I was counting on PETA to do something about this. I think Whoopi is a disgrace, I've written to ABC about it. I will no longer watch that show as long as she is on it. She is a clearly uneducated and pathetic human being.

Posted by: Erica | September 5, 2007 11:10 AM

I am surprised at the tone of Whoopie's comments. Slavery was also a cultural trait of the Deep South, that did not make it right.

Posted by: dawn | September 5, 2007 11:17 AM

I can tell you from that Whoopi is full of ignorance. Dog fighting is NOT something that is accepted in the deep south. I am so glad you exposed her. Yet another ignorant person I will no longer support.

Posted by: sherri | September 5, 2007 11:23 AM

I too will not watch the View any longer. Could you please post a list of the advertisers/sponsors for the View? I would like to write a letter of protest to each of them.

Thank you.

Posted by: Pamela Fels | September 5, 2007 11:33 AM

Hi;
I totally don't get what Goldberg was trying to do with her comments. This "sport" must end immediately and i'm really shocked to see someone as well-respected as Goldberg condoning it.
This poem of mine (about dogfighting), from my new book SHOOT THE MOON, has apparently been making the rounds of the internet without my name on it. Like i said, about dogfighting and rescued dogs. please take a moment to read it. feel free to share it with friends, as word about this awful "sport" MUST be spread...(only please remember to keep my name on it as author.)
John Yamrus

and all the sick, perverted

bastards of the world
deserve to die an awful,
bloody death…

i was picking my dog up
at the vet
today
and while i was
waiting for them
to bring her out
i looked over
at the big white dog on my right
and was shocked to see
it had an ear missing
and part of its skull was gone.

it looked like an old wound
that had healed over
and i nodded at the owner
and asked:
“what happened
to your pooch? she
get hit by a car
or something?”

“nah”, he said, “she’s
a rescued dog.”

“rescued?”

“yeah, we found her in
the road, thrown out,
with her ear gone
and her head half torn away.”

“what happened?”

“the cop said
they see it all the time.
they figure she was raised
by people who fight pit bulls
and you can tell by looking at her
that she’s real sweet
and i guess
when she wouldn’t fight
she was
probably just
used.”

“used?

for what?”

“bait.”

neither one of us
said a word.

i knelt down
and gave her a hug
and scratched her neck
and when i did
she turned real quick
and gave me a great
big wet sloppy kiss.

right on the face.

and all the sick, perverted
bastards of the world
deserve to die
an awful,
bloody death.

Posted by: John Yamrus | September 5, 2007 11:37 AM

I am shocked by Whoopi. I just don't understand it.

I do know that this is how the FELONS and DOG FIGHTERS in the South try to excuse away their criminal activities- they try to manipulate people by claiming it is part of their "culture."

Of course, they are just criminals who lie so that they can keep the money flowing in.

Why oh why, Whoopi, would you parrot what those criminals say?

Posted by: kelly | September 5, 2007 11:47 AM

this wont be posted because peta only post what they think,what whoopi said was true.does it make it right,for the deep south to have dogs fights,my view is no but i think everybody has a right to there own views.

Posted by: peter smith | September 5, 2007 11:50 AM

I had liked Whoopi very much, she is a smart lady. HOWEVER the comment she made about Southerners and "culture" is totally wrong, misplaced and has changed my opinion of her.

Posted by: lea | September 5, 2007 11:59 AM

I'm shocked that Whoopie, an african american women, would understand first hand the damage of ignorance.

One step forward, two steps back.

Posted by: Mary Jo | September 5, 2007 12:04 PM

I saw the show. She didn't "excuse" she said what she thought his frame of mind and belief system could have possibly been to do such an offensive and abusive thing!

Posted by: Let (S)He Who Is Without Sin Cast the First Stone | September 5, 2007 12:17 PM

Thank you for sending the letter to Whoopi. It insulted everyone who lives in the South. She certainly needs to have someone educate her on the facts about dog fighting. I hope that she makes an apology to US today on "THE VIEW".
Atlanta ,GA

Posted by: carole stroupe | September 5, 2007 12:22 PM

I watched the view yesterday.
I could not believe what I was hearing.
How could she make excuses for this monster.
I am through with the View and I am through with Whoopi.
Shame, shame shame on you.
This is illegal and cruel to the fullest extent.
Whoopi, as far as I am concerned you are no better than Vick.....

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter | September 5, 2007 12:24 PM

whoopi, whoopi, now you are really disappointing me! you are on the celebrity list of the humane society for first step against cruelty to animals and now your statement! instead of almost excusing vicks crime you should have found other words at least to correct him! now the moment has come to make a first step to avoid animal cruelty! and furthermore as vick made apologies he should now at least show us that he really means it serious and talk openly to the american youth - if not i fear that he just did it on the advise of his lawyer! so now we here in europe are watching on you all and we want to see something really positive and constructive - not a patchwork on rotten cloth because we do not believe that all america is undermined by such a shameful sub-culture like dog-fighting - that means that millions of people find pleasure in looking at two abused animals fighting to the death! no america - not this, not this!!!

Posted by: animalfriend | September 5, 2007 12:35 PM

Unbelievable! Why would anyone say something so stupid and ignorant? I'm from the south and I am extremely offended at her comment. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for Micahel Vick's behavior toward animals. NONE.

Posted by: Aura | September 5, 2007 12:41 PM

Ingrid, I'm wondering why the reference to dogfighting in the Republic of Ireland. I am sure it does happen here, but if you are referring to the incident with the pro-GAA player and his dogfighting organisation, that was in Northern Ireland, not the Republic.

Posted by: Irish reader | September 5, 2007 01:30 PM

Whoopi should have tempered her comments with an immediate (part of the same conversation, not later) follow-up condemning violence against animals. This is the sort of "excuse" commentary that invites tolerance of dogfighting, and dishonors the memory of the dogs who were tortured and killed, and further, the innumerable animals (of many types) who were tortured and killed as "bait" animals during the sadistic training of Vick's dogs, and the abuse hurled at this breed from many sources. Whoopi needs to do more than apologize, that carries no weight with me. She is in the public eye, and has a lot of experience, and surely thought about what she was going to say for a long time beforehand. Whoopi needs to "make her mark" on the show, and ensure controversy, so that the decline in ratings will not be attached to her arrival after Rosi. She needs to demonstrate that what she did was an extreme mistake, and gave support to the 40,000 people in this country who regularly participate in these horrific events. Whoppi just encouraged them,and Erica is right, above, that letters to the network are in order.

Posted by: Peter | September 5, 2007 01:35 PM

Whoopi has been comfortable playing the race card for years and thinks she is indestructible and can say what she wants. Her comments SHOULD offend Southeners of all colors, as well as her ignorant remarks about Puerto Ricans. She is a disgrace as a human.

Posted by: Stephen | September 5, 2007 01:57 PM

I was horrified by the ignorant remarks made by Whoopi Goldberg on her first say at The View and have written to them. I will never watch The View again and am disappointed that they hired someone with this kind of mind set.

Posted by: Amy | September 5, 2007 02:05 PM

I think Ms Goldberg is correct
I grow up in the south and it is a big underground sport.
I can rember going to them as a child.
Dog fights is like drugs there is too much money in it
It will not go away.

Posted by: Herbert | September 5, 2007 02:44 PM

"I was counting on PETA to do something about this. I think Whoopi is a disgrace, I've written to ABC about it. I will no longer watch that show as long as she is on it. She is a clearly uneducated and pathetic human being."

Hey Erica listen up I guess you didn't read the whole blog Read please before you look like and uneducated and pathetic human being. {p.s. read below}

"Ingrid spoke with Whoopi on the phone last night after she received the letter, since Goldberg actually has a good track record with animals outside of this incident, and Whoopi explained that she had never intended to appear accepting of cruelty."

Posted by: V | September 5, 2007 02:55 PM

You all need to get a life and focus on more important issues in this country!!!Hunting is killing an animal whether for sport or to eat and I havent seen anyone you protesting that. I dont particularly care for animals but I wouldnt want them to be killed or hurt either by dogfighting or hunting. Focus on some other issues and leave Vick alone. Whoopi did nothing wrong; she merely stated her opinion just like you all do. Some people dont feel the way that you all do and no one is saying that you all wrong. Get a life.

Posted by: Kisha | September 5, 2007 03:13 PM

Hey Whoopi , for the record , VICK is from Virginia , that's a way cry difference from the deep south, I know , I'm from Atlanta.

By the way , I lived in NY for three years , there are tons of dog fight rings in the burroughs, cops bust 'em every day, you stupid, worthless, hollywood fool.

Posted by: da'cook | September 5, 2007 03:23 PM

Whoopi or anybody else has a right to their opinion. I agree with what she said. I don't condone what Vick did but I have the right to say what was done to him was basically a special interest lynching. I don't think any human should be put before any animal and I have every right to say it whether PETA, Humane Society, or other animial rights activist agree or not. Get over it now.

Posted by: Corliss Holly | September 5, 2007 03:40 PM

As a southerner, I'm offended, but I have to say I'm not surprised. Every episode I've seen of the View, they have spread stupid rumors (often about celebrities, and often discovered later to be untrue, but I've never noticed them cop up to it) or they've demonstrated an uneducated view as fact (video games cause violence, colored bracelets make girls have sex, schools are responsible for student choices). It is a horrendously stupid show that misleads and insults women. I think the very fact that Whoopi joined it speaks volumes about her character.

