Rick:
It is apparent that much money is involved with Michael Vick and the powers that be in Sports want him back. They are stirring up the Internet with blogs and posts, however, what Michael Vick did must set an example for any individuals thinking of going into professional sports.
Michael Vick MUST be banned from Football and/or other sports of a Professional Nature FOR LIFE. That is the only way to send a CLEAR MESSAGE that you can’t KILL DOGS (or any other Animal), go to Court, Do some small time, and then return to Professional Sports as if it is no big deal. IT IS A BIG DEAL.
Many WILL BOYCOTT THE GAMES SHOULD MICHAEL VICK BE PUT BACK INTO FOOTBALL. HE COMMITTED A WILLFUL MURDEROUS CRIME AND NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.
IF THAT HAD BEEN A WHITE MAN, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO MERCY.
Fletch
Las Vegas

Vick should certainly be allowed to play again. Players who have killed PEOPLE while drinking and driving still get to play.

To me abusing dogs is morally wrong, from a man with not very many morals...

I wouldn't put it passed anyone in the NFL because they would probably make a nice share of money off of him and his publicity and the way people work today, it's all about the money, not what's right or wrong except from a legal standpoint.

He, Vick, is a convicted felon and should not any privileges that are denied other felons. I'm sick and tired of special favors, privileges being given to professional sports figures even when they break the law. I wouldn't be allowed to resume my normal life had I been convicted of the same crime. Our court system needs a total overhaul....a felon is a felon.

Jesus what has our country come to puting a man in prison for killing an animal or even being cruel to it have you ever been to a sloter house next time you eat a sirloin steak or have a chicken diner at kentucky fried chicken I promise you those animales sufferd dearly before they died so why arnt those people who slauterd our food in prison what the problem is here is to many ignorent rights activist.

With regards to the Michael Vick situation Should he or Should he Not be reinstated in the NFL. Well Rick your comment about once you have paid your debt to society then you should be allowed to get on with your life again. I just want to point out that I also have a Felony charge on my Record and I assure you that it is damned near impossible to get employment in any major corporation due to there hiring rules. Therefore until the playing field is level, sorry Mr. Vick but join the rest of us poor guys that made a mistake when we were young and foolish and cant get a break even having kept a clean record for 20 years.

Liam

Rick,
My husband and I feel that Michael Vick is a sadits, has a cruel mind and has a dangerous personality. He should Not get his football job back. Michael Vick needs professional mental health treatments.

We feel you were not to harsh regarding Michael Vick.

Best Wishes,
Tom and Mary Clift
Vista, California

Rick,
So you must think that those of us who love animals could ever watch a Man who would killed,beat, and do all of the awful things he has done to animals. Are those who advocate his return are OK with him now making Millions , why wont they see all those animals like I would every time I see him.. He can make a living doing a lot of things but to be in the lime light again? I will never watch this animal Killer, he can have his second chance working like I do , but not making millions playing a game that he gave up for the money of the dog ring.

Give the man a 2nd chance. He paid his dues to society. 2 owners of puppy mills in my city didn't get as much time and they were breeding for fighting!

What's up rick,I think vick paid his debt and that's all he owes.There's no need to keep drilling it to him .Dog fighting he was'ent the only one just an attraction give people something to talk about.Vick did prison now he is out let him move on and learn .I think he will do great but society has its values wrong stallworth took a human life no rallys protest and public outcry over that .Dogs are great and also have life wich is still wrong to take but a dog can't feed you and give you a helping hand . I hope. Vicks gets back in the nfl. And does great like he does .

Hell no your not being to hard, he`s a common street thug that got caught! Tax payers gave this man a multi million dollar chance, we paid for his life up to college and then paid for that, and he blew it! Vick should have to go out and get a real job like the rest of us!

Hey Rick! Got a great idea for health care for ALL AMERICANS! Take away ALL the health care benefits that Congress and the Senate have (at our expense) let them pay for their own or let us in on all that they have! Free Choice! I dare them to deny AMERICANS a choice this time! Who do they think they are? Kings? Emperors? Bigots?

Anyone who defends Michael Vick does not have a heart or conscience. I sent money to Best Friends for rehab for the Vick dogs.
I wish them a joyous future, and Michael Vick total misery

I really think Mcheal should be left alone and be able to play football. He is not the only person in the world that has been caught doing what he was accused of. This is being blown way out of proportion. If he was white would he be put under the microscope the way he has been?

Even despicable people have a right to work! It was a foul crime, to be sure. But there are too many precedents of criminals playing pro sports that the moral high ground is a tenuous perch at best. If he blows it, he blows it! The world won't end.

Rick ;
saw your program on saturday july 18th / heard you will be going live after the show on the internet / will certainly be tuning in to this webcast / a TV internet-webcast streamer could be a huge hit /
lol . .

Does Vick REALLY understand what he did? or is he just satisfied with paying his debt to society. Did he have to spend time with dogs as part of his rehabilitation? Will he continue working with or helping animals? He was my Fav QB. I threw out his jersey! I would love to buy another one day. but only if.....Football fanatic!

Rick,
I have a typo in the first line. Sorry!
It should read:
My husband and I feel that Michael Vick is a sadist.

Mary Lou Clift
Vista, California.

RICK...ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT HAVE SUCH HATE FOR MICHAEL VICK I CAN ONLY SAY, I HOPE IT DOESN"T HAPPEN TO YOUR CHILD.

Hi Rick,

Michael Vick was idolized by thousands of young boys all across America. If the NFL reinstates Vik after he serves out his term, what a negative message the NFL will be sending these young kids.

Vick should not be allowed to play in the NFL again.

Hey Rick, is the sudden concern regarding Health Care having to do with the sudden questioning of the Presidents Commitment to health care, or is it the Canadian whom obtained tumour surgery in the U.S. whom was compensated for her endorsement on how the Canadian Healh care system is so poor. Well either way I find it disgusting, as well as your ingoranace towards Canadina Geography as well maybe you should do some reasearch as a Journalist and find that Now pay attention Rick follow the bouncing ball........its pronounced P.E.I with is a short term spelling for Prince Edward Island not pay as u pronouned.
Tx.--and that doesnt mean Texas

After listening to you, it a wonder the country does not get a rope for Vick. And you wonder why there repeat crime.

Michael Vick is an abuser. He abused animals which cannot defend themselves. He should work at minimum wage in a veterinary clinic for the rest of his life. If he plays football again, I won't watch any of his games. I don't believe he is sincere and has not been rehabilitated. He is money hungry and his hype before he went to prison was that he was a god or something. He should not be allowed to play professional football again. He is an abuser and will always have that tendency.

This refers to your interview with Mr. Dosanj's (July 20) on Canadian Health care. He IS telling the truth about the Canadian health care system. I am, an American, living in Toronto, Ontario and I have never had any problems waiting for surgery(I've had a lumpectomy for breast cancer) or any other procedures in this Province. I've been here since 1969. I am a loyal American and still have many friends and family members in the U.S., including my sons. I wouldn't trade the Canadian health care for what is going on in the U.S. with it's health care system! You should be contacting more positive Canadian citizens or expats to give you their sides of the story up here, instead of the negative stories I see in the press....we need equal time!!

Please check the Sunday, July 19 "Toronto Star"newspaper page A15.
There is an article entitled "Much to learn from our health care" by Tom Campbell, former deputy minister of health and deputy minister of treasury and economics for Ontaio.

I have Kaiser. I've been waiting 5 weeks for a hernia repair and I have 2 more weeks to go. Not enough surgeons? Just like Canada?

Singh has a great point. Stallworth...(and others)...were involved in incidents that resulted in the loss of Human Life! Of course, since only Alcohol was involved it's not that big a deal here in the land of the free. We worship drunks!! If the NFL wants to do something that will help their image, they can BAN 100% any Alcohol at games. You wanna drink and watch ? Stay home and watch TV. No team will lose a buck....those empty seats will get filled easy! And only sober people will be driving home!!!

Second chances are good. As far as Michael Vicks is concerned tho:
did the dogs get a second chance?

Of course Michael Vick should be allowed to return to football after paying his debt to society. But just a few months ago, in Texas I believe, a white man killed two unarmed men of color, in cold blood, after catching them burglarizing his neighbor’s home. He called 911 and told the police what he was going to do and was told by the police to stay in his home until the police arrived. The killer served no time so why are we talking about Michael Vick and dogs and not the killer in Texas?

Dennis

Let Vick play football but withhold a LARGE portion of his salary for the animal rescue agencies that are caring for the animals he and others abused.

lets convict rights activist for being ignorant .

Rick,
Those that think Michael Vick shoud continue to be punished must not beleive in the Consititution - Michael Vick served the time the court system impossed on him. What he did to those dogs was terrible and so is what people are tyring to do to him today -

hey Dennis, 2 black men kidnapped and tortured and then killed a white student female in which they rape and paraded her around the hood to show off their prize, wasnt even called a race crime, whats up with that? Injustice happens to all races and religion, doesnt mean all white people are racist!

