Byrd lashes out at Vick pit-bull case

Posted: Thursday, July 19, 2007 6:04 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC's Chip Reid

Democratic Sen. Robert Byrd, eyes glistening, delivered an emotional speech on the Senate floor a short time ago expressing his disgust, anger, and sadness over the allegations in the Michael Vick pit-bull case.

Byrd has often spoken on the Senate floor about how much he loves his small dog, especially since the death last year of his wife of 68 years. While emphasizing that he wasn't commenting on the particulars of Vick's case, Byrd lashed out at the practice of dog-fighting. "The training of these poor creatures to turn them into fighting machines is simply barbaric." Shouting and waving his hands, he repeated the words "Barbaric!" and then said "Hear me!"

"I am confident that the hottest places in hell are reserved for sick and brutal people who hold God’s creatures in such brutal and cruel contempt." After the speech, Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy -- who has two dogs of his own -- went up to Byrd and said, "Great speech, Bob." And the two went on to talk about their dogs.

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Comments

Wow!

While I agree with Byrd, I can't help , as an African American , to wonder if he has Alzheimer's and can't remember something he has done that is far more "disgusting" and "barbaric" than harming animals. I guess, I'm just the type of person that doesn't really care for the self righteous stuff. I understand the frustration, but let's just make sure we express the same frustration when , say , a Black man in Texas get's dragged to his death tied to a pick up truck. Ya know?

DR , (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 6:26 PM)

remember that ad was from Texas by the dragged mans daughter---hmmmm---it was an ad against the republicans it seems

HMT (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 6:46 PM)

I thought that it was a personal and moving speech. In spite of his unfortunate association with the dastardly KKK.

ellicott city, maryland (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 7:02 PM)

It's a sad state of nature that given their own way without training by man, dogs treat each other better
and are more faithful to their mates than are human beings. Or at minimum they are more loyal to their masters than loyalty among people in the dog eat dog business world in which most people have to try to survive. BTW, many more animals mate for life than people, even pining to death at the demise of their mate.

Nick Dorsey (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 7:27 PM)

It's a sad state of nature that given their own way without training by man, dogs treat each other better
and are more faithful to their mates than are human beings. Or at minimum they are more loyal to their masters than loyalty among people in the dog eat dog business world in which most people have to try to survive. BTW, many more higher order animals mate for life than people, even pining to death at the demise of their mate.

Nick Dorsey (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 7:28 PM)

Listen, I'm no fan of Sen Byrd but I LOVE Dogs. Well, all animals really. I do rescue work.

So - all smart ass remarks aside, cruelty to animals is a leading indicator of severe mental illness.

I'm certain and agree that this issue doesn't come close to dealing with the psychopaths in the white house but it is an issue nonetheless. I cannot understand the appeal for such a disgusting activity. I already thought it was illegal all over the country so how 'cum we even have this situation? Isn't law enforcement keeping an eye on this kind of thing? Doesn't Michael Vick get enough violence on the field?

(BTW - if you think I'm ranting over this, just wait and see if First Read ever does an item on "doggie genetic engineering" or "puppy mills". My keyboard will combust!)

Independent, Texas (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 7:40 PM)

Please fax (212.681.7573) or call (212.450.2000) National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell and ask that Michael Vich be suspended. He uses his large salary to promote these brutal, illegal activities.

MissR,West Hollywood,CA (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 7:40 PM)

I'm so sick of comments that imply racism in the case of rich black trash. Michael Vick has talents that provided him nothing but the good life and will give him way too much legal protection.

The man who was dragged to his death in Texas was poor and had little representation in this world. He did nothing to deserve his fate before or after the vicious circumstances of his murder.

Michael Vick had everything to do with his circumstances and I only hope that it is possible for him to really understand what he has become and maybe change the world because of it. He certainly shouldn't continue in professional sports.

The NFL needs to rid itself of these criminals—period.

Mark, San Francisco, CA (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 7:57 PM)

Byrd is 90 years old....his brief memebership in the KKK has been apoligized for and condemmed by Byrd. People change...evidently, your stuck in the past.

Jo Smoe (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:19 PM)

DR - the Klan sh*t with Byrd was in the past.

He's already apologized for it MANY times.