Posted by: Jessica | September 5, 2007 04:08 PM

I want to know if all of these so called dog lovers are really that dedicated. How many people a year leave their dogs in the car without air and ultimately end up killing their dogs. What happens to those people? All of you being avid dog lovers should know what happens. But I bet only about 02 percent of you know. I keep reading about how ignorant Vick is, well what about these people, or what about the millions of people that EAT DOG. What about them? I suppose all of these so called dog lovers want to see Korea wiped off the map? Or how about the humane society. I guess puting dogs down everyday cause they dont have a home is fair. Thats not cruel at all. But its about the dogs....
Do you want me to keep going....

Posted by: jeff | September 5, 2007 04:11 PM

I will never watch the View again. Whoopi, I find your comments disgusting. No apology will suffice. The souls of the dogs that Michael Vick killed cried out after you said that their deaths were SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE IN THE SOUTH.

Posted by: Shari Kimberlin | September 5, 2007 04:21 PM

I will never watch the View again. Whoopi, I find your comments disgusting. No apology will suffice. The souls of the dogs that Michael Vick killed cried out after you said that their deaths were SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE IN THE SOUTH.

Posted by: Shari Kimberlin | September 5, 2007 04:21 PM

Ingrid is stellar and that letter was amazing.

way to go!

Posted by: Danny | September 5, 2007 04:31 PM

Hmmm....to the previous "blogger": so, you are saying you don't really like animals, BUT you don't want to see them tortured? And you think Vick should be left alone, yet he tortured dogs for money? I am thoroughly confused. If you don't like to see animals hurt or tortured than it is important to bring such a so-called star like Vick into the media spotlight.

There are kids who have been duped into thinking this guy (Vick) is a hero! Don't you think these kids deserve to know what this monster is really all about? HE is a murderer. Leave him alone? You HAVE to be kidding!

All I am asking is that you think a little bit BEFORE you post again.

Posted by: Mehgan | September 5, 2007 04:31 PM

V: "hunting is killing an animal whether for sport or to eat and I havent seen anyone you protesting that."

are you kidding me? This is Peta.. Most of us have protested against hunting, and or have shown our disgust in some way. We take on many different issues, including dogfighting, and are passionate for most animal related causes.

Posted by: Danny | September 5, 2007 04:35 PM

What do you expect from a person(goldberg)who supports a convicted cop killer in philadelphia. If she supports a murderer it only makes sense she would support a person who kills dogs.

Posted by: Rich | September 5, 2007 05:01 PM

I was brought up in the "deep south" and NEVER NEVER NEVER was dogfighting part of my heritage!!! Where does she get that from???

Ok, lets see... So because something is part of the "deep south" it is Ok???

Posted by: Jaclyn | September 5, 2007 05:08 PM

Kisha, you havent been reading the postS. I've posted this a few days ago, you need to step up.

Everyone who is trying to make MV heinous killing a racial issue or a cultural thing:

"THE ANIMALS OF THE WORLD EXIST FOR THEIR OWN REASONS. THEY WERE NOT MADE FOR HUMANS ANY MORE THAN BLACK PEOPLE WERE MADE FOR WHITES, OR WOMEN FOR MEN"---ALICE WALKER black woman novelist and author of The Color Purple

AGAIN MV IS A SICK PERSON, PEOPLE NORMALLY DO NOT ACT OUT LIKE THAT UNLESS THERE IS SOME DEEP PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEM WITH THEM. TYRING TO DEFEND THEM UNDER THE GUISE OF RACISM/CULTURAL AND OR "DEEP SOUTH" THING IS A PRETTY PATHETIC ARGUMENT, INFACT IT ISN'T EVEN AN ARGUMENT SO MUCH AS AN IGNORANT OPINION. HOLDING MV ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS ACTIONS IS THE RIGHT THING NOT A RACIAL THING. WE ALL SHOULD PUT THE PRESSURE ON ANY SORT OF "ANIMAL SPORT" AND YES, ABSOLUTELY THAT INCLUDES HUNTING. PARTICIPATING IN THESE DESPICABLE KILLING OF ANIMALS IN THE NAME OF "TRADITION", "CULTURE",
"DEEP SOUTH" AND ANY OTHER EXCUSE TO SHOOT, HANG, KILL, OR MAIM SHOULD NO LONGER BE TOLERATED PERIOD. NO EXCUSES, 0 TOLERANCE....NO EXCUSES...NO EXCUSES. NOBODY SHOULD DEFEND THIS KIND OF TORTURE BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF HIS SKIN.

GO VEGAN!

Posted by: satinka | September 5, 2007 05:32 PM

Kisha, congratulations for being the first person on this particular blog to say "get a life" to us animal lovers! Now that that's out of the way, why don't you take the time to actually read through PETA's websites - you will see that PETA and its supporters DO protest hunting (just read through the August postings on the PETA files and you will see one topic regarding politicians hunting, for one example).

Why don't you stay away from us if you don't agree? This is a site for animal rights folks, and if you believe that it is such a waste of time, then find a site for people who support your causes and leave us alone!

Posted by: Michele | September 5, 2007 06:05 PM

To all who condem Whoopi must be living under a rock.
To think this isn't going on all over the country are in denial,it's a culture thing we no it's awful and wrong but I beleive they grew up in it,and it's up to our goverment to stop it. Whoopi wasn't agreeing with it.
People get a life.
Linda

Posted by: Linda Grechanuck | September 5, 2007 06:09 PM

HEY PETA.......there u go assuming things....hey, dawn.. slavery still goes on....just a different style now..check jena 6 sweetie!!!!.....wish you guys would love the children like u love the animals!!!!!!!!

Posted by: shannon | September 5, 2007 06:15 PM

I agree with V. You all need to get a life. In other cultures, people hunt animals and fish. Their killing animals but no one says anything about that. I live in the south and there are dog fights, too.

Posted by: p | September 5, 2007 06:15 PM

Everyone on this earth are not dog and animal lovers. You people are more into dogs and animals than you are into children. You can protest every place in this country but what people do in their lives is their own business and not always the business of PETA and all you other tree huggers. If you spent all the time and money taking care of people like you want to take care of animals a lot of the problems in the country will be handled. Their are more poor and hungry people in this world than animals. The earth was created for man to have dominion over the animals not for animals to have dominion of man. Leave Whoopi and Michael Vick alone and let them live their lives. Whoopi has the right to free speech just like the rest of you people, you are no better than anyone else just because you are PETA.

Posted by: NCINGA | September 5, 2007 06:16 PM

I apologize that animal lovers of the world are a bunch of pansies who complain about what someone did to a four legged critter but could careless about all the parentless children of the world and issues that actually are of revelance like getting this DAMN WAR over and legalizing marijuana

Posted by: Fran | September 5, 2007 06:40 PM

Your comments: Whoopi is just showing her ignorance again. I was raised in the South and I never knew of any dog fighting, nor have I known of anyone who participated in dog fighting. She said it was part of his "cultural upbringing" and "indicative of his background". I didn't know she had a PHD in psychology or sociology. I just think it's another case of the Hollywood mentality she represents. I believe a campaign should be started by writing the sponsors of "The View" and letting them know she is not speaking for anyone in the South. It's more like South Hollywood. By the way, what did Ted Danson see in her?

Posted by: Al from Dixie | September 5, 2007 06:49 PM

This is a comment in PRAISE of Whoopi! Kudos to Barbara and The View producers for adding her to the show. I will be honest and admit that I am NOT a daytime television viewer (I am usually at work during the time that The View airs). However, what a treat to see one of the most thought-provoking, profound, accomplished, socially conscious and aware actresses of our time take the helm and handle it with ease, class and grace! In support of Whoopi and her comments on Tuesday's show, I am writing this message. I too, have been in the space of *unpopular opinion* in articulating the same position that Whoopi shared on Michael Vick. Add to that that I am an African American woman, a Chrisitan, a Vegan vegetarian, a *rabid* football fan and a denizen of San Francisco - the home of the "dog beach!" Michael Vick was silly to not be more aware of his behaviors and the impact it could've had on his career. I am sad how it all went down. However, I don't think that dogs/animals should EVER be elevated to the level of humans. God gave man (and woman!) dominion over the earth and all that is in it, so by that definition alone we are ABOVE animals!! I AGREE that we should not abuse them. But, to have the entire country up in arms over this dog-fighting issue, when we have allowed the atrocities of situations like Abu Ghraib to *slide* by and the other unspeakable war crimes that humans, in and from the U.S. (and around the world), have committed against other humans, is a shame and a sad commentary on the state of the human condition around the world! HECK, they EAT dogs in China!!! Is PETA raising the alarm about that to the billion plus people there who are doing so?? We MUST put things in perspective and get our priorities straight. The justice system in the U.S. is still skewed against people of color, our government is commiting all sorts of war crimes on a daily basis and the general state of health of our children (who eat meat!) is at an all-time low in comparison with other western nations. So, to get caught up in the silly debate, sensational overload and media hyperbole about *dog-fighting* simply means that we have our head in the sand and that if we don't do something soon, our entire society will have *gone to the dogs!* ...and I am SURE that is a standard of living that NONE of us aspire to, unless we are Leona Helmsley's dog!!!

Happy to have Whoopi on The View! Keep up the great work! You have now compelled me to tune in more frequently than I have before. Given the show's 11 years on the air, this is the first time I can say that I will *focus on The View!*

Posted by: Tiffany | September 5, 2007 06:54 PM

I can't believe that someone can say it is part of their cultural upbrining. I am from Arkansas. That is the "deep south" she refers to and I DO NOT believe I was ever taught to fight dogs. I think it is cruel, twisted and that whoever can do this to an animal can do the same to people. Cruel animal acts are often the start of violence against humans. I think that Whoopi needs to visit the "deep south" and ask a few of us what we think.