Hell no your not being to hard, he`s a common street thug that got caught! Tax payers gave this man a multi million dollar chance, we paid for his life up to college and then paid for that, and he blew it! Vick should have to go out and get a real job like the rest of us!

what dose it say when a people will put him in jail over a dog but yet seek and kill for food (cow , goat, sheep ect) kill like a bloody jaw wolf will kill for sport and play everyday, but when is suit them try to take the high raod and stand up for dogs, and would look at a poor man begging and walk by him

In this country we find a way to overlook the LAWS for some & not for others. I think it would be terribly UNFAIR to allow him to return to football.
What he did is unspeakable. He did it 'cause animals don't talk. Except for the "human" ones like him.
He should GET ANOTHER PROFESSION. As I probably would have to if I did something like that.
Like my college Psych teacher once said..."we (including the judicial system) is too permissive; when you give a punishment it should be SEVERE." Maybe then, they'll think about breaking the law again.
What an example he's giving to his little ones... FIND ANOTHER PROFESSION VICK!
CLEANING STREETS WOULD BE APPROPRIATE.

Hey Rick, you bet your boots these young Somalians know what the hell they are doing. If they choose to leave the comforts of the free world here in the USA. They stand the chance of being killed, period. I worry one hell of a lot about them bringing there terroistic views and fighting back here to my country. One day the US will wake up and stop being so dam nice and allowing all these foreigners into our country. I am a little sick of hearing about freedom of religion, speech etc. This is the USA we wave the red white and blue, we believe in God, its on our currency, get over it and stay the hell out of my country,,,

I would agree a second chance mIght be ok . Would your network give
you a second chance? I dont think so. A message shoujd be sent. Crime Dosent Pay.

Rick... I WAS an illegal alien in Canada back in 1976-1981. While in Mexico I suffered an injury that resulted in Gangrene of the right forearm. I managed to get back to Canada and into a hospital in Vancouver.
I had zero money! Despite that I lived. I lived because the Doctors who performed major surgery 4 times on me to a total of 15 hours did it for free! The Hospital fees were around $30,000 U.S. more. Free! Maybe mine was an extreme example, but since that time I've seen nothing to convince me that I would have received near the care in the U.S. I did in Canada. Oh, btw. While I might have lived had I been in a U.S. General Hospital, one thing is certain. I'd still be paying!

Michael Vick made an awful mistake, however, he has done the prison time like a model prisoner, like a real man, and he has paid a horrendously expensive loss of income. Most certainly, he deserves a second chance at an NFL career, or for that matter, any honest endeavor he chooses.
Bob Honore,,,Memphis, TN

The coments on health Care from the two senators from S.C. reminds me of another famous quote "Let them eat cake!"

There are people in their own state, TODAY, who have to waite for hours at the E.R. or clinics for the simplest of care!
If all Americans had access to qulaity health care, there will be crowds, for a while, but wouldn't that be a good thing?
I think that these senators and some other republicans are scared of being equal wither citizens. And that their money will no longer buy them privelage!

Animal abuse is abhorant but what about Vick the uncaring human abuser that had unprotected sex while knowing he had herpes. How do you forgive that?

You MUST be kidding....Do you really believe once someone has "served his time he should be given another chance?" The amount of money spent on his attorneys was the ONLY reason he is not still in jail. If someone raped and/or killed your daughter and was given a light sentence (because of plea bargain or "deal" for his testimony, should should be given another chance? I hope you just did not think this one through. We cater way too much for the felon and way too little for the victim.

Barry

I am a new viewer. So far I have heard a liberal slant typical to cnn. Abu gra was several soldiers acting like a frat house. Piling naked people together , etc.. not to gain information but to pass the time. They were punished as they should have been. To compare that to the terrorists cutting off heads is sad. You have a list of people you would like to interview. Do you think they would get a fair and balanced interview or a hatchet job?

For one to compare what Vick did to our slaughter houses for human food is an idiot! We kill cow,pigs and such for food, not fun you moron!

The length of time he stayed in prison isn't nearly long enough for his crimes. It's widely known that penalties for for criminal abuse of animals are a slap on the wrist. They're not nearly harsh enough. Vick is an unfortunate shining example of it. Fighting dogs should have extremely harsher consequences when found guilty by trial. It's so extremely inhumane, so barbaric it deserves nothing less than 5yrs minimum in prison. He killed dogs on purpose for his own pleasure. That should get 7 years no less. That's incredibly heinous, cruel and absolutely senseless. He shouldn't be let back in the NFL until he does ALOT of work on humane society's behalf to advocate for change in laws for harsher sentences and speaks out against dogfighting. He hasn't paid the price until he's done something more than 1 30 second spot on TV. He needs to give back to those lives he took and wounded and destroyed. IT matters that they were dogs. Human domesticated dogs, so it's our job to protect them to the best of our abilities. It's time Vick learns this. Until he's shown he understands what he's done and shows remorse he hasn't paid the price yet. And the only football job he should get is waterboy for an indoor arena football team.

By all means, let Vick play again. If he doesn't perform as expected, Hang him and beat him like he did his dogs. He is sorry because he got caught or he would still be doing it.

Rick,
I don't care how powerful one is, physically, politically, etc., the killing and torturing of defenseless creatures, human or animals is not only inhumane but un-American. Great atheletes are a dime a dozen, suppose to be role models for our youths. What kind of message are they sending our young men and women? Aren't are morals declining fast enough as it is? NO WAY, should this punk be allowed to return to football or any other sport. I cried when I saw the maimed dogs. How heartless can one be, he should be classified along w/terrorist, and drug trafficars/murders in Mexico.

Love your program,
Norma

Agreed w/your conclusion but not your premise. Certainly the druggies and the bar fighters have a choice to be involved in these types of activities, as well as dog fighting.

I am back after reading all those that say the word punished,
TheNFL stated to him they had a code of conduct. He knew this when he choose to make money in the dog ring. I am sorry we are not talking about him getting punished we are talking about breaking faith with the NFL AND HIS FANS. He can make money even a lot but he broke the faith of his contract. What is this that he would be punished if not allowed to play. He will have more chances than all those people who have done bad thing paid there dues, I believe he lost his chance because he choose too by fighting dogs to make money.

Oh, those 'Wise Latina Women'!:

Wow, people actually commented on your mom not speaking English? Tell your mom I love her. Please do that for me. Thank you for your story. This stuff brings tears to this "white" mans eyes.

It is time to stop the madness of desperation and differences.

Much success to you,

Cutter Johnston

Boycott Vick's games. i plan to, and I also plan to change the channel if and when he plays again for the NFL. It's all about the money, isn't it?
Man's best friend, alright....

Hey Rick,

I don't know what you hear from a few individual stories about our Canadian health care system.

But what I can tell you as a proud Canadian citizen is that I've never once had to wait long in a hospital. I've never once been turned down because of a pre-existing condition. I've never racked up a cent in hospital bills. (well except for parking )

I'm proud that we don't turn people down just because they may not be as privileged as others. I'm proud that we don't ruin someone's financial future and livelihood because of one medical condition. We take care of each other..why is that such a difficult concept?

You know, I've also heard a fair share of stories about the U.S. health care system.... All I ask is that you consider both sides of the stories before you take the word of a few paid Canadian citizens who had one bad experience.

You know Rick, I think we do just fine here in Canada.

I feel that Michael Vick should not be eligible to play pro football again. Why should he be able to make millions and millions of dollars again being in the spot light. He is no role model and he should not be held as one.
I have two lovable pitbulls and I find myself month after month explaining to people that pitbulls are lovable animals and they don't attack unless they are trained to attack. Its because of guys like Michael Vick, people think that pitbulls are trained to fight. You can teach any dog to attack. It doesn't have to be just a pitbull. But because of his actions...he gave all pitbulls a bad rap.
When people see how playful my dogs are they realize that you can raise pitbulls with love and they will respond that way.

The Canadian health care system is not perfect by any means, but it is affordable for all Canadian citizens. In the United States there are more people without ANY health care insurance than the total population of Canada. Many countries in Europe also have a national (government) health care system for all their people and social programs do not mean a socialist ( or dare I say Communist) form of government. In the States you have unemployment benefits, federal education programs and a host of other government funded (from tax payer dollars) State run programs for the people. The USA is a great country to live in for the rich but they should be ashamed of their treatment of the medically uninsured. How many politicians in Congress are in the pockets of the insurance companies and lobbyists ? Some Americans seem to be brainwashed, naiive or have an attitude of " I'm alright jack, to hell with you neighbour" Does money drive everything in your Country ? G Bryant Cranbrook BC Canada

I agree Rick. What Vick did was heinous. There is no debate about that. But I think we need to step back and take a deep breath. When someone who murders a human receives less jail time than one who murders a dog, a priority enema is in order.

Vick paid a very high price for his crime. He has lost everything. I do not believe we have to worry about him abusing dogs anymore. He has paid his debt to society. Anyone who thinks a person must keep paying after their sentence has been served, is not interested in freedom. They simply want their vigilante lust satisfied. They are horrible, judgemental people who are cloaking themselves in the robes of morality.

I'm against hurting animals, but isn't hunting cruel and unusual treatment of animals? Unless you are a vegetarian or do not participate in hunting, you cannot cast any stones against Vick. Don't cooks drop lobsters who are still alive into pots of hot water? Sounds like a pretty cruel act to me. Watch out, chefs, you could be thrown in jail.

Love your show Rick.
The story about Obama not being American has me OTFLMAO!!!!

