Well said, Jersey. I presume you do recognize that extenuating circumstances DO often pertain to what portion of the country you live, how well adjusted you are, how intellectually capable you are, and what your life as a child was like? Like you, I deplore the notion that we should pat this young man on the back and feel sorry for his lack of character in not being able to rise ABOVE his extenuating circumstances.

Unfortunately, what Whoopi seems to disregard, is that into our lives each day, come extenuating circumstances. Vick chose to be sucked into the drama and thrill of it. Now he needs to pay for the price of it and I honestly hope that after he does that, he finds himself able to proceed in life with more circumspection.

I deplore his act. I have, however, the hope that he is able to become a better person for having paid for the crime.