Posted by: Brandi | September 5, 2007 06:56 PM

Reading the above comments makes me realize alot of people open the mouths before knowing what they are talking about. Goldburg was indeed correct! I've seen the same activity in "GOODY, GOODY" Arlington, Virginia. There are a bunch of kids out there who grew up with this and if you where to ask them why they engage in such a " gross activity", they would respond by asking why don't you go after the "White Guy" hiding up a tree with a bow and arrow just waiting on a buck to walk by, or, waiting behind a bush with a high powered gun aimed at the head of an unsuspecting animal just doing what was intended for them, not harming anyone!

WHAT VICK AND HIS GROUP DID WAS WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! But, if you're going to go after one you have to go after all! Stop the breeding of dogs like the pit, yea, lets start there.

Stop bringing dogs into cities that don't have any room or other aminities that should be there. And besides, most people who have dogs don't even know how to care for them! I would have alot more respect for PETA if it was truly about what they profess and not just ready for the next camera shop! I love dogs, but, I don't live in a place where a dog would be happy, so, I don't have one. LETS GET REAL PEOPLE!

Posted by: Bill Campbell | September 5, 2007 07:01 PM

How could she say that. Don't she know love,gentleness.Don't she know abuse of an animal leads to abuse of humans and
worse. Maybe she should stop talking and start thinking. Maybe people should stop talking about Vick and start taking more about the dogs.

Posted by: patricia marion hennessey | September 5, 2007 07:08 PM

Thanks for your strong stand against dog fighting. I can't write the same for SPCA so Marie and I are diverting future donations from SPCA to HSUS.

Posted by: John Click | September 5, 2007 08:00 PM

I canoot believe that the VIEW is now dishing with Whoopie who is so clearly uneducated, biased and without a clue! I lived in the South and dogfighting is NOT accepted. Plus, Vick killed dogs outright! he is a LIAR and continues to lie, He is a disgrace and I put Whoopie on that list also. The VIEW needs to get rid of Whoopie and that airhead Elizabeth . The show is a disgrace. I refuse to ever watch it again. She is disgusting.

Posted by: kate | September 5, 2007 08:36 PM

The statements on The View are political. "Whoopie" knew exactly what she was doing.

By saying it is the black cultural "thing" is horrible.

So, I guess we better not vote for Obama, because he is black. ...better vote for Hillary.

I think the View is the same as porn. Very sleasy and with their own agenda. Very sad, that Whoopie thinks its ok to kill dogs.

Channel is now on NBC.

Posted by: J | September 5, 2007 08:37 PM

If Whoopi really believes what she's saying then I guess she would agree that slavery was ok because in the south, the deep south slavery was part of the culture so it was acceptable. Right Whoopi!

Posted by: fred stone | September 5, 2007 09:22 PM

Thank you John Yamrus! I couldn't agree with you more!!

Posted by: Courtney | September 5, 2007 11:22 PM

There are 53 dogs that were seized from Michael Vick's home who's going to save them for they surely will be put to death.

Posted by: Binky | September 6, 2007 08:32 AM

I just love it when people go on talk shows and make comments of things they know absolutely nothing about!!! I am from the deep south, and let me tell you now this is not part of a cultural upbringing. Why on earth would you even associate this barbaric, sadistic, cruel, inhumane action to anyone upbringing. So in her mind anyone from the south is part of a culture that dog fighting? NOT!!!!!!!!! Why is it that when people seem to take a seat on the view their IQ drops way down?

The meaning of culture: people with shared beliefs and practices: a group of people whose shared beliefs and practices identify the particular place, class, or time to which they belong

So because a group of people like Michael Vick share a belief that dog fighting is a sport and is entertainment based on his culture no less of being raised in the deep south his dog fighting charges should be excused according to Whoopi???

Slavery at one time was part of peoples cultural upbringing does that mean that it was fair and ethical? I don’t think so!!!

Let me tell you this I live in the deep south....I am aware that dog fighting is around, but it is so low key that our humane society has never had to deal with fighting dogs being seized and coming into the shelter. I do not know anyone that dogfights....nor have I ever been to a dog fight!!!!! So saying that in the deep south it is cultural upbringing is just plain stupid........

Posted by: Dana | September 6, 2007 09:06 AM

kick whoopi off the view, she is so sick to defend vick. people should protest abc.

Posted by: shaeon | September 6, 2007 09:07 AM

First off let me say I do not condone dog fighting or cruelty to any animals at all. But I just feel that if everyone is so upset by what Michael Vick did then everyone should go to every city where dog fighting goes on and get rid of it from everywhere. Just because he got caught does not mean dog fighting will not end. In some cities it goes on all the time and will not end. I personally have witnessed it and it was horrendous. If you want to stop it then stop it everwhere and don't just make it a big thing because he is a celebrity and got caught. I feel that peta is good organization and does good things but the organization should go after everyone not just celebrities. I know I am going to get alot of flack for this posting but that is the way I feel. So in a way I understand where Whoopi's comments were coming from.

Posted by: Baby K | September 6, 2007 10:19 AM

I am disgusted that Whoopi would condone dogfighting and then backpeddle her way out of it. She needs to be thrown off the show and Vick needs to be banned from ever playing foot ball again.

Posted by: Stephanie | September 6, 2007 12:30 PM

I find it so funny that all the people who have commented on this issue say they wont watch the show or they wont watch abc again. what do you really think that is going to do. I totally agree with what Tiffany and Bill Cambell have posted. Until PETA takes all issues instead of the ones that are in the spotlight for now I have no respect. There are men and women dying in Iraq for a war that should have never been started and children dying at the hands of parents and caretakers and you mean to tell me that dog fighting is more important. Give me a break. Wake up people your priorities are all screwed up!

Posted by: Baby K | September 6, 2007 01:06 PM

Iam not shocked. Alot of people look at animals as they're there for our pleasure. Not as living ,breathing, and feeling little and big earthlings. We are all earthlings and until we all stop hurting and enslaving humans then there will be no hope for our furry freinds. We need to make our own Peta TV channel. I beleive thats the only way we will educate!!!!!!!!!!!! WATCH EARTHLINGS !!!!!!!!! Whoopi you better hope you don't come back as a pitbull in your next life, HA HA!!!!

Posted by: Keely VanDuzee | September 6, 2007 01:57 PM

I just cannot believe what Whoopi said. Didn't expect it and certainly didn't agree with it. She's entitled to her opinions but she needs to get her facts straight. We southern people do NOT believe in fighting dogs. How outrageous and inexcusable trying to make people believe it's ok. Totally idiotic!!

Posted by: Anna | September 6, 2007 02:24 PM

Thank you Ms Goldberg for explaining that dog fighting isn't all that bad. Normal in some parts of the South? Where? This is the USA, it is illegal, in addition to atrocious, sick. The accused has an education, a lawyer, managers, agents, contracts,
$100 million indosements--KNOWS BETTER.

Posted by: Karen | September 6, 2007 03:45 PM

PETA = People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Just for those who do not understand that this is not a blog for the Iraq war, anti-abortion, etc.

People have a choice as to what they wish to do regarding the Whoopi remark (even if that is to do nothing), and you do not have to like it but who cares if you don't like it? I just love how so many people assume they know how everyone here feels about other issues not involving animals.

Posted by: sherri | September 6, 2007 03:52 PM

To all the PETA and animal haters:

Well, I have a life just like many PETA members and animal advocates do also. If you don't like our advocacy of animals then go away. If you are angry about the war, go talk to Bush; if you are worried about any human angst caused by HUMANS then do something about it!!! You are wasting time writing in this ANIMAL RIGHTS blog/forum. Animal advocates do just that ---advocate! You don't like it go to a human rights blog and vent all of your phony concern for people. You write STUPID comments in an effort to denigrate animal advocates and all of the work they do to help the other animals and claim you care so much for humans. You care so much that you can't wait to insult animal advocates because they are compassionate. You don't like humane advocacy for animals too bad, but don't insult us here. THIS IS AN ANIMAL RIGHTS BLOG. I hate the war but I don't post that here; I meet with my representatives to express my views. That 's the intelligent thing to do.

It also was part of ALL cultures to keep women in a subservient position and with no rights. Want to bring back that cultural tidbit???

Posted by: Ana | September 6, 2007 04:06 PM

While I don't always agree with PETA's views this issue hits home with many people on the left or right who are dog owners. The thought of my dog being taken away as bait for some sort of twisted dog training makes me sick.
I find it ironic that Whoopi, who was brought in by ABC as the voice of the left, would start off pissing more liberals off than Limbaugh on a good day. I believe this shows a racial divide that exists strongly on both sides of the aisle. Would she have said the same things if a Peyton Manning or Drew Brees type would have done the same thing. No, absolutely not.
Also, the letter from PETA is not as strongly worded as it could have been but I applaud PETA for sending it. As I said, I don't always agree with PETA positions but sending that letter shows integrity and lacks the hypocrisy usually exhibited by the left.

Posted by: Jello | September 6, 2007 06:18 PM

To all my fellow vegans, who are highly judgemental and have the audacity to compare slavery, white supremacy and dog fighting, please just STOP! Again there is NO comparison to the value of a human life vs. an animal's life. For anyone to try and make such an asinine connection, you are not trying to think about this rationally or how to work towards a resolution. Who would've thought a debate about dog-fighting would warrant the vitrolic commentary that people have been spewing at Whoopi Goldberg or any other person with a rational brain their head. I am an african american woman, vegan vegetarian (and proud NON PETA member!) for 15+ years...and I am patently offended by all of the horrible and racist commentary being knocked about in this forum. I mean c'mon, how do you get from Whoopi's comments to not voting for Obama because he is black and voting for Hillary because she is white, just to spite Whoopi for pointing out a different point of view? HUH??