It is plain and simple. ANYONE in the media spotlight that is caught doing something as awful as what Vick did, only resents being caught. So they end up serving time, and try to bring themselves back up again. People like that do NOT deserve that "second chance" in my book. What Vick did was so awful that it is just inhumane. It is not possible for a human being to act this way and be apologetic afterwards. All he wants is his fame and fortune back...really! Can't the public see that!??!! Give me a break people!!!!

being born in the us is does not make you a us citazen. both parents have to show proof of being us citizens. father was born in kenya and mother denounced her us citizenship when she became an Indonesian citizen. What say you now rick.

With regards to the day care school, why is it that the other 2 day cares did not claim racism when they were declined entry and why are they not going to disneyworld? makes me wonder how much truth there is to their story...

The media demanded that George Bush produce documents from his college days as well as his military records. Why not also demand documents from Mr. Obama? His original birth certificate, his college records, his thesis, etc? If it was OK for Dan Rather to challenge George Bush about something that was not based in fact, why should Mr. Obama be given a free pass on his reluctance to share his past records?

Just tuned into your show. Not sure what the story was about Barack Obama's birth certificate. This is not a racist issue asking for Obama's birth certificate. If there is a legitimate long form birth certificate, why is Obama fighting it and not showing it? Why is Obama spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight showing it to the American people? If this were any other president, where their place of birth might be in question, the American people would demand it from them. People need to stop making this a racial issue. SHOW US YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE!!

I would like to comment on the birth certificate of our president. I believe its illegal for anyone but Pres. or his mother or father or guardian to be able to get that document. I am the only one to be able to get my daughters birth certificate or her dad. What is the big deal anyway he didn't name himself. Aren't things going on in our country that need attention instead of such a trivial thing.

What I think is this. First of all, whether he paid his due is a matter of opinion. My opinion is that he didn't and he should have been in prison for a much longer sentence. Second, There are a lot of quarterbacks out there waiting for a chance to play, who haven't done the terrible things he did, and they're waiting for their "first chance".

Absolutely not! Cruelity to animals, like, choking, shocking, drowning, hanging these are the same things people like Jeffery Dahmers did before he moved onto people! Cruelity to animals is a pre-cursor to being a serial killer! Vick has a serious problem and we as a pathetic society praise this man as if his football skills somehow make what he has done right! Vick was a commkon street thug before the NFL and he will always be a thug! No mercy, like the mercy he gave the poor dogs!

Regarding "the Birthers", I was surprised you didn't get to the Army Reserve LtCol. who avoided deployment to combat area by claiming the president is not CinC as he was not born in US. A lawyer in CA has another Army officer and twenty-some others ready to go to court to avoid deployment. She is a specialist. I saw it on "Military.com" a couple of days ago. Bob, USMC Ret.

Hey Rick, this isn't the first I've heard about this soldier abandoning his post in Afghanistan. And if it is true, then I agree with the Lt. Colonel. General McCaffery has suggested the same thing about an Army cover-up.
There is something we are not getting here.
Remember, the Army didn't tell the truth about Tillman either.
John

RE: the burning SUV. They just don't tip over like the Arte Johnson tricycle so what happened to make it tip over?

I think it is outrageous for it to even be considered. Vick ( The Convick ) going back into sports. What about paying Pete Rose for the yrs he has sat out for doing nothing violent, but making a bet. Vick has done both!!

For any veteran let alone a high ranked officer to say such a thing is outrageous. He should be removerd from the rolls of the American population. I wonder how fair he was to his soldiers during the yrs he was in active duty. He is a shameful stain on us all.

After your first 2 installments (town hall meeting and Lt Col Peters) I think we should realize why we NEED National (mental) Health care in this country.

Rick....what this guy is saying is a crock...we have has so much for so little canadians have become 'FAT CATS'......I am a cancer survivor battled for 2 years...with 100% support of our government and HEALTH CAR E system....so when someone knocks...makes me VERY VERY ANGRY....there isn't a system anywhere in the world that can compare...thanx for letting me sound of.....and everyone must remember....NO plan is perfect

This Barrasso does not know what he's talking about. I'm a Canadian nurse who has worked in Canada and the U.S. There are no long waiting lists, its Republican propaganda. My father in law had cataract surgery, sure he had to wait but he wasn't 'almost blind' before he could have the surgery. He was driving up to the day of the surgery

Hi Rick,
the long waiting lists have nothing to do with medicare or healthcare. it's due to the lack of doctors.
Michèle rn.

This is not related to M. Vick but you have no forum for this issue.

Rick, why are you pursuing this comparison with Canada's healthcare system? That is not what Obama wants, to copy what Canada has, or what England has.

This is misleading or confusing people! This is the same tactice used by the Conservatives for Patients' Rights and PUN, in all their commercials–into thinking our American health care system will be fully and totally controlled and run by government, which is simply not true.

Pointing out problems with Canada's health care system has *nothing to do with American health care reform.* It is a strawman argument, a fallacy.

Rick, I am an American who was doing business in Canada as an Executive, on a Canadian Work Permit. This alone allowed me access to the same care as a Canadian National! I went to the hospital 3x in 3 years, each time I had better care with newer more high tech gear than I ever had in America. Oh and by the way, the last US Hospital I was in prior to coming to Canada was The Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale Arizona where I am now. I love my country but I am ashamed that we are THE ONLY G8 Nation that does not have a national health care system for its people. What could be a bigger priority for a government than that?

I am watching your show and am hearing the dialog about healthcare. Why, when republicans talk about all those Canadians who come to the US for treatment, do you not ask how they pay for their care? They are talking about people who can pay top dollar for private care. If they did not have the money, we would not treat them. If we did, the Republicans would be all over it saying that we are paying for "illegal immigrant care".

Rick, good job with the right-wing doctor. You made him eat his words. Keep up the fight for health care.

I'm Canadian and American. I've experienced the Canadian Healthcare System for 28 years. Believe me when I say that what Republicans are saying is FALSE FALSE FALSE.

Nowadays it's so easy to say anything about the Canadian system without proof.

Please Rick...YOU NEED TO ASK THEM FOR REFERENCES. I mean where the hell do they get their information?

Healthcare is a basic human right in Canada. Of course they need to prioritize on a case by case basis...

My view is that he should not be allowed back into the NFL. I have season tickets to one of the NY teams and will give them back in protest should he find his way to my team. Perhaps all of you that want him back should pay a visit to your local SPCA or city shelters to see for yourself what the consequences are for dogs or other animals involved in fighting/animal cruelty. Also, to all of you who commented on slaughter houses and puppy mills: the Humane Society and national SPCA's are very loud advocates in passing laws to regulate the slaughter of animals for food and to shut down puppy mills. If you concerned about these issues you should write to your congressmen and senators and express your views. Also support and volunteer at your local shelters. (FYI – I am a volunteer at my local ASPCA).

People still insist that Barack Obama was not born in Hawaii, even with the Birth posting in the newspaper the year he was born. The question was rarely asked about John McCain being born in the Panama Canal Zone. Did he need to show proof of a document that was not even produced in the USA?
EBT3, Honolulu, Hawaii

I have just been watching your show on CNN and I can't believe what this senator from Wyoming is saying. I live in Canada and spend part of our winter in Florida. I can't believe with all the wealth in the US that after so many decades the American people still do not have health care. This senator from Wyoming is lieing through his teeth. I have had cataract surgery within weeks and I wasn't going blind. I have had a knee replacement surgery within weeks of returning home from Florida. We atleast have health care in Canada and look after our people. This Senator should be ashamed of what he is saying. Who is putting money in his pockets. I would think that he would be thinking of the American people in Wyoming that need health care and not who is lining his pockets. I am very upset after hearing what he had to say and surely the people know that if we didn't lhave good health care in Canada the Canadian people whould be heard.

Thank you for letting me put down in word how upset I am about what this man who represent the US people is saying and doesn't give a Dam about the people he is suppose to serve.

I`m tired of the dumb notion that only rich people work hard and thats why they are successful! I work harder than any rich guy I know! When you have all the money you dont have to work, thats why theres the little guy! I know for a fact that the rich have been bleeding the middle class dry now ever since Reagan was in office. No matter how much reform we do if we dont fix the tax code and keep rich people from not paying taxes with all the loophole they now qualify for then we are just spinning our wheels! Its time to make the rich ante up and the people of this country who do do all the work needs to take it back from the rich!

Rick,
We need to get something straight, as a Canadian, who depends on the health care system with a young family, The canadian health care system is great. I have never paid for any procedures. Yes, there are delays, because others have life threatening issues. If you need care, you get care. People wait according to their issues. IN ADDITION if you are that concerned and you go to an emerg. room, you will get your results, waiting there. In our country everyone is cared for, Many people in the United States cannot afford help. People that have 150k to blow on something not very serious,by all means go to the USA. Of course American doctors do not want their health care system to be like OHIP they would loose half their pay cheque!

My mother almost died of pneumonia at the age of 60 because she did not have health insurance and could not afford a doctors visit. Fortunately we found her and she ended up hospitalized for 2 weeks. The hospital wrote off the entire $15000.00 as charity but if there was health care for everyone she would have gone to the doctors, gotten antibiotics and there would never have been a hospital visit at all.

You're being lied to. My 76 yr old father was in hospital twice this year – first time kidney failure, then heart attack and cancer. No wait, no charges, in and out of intensive care, angioplast, angiograms, chemo..all done quickly, effectively and no cost. He's home now doing well. Our health care works – there's just too much $$$ to lose for those in your country making a fortune off scare tactics.

