situation and [it was done] without my knowledge or approval,” Leppert added.
Caraway also tried to mop up the mess. “These ceremonial gifts are different from the official keys to the city presented by the mayor,” he said. As for honoring a convicted felon, Caraway did a 180-degree spin, saying, “I care deeply about animals” and “am deeply sorry to offend anyone who loves animals.”
“People get real. The man is a felon, dog killer and a thug, yet they give him a key to the city. What a joke and waste of time and money!” wrote blogger General Sherman.
While Mayor Leppert’s position is understandable, if protocol was not adhered to by the mayor pro tem, nevertheless the statements by Caraway and the mayor are extremely problematic and very hypocritical.
When does Michael Vick stop being referred to as an ex-convict or convicted felon? At what point does Vick stop being treated like the animals he was jailed for abusing? The man has been rightfully maligned and vilified, sequestered from society in a cell, stripped of his dignity, suffered the forfeiture of tens of millions in income and lost his lucrative endorsements. When will it be enough?
If we apply this same standard for all imperfect American heroes, then the Founding Fathers will always be slaveholders and rapists, the Kennedys will always be gangster lovers and womanizers, President Clinton will always be viewed as a man who defiled the White House, etc.
You see where I’m going with this? It’s about time to leave Vick alone. –terry shropshire