And to those "southerners" who feel they deserve an apology because of some perceived cultural myopia on Whoopi's part, I challenge all of you to drive to the remotest areas of your states and just do a simple *listening tour* of what "cultural dynamics" are played out outside of the glare of the media and metropolitan areas. I am convinced that you will find a very *different* south compared to the metro areas in which you were raised.

Having been born and raised in the north (Phildelphia), spending countless summers of my formative years in the South (e.g., metro Atlanta and Tuscaloosa, AL), to having attended college in the rural parts of northern N.E., I have been fortunate and blessed to see and understand a lot walks of life. Until you have been able to assess and understand people where they are coming from, you really are not in a position to judge.

Finally, at the risk of vilifiying another of my football idols, who is african american and also has had an embattled past on and off the field, here is an excerpt of an article I read today on SI.com. Terrell Owens (WR, Dallas Cowboys) HAS been where Michael Vick has been - he is corroborating that dog fighting as well as hunting was a part of his "cultural lexicon."

T.O. attended 'cultural' dog fights
Posted: Thursday September 06, 2007 08:38AM ET

Terrell Owens said he saw some dog fights growing up in Alabama. In a recent radio interview with Jim Gray, Owens said he witnessed his uncle fighting dogs and said it is part of a culture. Owens, who said he loves animals, said people need to put dog fighting in perspective. "When I mentioned cultural thing, [it's] just like when people go out and they hunt deer," he said. "I don't condone Michael Vick's actions with the dog fighting," Owens said. "I've been exposed to it and it's something that's very unfortunate for Mike. I think he'll learn from this situation and move on from it."

The Bible says that, "we suffer for what we don't know." Now more of you do know and should learn more before you cast more stones! What a country we live in, where we are all guilty until proven innocent - at least that is what I am extrapolating is the *PETA form of justice.* SAD! SO VERY SAD!

Posted by: Tiffany | September 6, 2007 06:22 PM

Busts Rout out Dogfighters in Texas and Florida
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January 14, 2005

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©2005 Laura Bevan/HSUS

A late-night SWAT team raid in Marion, Texas on January 8 has resulted in the state's largest dogfighting bust in the last decade. Acting on information provided by The HSUS's Southwest Regional Office (SWRO), Bexar County Sheriff's department investigators, SWAT agents, and representatives of the SPCA of Texas seized 90 pit bull dogs and arrested five men on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.

Click to view image Busts Rout out Dogfighters in Texas and Florida
Click to view image
Click to view image Click to view image
January 14, 2005

Click to view image
©2005 Laura Bevan/HSUS

A late-night SWAT team raid in Marion, Texas on January 8 has resulted in the state's largest dogfighting bust in the last decade. Acting on information provided by The HSUS's Southwest Regional Office (SWRO), Bexar County Sheriff's department investigators, SWAT agents, and representatives of the SPCA of Texas seized 90 pit bull dogs and arrested five men on suspicion of felony animal cruelty.

Authorities raided the property of Brian Bailey, about 25 miles northeast of San Antonio, after SWRO staff alerted them to a suspected dogfighting ring. The HSUS monitors intelligence that indicates animal fighting activities. Thanks to that vigilance, HSUS staff were able to tip law enforcement off about the planned Saturday-night fight.

Bailey and his son, Brad Bailey, were charged with felony animal cruelty and dogfighting (a Class A misdemeanor in the state). Three other men were also arrested on felony charges, and authorities issued 20 citations to others for being spectators at a dogfight.

SWRO Coordinator Jay Sabatucci, who teaches a class to police officers on how to combat animal fighting, noted that the sheriff's office "really stepped up to the plate on this one." He explained that the raid was a good example of how law enforcement can make a bigger dent in crime by pursuing suspected animal fighters.

"We're making them understand that it's a crime issue," he said, noting that dogfighters are often charged with other illegal activities, such as gambling, drug sales and weapons possession. "This is a great way for them to get criminals."

Animals seized in the raid are being held at an undisclosed location until a judge decides their fate. Many of the dogs were undernourished and lacked veterinary care, Sabatucci said. Because the animals were bred and trained to be vicious, he believes many of them will have to be euthanized.

"It's a great tragedy, because it's the only way to guarantee that they won't die in the pit," he explained. When the dogs are not fighting, "their whole life is being chained to a stake in an eight-foot circle of dirt. Their only future is to be in that pit."

Another dogfighting bust in Gadsden County, Florida, on December 30 took advantage of a state law that permits investigators to make arrests based on the possession of dogfighting implements. During a drug investigation at a property near Quincy, Gadsden authorities discovered a bloodied fighting pit, dogfight training tools, veterinary medical supplies, and 19 dogs, most of whom carried scars from fighting.

William Randall, the owner of the property, was charged with 19 counts of using animals for fighting and 19 counts of animal cruelty. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.

Dog Fighting Kingpin Toppled in Louisiana Raid
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March 23, 2005

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©2005 HSUS

He's been called the "Godfather of dog fighting," the "dog fighting don," and even the "Babe Ruth of dog fighting." Since March 9, Floyd Boudreaux is being called something else: an accused felon. On that day Louisiana State Police arrested Boudreaux, one of the most infamous dog fighters and breeders in the United States, along with his son Guy.

The arrests, which sent shock waves through the dog fighting world, were the culmination of a three-month effort by state and federal law enforcement agents, The Humane Society of the United States and the Louisiana SPCA.

http://www.riospitbull.com/n

it's the culture and if you look further at these people on the website, they are white, in the south, and the guy is holding a big pitbull. so it didn't start with MV and the reactions of "he should be tied to a rape post, he murdered those dogs and should spend the rest of his life in jail are pathetic due to the silence of the real perpectrators. I don't like dog fighting one bit, but the reaction is overboard. Just like the other couple who neglected the Katrina animals. How many years did they get? and, yes it is a couple of years ago, but I have found 2007 pics of white people abusing their animals. one even took a puppy, rubbed it down with oil and gave it to his snake to eat, in front of two boys. he said it was the same as feeding a rat or rabbit to the snake.

Posted by: Jake B | September 6, 2007 06:36 PM

I am so frustrated by the comments on this page. It is evident that many of you didn't see the show or have listening problems. Never once did Whoopie say she was defending or excusing what M.Vick did. She talked about the cultural differences in the US. And by the way, cultural doesn't mean only race. It can pertain to location, generation, and yes race. If I recall correctly, she was talking about location and not the color of his skin. Open your eyes people. Race isn't the only issue. You don't have to discuss racial issue every time some one other than white speaks.

Also, if you go to You Tube you can listen to the conversation that took place yesterday on the view. She never said it was acceptable. She referred to this moment being a time for others to realize it is wrong.

Learn to listen, think , and then speak.

this is a comment from another blog from someone who listened to the whole thing. just like DMX and drugs and dead dogs. Black people aren't allowed to have care takers for their animals according to the posts I read. And msn came back with the police reporting that it wasn't drugs.

Posted by: Jake B | September 6, 2007 06:39 PM

I am so frustrated by the comments on this page. It is evident that many of you didn't see the show or have listening problems. Never once did Whoopie say she was defending or excusing what M.Vick did. She talked about the cultural differences in the US. And by the way, cultural doesn't mean only race. It can pertain to location, generation, and yes race. If I recall correctly, she was talking about location and not the color of his skin. Open your eyes people. Race isn't the only issue. You don't have to discuss racial issue every time some one other than white speaks.

Also, if you go to You Tube you can listen to the conversation that took place yesterday on the view. She never said it was acceptable. She referred to this moment being a time for others to realize it is wrong.

Learn to listen, think , and then speak.

this is a comment from another blog from someone who listened to the whole thing. just like DMX and drugs and dead dogs. Black people aren't allowed to have care takers for their animals according to the posts I read. And msn came back with the police reporting that it wasn't drugs.

another post: was just waiting to see how long it took for the racists to bring OJ into this thread. Well, here it is below, folks! I wonder if wkc is just as concerned about the wife of Robert Blake. Even though she wasn't as pretty, the cases are very similar in that:

1. both wives had seedy reputations

2. both wives were murdered

3. both husbands were tried and acquitted in criminal court

4. both husbands were found to be liable in civil court

5. OJ is reviled while Robert Blake goes unnoticed

Hmmm! The prize goes to the person who can discern the very obvious difference between these two cases.

Posted by: Jake B | September 6, 2007 06:56 PM

I WATCHED THE SHOW, AS SHE BROUGHT OUT THE VICK SUBJECT, I WAS AWAITING AS TO WHERE SHE WAS GOING WITH IT. SHE NEVER CONDONED MV SAVAGE KILLINGS BUT SHE WAS TRYING TO DEFEND HIM DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHERE HE CAME FROM "DEEP SOUTH". THAT COMMENT IS AN INSULT TO THE SOUTHERN COMMUNITY AND THEY HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE ANGRY. THE QUESTION IS NOT WHERE THEY WERE RAISED BUT HOW THEY WERE RAISED. AGAIN, IT'S NOT A "DEEP SOUTH", RACIAL, OR CULTURAL THING (LIKE SOME THAT ARE CRYING ABOUT IT CLAIM IT TO BE) IT'S A SICK PERSON WHO NEEDS EITHER PSYCHOLOGICAL AND OR PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENTS. ANYONE WHO IS TRYING TO DEFEND HIS BARBARIC ACTIONS BECAUSE OF WHERE HE CAME FROM SEEMS JUST A BIT IGNORANT. HAVING SAID THAT, OF COURSE I WOULD NOT WANT TO CALL FOR WHOOPI TO STEP DOWN BUT I HAVE TO SAY I WAS A BIT SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED TO HEAR HER PUT UP A LAME DEFENSE FOR THE MONSTROUS ACTIONS MV DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE IN. MV NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS VICIOUS KILLINGS AND BAN FOR LIFE FROM THE NFL, NO EXCUSES. HE LOST HIS PRIVILEGE TO EARN MILLIONS $$$ WHEN HE TRAINED, HANGED, DROWNED, ELECTROCUTED, SLAMMED THOSE BEAUTIFUL LIVING CREATURES. "MISTAKE" PUUULLLEEEEEZZZZ. 0 TOLERANCE ON KILLING ANIMALS FOR SPORT PERIOD! GO VEGAN!