Are you actually saying that Vick should be permitted to get away with this crap because he's black???? Shades of OJ.

Terry C - NJ (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:27 PM)

What does dog fighting have to do with being African American?

inthedarkhelpmeout (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:29 PM)

I understand that you are blaque man so you must defend Vick by your close minded loyalty; but even you should see that what happened in Texas (though tragic as well) in NO WAY is connected to Vick. Dick, sorry Vick, cannot excuse, justify, or even explain his gruesome actions because something bad happened to another black man. I'm sure many white people were killed in 911, that does not make it right for me break the law or mutilate animals- FYI take a look at the stats for connection between cruelty to animals and violent pychopaths; the NFL should look at this too!

Chase (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 8:29 PM)

There are laws to protect people. There are few enough laws to protect animals, and even then authorities often look the other way.

And I, as an African American, am disgusted by a fellow African American who tries to deflect attention away from animal abuse with the racism card.

This is just the sort of tactic that the dog fighter uses when caught- they start whining about children and old people and wars to shift attention away from their criminal acts.

Tea (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 10:23 PM)

Lets hope the republicans think about this because the youngmen and women in Iraq are loosing their lives for this idiot that is in office, he and Cheney got us into this war and they have nothing to loose but everything to gain. Oil, Oil and more oil.

Disappointed American Colorado (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 10:24 PM)

Everyone is talking about Michael Vick and dogfighting. What I want to know is: WHERE IS PETA?
Forget picketing models wearing mink coats and Yum brands. Let's get real. Dogfighting has become a popular element in a subculture that MUST BE ERADICATED NOW!!!!

SM (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 10:33 PM)

This isn't a race issue. Why does everything have to be a race issue?

Jon Brooks, Denver, Co (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 10:54 PM)

i guess your agenda is about black men being dragged and that is understandable. but my agenda is about dogs being brutalized and that is what the article was about. kudos to Byrd.

jc (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 11:10 PM)

Why does everyone keep pulling the race card with this case? Michael Vick did a horrible thing and must stand up and take responsibility for his actions...black, white, red, blue...what is so hard to understand about that? There is no excuse for his actions and I am sick and tired of hearing the race issue surrounding this case!

Amy, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 11:12 PM)

Byrd filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1964, wrote to Senator Theodore Bilbo of Missippi that he'd "rather die a thousand deaths" than serve in the Army with black soldiers, and was an active member of the KKK.

I agree with him on the Iraq war and his views on dogfighting, but really, his condemnation of Vick struck me as overdone, coming as it did from a powerful politician who once upon a time supported a racist power structure right here in the good ol' USA.

EA (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 11:16 PM)

I applaud Robert Byrd for speaking out so eloquently on this issue. I agree with everything he said.

DD, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 11:26 PM)

Republicans live in Texas?

Billy Bobby (Sent Thursday, July 19, 2007 11:35 PM)

Ummm- I do not think the subject of Mr. Byrd's talk
was racial violence, nor was it about the thousands of victims of sectarian violence in Iraq.
It was about the pre-meditated cruelty of sports figure
Michael Vic.

richard new orleans la (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 12:13 AM)

The "sport" of compelling animals to engage other animals in mortal combat is but another example of the inner
spiritual and moral degeneration which infests our country. Those who promote, condone, or engage in such
are truly worthy of our pity; their utter lack of humanity is manifest for all to see. May their names
forever be associated with their deeds.

R. Phillips, Denver, CO (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 12:13 AM)

Geez Byrd..what's your opinion on the Emmy Awards...look down here in Ga there is a brewing firestorm about Vick. Congress needs to stay out of it.

CJ (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 12:41 AM)

Why must it be "more" barbaric and disgusting than getting off on watching dogs destroy each other? The fact is, those who let dogs do their fighting for them are whimps. They may talk all tough, and play football, but down deep they let an animal walk the walk while they talk the talk.
I have pit bulldogs, and they are tough dogs. Loving, loyal, tough dogs. I train them for bomb and drug detection and donate them to the police. The Washington State Patrol has seven pit bulls in their program. They excel at work. I must honestly say, the dogs ARE smarter than those who waste them by using them as an expendable gambling tool.
www.LawDogsUSA.org
Diane Jessup

Diane Jessup Olympia, WA (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 1:27 AM)

Regardless of political affiliation, Sen. Byrd should be congratulated for taking a stance on this most inhumane and disgusting act of dogfighting. We can hope that many more of our representatives with a heart will express their feelings.