Rick,
We need to get something straight, as a Canadian, who depends on the health care system with a young family, The canadian health care system is great. I have never paid for any procedures. Yes, there are delays, because others have life threatening issues. If you need care, you get care. People wait according to their issues. IN ADDITION if you are that concerned and you go to an emerg. room, you will get your results, waiting there. In our country everyone is cared for, Many people in the United States cannot afford help. People that have 150k to blow on something not very serious,by all means go to the USA. Of course American doctors do not want their health care system to be like OHIP they would loose half their pay cheque!

Barraso is a bold face liar. I waited 3 years in pain for a routine shoulder surgery because the insurance adjuster repeatedly denied my doctor's requests. Barrasso knows the system is designed to deny care and create drug addicts for big pharma.

AMEN. I fully agree. WILLFULL. absolutely disgusting.
I am glad I saw this when I came online. Actually I was looking to make a comment regarding the USA vs CA healthcare systems. One who has experienced both, boy do I have alot to share!

I live in Canada and I have a rare medical condition which requires constant care. I've been required to stay in the hospital, shown up at the emergency department, go for regular x-rays and blood work every 6 – 8 weeks, and see specialists as well as my family physician every 3 months.

No one ever has, or ever will, ask me how I am going to pay for treatment. No one will ever send me a bill for medical services and no one will ever consider the color of my skin (re: Dr. Gupta's report on AC360 Monday night!).

If your condition is life threatening you can bet you move to the front of the line (I've been there and so has my spouse)!

No system is perfect; but no one in Canada is denied treatment!

Rich people dont want to ante up because as has been since this country started, the rich feel as if they are entitled and could care less about anyone else! All they care about is me, me, me, me, enough is enough! If one was to really step back one would see that rich people as a whole are bad people, for any rich person to sit back and deny another human being health care because it might cost them something is outrageous!

Rick, your commentary about Sick Vick was right on. I was shocked that a high percentage of your viewers said Vick has paid his debt to society and should be allowed to play again. Obviously these people do not have pets. He made a mistake? Give me a break! This person has no soul! To be able to live with yourself after watching helpless animals be tortured is mind boggling! I say let him play, but he can't wear a helmet, pads, or shoes. That will be a slaughter I would like to watch!

Age limits exist in US also!
4 yrs ago today I received a kidney transplant @ 58, but others are NOT considered because of their age.

Bill

Rick, tell Sen. Barrassco I would gladly wait 6 months for medical treatment I could afford. I have had no means to purchase medical insurance for 8 years. On the 4th of july I cut my finger and couldn't it it to quit bleeding my emergency room visit will cost me over $1400.00 for 7 stiches with my NO INSURANCE DISCOUNT. I have 17months to wait for medicare so I can afford to see a doctor at long last.

Barraso is owned by the insurance and phamacutical co's–otherwise he could do a little footwork and go across the Canadian border and see for himself how long, even he, would have to wait-not long, I'll bet. jw

Dear Rick: The comments for the GOP Senaator is so false. Keep digging Please. Have the CEO's and the CFO's from the Insurance company sit before Congress and have them explain their income and raise for the High cost of insurance. It is not the Dr's or all the peoples fault for care. I work in the health care field for many years with fine Dr's taking awsome care of the patients. Fell free to really got at your reseach I have your back and admiration for the reporting You do.
Thankyou

I live in the province of Alberta in Canada. I have never had to pay for any medical treatment or operation nor have I ever had to wait excessively for any medical treatment. Under the guidelines of the Federal Canada Health Act, each province (state) operates the healthcare system for their residents. Everyone in Canada has health insurance coverage. Hospitals are run on a non-profit basis. As a single person, the monthly provincial health insurance premium is $44 ($88/month for family coverage). Some companies provide their employees with supplemental insurance plans which may provide coverage over and above what the provincial plan covers. Contrary to what the Republicans are saying, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Canada's healthcare system. I am sure no matter where in the world you look, you can always find exceptions where things may have gone wrong, but please start looking at all the things that are good with our system.

I just wanted to let you know that I live in Toronto Canada, and the health care system here, although not perfect, is much better than what you have in the USA....For the past few years I have had many medical issues from Kideny stones, Gall bladder removal, heart scans, Nuclear stress tests among many other issues, and I have NEVER waited 10 weeks for anything!!! On top of that, it cost me nothing for all medical procedures I had done...That is scare tactics the Republicans are talking about , which is garbage....They are busy protecting the medical lobbyists instead of the people they are suppossed to represent....This week I have another non life threating operation, I had to wait 1 month....Big deal, again no cost to me....Fix what you have first, politicians who are more interested in getting elected than doing what they are suppose to do, amending the health care problem that you Amercans so desparately need!!!!

This stupid notion that Vick has paid his debt, our system of law revolves around money, the more money you have the more justice YOU get! Just because Vick served a few months in jail does not mean he actually served the time he should have! Torturing animals is a pre-cursor to being a serial killer! I say slap the cuffs back on him and make him pay like the dogs he tortured did!

Will you PLEASE stop interrupting your guests! I wanted to hear what the Canadian and American doctors had to say, but you were busy trying to make your own point. Follow W.Cronkite's advice – be a reporter, don't try to become the news! You're a sweet kid and I like you – but you talk too much!

We need to stop knocking the canadian health care system & clean up ours.Ex: flat rate for MRI's. I'm in the medical field & the price varies from 500-1,000???? Then the client has to fight with billing & their insurance co. We have a hospital here in NJ that won't except blue cross blue shield anymore.......now my DR. states because he is out of that hospital he can't except it. ENOUGH! I had to find a new dr.... The waste of medication in the home health setting & in your long term facilities. I have witnessed thousands of dollars wasted daily , wkly........, Give them their nursing coverage at home don't wait until the patient gets worse -ends up in the ER & then gets admitted costing the tax payer even more $$$$$. I would like to see all our politicians going to clinics......hmmmm

Money is a huge factor when it comes to transplants in this country, the more money you have the trip to the front of the line becomes shorter, its a fact, we put a price on health care in this country, totally sad!

"Snow Birds" from Canada are keeping their Canadian citizenship because of their Health Care program. These are retired people who travel to and fro, live and maintain residence in Florida but could not forego of their Canadian homes and citizenship because they prefer their Canadian "socialize" medicine, if that's how Republicans want to call it. I am sure the Barack Obama's proposed health care reform will become a reality. That will be good for all Americans. My uninsured self-employed daughter will get insured while my other daughter with better income and employed by a company will not have to continue paying for those who are not covered by health insurance.

Take Mickey Mantle for example, he needed a kidney and was on list list for a very short time just to see him get the liver and then die a weeks later from cancer, all because he had money and influence!

I am a 56-year old female, born and raised in Canada. I am not affilitaed with either the government or the medical profession; I am simply an ordinary user of the Canadian healthcare system, which I believe is a terrific system. Our system operates on a "triage" basis – in which the patients with the most urgent medical needs are treated first (and very effectively), regardless of age, income, or any other factor. There are definitely wait times, but in every case of which I am aware (including my own), these are in cases where the procedure is "elective" and not "urgent". Most Canadians cannot afford to spend $100,000 to go to the US to avoid wait times for an elective procedure. I think that your coverage of the Canadian healthcare system has not given a clear picture of the opinion of the average Canadian about our system. Instead of talking to doctors and government representatives, you should be talking to members of the Canadian public. Most Canadians would not trade our system for any other. Talk to US Rick – the vast majority of us believe that we have a terrific system that works very well, provides very high quality care, and ensures that EVERYONE is treated as an equal, with the only determining factor being the urgency of the medical need.

Thank you.

Rick, picking on Joe Jackson for being old and confused and Mike Vick after serving his time, is no different than some dolt making comments about your mother. Like her you should be coming to their defence...by the way I love your mom and your loyalty; kinda made me proud of you. So smarten up!

This man , Michael Vick, Has a right and obligation to earn a living to support himself and his family. The world should leave him alone. He did an awful thing. He lost his freedom, fortune, and reputation. If you do not want to see him play, you have the right not to watch him. Thats your choice. I dont understand why so many people get so much joy out of hating? I wonder too, if they would hate so hard if the knew that the person or persons they hated didn't give a fat rats butt one way or another. These raging animal lovers and Vick haters are some one the same people who hunt and kill helpless animals for sport. They shoot animals for the fun of it. They leave a home with a freezer full of meat, drive by countless stores full of meat, to go and kill animals for fun. You call it hunting, I call it hurting animals. You use a superior brain and high powered weapons on a living animal that's snacking on grass, and feel no shame. Leave this man alone! The same God who will judge him will judge you. Every adult man and woman needs forgiveness for something. Leave Vick alone.