Posted by: SATINKA | September 6, 2007 07:29 PM

I, too, can go find old articles about dog fighting busts. However, I suppose the difference will be that I don't care if they are white, black, purple, green, or striped or if they live north, south, east, west, or on Mars. They all should be prosecuted. I guess I listed too closely to Whoopi since she specifically stated it was the south.
________________________
Media reports since the day Michael Vick was indicted on dogfighting charges show that law enforcement is increasingly cracking down on dogfighters, as this list of recent arrests demonstrates. While the welcome new attention on the issue is leading to more police activity, these cases—which broke up just a small fraction of the animal fighting operations still lurking in the shadows—should be only the beginning.

The dogfighting problem in this country is much bigger than Michael Vick and will not go away when his case has been resolved. Dogs bred and exploited for this bloodsport will continue to suffer long after the sports headlines turn to a different topic. These dogfighting busts are a step in the right direction, and thousands more dogs will be abused and killed if law enforcement does not maintain its new momentum against this crime.

August 20, 2007: In Atchison, Kan., law enforcement arrested two people and seized 12 dogs. They planned to file dogfighting charges.

August 19, 2007: Police arrested two teens in Toledo, Ohio, for dogfighting and seized five dogs.

August 17, 2007: The authorities seized three dogs as well as drugs (ecstasy and crack cocaine) and arrested two men in Ford Heights, Ill., on dogfighting charges.

August 17, 2007: Officials raided a home in Mount Vernon, N.Y. twice in one week, charging two people with dogfighting-related charges, and seizing a dozen dogs in all.

August 11, 2007: Law enforcement interrupted a dogfight in Detroit, Mich. The participants ran off, but officials seized three dogs, along with a fighting pit and medication commonly given to fighting dogs.

August 10, 2007: Following up on the raids in N.M. from the previous day, officials hit two locations in El Paso, Texas, and seized approximately 25 dogs.

August 10, 2007: A man in Greensboro, N.C., faced dogfighting charges upon his arrest. The authorities seized 14 live dogs and found a dead dog on the property.

August 9, 2007: Law enforcement raided two locations in Chaparral, N.M., and seized 38 dogs. Officials arrested two men associated with Southwest Kennels.

August 8, 2007: Police arrested a Beaufort, Ga., man for dogfighting. At the scene, they found 12 live pit bulls, three dead pit bulls, a dead raccoon and conditioning equipment of the type often used by dogfighters.

August 8, 2007: In Fresno, Calif., officials arrested five people and seized 11 pit bulls, in addition to drugs and firearms. At the scene, officials found six graphic videos of dogs fighting.

August 8, 2007: A drug raid in Buffalo, N.Y., turned up ten dogs who authorities believe were being used for fighting. They seized the dogs.

August 7, 2007: A car crash in Indiana County, Pa., led to the discovery of a pit bull in the back seat who had bite marks and other injuries consistent with dogfighting. Official seized the dog and arrested the driver.

August 3, 2007: The law caught up again with a convicted felon in Portland, Ore., during an arrest which netted 11 dogs. The accused dogfighter ran an operation called Dead Game Kennels.

August 3, 2007: In Indianapolis, Ind., officials arrested a man for dogfighting and seized six dogs.

August 3, 2007: Law enforcement charged a woman in Salem County, N.J., with dogfighting after her landlord found a fighting pit and an injured dog in her basement.

August 2, 2007: Police arrested two men in Austin, TX, for dogfighting, and seized two dogs.

August 2007: In the first week of the month, officials arrested five people in Saginaw, Mich., for dogfighting and seized three dogs.

July 30, 2007: Officials arrested a man in Rochester, N.Y., for dogfighting and seized an injured pit bull.

July 30, 2007: Authorities raided a dogfighting operation in Tallahassee, Fla. They arrested one man and seized 32 dogs.

July 27, 2007: Police arrested three men in Philadelphia, Pa., on dogfighting charges. They seized four dogs.

July 27, 2007: In Beaufort County, S.C., law enforcement arrested a man on animal cruelty charges and are investigating him for dogfighting. Officials found three dead pit bulls in addition to 12 live dogs seized.

July 26, 2007: Brian Bailey, a prominent dogfighter who runs a transport company and has served prison time for dogfighting, was arrested with one other person in Burbank, Ill., while making a transport run. Officials seized 12 dogs.

July 19, 2007: Police in Houston, Texas, arrested one adult and a juvenile on dogfighting charges, using a confiscated videotape to identify the suspects. The video showed young children watching the dogfight.

July 18, 2007: Officials arrested a deputy sheriff in St. Martin's Parish, La., on charges related to dogfighting and seized more than a dozen dogs.

July 2007: In the last week of the month, police in Fort Pierce, Fla., arrested a man and seized 30 dogs from a suspected dogfighting operation.

Posted by: sherri | September 6, 2007 08:04 PM

I was saddened by Whoopi's remarks. I previously thought she was intelligent and funny. She sure lost a fan here, no matter what happens next. Her remark about the South was totally ridiculous and I lost any and all respect for her right then. Bye bye Whoopi, that's all for me.

Posted by: Sharon Adair | September 6, 2007 10:07 PM

I too have boycotted the view and sent letters. Her remarks are horrible. The only thing I would like to see on the view is her and vick tortured. I have 4 rescue dogs that were abused and considered special needs and the fact that one of them could have easily been cast aside leaves a pit in my core. I cant believe a dog lover like Barbara Walters didnt boot her on the spot.

Posted by: Anna Kepshire | September 7, 2007 02:07 AM

to Tiffany:
please - don't think that i didn't realize that you want to put your 'christian' foot on our free necks! you are talking out of a special standpoint of some grizzly churches! me i'm a hindu and we respect all forms of life in the same way! this means: we don't put an animal before a human but the two have exactly the same right to a respectful life and a respectful death! and as vaisnavas we never kill an animal! wrongly understood bible messages of self-styled pastors are a desaster for the entire world mission! and i'm sorry to say this but uneducated one-eyed christians should better shut up - if not we should hear the intelligentsia of all the religions - because no one has more rights than the other! but please understand what i'm saying: we need to hear the intelligentsia - not some half-cooked ritzy bigwigs with their hand in the purse! i let you with a good advice: read iob, isaiah and the ecclesiast - if they are not already taken out of the book like tobit, judith and the whole so-called apokryphs because they don't like to hear what's there inside!

so - no disrespect for the whole creation and don't talk 'asinine'! this is speciesist: did you ever have a donkey? so first go to live some time with a donkey and then you shall show some different feelings!

nevertheless i'm a big fan of whoopi and as we can see on the next page she didn't mean it that badly!

Posted by: animal pride | September 7, 2007 09:07 AM

i am 15 years old and i am writing a paper for opne of my classes on animal cruelty. and it makes me sick to read some of these comments. Animals should be treated with respect. MV did a terrible thing and i am sure everyone agrees with that. but to saty that some animals dont at al? is sad! animals dont deserve respect? well its sad to see what the world has come to...

Posted by: Amanda | September 7, 2007 10:14 AM

I am glad to know that the people on this forum value animal life more than human life. My comments are not stupid they are my own and any person who calls my comments stupid or any other name needs to check themselves. I say what I say from experience. I do not condone cruelty to animals but I would not put an animals life ahead of human life. I do not denigate what animal advocates do I just said if they are going to prosecute people for dog fighting then do to everyone and not just people who get caught. Get involved everywhere and where it goes on all the time and then when it stops in all those prominent areas then come talk to me. PETA does do good but they need to do better. Peace and Love to all

Posted by: Baby K | September 7, 2007 12:50 PM

Tiffany, that's your problem, you need to stop idolizing your idols and start holding MV accountable for his heinous & detestable "MISTAKE" (puhleeezze), a failed attempt at that, to defend his monstrous savage killings. It's pretty pathetic when people try to justify his savageness with KATRINA, the DEEP SOUTH, RACISM, PUTTING ANIMALS ABOVE HUMANS....blah blah blah. He knew it was WRONG and yet still continued to participate in this vicious barbaric act. So stop your bible thumpin on deaf ears. Whats "SAD, SO VERY SAD" is when you take beautiful animals and abuse them to perform in a ring and when they do not "perform" well, then you hang them, and when that doesn't work you drown them, and when that doesn't work you electrocute them (I don't know when the slammin comes in). And when the dust settles all the racist people try to make it a racist issue to justify his barbaric killings. SAD! SO VERY SAD!

