Tell Nike THIS photo is the REAL Michael Vick and we want him GONE.

Of all the athletes in the world to whom children might turn as role models, as ideals, as men and women of admirable character, as accomplished humans you have chosen Michael Vick to represent you. We understand your motive is financial; this was not a decision born of charity for an unfortunate felon without resources. We understand your expectation is to reap commensurate reward for the money expended on this investment, anticipation of public appreciation that his name is on some products and they will, as a result, flock to purchase them thereby filling your corporate pockets. You are, after all, in business to make money. But we in the animal welfare community as well as very many mere mortals graced with compassion and a sense of fairness not only protest this choice, but revile it. You need  only look at this one of the many, many photos of the maimed, torn, fatally injured, profoundly injured, utterly devastated dogs that received these bloody gifts at the hands of Michael Vick to appreciate the horror. This man is not a psychopath who actually lacks the knowledge of right and wrong, but an arrogant being completely devoid of empathy, whose sense of entitlement and belief in his own dominion allowed him to murder live animals for sport and entertainment. You may wish to argue he has served his sentence, been reborn and now sees the light to which we say, "not even remotely credible, not even remotely acceptable." The only light he has seen is that of the cameras now scrutinizing his every move and private life, scanning for any indication of his current proclivities,  He was caught and is now, not an enlightened man, just a more deceptive, cautious one, presenting an image of contrition. We do not denigrate his sports talent, only his hypocrisy, as we do yours. Nike is not the only rapacious entity to turn a blind eye to the blatant anti-social antics of superstars; in this particular case the NFL is equally guilty. Your greed makes you equally culpable and cowardly; you will rationalize anything in the name of profit and reframe it with eloquent press releases. The truth is you do not have the courage to take the high road and call this what it is: a phony campaign to cleanse a filthy truth. You value money above your opportunity to use the profound platform given you to provide a genuine role model for young minds: yourself. You can so greatly advance the cause of animal welfare by using your voice, your products, your power in their service, by doing what is right, what is socially conscious, what is truly important.  Please show the entire world you value life above lucre and send a message that resonates across the planet: animals matter, kindness matters, sacrifice matters.  Fire Michael Vick.