Answer:  Realistically, because he responded. Of course as a condition of his sentence the man has to perform community service. Still, we'd like to think that our request had something to do with it as well.   

Answer: No doubt animal cruelty is an issue we are happy to see being addressed by Mr. Vick, and even if he didn't understand the seriousness of his crime before I believe he does now. But, this is also a rare opportunity for someone of his visibility to say something about human cruelty. In fact, there is scientific, or medical evident that animal cruelty is often followed by human cruelty. Anyway, in the "hood" animal and human cruelty are so common that they have to be connected. When I was 7 or 8 years old dog fighting was a common thing among boys my brother's age, 12, 13 years old and I can remember that when there were no dogs to fight they came and got us (their little brothers) and made us fight while they placed bets. That was in1967, right here in Newark, NJ. I never fought a dog in my life, I deplored it then, because I hated violence. Still, I later learned to abuse and even kill animals senselessly because it was acceptable among my peers. In the back of my mind I knew there was something unfair and cruel about it, but I had no understanding of the value of anything other than a human being. Yet, I later spent 18 years in prison for killing a man. 

Answer: I'm no traditional expert here, but if he's from the same messed up world I'm out of then he needs to see the value he can have, and effectiveness he will have if he can draw a correlation between animal care as a prerequisite to people care. Animal care and respect nurtures a healthy care and respect for life, period. I believe that Mr. Vick is sympathetic and perhaps even remorseful. But, what's important to PSD is that he comes out of this with a purpose. It's really hard to know if punishment is really effective if you're ordered to do a thing. What PSD wants to do is heal Michael Vick, give him a purpose. So, we requested that he address something that we hope would be near and dear to his heart, that would strike a cord; that being the increasing number of athletes from elementary school age to the pros who are increasingly becoming victims of violence. Right here in Newark for instance, there's been a number of young men with demonstrated athletic and academic promise that have been sacrificed to violence. Mr. Vick may not be able to explain why the violence is occuring in so many places, however, I'm confident that he can see that animal cruelty certainly has the potential to perpetuate human cruelty later.  

Answer: Correct me if I'm wrong, but by in large we're suppose to be a forgiving race, right; meaning the human race; America was founded and established on Christian values, right? So, we set up a system in the hopes of measuring a sufficient amount of punishment to fit the crime, with the object being for the person to recognize their sins (or crimes) and repent of their wicked ways, for the lack of a better word. But, what proof do we have that this system is working well enough that people are getting it? That's why PSD is saying, what's of more value to us is "true reform and rehabilitation" for the person to be a credit to us. Take the value of the negative experience, "The Prodigal Son" and use it to help redeem others, that's what we're saying. Let me ask you this, what would happen if you were a fallen celebrity and Michael Vick showed up at your house with a plan to help you redeem yourself? How much more valuable he could be, rather than going around forever living in shame; by confessing or owning up to his sins, then giving his life over to helping others and freeing himself of the shame that prevents him from going on with his life?  A fallen celebrity can accept Vick because he's a peer, he understands their pain; therefore they trust him and they can all rise out of their condition and become a credit. That's the kind of work we'd like to do with Mr. Vick or anyone of his stature, as we have been doing for the past 20 years. When is there going to be a sort of "Betty Ford Clinic For Redemption"? There seems to be a prevailing attitude of punishment, punishment, punishment. We are just as guilty in this society for immortalizing some for their ability to entertain us while overlooking the deeper moral crisis before us. Besides, what happened to redemption, forgiveness and healing in America?