Posted by: satinka | September 7, 2007 02:50 PM

Tiffany

Blah, blah, blah. Guess what, dogfighting was brought over to the states by the WHITE Brits who enjoyed the carnage. It became illegal in the 19th century in England because it was considered so despicable and because it was enjoyed by the common and vulgar classes. Using culture as an excuse for cruelty is a lame excuse. In a word, it is cruelty, no more no less. Hispanics are involvwed in dog fighting; it is not culture it is violence, cruelty and ignorance. Those involved in dog fighting have not developed sensibilties to acknowledge the pain of other sentient beings. As you quoted it may be "unfortunate for Mike" but it was deadly for the dogs. As far as "cast more stones", so what, who cares about your biblical quote. Enough with the self-righteous biblical quotes. Take your own advice and stop judging PETA. This is a PETA ANIMAL RIGHTS FORUM/BLOG and animal advocates care about justice for animals. This is not a court of law; there you can say innocent until proven guilty or the person with the best expensive lawyer goes free. Whatever sentence Vick gets will never be enough justice for what he did to MANY dogs as well as the other creatures used for "training".

Posted by: Ana | September 7, 2007 04:05 PM

She was wrong to say that. I don't care where he's from, alaska, florida... dogfighting is cruel, sick and those who engage in such cruelty will pay for it.

Posted by: cheyenne | September 7, 2007 10:06 PM

I live in the deep south and I don't think cruelty knows any geographic areas. Its a heart issue and not a "cultural" issue at all. Get real Whoopi.

Posted by: maggie | September 7, 2007 10:46 PM

I am very disapointed with Whoopi. Nobody should ever aprove the wrong and evil a friend does. He did that to the dogs because it is what he has in his heart , he has an evil soul and deserves to be punished. Cultural birth is not an excuse !
vanna from Rio de Janeiro

Posted by: VANNA ROCHA | September 7, 2007 11:47 PM

Let's not make this Michael Vick case a barrier between black and white.

The reason the Vick case received so much attention has nothing to do with race. Through his athletic achievements he became a public figure and a public figure receives more praise as well as more criticism from the general public. Michael Vick's case received much attention because he not only is a high income public figure, but the crime involved many victims. So the attention he received was due to a combination of him being a public figure, the number of victims involved, and the degree of the crime.

A good friend of mine is half African American, half Caucasian. He told me that, if Paris Hilton were of African American descent, many would have made a race case from her Jail sentence. Yes, she did spend more time in Jail than others and there are some reasons for it. Being late to the court hearing sure didn't help. But his point is we shouldn't make everything a racial case. He admits that racial stereotyping does take place, but he also said that often it's exaggerated a bit. I think it's time to put race aside. No matter if black or white, let's judge by the actions. Both good and bad. And Michael Vicks actions in dogfighting were a crime, a horrible one and he deserves all the negative attention and the punishment.

Posted by: Daniel D | September 8, 2007 01:01 AM

this poem, from my new book, sums up what i think about dogfighting. feel free to copy/paste and send it to your friends. i want the world to know that these poor pooches are sweet, loving animals...often even having been handled by the likes of Vick...

and all the sick, perverted

bastards of the world
deserve to die an awful,
bloody death…

i was picking my dog up
at the vet
today
and while i was
waiting for them
to bring her out
i looked over
at the big white dog on my right
and was shocked to see
it had an ear missing
and part of its skull was gone.

it looked like an old wound
that had healed over
and i nodded at the owner
and asked:
“what happened
to your pooch? she
get hit by a car
or something?”

“nah”, he said, “she’s
a rescued dog.”

“rescued?”

“yeah, we found her in
the road, thrown out,
with her ear gone
and her head half torn away.”

“what happened?”

“the cop said
they see it all the time.
they figure she was raised
by people who fight pit bulls
and you can tell by looking at her
that she’s real sweet
and i guess
when she wouldn’t fight
she was
probably just
used.”

“used?

for what?”

“bait.”

neither one of us
said a word.

i knelt down
and gave her a hug
and scratched her neck
and when i did
she turned real quick
and gave me a great
big wet sloppy kiss.

right on the face.

and all the sick, perverted
bastards of the world
deserve to die
an awful,
bloody death.

...John Yamrus
from SHOOT THE MOON

Posted by: John Yamrus | September 10, 2007 03:11 PM

I know I'm a day or two late, but I just wanted to say that I am from the South (and African American)-and I was horrified by her implying that dogfighting is part of our identity/heritage down here. Most people that I know in this area were equally appalled by the dogfighting charges against Vick.

Posted by: Patricia | September 11, 2007 03:02 PM

hola yo pienso que es de lo peor tratar un animal por que no se puede defender o lo peor a un no puede parar 1 bala que mal que el muno piense que sube de clase por un animal que para la jente de uso de razon no tiene valor ya.

Posted by: oscar mosqueda maldonado | September 12, 2007 02:52 AM

"Slavery was also a cultural trait of the Deep South, "

And just as much in the north.

Anybody up for Pokemon?

Posted by: Mars | September 12, 2007 08:41 AM

Though I may be in the minority, I feel that dogfighting is wholesome, educational, family entertainment for kids of all ages.
There's nothing quite like taking the wife and kids to an exciting Saturday night dogfight, watching the glee in my children's eyes while two vicious, hulking canine beasts, their muscles rippling with adrenaline, tear each other to pieces, fighting to their glorious deaths in the pit like latter-day animal gladiators.
The excitement builds when the dogmen arrive after sundown; often driving expensive SUVs pulling custom trailers containing their prized fighting dogs. One by one the contenders are led from the trailers while others look on in admiration, some among them wishing that they too were dogmen. Others size up the contenders, determining the amount they will place in bets.
Bookmakers, quickly jotting odds on small chalkboards, start collecting money as enthusiastic bettors yell, "Two thousand on Imperator," or "Put me down for five hundred bucks on Lucky Lady."
Victory or death is the nature of the sport of dogfighting, each dogman, thousands invested in the breeding, training and care of his fighter, petting and giving his beloved champion animal encouragement before they are placed in the pit. A referee is in the pit before the fight; his job is to start the contest by placing the dogs within fighting distance of each other, once the fight starts, the referee exits the pit and joins in the amusement.
Illustrating the educational value of the family sport of dogfighting, one evening while watching two dogs in a particularly bloody match, my youngest son asked me what were those purplish veiny things hanging from the belly of one contender.
"They're intestines son," I replied, admiring the dying canine's gameness as it continued to fight on, unto the death. At another match, my eldest son smiled and watched in amusement while a dog called King Odin, blinded in both eyes during the fight, clumsily latched on to the right foreleg of the opponent. Using all his strength, King Odin clamped down and bit the leg off at the shoulder, tearing the joint from the socket. Staring in astonishment with the rest of the crowd, I had never seen such incredible power come from the jaws of a game bull terrier. Curiously, at the end of the match King Odin, though blinded and ostensibly retired due to his injuries, was declared the winner, while the opposing animal, a three year old, four time champion bitch called Silver Streak, bled to death in one corner of the pit.
Another plus with regard to dogfighting is the community atmosphere promoted by the sport; friendly neighbors and fellow church members all gathering around the pit for conversation, good food, and entertainment. Many of the wives make tasty dishes to bring to the dogfights, and cold kegs of Coors and Budweiser are always a welcome addition. The local police chief often brings these beverages, along with coolers of soft drinks for the kids.
Dogfighting has been a part of American culture since before the beginning of the Republic, and is as American as apple pie and the 4th of July. Thomas Jefferson, Paul Revere and Benjamin Franklin were avid dogfighters, each keeping kennels of ferocious canines for their amusement, often pitting beasts from their kennels against each other in exciting contests of animal strength and endurance.
Drawing on the long history of the sport, I feel that some soul searching is in order, and after careful debate and reflection, it should be proposed that dogfighting be again made legal in all fifty states and territories of the United States of America.

See you in the end zone next year Vick! The black community supports you!

Posted by: M F Power | September 12, 2007 08:38 PM

"See you in Hell Michael Vick...All cruel brainless idiots who support you and take this EVIL act as part of their family gatherings and culture...You'll be in HELL with him." It's so sad how low and godless human race has gotten after all these years.

Posted by: Ori | September 13, 2007 12:53 PM

I think that the letter was beautifully written.
I am absolutely sick of the Michael Vick story. He needs to have to book thrown at him, enough said. What he did was not only wrong, it was animal abuse to the extreme. This man should be forever banned from playing professional sports. The idea that people are defending him and saying that "he's a black football player, they're just making an example of him" is WRONG! Race does not play an issue here. The ISSUES are those poor, defenseless animals.

Posted by: Meagan | September 13, 2007 01:34 PM

That is really sad Whoopi. Stop supporting Evil people. Animals are gods babies.

Posted by: C.T | September 13, 2007 01:37 PM

Okay, for all who wrote in that ANY arranged combat between animals is A-okay, Let's go one better for the delight and enjoyment of these folk.
Let's bring back the Coliseum atmosphere and arrange combat between lions or tigers or bears and unarmed humans! I emphasize "unarmed", as the animals are when exploited. Cheering throngs can watch and even make wagers as human beings are shredded and eventually devoured by wild animals - hey, that has got to beat dogfights and cockfights. This country has been compared to decadent Rome more than once lately and why waste time - get on with the decline!

Mankind is supposed to be caretaker of this planet and protector of his fellow inhabitants. Inhumane, brutal and egotistical behaviour is not part of the big picture!

Posted by: carol Wallace | September 13, 2007 01:43 PM

I am THRILLED that so many people are standing up for helpless, innocent animals-they give people unconditional love, no matter how they are treated-Humans could learn a LOT from them!!
I am not surprised at Whoopi`s comments-guess she figured she would get a lot more attention that way..
Bravo for all the decent people who are trying to put an end to that barbaric, heartless act of inexcusable violence-animals have a right to share our world without being tortured by brainless jerks like Michael Vick, etc..

