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August 27, 2007

It's Easy to Fake the "I Found God" Line

What does Michael Vick have in common with Paris Hilton, Sen. David Vitter, Lee Atwater, and Karla Faye Tucker? Upon thoroughly disgracing himself, he is now declaring that he has found religion and is sorry for all that dog torturing and dog killing. These days it seems everyone who is facing a personal crisis in a public forum says the same thing, often accompanied by crocodile tears.

I just don't buy it. And I'm betting that because these sorts of statements result in lighter sentences, lawyers are urging their clients to say they have found God even if they haven't -- and maybe even writing their speeches for them.

I certainly believe some people, when caught in the act of doing wrong, are awakened and can truly change their lives. But it's far too easy to say the words and not actually mean them. It is particularly suspicious that, in a matter of days, Vick has moved from denial to being backed into a corner to "I found religion and now I'm sorry for what I did." If it's true, and Michael Vick can find some personal fulfillment and maturity in his newfound faith, I'm happy for him. But I don't think "finding God" should ever win a person a lighter sentence or ease the consequences of their actions.

Posted by Becky at August 27, 2007 10:26 AM