I've had pets my entire life. I don't have a dog right now but I've certainly known and loved my share of them. I have never nor will I ever condone what Michael Vick did. It was wrong and it was cruel. That anyone would train a dog to kill, to kill an innocent animal for no reason is beyond my comprehension and is nauseating to me. However, he did go to prison, he has gone above and beyond what was required of him to "atone" for his crime. I truly hope and pray he has changed his attitude and it isn't all an act to look good.
Personally, I think he has changed. Prior to his arrest, he was known to be arrogant; to hang out with his grade school and high school friends (many of whom were known gangbangers); there were incidents reported about criminal behavior occurring on his property by his friends. Since he has been released from prison, I haven't heard of any more incidents. Supposedly, he has dropped most of his former friends. I don't hear the stories of his arrogant behavior any longer. So, I think he has changed and at least deserves a second chance. That doesn't mean to forget his prior acts, it means forgive, give him a chance to show he has been rehabilitated, changed, become the decent person we want everyone to be.
I'm not saying buy his clothing line or watch a game where he is playing. That's up to you. I am saying this hatred, this vitriol is just as wrong. Loath his past acts but hope that he has truly changed his views.
We've all been taught to forgive, to give people a chance -- it is very much a part of the Judeo-Christian ethic. If he betrays our trust a second time, then it is time to loathe the man, not just his prior actions.
BTW -- For an interesting article on dog fighting, read this link. It definitely shows the evilness but also shows how easy it is to convince a child or a young man to participate, especially if they come from the inner city as Michael Vick did.
Dog Fighting Detailed Discussion