JA, Newport Beach, CA (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 1:55 AM)

While I agree with Byrd, I can't help but wonder as a white woman, why anyone would care if Vick gets dragged behind a truck for torturing helpless animals?

Taylor, Phoenix (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 2:20 AM)

A Byrd in the hand is still a fossil even though blubbering, frothing, posturing, and sanctimoniously arrogant. Who let this dog out?

Byebye Birdie, Savannah, GA (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 5:17 AM)

Bravo for Robert Byrd! Regarding the comment that harming animals is less barbaric than harming humans, here's one thought: violence begets violence. Humans have the capacity and the duty to protect animals. These Pitbulls don't WANT to fight--some are rowdy and frolicsome--but most are not. I've taken in four pits that were brutally injured in this travesty of a "sport" and as volunteer have tended to countless more. They're a gentle, smart, loving breed. These are the very dogs Vick butchered--pounded, electrocuted, drowned--because they didn't want to fight. Vick, capable of this kind of despicable treatment of the innocent of the world, isn't safe among humans either.

virginia nicholson, mahopac, N.Y. (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 6:28 AM)

Black White Yellow Purple or Green, being angry about animal cruelty is not being self righteous. Any person regardless of their race that practices this is sick. I agree with DR we should all be outraged by the Texas man's death. Yet let's not cloud and confuse the issues.

Pat Jones, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 6:58 AM)

DR wrote,
"Wow!

While I agree with Byrd, I can't help , as an African American , to wonder if he has Alzheimer's and can't remember something he has done that is far more "disgusting" and "barbaric" than harming animals. I guess, I'm just the type of person that doesn't really care for the self righteous stuff. I understand the frustration, but let's just make sure we express the same frustration when , say , a Black man in Texas get's dragged to his death tied to a pick up truck. Ya know? "

I think comments like this makes it hard for people not to wonder if black people are also hindering progress to ge beyond racism. I do not think the man was trying to be self-righteous(I could be wrong of course). I do not believe just because one committed sins that you are prohibited from talking to or reprimanding others' bad behaviors. The way I see it; I am a sinner and I want and ask for forgiveness. However if you are engaging in illegal or bad activities, I think I might still call you out on that. Maybe you meant to say that he didn't have to mention about people going to hell, but if what he said was not wrong, you think I am going to remind him of his past sins?

Doles, Miami, FL (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 7:42 AM)

Wish that Bird brain cared about the brutal invasion of Iraq and all our dead soldiers. They are dying in the hell hole of war. WE HEAR what you are not talking and acting on! YOU have sent America to the dogs!
YOU make me sick!

H P Boston (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 8:22 AM)

byrd + kennedy = nothing

MK,MO (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 9:03 AM)

I heard that Vick was moving his shoe endorsement deal from Nike to Hush Puppies....

The Judge (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 9:24 AM)

No more then all the black folks that got grilled, hanged, castrated and shot all over the south. Pretty big talk from the former grand wizard of the KKK. One story about Robert Byrd is about when he was pulled over for speeding and he was on his way back to Washington D.C. The trooper was going to give him a ticket and he pulled out of his pocket a copy of the constitution, saying he was not breaking the law and he should not be given a ticket. The trooper called in and asked his boss what to do and his boss agreed with Senator Byrd and he was allowed to go on his way. Maybe I should try that. Anyway, the way he was screaming in the Senate chambers the other day, he knows the long and winding road is coming to an end and even though I don't like him, I have to admit he is a fighter and some of what he says makes sense. I also have to remember though he did use the "N" word on the floor of the Senate.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 9:30 AM)

The Judge - Brilliant!!!!

The Edge, Macon, GA (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 9:49 AM)

Whatever sins Byrd may have committed in the past have zip to do with his speech on this Vick business. He is absolutely correct on this and I applaud him for taking a decisive stand on this issue. As an 'animal person' - rabbit owner - I understand Byrd's passion.

M. Boley (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 10:05 AM)

Dogs and children are taught to kill, by adults.

