Nissan dealership uses Michael Vick as spokesperson

[laurene]

As a Nissan owner and animal lover, I was disgusted to learn that a dealership in New Jersey is supporting Michael Vick as a celebrity role model. I would assume that all dealership ads would have to be approved by Nissan USA. I will be emailing Nissan and I hope that I get a satisfactory response. Otherwise, I will be one of thousands of people who refuse to support them. The first link shows the commercial and calls Vick a "dog lover". To me, that's like saying that Hitler loved Jews.

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010 ... video.html

There is also a petition that has started online.
http://apps.facebook.com/petitions/1/boycott-nissan/

[casperfun]

I don't see a problem with the commercial and I own a couple of dogs. It is quite comical actually.
Also I don't watch football.
This is a local dealership and probably family-owned. It does not represent Nissan nationally and I highly doubt Nissan Corporate reviews every commercial in each state.

This is why everybody has the right to not frequent that particular dealership if they so choose.

The commercial did not say he was a dog lover. But the man is not perfect and has the right to redeem himself and make good in society.

Other sport stars are given a second chance why not him.
Of course I understand why dog lovers might not like him but why waste energy on him. Obviously he has moved on with his life and is not worrying what anybody thinks.

[takeshi]

The first link shows the commercial and calls Vick a "dog lover". To me, that's like saying that Hitler loved Jews.

Well, there goes this discussion...

I'm not defending what Vick did either but everyone deserves a second chance. If you don't agree with the dealership's decision to use him then don't use them.

[TonyN]

I thought it was a great commercial, very funny and is great exposure for the company. People need to calm down and shut up, the guy did his time and paid his debt to society for his pas mistake, move on because Vick sure has

[laurene]

The dogs are my reasons for not "shutting up". The ones that were left permanently scared. The ones that were electrocuted and drowned for not fighting. The ones who had their teeth pulled and cut out so that they could be used as bait dogs (used for the top fighting dogs to practice on). The ones who were put on rape contraptions so that they could breed the most aggressive dogs together.

Michael Vick has millions of reasons for not caring what others think. The dogs had to prove that they deserved a second chance. They were required to achieve their Canine Good Citizen certificate before any of them could be adopted. What did Michael Vick have to prove? That he could still play football? The only reason that he got a second chance is because he has a talent.

Being FORCED to speak out against dogfighting doesn't exactly impress me. The fact is, if he wasn't caught, he would still be fighting those dogs.

http://www.badrap.org/rescue/vick/evaluations.html

A refresher of what this dog fighter took pride in doing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmiH34VCJWE

Mel, one of Michael Vick's victims, goes into convulsions every time she meets a stranger. The dogs tell the truth, while Michael Vick tells people what they want to hear.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-pla ... 298.column

TonyN, I won't tell you to "shut up" because I have more class than that. You have a right to your opinion, as I have a right to mine.

[TonyN]

First let me say I am sorry for making that comment, it was not directed towards you and am sorry it came out that way. I respect your oppinion and your passion in that matter, but I still do feel that he paid his debt to society that was set for him by our court of law, he did what was asked of him from a social standpoint. Perhaps from an individual standpoint he has not but as an individual oppinion there will always be differences. I see nothing wrong with the add in question but do understand your/others concern, in the end you will feel and do what you think is correct, I however will not see anything wrong with what Vick is doing now after his incarceration.

[AZhitman]

I heard some pinhead on TV say that he should have been "executed". Wow. I hope everyone in his world is held to those standards.

Here's the deal - I don't think anyone condones his actions. I don't think there's any excuse for his actions. Period.

But Laurene, are you out there making a case to end cockfighting? See, that's pretty popular in the southwest US (and many other countries). So is bullfighting (which I find abhorrent and disgusting).

Secondly: Where is your outrage for his co-defendants? You know, the ones who didn't lose a BILLION (yes, a billion) dollars in lost wages, fines, endorsements, etc. The ones who didn't do 2 years in prison. The ones who had no reputation to tarnish. Why aren't you following them around too?

Was two years and the loss of a BILLION dollars not enough for you? I suppose you're in the "execute him" camp as well.

Third: What's wrong with a man paying his debt to society and going back to earning a living? What would YOU prefer he be doing? Life in prison? Living on welfare?

