In the case of Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and the media hype over his federal indictment for dog fighting, two options of action are in order. Both would reduce the amount of violence aired on TV and both seem to be ignored by Falcons owner Arthur Blank.

One course of action would be for the Falcons to act on principle and get rid of Michael Vick permanently because of previous signs of disrespect he has demonstrated that call his character into question. The other would be to take action against him from a practical point of view, which is to say - remove him from the team and the media would have less of a story. Same action, same results, different reasons.

Why is it important to reduce the public’s exposure to violence and cruelty? Suffering triggers previous suffering, and this player has caused undue pain through media attention alone. He doesn’t need to be found guilty to inflict harm. It’s done.

I need to say, Mr. Blank, that your giving the benefit of the doubt to your quarterback is torturous to those of us who love animals. Your inaction condones this cruelty. The descriptions of dogs being drowned, hung, shot, slammed to the ground and electrocuted is more than we can bear. Please hear us. 

Treat us – not just animal lovers, but the general public – with the same respect you give Michael Vick. Honor the spirit in each one of us that is injured. Spare the part of us that tries to help and protect others. Banish this detrimental influence from your team and lessen its constant presence in the news. None of us needs to be subjected to details of cruelty, especially children. Stand up to Michael Vick’s acting out and to his alleged violence. Turn your heart towards the good of the community and away from a player who is irresponsible. 

If this were only a matter of a saturation of news stories, it would not be so urgent. But Michael Vick’s story is more serious than those of Hollywood starlets accused of substance abuse.  

It is difficult to understand why the actions of one individual is tolerated, continually, considering his disrespect, when there are so many other fine young athletes who would jump at the opportunities Vick has been given, and give back. 

I have known you to be a fair and generous man. Because you have supported programs for youth at risk, I would imagine you are trying to give this young man a fair chance at growing up in some serious ways. But he has not honored your trust in him or demonstrated responsibility that follows his role as a team leader. And we are all paying the price. 

Certainly, I can see your wanting to not act too soon. But when we see limos taking you to meetings, it looks like profit is the motive for keeping him. Like Michael Vick is being used for team gain at our expense. The cost to us is suffering. It feels like you are sacrificing all for one.  

As long as this player stays on the team, the media will keep reporting speculation. Something is missing: justice for him and compassion for the public. 

Violence is not only upsetting; it is also contagious. It plants the seed in our children’s minds. Now in our divided country at wartime, stories of violence affect us even more acutely. I beg you, don’t expose us to further acts. Help us remove this man from constant media attention. Lead by example. You say you care about doing the right thing. Do it, for all of us. It is not only in your power; it is also your responsibility. Just like it should have been Michael Vick’s.  

Teaching respect is an action that, when it bears fruit, strengthens the community. Teach respect to Michael Vick by taking a stand for decency, humility and kindness so he can learn new ways and carry forth what he learns.

Those who need your help are the youth in this country who are initiating their own programs to help the elderly, children, animals and the poor, and they are doing it with very meager resources – building houses for Katrina refugees, raising money for the disabled, and teaching in the inner city. Just giving to others; putting others before themselves. They are not after gain or fortune or fame.  

Support the hearts of those who care by helping us make space on the airwaves for stories of triumph about these enterprising youth. Impressionable spirits are the ones that are most affected by acts of murder. Show justice before the spirit of idealism and goodness is squelched further by the alleged doings of a young man who, if he is guilty, must be hurting deeply inside.

Show us that you care, Arthur Blank, by drawing boundaries. It is those who have demonstrated that they care who deserve your attention. The kind of attention you have always demonstrated before now.