Desmond (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 10:33 AM)

Doles, Miami, FL

When I talked about the self righteous crap, I was talking about the expression of hope that one goes strait to hell for harming animals. I have never heard Byrd damn anyone to hell for Hate Crimes , Rape , Incests ....things that happen to human beings. Yes, I think he was being a little too self righteous. I agree with him about the dogs. I share his frustration about the dogs. I just don't like the self-righteous talk of openly wishing someone goes to hell over a bunch of animals , but doesn't express the same frustration about people who have done things to other people expecially the ones who share his history. What if I said that anyone who ever was involved in the KKK , deserves no forgiveness and I pray that they stand before the "Jewish" Jesus Christ and he sends them to a special hell where all the things done in the name of Racism will be done to them? That would be wrong. That's the kind of self-righteousness I can't stand. No matter who it is.

DR (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 10:38 AM)

Byrd lashing out against killing dogs?
How can you libs STAND to have this creep among your ranks?

How about the THOUSANDS of innocent blacks lynched in the past 100 years?

Ther are very few truly despicable human beings serving in the Senate. You boys own one of them.

Guess liberals turn a blind eye to the Klan when it suits them politically.

jtb (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 11:01 AM)

"These are the very dogs Vick butchered--pounded, electrocuted, drowned--because they didn't want to fight. Vick, capable of this kind of despicable treatment of the innocent of the world, isn't safe among humans either."
virginia nicholson, mahopac, N.Y. (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 6:28 AM)

Man, i just love the way you have tried and convicted this man already. Where you at any of the events? Do you have pictures? Are you one of the anonymous sources? I guess the notion of being 'innocent until proven guilty' is just a quaint holdover from a time gone by.
Funny thing is one could easily remove Vick's name and insert Bush in there and the statement would definitely ring true. Only thing is we wouldnt be talking about dogs anymore but human beings. God Bless America...or whats left of it.

JWilson, Atlanta, GA (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 11:05 AM)

While I'm not one jump on every celeb that has a legal matter ... This particular incident is Pretty bad. If he doesn't go to jail, that doesn't say much for the legal system. If I did that I would still be in jail awaiting trial.

Joe Smith, Stanton, Ia (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 12:05 PM)

My guess is that Vick will claim he didn't have anything to do with this. It was his alter ego, Ron Mexico.

Zoo Keeper (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 12:13 PM)

Would that Senator Byrd had such feelings for the children being killed regularly by Al Qaeda in Iraq. See www.michaelyon.com for more details.

Sick of hypocrisy, USA (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 12:19 PM)

Byrd needs to shut up and go sit down. I wonder who will burn first in hell?,,Hmm lets see, The ex GRAND WIZARD OF THE KKK, or a black football player not convicted yet of fighting dogs. Nothing he can ever say will rid him of all the killing and torturing of black people that he was a part of. I know a lot of you just want to forget that history but before you go on and on about Bush, you think about Byrd. I have never seen not ONE Democratic Senator ever get up and rebuke Byrd. This is the kind of stuff I don't understand about my fellow African Americans that just blindly vote for democrats over and over again. Democrats take the black vote for granted because they know they are going to get 85-90% of it. All they do in their little speeches is go out and say "I will make sure everyone of you have FREE ........" and BOOM you got it. The vote is locked up. Then you have ole' processed head Sharpton going out and backing whatever they say.

Jackson, Houston (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 12:20 PM)

I think comments like this makes it hard for people not to wonder if black people are also hindering progress to ge beyond racism.

Thank you! Try to keep the facts within the past couple decades... My ancestors were enslaved by the Romans, you don't hear me crying about it! Let's move on people.

Diane Jessup (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 12:34 PM)

Is this KKK Byrd talking. Killing dogs is horrible but he is a x KKK member. I thank that is worse.

d (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 12:48 PM)

Too bad Congress didn't have this level of passion in the lead up to the Iraq war. A lack of priorities among our representatives is unquestionably evident.

Patrick, Minneapolis (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 1:36 PM)

Enslaved by the ROMANS?! Give me a freakin break!!! Thanks for the laugh though.

JWilson, Atlanta, GA (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 1:55 PM)

Did he say, Enslavedd by the Romans? Whew...That isn't even in the ballpark.

Jackson, Houston (Sent Friday, July 20, 2007 2:26 PM)

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