Fourth: Not to condone anything, but I'm betting you weren't raised in the South. There's a whole different set of values and morals there. It's no big deal to hunt for sport, kill something to eat it, train dogs to fight, or wear animal skins. People in Hollywood can't imagine that. They have different values.

(Of course, the PETA morons are driving around in cars with leather interiors and wearing Jimmy Choo pumps made of alligator, but let's not call them hypocrites).

Fifth: Where's the outrage for NFL players who commit DV? How about the ones who impregnate random women and never raise the child? How about those who drink and drive? I think people forget that humans are higher on the food chain than dogs. No, this doesn't excuse cruelty to animals, but y'all have to get a grip: How about we take care of PEOPLE first?

A pit bull isn't gonna cure cancer, isn't going to contribute to world peace, and if you get between it and its next meal, it'll bite you, no matter HOW much of an advocate you are. Dogs don't care.

You can say, "Well, you're just defending him because you're a fan." And you'd only be half right.

[AZhitman]

p.s. That petition is retarded. Here's why:

AutoGuide (which is about as credible a source as the Enquirer) are the ones who used the term "dog lover". You bought into it, somehow. You should be pissed at AutoGuide (not offering them MORE traffic by promoting their crappy site on THIS site).

News flash: Never, in the history of the Internet, has an "online petition" changed anything. Especially one that's full of factual errors and drafted by a fifth-grader.

ONE dealership made a commercial with MV... Nissan doesn't "want MV as their spokesperson". What kind of uninformed idiot wrote that?

Maybe you're right. Maybe I *do* prefer dogs over people. People are freakin' STUPID.

[Mr1der]

The man loved his dogs.

sure, fighting them isn't really a good way of showing affection, but you could tell he loved the dogs.

[AZhitman]

Horse breeders / racers love their horses, right?

Let one of them fall during a race and see what it gets - a bolt gun to the center of the skull.

[Dattebayo]

This thread is a gip.

[Jesda]

He's a retard. I don't care what happens to him. He can go clean toilets for all I care.

I don't understand the American obsession with commercial athletes. They don't produce art, they don't create goods and services, and I don't find them entertaining. Their stadiums and teams cost cities millions. I'll enjoy a baseball game on occasion, but I won't come to the defense of a criminal.

[AZhitman]

^ Jesda eats dogs.

For what it's worth, I could give a damn about the "pro athlete" part. I'd feel the same if he was Regular Joe. Then again, if he was Regular Joe, he'd have gotten 6 months probation and a $1000 fine. Fair? Hmmm.

Side note: pro sports, while costing "millions", bring in far more in revenue and create a ton of jobs (you already know that).

[Dattebayo]

Side note: pro sports, while costing "millions", bring in far more in revenue and create a ton of jobs (you already know that).

BS

That money lines the pockets of the owners and the associated high-ranking stadium execs.

[AZhitman]

If I have to explain to you how a pro sports team benefits the community financially, go tear up your diploma. Seriously.

BS? Ok, Dave.

[Jesda]

Cities frequently lose money on athletic franchises, and entertainment should never, ever be the responsibility of government. They frequently spend more attracting teams and building venues than they retain in tax revenues.

And with Michael Vick, its like saying Lindsay Lohan should be socially celebrated because her antics create ad revenue for media outlets. I don't see justice in executing a guy who's into dog fighting, but I can't say I'd be sad if a bus hit him by accident.

Sure, a successful team will create notoriety and momentary fame for its host city and briefly boost local morale, but it also draws national attention to a city's decay, suffering, and mismanagement. I don't understand, in all these years of people calling for the end of big government, why no one objects to local and federal involvement in sports teams.

You have blithering idiots like Senator McCain making a big deal out of steroid use while roads crumbled (remember the highway collapse in Minnesota?) and homes were foreclosed. Maybe government should focus on maintaining basic infrastructure and get the hell out of the entertainment business.

http://reason.com/archives/2010/03/18/p ... other-city

[AZhitman]

None of that will I disagree with. Any sports franchise's facilities should be self-funded.

[laurene]

@TonyN - No problem, apology accepted.

@AZHitman - I agree with some of the points you make. I am against all animal violence, but I do not have an issue with hunting for food. I believe in treating animals humanely, so using animals for blood sports is against my moral belief. I'm a fan of horse racing and while some tragedies occur, those animals are very well taken care of and loved. At the tracks that I support, the horses are humanely euthanized when they break legs. This is done quickly so that the animal experienced as little pain as possible. I understand that cockfighting and bullfighting are somewhat popular sports, but they are also inhumane and illegal in most areas.