Hi Rick,

I am a US citizen but a permanent resident in Canada. I have to say that I am eternally grateful for the system that we enjoy in this great country. There is NOT automatically a 10 week wait for MRI's as alleged. It depends on the circumstances. It is similar to the triage system, based on emergency and imminent need. My husband has sustained 2 brain tumors, a shattered knee cap and several broken limbs over 14 years. We have ALWAYS been able to choose our doctors and literally went interviewing for his neurosurgeon who was stellar and world renown. During the diagnosis process he has ALWAYS gotten MRI's immediately, or within days. Subsequent MRI"s and CT's along with cutting edge neurosurgical procedures have been quickly administered as needed along with effective treatment programs including chemo, radiation and therapy which, were we in the US, would have left us bankrupt ALONG with emotionally devastated!! In Canada we have been able to maintain a reasonable lifestyle and my husband has outlived his 6 mo.- 2 yr. terminal prognosis by 14 years, is in total remission, works, plays and doing very well! (And no we do not live in igloos here;) His treatment has been state-of-the-art and efficient from world-class medical professionals. If this is socialized medicine than it is time to stop being brain washed by thoughtless naysayers who paint the Canadian system as some bleak 3rd world Communist regime seen in tones of grey with lonely dark hallways with squalid inferior techniques. Time to stop being frightened by the definition of "socialized" and start getting smart about how this amazing system can be efficiently integrated in addition to offering alternative access for US citizens as desired. Yes we do pay for our coverage in taxes, and If you want to exercise alternatives for treatment in Canada, yes you can pay for extended medical insurance which offers additional care options. Similar multi-tiered programs should be made available in the US. No system is perfect, but for the most part the Canadian system rocks! Americans truly deserve to know what they are missing!! I just heard on CNN some ridiculous American commercial about a Canadian woman saying she had to wait 6 months to get treated for a brain tumor and how Americans should hold on to thier rights...That is truly a crock based on my own personal experience.

yes...you are being to harsh...i disagree with you ...as much as i watch your show....i would think you would know better...then to say...what he did was willing..yes maybe so....but to say drinking and driving wasnt willing is wrong, to say a bar fight wasnt willing....every decision a person make in his life...is his decision....so no there isnt much difference in what others did.....also let me make this point....if what he did to his dogs... which im sure he PAID for...which makes them his property....should be his choice...i know thats wrong to say...but why are dogs sold...as property if they have so many rights???? we have a selective justice system....and thats a fact....so why shouldnt he be able to do the only job he ever known? or would you rather him lose everything he worked hard for and not be able to provide for his family???????

Deon

It doesn't matter that the dogs were bought and were property. There are still LAWS that we ALL must follow both lawful and moral. What Vick did to those dogs was found to be criminal. Just because they're property does NOT give anyone the right to torture, maim, neglect, abuse or murder them. They're living creatures! All that I mentioned is prohibited by law for a reason. It's needless senseless heinous cruelty! He didn't get nearly enough time for it. Michael Vick is an able bodied person that can get a job doing alot other than football, so he can support his family. He doesn't need to go back into football and shouldn't be allowed back in. Neither should anyone that kills anyone behind the wheel while under the influence. Neither should ever be in a position to be role models because they failed in a major way! There's lots of jobs Vick can do. I suggest Vick get a resume together and visit his local unemployment office.

He served his sentence, but did he learn from the incident? Has he changed his mindset on animal abuse? As we know, words are meaningless where actions depict the truth. Humility is easy while one attempts to regain what they lost, true humility remains when all has been regained. In time the truth, as always, will prevail.

I am an African American male, and I am a barber. We talk about this Mike Vick thing constantly. The smell of racism is rank when talking about this issue. This shows how its not enough to just hang the slave (sent to prison), but we must castrate him as well (after his release he is still ostracised). I can only appreciate Mr Sanchez's term "thuggish", but then I guess the n word would not have been PC. Okay killing dogs is not a good thing. But, these are DOGS. Not humans....dogs. With all of the heinous and vile crimes that are done on the regular, now Mike is a monster. PETA has killed over 20,000 dogs alone since 1998. When Mike went to jail in 2006 their kill rate was 95.8%. 3000 dogs murdered....not including other pets, just dogs. The only "proof" that they had against Vick was his snitch cousins. Wonder why their sentences were lighter...hello? I guess the death of one Mike (Jackson) just wasnt enough. They are still attempting to kill Mike Vicks career. Tar and feathers anyone?

Michael Vick, yes a African American ok, Also a convicted animal abuser, where in hell does the race card play into this? I get sick of hearing it, when all else fails play the race card. Vick is a shame to his race, Making all that cash and still harming innocent animals for money? Race hell this is terroism in its own right... If I were his judge, I would send him to fight beside US Marines in Iraq . I doubt though he could handle it. Ooops am I being racist? who the hell really knows?

To "The Thinker"...this SO has not to do with racism. I don't care WHO performs such an evil act, you just don't get a second chance at fame and fortune. Let him lead a "normal" life and regain his demeanor in less of a flashy way. The fact that he wants to get back into the NFL suggests that he wants his fame back. I understand he was a footbal star. But he has performed an act of evil and shame. Greed makes people kill and be evil, and that's what Michael Vick has done. And to say that these are dogs not humans...that statement alone suggests that it's not that big a deal to hold him accountable. Animals are living, breathing just as much as humans, and do NOT deserve to be abused the way Vick (and many others do in this country) did.
Really, people, please look BEYOND it all and see that what he did is pure EVIL and DISGUSTING...

Professional Sports has to stop rehiring convicted criminals.
Send the RIGHT message – for once !

Seems I recall reading that the allegation was made by his Democratic critics that President Chester A. Arthur was actually born in Canada. His parents immigrated from Quebec., I believe. Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose!

Of course, the real same is that this nonsense about Obama's birth certificate should absorb attention when the health care debate is coming to a head. Up here in Canada, we tend to be troubled by how poorly the real issues seem be be understood (we're not smarter, just have 50 years of experience with the file), and fear that may compromise Obama's ability to make effective reforms.

Michael Vick has paid his debt to society. There should be no barrier to his opportunity to return to his job. Assuming he makes no further mistakes, the only thing that should determine his access to the NFL is ability to perform on the field.

To all you haters of Michael Vick , Enough, Enough, Enough, get pass this and leave this young man alone, how many, I said how many of you out there have committed some "Willfull" or unwillfull act , crime, or violation to a human being or animal? that has yet to be reveiled , this young man has paid his debt to society. There should be no barrier in his way to return to society or the NFL. But there are some people out there who cannot stand to see a "BLACK MAN" in any position. When Michael Vick was still active in the NFL, those of you who were fans, you got your monies worth, because if he didn't do anything else, he delivered. To the Ignorant women in Wilmingon Delaware who interupted the the meeting with Mike castle . Ranting about President Obama not being an American citizen I'am from Delaware. That didn't surprise me at all, first she looked like she was drunk and the question is "WHO SENT YOU?" Where is she from? there has not been one deprived person in the State of Delaware, if there are it is because they wanted to be Black, or White. Delaware is a very Rich small state owned by the Dupont Family with many riches, no one has missed a beat. I do pray for America because we as a people have losted our morals and moral values. It is Shameful how other Countries view us as a people .

I am in favor of giving a person a second chance. There are two exceptions: anyone who hurts children and anyone who hurts animals especially dogs.

Michael Vick knew what was going on and chose to ignore it and even benefit from it. I don't like hunting but I understand why it is a good thing and most people eat what they shoot.

Dog fighting benefits no one. It's cruel and anyone who would have anything to do with it has no heart no empathy. They want the money and the "thrill". How you can get a thrill watching innocent animals fighting is beyond me.

God created man then saw that he needed a companion. He created woman. Then he saw that the woman needed someone to love her unconditionally and God gave her dog.

What is the purpose of JAIL!!!!!!! I thought that if you do your time, that's it and that's all, end of story. I would question Mr. Vic wanting to own another dog, and if i was the judge I would mandate Mr. Vic, as a part of his sentence, a specific amount of hour per week with the anti cruelity society. THIS IS MY IDEA OF REHABILITION!!!!!......something that does not happen too often in the US PENIAL SYSTEM!!!!....and speaking of God, did he not tell us to forgive and we shall be forgivin. We forgive DEBBIE ROWE FOR SELLING HER CHILDREN TO MICHEAL JACKSON AND ENCOURAGE HER TO GET THEM NOW THAT MICHEAL IS GONE.... AND THESE ARE CHILDREN, NOT DOGS, YET MOST OF US WANT TO STRIPP MR. VIC OF EVERYTHING, UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!!! I'm sure this could not be about race or could it?

re: Health Care, 1) Why is there no discussion regarding capping liability limits which cause Dr.'s insurance rates to skyrocket? Savings could reduce Dr.'s and Hospital's rates.
2) Eliminating the cap on Social Security Medicare deductions could generate enough extra money in the system to pay for most if not all of the extra expense of coverages. Or at least insert a doughnut hole so it would not effect middle income, only high salaried persons.
3) Medicare could "bid out" for contracts on medication instead of paying the highest prices.

On Vick it was a very bad thing Vick did but the man went to jail for it how can some people get so bent out of shape over what he did when some of my people were hanged from trees not to many years ago.

I believe that those who have paid their debt to society should have another chance. However, I don't think Vick paid off his debt. I believe that he should be required (for at least the next 5-10 years) to donate money to support no kill shelters for animals with a special fund to rehabilitate dogs who are rescued from dog fighting rings and that he should dovolunteer work helping to rehabilitate such dogs, and make public service appearances and announcements renouncing all dogfighting activities.

