IconThe bedrock foundation of our judicial system is the concept that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
 
When a prosecutor like Mike Nifong makes prejudicial statements against an accused party, it undermines the legal process. We expect everyone involved in a court case to be circumspect in their interviews and press releases.  
 
It's a different story, though, for those individuals who merely watch court cases unfold. 
 
Pundits, talk show hosts, and employees by the water cooler are free to express their opinions in any manner they choose.
 
Defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law—"in a court of law" being the pertinent phrase.
 
As a blogger, newspaper writer, and concerned citizen, I'm entitled to articulate my belief that Michael Vick is guilty as sin.
 
The evidence pointing to Vick's guilt is overwhelming; this is no Duke case. I am not concerned by the fact that the vast majority of commentators have condemned Vick in harsh terms.
 
That's not injustice, that's democracy in action. 
 
From Newsweek: 
 
"Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick doesn't seem to have many friends these days. But a few organizations have come to his defense, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP—both of which have cautioned against rushing to judgment in Vick's case." 
 
My two cents: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is as irrelevant and out of date as the phrase "Colored People." 
 
Why is the NAACP risking damage to its good name by coming to the defense of Michael Vick? The Atlanta Falcons quarterback has a sordid history—and all of his prior misdeeds pale next to the accusation that he killed and tortured dogs for his own amusement. 
 
Racism has not been eradicated; there are countless cases of people of color being discriminated against in the housing market, the work place, and in obtaining loans from financial institutions. 
 
The NAACP should stop defending Mike Vick simply because he's black and instead expend their resources in the service of those who are truly in need.
 
I don't remember the NAACP coming to the defense of the Duke lacrosse players. I guess they don't care about injustice when the victims are white.  
 
As a minority, I support several nonprofit organizations which focus on fighting racism—but I won't give a dime to any outfit, including the NAACP, that will support a brutal thug simply because he's an African American.