I believe that Michael Vick, and only Michael Vick, is responsible for his actions. Nobody forced him to fight, drown, or electrocute any of those dogs. He did it by choice and enjoyed doing it. I believe that executing him is a little extreme and I'm not sure what Mr. Carlson was looking for when he made that comment.

I don't have an issue with Michael Vick making a living, but I don't think that it was right to have him return to the NFL. I believe he had his opportunity and he blew it. I believe that by giving him a second chance in the NFL, they are showing children that you can do whatever you want because you will always get a second chance. That's completely false. The only reason that he got a second chance was because the Eagles were selfish and wanted his help to make them a better team. I would love to see him beg for a second chance at a fast food restaurant because nobody wants a convicted felon. I would love to see him suffering for his choice instead of being handed a new multi-million dollar contract.

I understand that the South has a different set of values. As a result, I believe that stricter fines need to be enforced to deter animal abusers. I've never killed an animal, but when I kill a bug, I don't torture it for my own amusement.

I'm not a sports fan and my passion is animals so I'm not knowledgable with the other criminals who have gotten second chances in the NFL. If that's the case, maybe a whole new set of rules needs to be written. I know many people referred to the NFL as the National Felons League when Vick was handed his opportunity. We can't stop them from hiring who they want, but I certainly won't support them or their choices.

I don't know, maybe I would feel differently about Vick if he was sincere in his apology or had pleaded guilty to begin with. I watched his show on BET in hopes that I would see someone other than a dog fighter. All I saw was someone who blamed his crime on where he grew up. It was all about how horrible it was for him and his family. Not once did he mention the dogs that he abused. In my opinion, he is not remorseful and for that, I cannot forgive his actions.

I agree that the petition is pathetic. I was enraged when I read about a dealership endorsing Vick and immediately came on here to post it. I then went back to the petition and read that it was targeting Nissan USA. I believe that Casperfun is right and that commercials do not have to be approved by Nissan USA. I've sent in my thoughts to the specific dealership and did not sign the petition, as I believe it is directed at the wrong source.

I was only stating that AutoGuide.com called Vick a "dog lover". I searched the video in Google and that's the first link that came up. I wasn't aware of their reputation.

As for Vick wanting another dog, I think it's a selfish thing to even suggest. He claims that he feels bad for having to explain to his daughters why they can't have another dog. Well, it's pretty simple. Parents make mistakes. Most decisions affect the children and that's a reality. It's his job to take responsibility for his actions and accept the blame.

[AZhitman]

Brilliant reply. ALL of it. *applause*

I suppose we'll simply "agree to disagree" about his return to his career, as I believe everyone deserves a second chance (although I can't quite bring myself to believe that in cases of child abuse / molestation).

Assuming that one isn't "sincere" in their apology or insufficiently "sorry" for their behavior is to profess to know what's in someone's heart, which I don't think you're claiming.

I'm appreciative for people like you, though. My yellow Lab sends a hearty wag your way.

Well-done, my friend. Hope you'll stick around.

p.s. As a clarification, regarding this statement:

only reason that he got a second chance was because the Eagles were selfish and wanted his help to make them a better team

I'd encourage you to read about Andy Reid's decision (he's the Head Coach of the Eagles). http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/ ... /index.htm He has a couple sons in prison, so he's got a little different insight on the subject. Not intending to change your mind, but it's an interesting read.

[krash]

(Of course, the PETA morons are driving around in cars with leather interiors and wearing Jimmy Choo pumps made of alligator, but let's not call them hippocrites).

FTFY.

I thought the commercial was pretty funny. I don't see what all the fuss is about. The guy did something wrong, paid a pretty hefty price for it, and is now moving on.

[Jesda]

they are showing children that you can do whatever you want because you will always get a second chance. That's completely false. The only reason that he got a second chance was because the Eagles were selfish and wanted his help to make them a better team.

The fault is on fans and sponsors who continue to support teams that support these kinds of players.

If you don't want the NFL riddled with criminals, thugs, and idiots, then vote with your wallet.

[mmkeller]

If Vick is truly reformed then he'll prove it. If not and gets caught again then the next football he will throw will be in the prison yard.

[Amays U G37S]

s *** got real, quick.


About vick.