Rick, this comment is regarding Dr. Gates arrest. It doesn't appear that Dr. Gates was guilty of any wrongdoing. The officer was probably po'd because Dr. Gates spoke harshly to him. Under the circumstances I would have been outrages myself at this type of treatment.

rick i tend to disagree with this whole thing,,, i cant believe for some dogs,, the american justice system so blatently punished a man for fighting dogs who no one wants,, how many people do you know will adopt these dogs or provide for them.. vic did not commit murder or harm a human being,, black men have been murdered for killing or hurting a white mans dog before as we all know.. so what does this hypocritical system tell us rick? we have all our priorities out of order in this land and God Himself will not look lightly on these things. any and everything to destroy a black man goes in america. did you take this into concideration rick? i love your show and you too. and i know you have to be politcally correct, but let me be biblically correct. God has given man dominion over the animals and he alone can judge not us. ITS ALL ABOUT RACISM RICK , LETS CALL A SPADE, A SPADE,, JUJU..

REGARDING OFFICER CROWLEY THE STUPIDY ACTIING POLICE,, HE NEEDS TO BE CHARGED IF NOT FIRED. HE GIVES THE PURPOSE FOR THE BADGE A VERY BAD NAME. I PERSONALLY AM ASHAMED TO CALL HIM A POLICE OFFICER. PRES OBAMA WAS RITE ON THE MARK.. IM GLAD HE IS NOT AFRAID TO SPEAK HIS MIND WHEN IT COMES TO THE RIGHT THINGS.. WE HAVE HAD TOO MANY WRONG PEOPLE FOR A LONG TIME PRETENDING TO BE RIGHTEOUS AND YET DECIEVING THE PEOPLE WHO DONT KNOW ANY BETTER.. THIS IS THE TIME FOR AMERICA TO STAND AGAINST THE RACISTS OF THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE THEY ARE CONTAMINATING THE LAND. AMERICAN DOESNT STAND A CHANCE AS LONG AS THE RACISTS AND THE HOMOSEXUALS CONTINUE TO CURSE OUR LAND OF LIBERTY.. OOPS DID I SAY LIBERTY? THAT SEEMS TO BE A THING OF THE PAST.. GOD HELP US AND SAVE AMERICA.......SOUNDING OFF.....JUJU

There are some very valid comments here. Sorry, but its true, it is all about the $$$$. Also true, there are double standards. Convicted felons, without $$$, and for the ones who truly want to change, have this label on them forever. Will MV play football again? Sure, right after all concerned realize how much $$$ he will bring in.

I dont believe that Vick deserves a second chance. Fist of all he is not a drunk or drug addict that killed these animals in a moment of drug haze. He chose to make these poor dogs fight till their death and also he himself killed some of them electrocuting them. He has no empathy for animals. He has no compassion for animals and he should not be allowed near an animal. I hear that he is going to be doing volunteer work at the Humane Society. The staff better watch him like a hawk. Poor dogs!!!!

Vicks did not get enough jail time. He only stopped because he was caught. He has no compassion or kindness. I hope he never returns. He is no role model.

I won't tell you what I think of Mr. Vick. It is too vulgar

To Claudia – That doesn't make it right.

Rick.
This situation is rageing out of control. Of course you ask different people and they have already made up their minds, depending on who they support. There was a black officer at the incident, why not get his opinion?? He was there and he can put all this to rest.

Does paying your debt to society mean anything anymore? This is Mike Vick's career what he trained all of his life to do. He did the crime..he has done his time that the courts gave him. This is ridiculous. What he did was wrong and the justice system made him do what it thought was a fitting punishment for the crime. When criminals return to society why is it they can't work? The punishment for the crime he did is an example...you will go to jail if you commit a crime! What does banning him from his career have to do with any of it.

i want to know what is the Pentagon doing about PFC Bowe Bergdahl?

Rick Sanchez is trying so hard to build this story into more sensationalism. That has alwlays been his 'style'. This situation is ready to be resolved. But he won't let it happen. I can't ujnderstand how a man like him warrants time on CNN. He is not worthy. Your reporters have 'class'. Rick should go back under the rock he came from.

Vick has paid he dues. I hope he offers no more apologies.

I am proud of President Obama for stepping up to the "plate" and instilling a communication factor in this debate. I believe that "both" parties were overzealous.. You have to understand that police officers stand together "like the military" it is always -2- sides to a story, But, I believe the president moved the conversation forward to a resolution.

Thank you,

Keith Hunter

Re. Michael Vick:
Michael Vick paid the price for what he did. He should be allowed to play again. I'm sure he learned his lesson. These are animals he abused and it is something that went on in society for a long time. Now it is illegal. In my mind this is not nearly as bad as what people do to other people and many of these people get second chances.

I know one thing for sure...if Michael Vick ever plays on "my" football team, they will lose a fan.

Rick, normally you do a great job. However, you and your associates have made the Gates arrest into a racial incident. When in fact it was not. It was simply a case of two individuals acting stupidly. Oh and by the way I am a PROUD BLACK MAN. The PROTUS should have commented, thank God that he did.

I agree that what Vick was wrong. It can even be considered HEARTLESS, but he has paid his debt to society. I guess the people who are shouting for him not to be reinstated to play in the NFL are all perfect. People make mistakes and deserve a second chance.

big black man kills a dog...and america goes crazy...2 weeks later 3,018 middle aged balding white men in pennsylvania get up at 4am to go out and kill 3018 big black bears...and nobody yawns!!

Dear Mr. Sanchez,

As a Honduran citizen, I would like to thank you for helping us to demonstrate to the international opinion, so biased by uninformed reports on what has happened here, that what we are trying to do as a country and as responsible citizens is express our rejection to the populist, ill-guided policies of a corrupt and irresponsible government.
Thank you!!

Vick is a heartless killer. If he can do this disgusting act to an animal, he is capable of doing the same to a human. Anyone who has and does own animals, you know that these defenseless animals are part of the family, and they depend on us for complete care, and we get UNCONDITIONAL LOVE BACK. If these animals were not part of the family, then why do we give them names? My dogs are named "Hoover" and "Chuckie." Even when we take our animals to the veterinarian, we give him/her our last names. When they get sick, we take them to the veterinarian. When they are sick and no more can be done for them, WE PAY to have them EUTHANIZED in a HUMANE WAY. I cannot believe that Vick is being paid $600,000 for a documentary. If the NFL takes him back, it is NO BETTER THAN HE. For God sake, THIS MAN HIMSELF KILLED 8 DOGS. He "KILLED THEM BY HANGING, DROWNING, AND SLAMMING AT LEAST ONE DOG'S BODY TO THE GROUND." Vick used PIT BULLS. VICK IS THE REASON PIT BULLS HAVE GOTTEN A BAD RAP. My daughter owns 2 PIT BULLS. They are sweet and gentle and love everyone. THEY ARE NOT MEAN BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT MISTREATED. MY QUESTION TO VICK IS THIS. DID THEY CRY, BEG, OR JUST LET YOU KILL THEM? DID YOU LOOK INTO THEIR EYES WHILE YOU WERE KILLING THEM, WHILE THEY WERE DYING? How mean you must be.

I am responding to the Michael Vick question re: what do you think?
No, I do not think he should be allowed to play again. Not only was he involved in the torture and killing of the dogs, he allowed his property to be used for a training facility for dog fighting. He's not stupid, he knew what was going on there, there was a kennel and a training facility.

Yes, he served his time, however, he is an abuser. I realize animals are not the same as humans, if one abuses a human they are labeled as an abuser for life. I believe animal abusers should also be labeled, have to report in to an official every month for the rest of their lives, not be able to live close to animals.... some restrictions very similar to the restrictions for sexual predators. I am a Registered Nurse and have worked in the Emergency Room almost my entire career. Whenever someone abuses animals, the next step is to abuse humans. I believe Michael Vick is a time bomb, I believe he is dangerous and should not be allowed to play any type of professional sport ever.

Respectfully,
Peggy Dobbins

"When in fact it was not." – John

Wake-up, John. The only racists in the whole Gates affair was Gates himself...and Barack Obama.

But we already know they are both racists who have long studied as to how to be racists, don't we?

Of course he should be allowed to play ASAP!! I'm 47 years old and I have been animal lover all of my life; but, not at the expense of another human being or an honest job... most of us eat animals every single day and some cultures even eat dogs. Bottomline, dog fighting is illegal; Mike Vick did the Crime, so he did the Time... now stop playa hate'n and show some of that good ole tolerance and foregiveness that liberals are supposed to be so famous for... BTW, I used to be a liberal Black man; but, thanks to you, I'm now a Moderate Brown Man and if you keep pushing your hypocracies... well, I just might become an ultra conservative, orthodox, capitalistic White Man!

As far as I can see Vick has shown no remorse for the deeds he did to those dogs. He has shown remorse for getting caught. He's said he's sorry to people he disappointed such as his fans, his fellow athletes, the NFL. But he's never said he's sorry for what he did to those poor defenseless dogs. He's said what he did was immature and using poor judgment. I don't think what he did was immature or using poor judgment. I think it was being downright evil and depraved. We don't need someone of that character in the NFL and held up to our impressionable youth.

I was watching your story about Michael Vick, and was just wondering if anyone saw the program on September 5th 2008 called "DOGTOWN" It was a program about his dogs in particular. I taped the program and the dogs were treated and looked horendous. These dogs are being worked with by this organization to see if its at all possible for these dogs to find new homes eventually. There were dogs that were ordered by a judge never to be allowed out of the rehab they are in. I think it would be beneficial to all to view this program before they make any kind of comments on Michael Vick's future in the NFL. Seeing is believing! Thank You, Deb M.

Are you kidding me, the dogs don't get a second chance. He should spend his life not having what he loved the most-football and money! The commisoner is a fool and gives the sport a bad name!