Posted by: Lynn Chambers | September 13, 2007 01:45 PM

They same day I heard the comment from Ms Goldberg, I sent an email to ABC. I will never watch the View again. She sickened me. What was Barbara Walters thinking by hiring her? She and anyone else that defends Mr. Vick are sick individuals. I am a pit bull owner. I look at my baby at want to cry for all of the abused pitties out there.

Posted by: Debra Le | September 13, 2007 02:09 PM

I am surprised at Whoopi's response about culture in the south, where Michael Vic is concerned. We also supported slavery and segregation of African Americans at one time. I doubt she thought that was acceptable then, nor would that be acceptable now. Michael Vic and anyone involved with his horrific crime need serious help. Anyone capable of repeatedly torturing and killing anthing have definate mental problems and should be made incapable of ever committing this type of haneous act again.

Posted by: Tricia Fedrizzi | September 13, 2007 02:17 PM

Shame on any one who advocates dog fighting ....Let them get in and fight and be maimed if it is such jolly fun......evil...evil...evil...

Posted by: Marlene Beck | September 13, 2007 02:27 PM

If one uses the argument, "he's from the south, so, it's his heretage to fight dogs" is like saying, "so-and-so is from NY, it's his heretage to be a crackhead." ... it just doesn't add up to me.

Cruelty exisits in every state... in every country. It's not isolated, and it's certainly not excuseable because of "cultural standards." It's not right for people to kill animals for profit and/or pleasure, no matter where they were born and raised.

Excusing the abuse of animals because it's "standard practice" in any given area is like excusing the abuse of women and children, just because it is a "cultural norm." Cruelty and murder is wrong -- no matter where it happens, and no matter whether the victim has 2 legs or 4.

And by the way, just because we care about animals doesn't mean we are blind and indifferent to the suffering of human beings. I rather resent the implication that being a "tree hugging animal rights activist" means that I don't care about homeless children in the gutter. On the contrary, I care quite a bit. ALL CREATURES are worthy of compassion, animals and people alike.

If you really care about the hungry masses of the world, then stop eating meat... that makes more food and water for the rest of the human population. It's really quite simple. There's lots of info about this availble on the internet and on your local bookstore shelves. Educate yourself about the global values of being vegan... then talk to me about caring for the starving orphans.

But back to Whoopi...

I've always been a fan of Whoopi, but, I think her comment was really insensitive to the issue at hand (tortured and murdered dogs!) and I really don't think she thought it through before she said it. If she is sorry about saying it, or feels that her statement was misunderstood, then she needs to make a public apology and/or statement about how she really feels about dog fighting and the criminals who perpetuate it.

I've seen a few episdoes of The View, and having never been impressed, I don't care to ever watch it again, reguardless of what Whoopi does or doesn't say. (I live in France now, so, it's really a moot point, since my cable company doesn't carry it anyways.)

Whoopi, wake up.

Posted by: lunavanillavegan | September 13, 2007 02:32 PM

I too have written to ABC. I hope if enough of us do, they will force her to apologise.

Posted by: Annabel | September 13, 2007 02:38 PM

"The earth was created for man to have dominion over the animals not for animals to have dominion of man."

Where does this come from? Who says?

And why do people think that loving animals is exclusive of caring for the fate of children or fighting to bring an end to the war?

Humane behaviour applies to all. Those who care for animals care for all the weaker, misrepresented beings that live on this earth.

Remember, people. We are all animals!

Posted by: misha | September 13, 2007 02:47 PM

Wow... slavery is also a part of my deep southern heritage... Whoopie, you want us to say that slavery is okay too????

Posted by: trena shenk | September 13, 2007 03:08 PM

I am extremely appauled at Whoopi's response to these charges. I have lived in the south my entire life, as a matter of fact I live in Gainesville Georgia which is the same county that is home to the Atlanta Falcons training facility and I can assure everyone that dog fighting or any other cruelty to animals is NOT an accepted part of southern living. I was a fan of "The View" but after hearing this news I will no longer be a viewer of this show nor anything else Ms. Goldberg participates in.

Posted by: Chris | September 13, 2007 03:10 PM

To MF Power, 9/12/07:
What does the MF stand for? I bet I know!
You may think that your little tale about bringing your family to a dogfight for a night of entertainment is humorous. Obviously, it's not. It's kind of sick.
I think Wallace may be right about bringing back Colisseum combat with lions, tigers and bears. And I think it might be good if you were the first combatant against either one of those animals. And then someone can tell your son that "those blue things" are your intestines.
You are not a funny man.

Posted by: Joyce | September 13, 2007 03:17 PM

I can not believe Whoopi would say such a thing and believe it too. I had always loved Whoopi in her movies and the way she spoke her mind. INTELLIGENTLY!! That's the key their. I know nothing of the South having lived in NY my whole life but all I can say is...if that is what the south is all about then the south should go the way of the devil. DOWN! Only sick ignorant people would enjoy and excuse the act of dog fighting or anything of it's like. I will NEVER watch the view again. And to think Ms. Walters picked Whoopi makes me think twice about her too. Whoopi should be TOLD to leave the View ASAP. She made a disgrace of the show. I will be boycotting the show and her to everyone I can possibly think of. Whoopi I can't believe I'm saying this but in a way I would like to see you end up like those dogs just for a day and see if you still stick to your remark.

Posted by: Amber Scida | September 13, 2007 03:18 PM

I always loved Goldberg -- both for her talent and her straight forward manner.

I was appalled when she made such a lame excuse for Michael Vick's inexcuseable cruelty.

I refuse to watch The View anymore. I am sick of the ignorant comments and arguements made to garner attention and ratings.

I have lost all respect for Goldberg.

Posted by: Skylarstar | September 13, 2007 03:19 PM

I always loved Whoopi -- both for her talent and her straight forward, no bs attidue.

I was appalled to hear her defending Vick's inexcuseable cruelty.

I will no longer watch The View. Too often the panelists make ignorant and off the wall comments just to garner ratings and attention.

Whoopi, I have completely lost respect for you.

Posted by: Skylarstar | September 13, 2007 03:24 PM

I live in the deep south and I think dogfighting is horrific. Where you live has nothing to do with it. It continualy surprises me that many famous black celebrities have tried to excuse M. Vick and his activities; almost like they feel it is racial somehow. I don't get that at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He could be green and red and he would still be a thug.

Posted by: J. M. Stovall | September 13, 2007 03:58 PM

I don't know why you all were watching the view to begin with, but hey, Whoopi might have made a mistake or not realized to what extent Vick was torturing the dogs. Like PETA said, it was one incident against a good track record, so feel free to enlighten her, but you don't have to tear her down.

Posted by: Pierce | September 13, 2007 04:00 PM

Whoopi Goldberg. Just another undereducated human life form defending the morally and ethically bankrupt. Would she have said this if Vick was white?
Now I know why I never liked her.

Posted by: Maureen | September 13, 2007 04:03 PM

I think what Whoopi said was nothing more than an observation based on her limited experience with southern culture. Lets face it...when we go to any small city of a large state we tend to make judgements that the small city is a grand representation of the whole. This is simply untrue. This does not mean that she intended to defend this cruel act. It does not mean that she is acceptant of this industry. It simply means that she attempted to offer a way to understand why another person may feel that this was acceptable behavior. NOT that she herself felt that it was acceptable behavior. Don't blow this out of porportion. We all know it is sick and twisted and all those who participate in dog fighting should be subject to the same horrors that they practice. You can't understand the twisted act unless you attempt to understand the twisted mind. That's all that she was trying to do.

Posted by: Martiza Alsammarie | September 13, 2007 04:19 PM

Hats off to Misha and lunavanillavegan - 9/13/07

Posted by: Joyce | September 13, 2007 04:45 PM

Hats off to Misha and lunavanillavegan - 9/13/07

Posted by: Joyce | September 13, 2007 04:45 PM

I am thankful that I had to work and miss the View. I sure can tell by the comments that I didn't miss much at all. I did read the story above and have to say that I am a southern from birth and I DO NOT condon dog fighting. So in other words, that is just something that us hick folks do to pass time. That is just an excuse to try to justify what they are doing. Animal cruelty happens everyday, everywhere and to me someone who makes up excuses for those people or just as ignorant as the people who are doing it.

Posted by: Angela | September 13, 2007 04:46 PM

Back in the day, people used to sit around the gallows and whoop in delight when the people were hung. Thankfully things have moved on and there is no excuse, no matter where your roots are for advocating any form of cruelty toward an animal. Maybe we should put Goldie and the rest of her Southern cohorts in a wee ring and let them beat the crap out of one another till they bleed and we all cheer in delight. Sick, sick woman, get a grip. That goes out to all you nutters out there who think abusing animals is acceptable. IT AIN'T

Posted by: jean campbell | September 13, 2007 04:47 PM

I'm amazed! I thought Whoopi was a really sensitive woman, I see she is not.
Here in Argentina, it was "cultural" roosterfighting, but it has been prohibited a hundred years ago. And though we're not considered a too much civilized country. The law is respected.
It's not a racial issue, it's just common sense. In Spain they are trying to inforce a law against bullfighting.
So, I'm really dissappointed indeed!

Posted by: Laura Diamante | September 13, 2007 05:39 PM

MF Powers

Your tale about dogfighting was absolutely sickening. Are you and your children possibly sadists? If you enjoy that kind of animal cruelty, then you need professional mental help. You may find watching dogfighting amusing and entertaining, but think about how you would feel if you were in the dogs' position and getting ripped apart and left to bleed to death. Would you still find that entertaining?

