Hypocrisy discrimination and Michael Vick

The public's opinion of Cho Seung-Hui and Michael Vick couldn't be lower.

Cho killed 32 of his college mates and Vick allegedly operated a dogfighting ring.

Cho obviously had emotional issues or he wouldn't have killed others and himself. Vick has made several questionable decisions in the past year.

Of course, his involvement in dogfighting - if the allegations are true - began some time ago.

There's talk that Virginia's General Assembly during its next session will consider establishing a victims' fund to pay families of Cho's victims to discourage them from filing lawsuits.

Two questions come to mind concerning the proposed fund. One, why should Virginia taxpayers compensate victims' families, particularly if they had insurance-

If the survivors don't have coverage, that's one thing. But to have them collect twice seems excessive.
And two, if the idea passes in the General Assembly, is Cho's family also eligible-

The discussion of compensating survivors follows the precedent of the fund set up to pay relatives of 9/11 victims.
Back then, I understood the thought, but I later questioned it. Most 9/11 victims were so-called middle- and upper-class people and were more than likely insured. Some received millions of dollars in compensation.

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, most victims were minorities, poor or both. Some received $2,000 to $3,000 credit cards as compensation.

Why is it that the American public generally and Virginia specifically hurries to help those who aren't in need- On July 26, Vick pleaded not guilty in federal court. Before he even appeared in a courtroom, the court of public opinion declared him guilty as charged.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell ordered the Atlanta Falcons quarterback not to report to training camp. Goodell's decision was justifiable and understandable.

Vick's teammates and coaches did not need the distractions or pressures revolving around his situation.

Clothing and shoe companies pulling Vick's endorsement contracts was not understandable. The companies had to know Vick hadn't been found guilty, but public opinion is very influential.

But if Vick is judged not guilty - what then-

Nelson Graves writes a weekly column for The News Virginian. He is Western Virginia director of the Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council. E-mail him at .