I cant help but think of Pete Rose, anytime a sanction or something like Vick comes up. Pete Rose has paid dearly most of his life for a stupid little gambling thing. Maybe they are afraid of Al Sharptin or Jesse Jackson getting invloved. He has not paid his dues, he never will, He should at best never be eligible for the Hall of Fame just like my childhood hero, Pete Rose. The difference? Pete Rose never hurt a living thing..could you or your kids look up to this idiot?

I did leave my comment on 7/27 at 11:40pm

Put Vic in a dogpen with a coouple of dangrous pitbulls. Watch Vick fight. My money is on the dogs.

Michael Vic should not be allowed to play in the NFL! Any team that picks him up as a Starter or otherwise will suffer a great franchise loss. This man is a FELON, correct me if Im wrong but I dont see any other FELON'S working for millions!!

I'll never have anything to do with the NFL again. Vick is a savage who deserves to be locked in a cage.

Michael Vick was wrong. There is no doubt about that. He is also a product of his environment. Very few people manage to escape it. Even when they do, they bring the baggage of that environment, whether it is dogfighting, abuse or self hatred (in the form of drugs, etc.). He served his time, and hopefully understands that he must leave those behaviors behind. If we are true to our beliefs, then we must find it in our hearts to give him another chance. A young man with talent and no gudiance.

As an ex-offender, the fact is doing your time is not the end of sentence – many ex-offenders continue to face non-employment and discrimination well after their release and "debt paid." If Michael can get a job with the NFL great for him, if he cannot – well join the rest of the ex-offenders and look to scramble for years to come.

Does everyone forget that we are all human and we make mistakes???? Does anyone remember Ray Lewis did time???? There have been many athletes that have made worst mistakes......He should be allowed to play....

in order to be forgiven, you have to forgive. Hewas locked up for 23 months and lost millions of dollars. What else do they want. People are loosing their minds over this incident. They dont get this upset when things happen to humans. I wonder would those same people be as upset if it were Payton Manning

Why should anyone say that Michael Vick should not play. Oh great and mighty ones. LET HE WHO THAT IS WITHOUT SIN/WRONGDOING, PLEASE CAST A STONE.

Do people realize that Michael Vick only fought some dogs? What about Dontae Stallwoth? He took an innocent mans life while drinking and driving. DONTAE ONLY GOT 26 DAYS IN COUNTY JAIL and MICHAEL GOT 18 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISION. Who's life has more value, a dogs or a fathers??????

Michael Vick is an abuser and will always be one. He took advantage of the most innocent – animals – who only do our beck and call. It is sinful that the NFL has permitted him to play. I will never watch him if he is playing. I know football players are no innocent Nellies, but this is outrageous. He is not rehabilitated at all and I don't believe any of his statements saying he is sorry. He needs to be in counseling. This is a man who will offend again, given the chance.

People are saying "oh, he made a mistake", what mistake??? It is no mistake that he killed many dogs over and over again. It is WHO HE IS. Imagine what kind of person it takes to kill dogs over and over again because they lost a dog fight and they were no more good to him. I think it is ridiculous that he can play in the NFL. I hope there are so many protesters against him that no team wants him.

A mistake is why there is an eraser on a pencil

It's not right that if a person has a felony they can't get alot of minimum paying jobs let alone higher ones but Vick or any other sports players can go back to what they do making the big bucks what is wrong with this picture. Why is he any different .

I'm a dog lover, and what Vick did was stupid, but he's already been punished, and doesn't need any further punishing.
Vick gets over a year in Jail for a crimes against animals, while Chris Brown gets "community service" for a vicious brutal crime against a women. Vick served 6x the amount of prison time that some pedophiles have been given in this country for sodomy against a child. Apparently the rights of animals are more valued in our society than the rights of women, and children.....that is the real tragedy of this story.

No. the real tragedy is that so many people don't have the morality to see the real issue here! A person butchers, tortures and and kills innocent animals for SPORT! It would take years to change this kind of sickness. Vick shows no remorse except that he was caught. He should have gotten 20 years to send a message to all the other pervs!

doing time in prison does not rehabilitate you to establish your good name. vick could have stopped this unthinkable abuse of animals in his environment. his character, ethics and integrity are so marred they'd give the devil nightmares. in my opinion he'd still be fighting dogs, but just got caught.

IN ANOTHER LIFE... he can have another chance...NOT THIS ONE.
Decent people should boycot ANY TEAM that plays a KILLER.
May as well give CHARLES MANSON another chance...of course no one stands to gain financially by him.
Some people ARE JUST PLAIN EVIL
and MICHAEL VICK is one of them. HE'S JUST PLAIN EVIL.

Having a history in the profession of law enforcement I can tell you that animal abuse is only a small step down from those that abuse humans. Many known murders like Jeffrey Dahmer began their abuse torturing small animals. Even though Michael Vick may have wittnessed dog fighting as a small child this does not mean that he had to pick this lifstyle as an adult. Animals like humans feel fear, sadness and especially pain. I was so very angry that the NFL would allow Michael Vick back. Did he serve his time? Should he be forgiven? The answer is he may have served his time but he should not be allowed back into the NFL. What he had was a simple slap on the wrist for being such a cruel human being to kill these animals in such evil ways. What kind of world do we live in when such complete evil is allowed to be a role model for children. What message is this sending our kids. Hey kids you can be a criminal and still get millions of dollars just join the NFL. I will be proud to be a protestor at his games.

First let me say I'm a dog lover, especially when it comes to pitbulls but everyone who is against Mr. Vick needs to stop the hypocrisy! Whenever someone does something wrong in life is when those who judge become saints. Meaning we act like we don't make mistakes in this crazy world. Let's all open our eyes a little more and realize that this man made a mistake, he paid his dues for his bad decisions and should have his second chance to improve his life. "Let's keep it real," we are talking about dogs, and not a human life. Players in the past have been convicted for drugs, wife beating, murder and have been allowed to come back for second chances so why can't Vick. Basically it comes to money, these animal loving people are so passionate about protecting animals they forget about the importance of reality. The big stink regarding this sitation is the killing of domesticated animals. But I don't see animals lovers making "Noise" over the killing of fish, pigs, cows etc. People, all im saying is look in the mirror let's keep it real!

Don't make sense/track to me. Get convicted for running a dog fighting ring, suspended from the NFL, sentenced to two years in federal prison, pay fine, take care of the dogs, put on probation. Reinstated into NFL, suspended seven games . Punishing him again for paying his dues.

It is not uncommon and sometime accepted in some communities for fight dogs or chickens or whatever they do for entertainment. I don't forgive it, but I am willing to understand that if something goes on around you and it is the accepted norm of the community, you may not see as wrong as the larger community. It saddens me that we don't understand that and therefore will not be able to address it. We allow these behaviors to go unchecked in some communities, then when it presents itself on a larger scale, we are outraged. If we are going to do anything about things like this, we have to start with the children that are being raised to believe that fighting a dog, each other, or killing someone is not only acceptable, but a mark of honor.

Remember, Michael Vick didn't stop the dog fights because he cared or realized the horrible abuse he was inflicting on the dogs; he only stopped because he got caught. If he wouldn't have got ten caught, he would still be killing dogs in the most horrendous possible way. It takes a certain type of person to do this terrible crime and he is it. It is who he is, unfortunately. It isn't a MISTAKE, when you committ the same crime over and over and over again. So, people stop saying he made a mistake and he should be forgiven and go back to playing in the NFL.

Wendy

Brett Farve is no darling. Didn't Farve use prescription drugs? Didn't he have an alcohol problem? Michael Vick is no saint but he deserve a chance as Farve and others. Didn't Pete Rose gamble? Did Rose shave points? Please, let's all heal from Vick's wrong doing. I understand that Vick was cruel to animals but everyone has a dark secret. "Let the one with no sin cast the first stone," says Jesus Christ.

Respectfully,

CAG

I dont have respect for vick as a person but I do have respect for him as a NFL player. His skills are not very matchable and no one can disagree with that.

I do not think Vick should be allowed to play in NFL. He had everything going for him and he did not have to be involved in abusing animals like this. Let us not forget some of these dogs were electrocuted and drowned. Brett Farve may have hurt himself but he did not inflict pain on anyone else. We do not need role models like this. I cannot see a NFL team signing him now but then again I would not be surprised.

About Michael Vick understand animals are helpless compared to humans. Treat Michael Vick like he treated his dogs. He deserves nothing for what he done to the many helpless dogs. That was not human what he did especially in todays society.

the thing that bothers me about the peoples reaction to Vicks crime is the people wanted to lynch this guy .what he did was wrong ,wrong ,wrong. At the same time the lynch mobs were garthering about the dogs. In Missississippi a county shariff was indicted for causeing the death of human being and there was no reaction to this ,it was as if it never happened.The shariff causeing the lost of lives should be of great concern .These people hadn't been convicted of anything.I beleive what vick did was wrong and I don't understand why he would put his job on the line for something like that.He was convicted and served his time.He didn't get life but that is what some want to give him.Its a shame they don't get as worked up about the lost of human life.

Rick, I agree with you, (that's something!) in your evaluation of Michael Vick,, In other thing How come you get surprise with McCain vote against Sotomayor?... the guy is out of touch with almost everything around him.

those believing that taxes need not arise are delusional.