[Bubba1]

The fault is on fans and sponsors who continue to support teams that support these kinds of players.

If you don't want the NFL riddled with criminals, thugs, and idiots, then vote with your wallet.

This^. Michael Vick will continue to be a controversial figure vfor the near future and there will be many that feel the punishment for his extensive animal cruelty was insufficient, and there are many that feel he's paid his debt to society and now support him.

I don;t think the ad is as wrong as, say, a Pittsburrgh TGI Friday's advertising lady's night
featuring Ben Rothleisberger as host and greeter. But if you are among those that still have an issue with Vick, I'd simply recommend not doing business with that dealership.

I highly doubt Nissan as a corporation would employ such a polarizing figure as a national spokeman, but in Philadelphia, many Iggle fans appear to, for the most part, support him. Of course it doesn;t hurt that he's had an MVP like season.But I wonder how quickly the dealership would drop him if he begins a losing streak.

[Rev_D21]

MV did inadvertently help the Pitbull cause by making the dogs the victims for a change. Up until that point PBs were considered enemies of the state by everyone lacking a frontal lobe. Now their hearts have gone out to the Pitbull breed. I get it all the time at Petco, parents asking if their kids can pet my PB. It is usually followed by something like "They are the most misunderstood dogs. I heard about what MV did to them and it's horrible. Watching 'The Dog Whisperer" has shown me how great these dogs can be in the right hands". So in a F'd up way I thank MV for bringing the issue to the limelight. Now the public is a little less stupid when it comes to Pitbulls.

[axel10]

I fail to see what any of this has to do with Nissan Rogues? Want to know what will kill a forum like this, allowing those with ulterior motives to draw this forum into a political discussion that have nothing to do with the theme - NISSAN ROGUE. Moderator, please consider deleting this thread from the list.

All I want to do is to connect with other Rogue owners - not discuss nor read political opinions (there are other places for that - and this should not be it).

[OwnerCS]

Regardless of position on the issue, the Nissan dealer in Woodbury NJ is now known all around the country.

What exit is Woodbury anyways?

[casperfun]

I understand the passion of animal lovers and we can go into a whole debate on that.

But I learned that we live in a world where we might not agree on everything going around us, and I personally try not to stress myself out.

We all at one point thought we can change the world, but in the end we have control of our own views and I learned you can't please everyone.

As for Vick, I really don't believe he is the Tiger Woods of Football and is not worth a BILLON, I say a ALOT of MILLIONS were lost for his transgressions.

I say live and let live because If I thought too much, then society should be mad at the NBA Championcship Player who was accused of rape, or theese famous sports figures who commited a DUI where a fatality occurred and these people getting a second chance.

Then we have cockfighting and KFC, where we do enjoy are dead chickens. Finger licking good, no offense PETA folks. But we also have human c*** fighting as seen in boxing and the UFC.

So you see so many things that people might not agree on is going on around us everyday and its best to accept them as a fact of life but at the personal level you can believe what you believe in and be happy with your morals or conscience which should be what matters the most. What you think.

I did take one basic course of Psychology 101 and I by no means an expert on this, but I do know that babies born into this world do not become like Michael VIck at birth and go into dogfighting.

I CAN agree in a way that its from his environment and culture around him when he was growing up. Yes I know people disagree but it can happen. If you grew up where people do it and you don't see anything wrong with it by the people around you. As a kid growing up, you might think it is okay.

Thats how I viewed the Middle East at one time during deep introspection about the conflict there.

There is no way in HECK that a Israeli baby and an Arab baby are hating each other at birth. Its because they grow up in an environment where each side seems to hate each other. Yah understatement when one is blowing themselves up to kill and the other is using tanks and jets to blow the other side. And we are talking about people growing up as a product of their environment and we not talking DOGS but HUMANS.

Sad but True.

[Bubba1]

Regardless of position on the issue, the Nissan dealer in Woodbury NJ is now known all around the country.

What exit is Woodbury anyways?

Exit 3 I think, Woodbury is halfway Paulsboro and Runnemeade...

[troskinatior]

You know what I hate? MV killed some dogs boo hoo, but there was one nfl player (forgot his name) who was driving drunk and hit and killed a man, but yet he only got probabtion. WTF is wrong with this world, a guy kills some dogs and he goes to prison, a dumbass shoots himself with his own gun and he goes to prision, but yet man slauter only gets gets probabtion