Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Airplane and Dogfighting

Brazil, I'm sorry to hear about the airplane crash. I heard a pilot call into CNN and say that the runway had just been reopened and pavement ridges that helped rain drain from the runway hadn't been put in yet. It was probably very slick and the pilot couldn't brake. The news today said he tried to take off again when he realized the plan wasn't stopping. He also said that buildings and gas stations in South America were often right next to the runways, creating no room for error.

I'm sorry.

On a different note, I am glad to hear about Michael Vick's indictment. He's looking pretty guilty for a pretty ruthless crime: personally participating in the death of eight dogs. Oh, and being indicted on a conspiracy count alleging he and three associates bought and sponsored dogs in an animal fighting venture and traveled across state lines to participate in illegal activity, including gambling. But personally killing eight dogs (by hanging, drowning, electrocution, and slamming them to the ground). I apologize for that graphic description but I don't want to shy away from specifically saying how people who breed and train dogs to fight and kill, treat the dogs who don't "win." It doesn't matter how talented Vick is on the field, this is completely unacceptable and horrific. And unfortunately just the tip of the iceberg of illegal dogfighting. If a jury proves him to be guilty, we must punish him and his associates strongly.

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