And to NCINGA and all the other anti-PETA people: We are not ignoring the plights of starving third world people or mistreated chilren. In the words of Ingrid Newkirk herself, "Not everyone can look after homeless children or clean streams or take in stray dogs. You do what you’re best at. But it’s one world, one sea of suffering and you can wade in and grab somebody and pull them out; it really doesn’t matter what color their skin is or whether they have fur."

Posted by: Hui | September 13, 2007 05:42 PM

AFTER READING THE COMMENT AND IF THAT IS ALL WHOOPIE SAID, IT DOES NOT IN ANY WAY INDICATE THAT SHE IS AN ADVICATE OF DOGFIGHTING. I WISH PEOPLE WOULD TRY TO GATHER ALL INFORMATION BEFORE THEY GO WILD. YOU KNOW, I AM FROM THE SOUTH AND I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT SHE IS SAYING. JUST LKE A LOT OF THINGS THAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE SOUTH THAT WAS TOLERATED FOR MANY MANY YEARS, IT'S LIKE A TATOO,IT'S HARD TO GET RID OF IT BUT THEY ARE TRYING. THE ONE THING THAT I DONT LIKE BOUT THESE COMMENT BLOGS IS THAT PEOPLE SHOW THERE LACK OF EDUCATION AND THEY JUMP ON ANY ISSUE WITHOUT CHECKING OUT THE INFORMATION. wE AL LOVE ANIMALS AND WE ALL HATE WHAT MICHAEL VICK AND THE OTHER ANIMAL ABUSERS DID AND ARE DOING. WHAT PEOPLE NEED TO DO IS TO USE THEIR HEADS AND NOT JUST THEIR HEARTS. IF I THOUGHT THAT BASHING SOMEOME WOULD DO GOOD I WOULD SAY, GO FOR IT, BUT IT DOES NOT. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.

Posted by: ADONNA | September 13, 2007 05:58 PM

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I thought is was a bad dream. I have always been a fan of Whoopi Goldberg's but that has ceased since her ignorant statement defending Michael Vicks for his cruel and inhumane treatment of dogs. I have quite a few friends from the "deep south" and not one of them has ever murdered an animal or condoned the behavior of an animal murderer.

Posted by: Sharon | September 13, 2007 05:59 PM

I LOVE HOW YOUR COMMENT HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY YOU BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED ON YOU COMMENT BLOGS. I THINK THAT IF YOU OVERSEE THE COMMENTS BEFORE THEY ARE OK'D OR REJECTED THAT SEEM TO BE A LITTLE.....WELL, YOU FIGURE IT OUT

Posted by: ADONNA | September 13, 2007 06:02 PM

I just cannot believe what is going on. Seems people in defense of him have forgotten what is going on here. The NAACP has jumped in. I am clueless to why. Now Whoopi says its the deep south. I did not know that dog fighting and cruelty to animals and the slaughter and execution of animals came under the heading of racist or where you were raised, etc. Come on people, guilty is as guilty does.

Posted by: Jennifer Rickenbacker | September 13, 2007 06:28 PM

WHOOPI COME ON!!! I ALWAYS LOVED AND RESPECTED YOU. IF VICK CAN DO THIS TO DOGS HE RAISES FROM BABIES, THAT GROW UP AT HIS HOME, WHO MIGHT BE NEXT! A WIFE? A CHILD? SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT "PERFORM" WELL FOR HIM? WHAT HE HAS DONE IS NOT NORMAL,HE IS NOT NORMAL. HE IS VERY SICK!!! I ALSO HAVE NO INTEREST IN WATCHING THE VIEW OR WHOOPI AGAIN.

Posted by: RUTHIE | September 13, 2007 07:13 PM

Thanks Whoopie for your educated comment. Vick comes from the "Deep South" where slavery was a part of the culture, but he's not embracing that. I have lost all respect for you!

Posted by: Ryan Marchbanks | September 13, 2007 07:31 PM

I am from the Deep South, Atlanta to be specific, and yet I managed to never be exposed to dogfighting as a child or teen. While some people may be exposed, a person has a choice to always do the right thing. Saying it was his cultural upbringing is a cop out. Whoopi needs to watch what she says. Causing controversy is one thing, but she just lost a fan in me. I will no longer be watching her movies. I do not want to support someone who supports something as heinous and disgusting as this.

Posted by: Laura Johns | September 13, 2007 07:56 PM

And this comment from a woman who is supposedly very liberal/open-minded? Her views reflect the ignorance and callousness of the most rabid conservative, not someone with compassion and understanding for others, including helpless animals.

Dump Whoopi from The View! Rosie O'Donnell was right-on and a much better alternative.

Posted by: Avis | September 13, 2007 08:14 PM

I quit watching The View after Rosie left but I was thinking about watching it again after I heard that Whoopi was going to be on the show because I really love and respect her. Now that I heard what she said I will not be watching The View anymore and I do not respect or like Whoopi anymore.
To all those ignorant people that say an animal's life is not to be regarded as highly as a human's life.....we are all animals and there are more animals in the world that I would want in my life than some of the ignorant people that are here on this earth. Anyone that thinks Dog Fighting is okay must be heartless and deeply disturbed. How can some of you think that it's okay for animals to tear each other up? Can't you imagine how frightened and scared the animals are? Don't you know that they feel pain? Maybe if you felt their pain.....you would not support it. So sad.

Posted by: Sue | September 13, 2007 08:47 PM

I am in and FROM the South! This is NOT what we do!!

Posted by: Trina | September 13, 2007 11:05 PM

I, too, am from the South. I never knew of dog fighting, though just as in every other State, I'm sure it existed. More than cultural, I think it's a type of person thing. It takes an unfeeling, inhuman, cold & sadistic type of person to fight dogs or cocks or abuse any animal. Pitiful, as this type of person has been shown to also be the type to abuse children & women.
Having said this, I would also like to say that, I resent the statement that people who love & fight for animals, doesn't care about children. I think I'm pretty safe in saying, the majority of us, fight for any of the innocent & defenseless that are being abused, whether animal or child!!

Posted by: Cherokee1peke2 | September 13, 2007 11:15 PM

I will no longer watch the VIEW as long as Whoppie is on the show and an pathetic appology will not change that. Also, I would appreciate it if I could get some help with the Direct T.V.ads that are running in California showing M Vick making a touch down. I have emailed Direct T.V. and my local stations that are airing the commercial and Peta, but can't seem to get any where with this.
I will do whatever I can to get this stopped. I also heard some sports reporter say that this would BLOW OVER and Vick would be back. It will never BLOW OVER or be forgotten and I will never watch any game with him participating.
Thank you

Posted by: L Hes | September 13, 2007 11:26 PM

I find funny that the NAACP is saying that Michael Vick should not be banned from the NFL for tortuing and killing these animals, yet only months ago they were outraged and calling for the termination of Don Imus' career over hurtful words. I supported Imus being fired, but if his innapropriate actions ended his career, why shouldn't Vic's!?

To the NAACP & its supporters: Vick's case isn't about race! He deserves to get fired. And Whoopi should be embarrassed.

Posted by: Kris Gerbrandt | September 14, 2007 01:17 AM

WHOOPI.............has stated that she is sorry for what she said ............she has stood up against animal abuse before as well as human rights .....what we need to understand is that the view is not a scripted work and that this is coffee talk which as anyone knows generally is morning rants.....i am still a fan of goldberg.....the deep south does have a culture of cruelty .......which whether we like it or not leads to this sort of behavior by vick and others.....lets say you live where you are abused you either rise above or in most cases act out which in this case leads to animal abuse which then leads to abuse of people...........it is a cycle we try to break by showing the value of every life .....as for the NAACP jumping in good maybe they will be able to stop future children from thinking it is okay to harm animals because those children are abused by racism.......vick is a product of the south whether he became rich or not he still is having issues knowing that he has value which leads to him and others not placing value on others lives .......he needs to do time, loose his contracts and i believe this most of all to have therapy .then he needs to return home to the south and make sure others know the value of life .........

Posted by: elgin lee baker | September 14, 2007 03:51 AM

I don't think it is right to use whoopi as a scapegoat. She is not involved in this. She may have said something without thinking-it happens to me all the time. Am I to be kept accountable for any stupid thing I have ever said? And by no means is she pathetic and uneducated. You might as well just get out your pitchforks and storm to her house right now. A letter to her was enough.

Posted by: Mena Correia | September 14, 2007 06:57 AM

Well said adonna!

Posted by: Mena Correia | September 14, 2007 07:02 AM

To MF Power, when youre kids are on death row, because of their indifferent actions, take comfort in the fact that your 'parenting' put them there!
cheerio sicko.
PS congratulations to all at PETA and all supporters....and if we are alive...doesnt that mean we have a life??? Those get a life comments are quite bizare, aren't they!

Posted by: sharon scott | September 14, 2007 07:04 AM

If Whoopi is reading this, she should reconsider her words next time she thinks about uttering complete nonsense, as in some parts of the world, it is a "cultural" thing to rape girls when they hit puberty to "break them in". The reason there is so much cruelty to animals today, is down to people like Whoopi who are laxy dazy on their approach to this sick, evil, twisted reality. But let me guess Whoopi, humans and animals are not in the same context are they? So you can just be excused for talking rubbish. Well I don't think so! And neither do most people who have posted messages on this site. Girls and boys, women and men, thank you so much for being good people and writing letters like I do to urge higher powers to take a stand against animal cruelty which you know is wrong and not a "cultural" thing. Who knows? Maybe some day, there will be less people on the planet like Whoopi