Republican constantly cut and mess up the country so that the dems that follow MUST raise taxes to clean up their messes. Those who constantly search for tax cuts should visit Disney World....where all is make believe!

Everything in the world cost more....that is the real world. If we constantly want more and better we must pay the cost for it..PERIOD!

I have to agree with those who think that Vick should not play in the NFL ever again. Football is a team sport, players have to depend on their team mates to do their job. If you were to ask the men and women in the military and in law enforcement (not to mention rescue workers and even those in the medical field who are finding how valuable some dogs are in locating some cancers and other medical problems, and the companion animals who allow handicapped individuals to live more full and useful lives, and dogs and other animals who go to hospitals and just generally give those who are struggling to find reasons to keep going a helping hand), I think you'd find that they would have very distinct opinions about allowing Vick to regain his former stature. Many of these service dogs have given their lives to protect their handlers and other innocent bystanders. One of the most heart breaking scenes I've ever watched was a police officer attending the funeral (with full honors) of the police dog that took multiple gunshot wounds while dragging his wounded handler out of the line of fire. Ask that officer if he thinks that Vick should be allowed to return to a life of privelage and fame, but take my advice and ask the question from a distance...

Hey Sanchez,
You better go back to school and learn how to listen. Your recent comment about Senator McCain about Hispanic people was wrong.
By the way I am an American of Spanish heritage. A American first...

Ron Ortiz

Just another scumbag who's only hope in making a living is throwing a football. Take that away from him, and he is too stupid to do anything else but wash dishes.

NFL = National Felony League

I hope if this scumbag is allowed to play, the stadium is empty. No misundertstanding that message.

I"ve never heard or seen you scrutinize ACORN who does get federal funds to intimidate and demonstrate but you do scrutinize the Tea Party protesters and those who attend town hall meetings and are vocal. Why is that? There is no proof that the insurance companies are paying for demonstrations and that talking point has been outted as the new "excuse" for people not going along with the Dems and the president on healthcare. Why haven't you discussed the new talking points strategy by the democrats? When facists on liberal college campuses chase off people and disrupt those who have been invited to their campuses we never hear a peep out of you, why is that? If it were a group of illegals showing up and doing this at town hall meetings for amnesty I believe you would probably be a little more sympathetic. I say that not because you are a LATINO but because you have shown that you are an advocate for that position.

These rallies taking place over health care are the same screaming idiots that showed up in Florida over the presidential election.

They are the corporations; paying off their whores to fight their fight and have it appear that the PEOPLE are fighting the fight.

The people fighting this fight are whores, anti-intellectuals or parasites and I say "let them eat their cake". I want to watch.

When the media start putting the blame for ALL OF OUR PROBLEMS in the right place, the corporations, people will actually stop being stupid and fighting for their enemies (at least some, there are always the real cowards).

I just saw you ask where are the ones that WANT health care reform. I'm here-just heard Dr. Dean talk on NPR–and then saw your interview with the congressman. There have been quite a few of these fiascos. I'm Medicare age–but by george I'm not afraid of euthanasia, etc. I'm angry beyond reason at the laziness of the American people that can't do their own research and listen to the likes of Rush, Glen Beck, Fox news–and similar and actually believe the nonsense that goes around on the net.

Count me as one that wants reform–for other people. We are healthy and middle class and recently retired at 69 and 70. But others aren't so lucky. Its time for us to join the civilized world.

There is no one like Pres. Clinton Mr. Sanchez. I am very happy for the journalists. Carla

Hello Rick,

I just saw your story with Mrs. Lightfoot. I really admire her strength! Her and her Son are American Hero's! Though I am sadened and sickend by this waste of life I felt compelled to send u this.

Also Rick I would like to thank you. I really sence your sincerity. I loved the peice with your sweet and tough mother. I loved your response to the dim and mean people who critisized her! It's people like her whos personal sacrifice for a greater cause other than themselves that makes this country great. Believe me brother there are people who get this out there! Unfortunetely it's the mean people who many times have the loudest voice.

If Kim Jon II has no deference to a "school girl," in his disrespectful reference to the Secretary of state, Hilary Rodham Clinton, he has absolutely shown to be respectful to a "headmaster", in former President Bill Clinton, maybe, as a sign of personal apology to his derogatory remarks on his wife, by releasing the two American journalists in his jail.

Micheal vick is not a good guy because he had dogs killing each other just for sport. I live here in texas where I believe hunting deer for sport can also be seen as cruel when I see innocent animals being taxedermyed and placed on wooden mantels. Do you think God would be O.k with people killing his creations just for sport and not for necessity. Race is not an issue in his case but I think race is a very touch subject because our world is now very diverse. In the south and western states-country folk Irish,Germans, and English
East coast- Italians,and Jews
Real Hispanics are white and from Spain but there is a huge growing population of brown Latin Americans consisting of Cubans, Mexicans, Columbians, El Salvadorians, Puertor Ricans, Dominicans, and so forth. Other colored people Asians, Middle easterners, and blacks.

Rick:
I think that Michael Vick is being given "Star Treatment" in the return to the N.F.L. over the objections of sane people....

Michael Vick, should never return to the field...

You sign a contract and if you break that contract, you should be DONE. He knew ahead of time that what he was doing is wrong/illegal and could cost your career, so if he still continues to do it then don't expect nothing less than your career down the tubes, just like any other work-related contract.

A dog is alive and feels the pain one inflicts on them and they have no say in the matter. They can't tell you to stop or call for help. As far as Michael making a mistake, well he's not stupid, he knew what he was doing was wrong and illegal.

A mistake when you don't realize it is wrong ahead of time. With Michael, he knew it was WRONG. I guess that's why he didn't invite his coach or the owner of the team to attend any of the fights. It really bothers me when people say "Michael made a mistake". He did this over and over again.

The only one that deserves a second chance are Michael's surviving dogs.

Truely, I write to you flabbergasted at what is happening in our country. GUNS, GUNS, GUNS!!! All these barbaric shootings happening all across our country. This country is gun crazy and we have our wonderful politicians to thank for all these horrific messes. Our founding fathers are surely turning over and aover in their graves.

Rick, Don't let Dr. Judy use the LA Fitness shooting as a soapbox for National Health Care. Do you know if the shooter had health insurance? And if we poured government funds into finding these people on the internet, are you going to force them to seek counciling? Let's refocus how friends and families can help their loved ones. Very disappointed in your coverage of this.

Please! Leave that man and his flag alone. He is trying to use any means to get his son home from Iraq safely. Bless him and his son.

Why can we just forgive a man,and let him prove himself.Instead all we do is condem him for his past.Who are we to judge him,since when did we become judge,jury,executioner.Weve all done something or known someone that has made a mistake.And dont let it be a family member,because we demand people to forgive and forget.People act as if they have never made a mistake.yes,it was terrible what he did,but you have to look at his role models.If we are going to judge him then we should judge Asians,Hispanics,And all other cultures that eat dogs.

ML, was ur comment based on the fact that michael vick is black or are all the quaterbacks, excuse me, all the players in the nfl too stupid to make a living doing anything else other than football? how about the adored peyton manning and tom brady, are they too stupid to make a living doing anything else other than football? i'm just curious cause to me ur comment seemed a bit racist.

I am so disgusted with the Philadelphia Eagles right now I feel like vomiting. Just a few hours ago I was saying how if Vick signed with any team that played in Philadelphia that it would be the first time I would be moved to stand outside of any venue and protest and then just a few minutes ago I read that my own team signed him. I was so looking forward to this football season; to cheering on the Eagles and now I don't even think I can watch one minute of the Eagles play. Leave it to Philadelphia to accept this monster and pay him millions. I am so disappointed in my city and my team. I am also sick of the argument that Vick paid his debt to society. Get real. The man beat innocent creatures, hanged them from trees, electrocuted them, ELECTROCUTED INNOCENT ANIMALS and served 23 months. He heard them screaming in pain and then somehow managed to sleep at night. Let's not forget that he did this as a capitalistic venture too which makes him even sicker if that's possible. He is the ultimate scumbag; the lowest of the lowlifes and now he is in my city which has lost some of its luster tonight for sure. I hope the civilized people of Philadelphia will make a stand and protest this monster's presence on our team to the point that the Eagles realize the mistake they made. For years I have dreamed of us winning a Super Bowl, but now I wouldn't care if I ever saw another Eagles' game as long as I live. How can a team that fired T.O. (not one of my favorites, believe me) for making a few comments about McNabb lose its moral position by hiring this beast of a human being? Eagles management or whoever made this decision...you suck! What a bunch of stupid losers!

Rick,
(re: Michael Vick)
Take a look at one small business is doing way up in northern Idaho about 2000 miles from Philadelphia.. Amazing, and I do respect his point of view and hope that other businesses follow his lead.. The link to the story is below, this businesses man should get a medal..

http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/articles/2009/08/20/news/doc4a8c64167072e901549025.txt#blogcomments

The word "thug" has a racial connotation because one particular race embraced the term to describe themselves. For that matter, the word "latino" also has racial connotations. Can we expect you to stop saying "latino" anytime soon ?

No we can't because that's exactly what he was behaving like. His actions & demeanor are proof of it.."Thugs" come in all races, all cultures. The word thug has been around for decades. Vick was signed back on entirely too soon. He hasn't shown any true remorse for abusing & slaughtering dogs.