Vick: Welcome to Pennsylvania! You've Come to the Right Place

Well, it's official. Vick is now an Eagle; he's coming to Pennsylvania.

(I'd like to call it Pennsyltucky, but I get in trouble from the Kentucky folks. I understand, Kentuckians—I wouldn't want Pennsylvania dragging me down either, but doesn't it just have a fun ring to it? You could use it too!)

Come on up, Vick, we've got our welcome mat out for ya'!

While some here in Pennsylvania may be astounded that we care so little about our animals as to put the welcome mat out for Mike Vick, I don't join them in their astoundyism. (Yeah, I know it's not a word, but I like it.)

How could I?

Pennsylvania has been making headlines in the last few years as, amongst other things, the puppymill capitol of the East and the state where abusive puppymillers, backyard breeders, and dog chainers are running rampant, killing and neglecting dogs, and prosecuting activists who videotape the cruelty and then help the animals. The abusers are never even brought to trial.

Anti-chaining legislation in Pennsylvania, now in it's third session, still languishes in committee, whereas in Georgia there are now at least 14 counties with very strong anti-tethering laws in place.

Vick, you got out just in time; seems they were about to stop tolerating you there!

But don't worry, Vick, we're your people! Come on up, the water's warm!

Pennsylvania has chosen abusers over animals every day of the week and twice on Football Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagle Powers that Be decided to bring Vick here despite angry protests and boycotts of their programs and sponsors—having obviously felt bringing him here was well worth any 'temporary discomfort.'

'Temporary discomfort' being blogs such as this, articles by animal advocates and organizations, and protests by groups who manage to round up enough bodies to make somewhat of an impression on media folk.

We are told by 'real' sports columnists to "just go away and be quiet," "your actions won't get you anywhere," and "stop behaving like children" because we have the nerve to boycott, protest, and make facebook groups against the Eagles and their actions in bringing Vick to Pennsylvania.

We are told, in disdain no less, that "our actions just bring down the cause of animal advocacy. If we just wrote a gentle letter and 'used this for the next occasion' that we would be better off. Just let Vick play now, slink off to our corners, and admit defeat. Be good little children, for Christ's sake."

I was once told that the difference between France and America is that in France they fear their people, and in America we fear our government.

It's time America started fearing it's people too! Social movements are not brought to fruition by people staying at home and shutting their mouths. They are created by momentum, unison, and righteous action to overthrow unrighteous behaviors.

Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be boycotting the Eagles or their ilk long enough and hard enough to take them out. And then columnists who tell us to step back and be good little girls and boys will be eating their words.

Someday, and someday soon, enough people will be demanding justice for animals that the correct people will be prosecuted, and prosecuted well and hard, for committing crimes against those who depend on us for their very existence.

And someday, and someday soon, enough people will be standing firm around advocates who film cruelty and take actions for animals that the powers that be will find they are no longer the ones in power.

The thought of that day brings a smile to my face.

So people, go for it! Protest! Boycott! Create petitions! And most importantly, create change.

For that day is coming, and soon.


—Tamira Ci Thayne, founder and CEO, Dogs Deserve Better