There is something seriously wrong with America when people think more of animals than they do people. I was talking with someone just other day and he told me that this was because animals can't speak for themselves, so we animal lovers have to speak for them.

I remember not too long ago when several members of the PETA organization were found guilty of illegally disposing of animal remains in trash dumpsters. Where was the public outcry, the news media and certain members of Congress then?

Michael Vick was all but crucified by the same people/organizations prior to pleading guilty. I am not condoning dog fighting nor do I speak for Michael Vick. But I am a believer in freedom, justice and equality, the very principles on which this country was founded.

In America, you are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. Everyone is entitled to their day in court without interference from the news media and other organizations trying to sway the outcome. I also thought that people were sentenced in this country by judges. Now we have the public and organizations trying to influence that decision. We also have people trying to ensure that Vick's career in football is over, calling for the NFL commissioner to ban him for life. Isn't sentencing someone to prison punishment enough?

Also, why is the U.S. Congress threatening to get involved in Vick's dog kennel situation? There are far more important issues that need their attention. For example, the need for body armor for our troops in Iraq; the unfair plight of the "Jena Six" high school students in Jena, La.; the Hurricane Katrina recovery in the Gulf Coast; and the instances of police brutality in which innocent people are shot hundreds of times without provocation.

If we are going to get involved in a cause, let's ensure it's a cause worthy of our involvement. Let's work together for the ethical treatment of all human beings and work our way down the animal kingdom.

STEPHEN DORSEY

Elizabeth City