Their reply to my online complaint submission is below followed by my response.
"Dear Charles,
Thank you for contacting Pepsi-Cola Company. We certainly appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts with us.
As you may know, Pepsi does not have a relationship with Michael Vick. In fact, we have never worked with this individual. However, we do agree with the NFL that Michael Vick’s illegal activities, for which he was convicted in 2007, were cruel and degrading.
The NFL has said that Mr. Vick has been reinstated to the league on a conditional basis and will be considered for full reinstatement in October based on the progress he makes in his transition plan. As sponsors of the NFL, we have the utmost confidence that the senior leadership at the NFL will continue to appropriately address this issue.
Once again, many thanks for contacting us and please be assured that your comments have been shared with the appropriate individuals within the Company.
Pepsi Consumer Relations
012094689A"
I have to differ with you on the fact of Pepsi not having a relationship with Michael Vick. Does the Pepsi Corporation not sponsor the Philadelphia Eagles? Is Michel Vick not on the roster of the Eagles? Pepsi DOES have a relationship even if it is a case of guilt through association. My family and I will not have a relationship with Michael Vick in any form. Not even through Pepsi through the Eagles organization.
Please read the following and tell me the senior leadership has appropriately addressed the issue. If you do continue to feel the NFL is appropriate, then even the removal of the monster Vick from ALL NFL teams will not be enough to repair a long term relationship between Pepsi and my family as well as MANY other American Pit Bull Terrier lovers.
In the world of animal advocacy, we often encounter a popular twist on an old adage: “to err is human, to forgive canine.” Truly, one of the greatest lessons dogs can teach us is forgiveness. However, as humans we have a developed understanding of morality, and therefore must strive toward the higher ideal of justice.
Justice gives us a means through which to ensure that all living beings are treated equally, and to bring to light acts of immorality for the good of society. By administering justice, we are demonstrating that we as a society understand which values are most important. Those who commit brutal crimes should be seen as criminals, not idolized as heroes.
For most of us, the opportunity to make millions of dollars, or to do something we love for a living is not even a once in a lifetime opportunity. Michael Vick lived this lifestyle for years, and lost it through his own actions. The moment Michael Vick steps foot on the field we are sending a direct message to millions of football fans that cruelty to animals is no big deal.
Sadly, in a country where the law sees animals merely as property, many people feel that this is true. As Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins said, “I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog. If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business.”
When considering the case of Michael Vick, it is important to remember that his crimes go far beyond merely profiting from the painful exploitation of animals for sport. Hearing that someone “executed” underperforming dogs does not convey the utter brutality with which these dogs were murdered. We cannot imagine the mindset required to take a completely defenseless creature that looks to you for protection, run jumper cables from a battery to that animal’s ears and genitals, and toss it into a pool.
This was not a quick death, as evidenced by the damage done to the sides of the pool by dogs desperate to get out. The only possible reason for subjecting a living animal to this form of torture is that the one doing it took some sort of pleasure in watching the animal suffer. Countless psychological studies link those who abuse animals to the abuse of other people as well. This is not the type of role model we should be promoting to our children.
Committing to justice does not mean that no one deserves a second chance. Surely, the only reason for administering justice is to allow individuals to see what they have done wrong and better themselves through the experience. But second chances must be earned. Not through a small prison sentence, but through humility and a heartfelt concern for the lives of others.
Vick’s reinstatement has not come as a surprise. In a society that sees any controversy as an opportunity to make money, Vick was sure to be offered a job by someone. Rumors have been circulating of books and reality shows in addition to his football contract. The criminals most of us don’t see are the corporations who use this sort of cruelty to their advantage, further proving that in America, justice is secondary to profitability.
Justice gives us a means through which to ensure that all living beings are treated equally, and to bring to light acts of immorality for the good of society. By administering justice, we are demonstrating that we as a society understand which values are most important. Those who commit brutal crimes should be seen as criminals, not idolized as heroes.
For most of us, the opportunity to make millions of dollars, or to do something we love for a living is not even a once in a lifetime opportunity. Michael Vick lived this lifestyle for years, and lost it through his own actions. The moment Michael Vick steps foot on the field we are sending a direct message to millions of football fans that cruelty to animals is no big deal.
Sadly, in a country where the law sees animals merely as property, many people feel that this is true. As Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins said, “I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog. If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business.”
When considering the case of Michael Vick, it is important to remember that his crimes go far beyond merely profiting from the painful exploitation of animals for sport. Hearing that someone “executed” underperforming dogs does not convey the utter brutality with which these dogs were murdered. We cannot imagine the mindset required to take a completely defenseless creature that looks to you for protection, run jumper cables from a battery to that animal’s ears and genitals, and toss it into a pool.
This was not a quick death, as evidenced by the damage done to the sides of the pool by dogs desperate to get out. The only possible reason for subjecting a living animal to this form of torture is that the one doing it took some sort of pleasure in watching the animal suffer. Countless psychological studies link those who abuse animals to the abuse of other people as well. This is not the type of role model we should be promoting to our children.
Committing to justice does not mean that no one deserves a second chance. Surely, the only reason for administering justice is to allow individuals to see what they have done wrong and better themselves through the experience. But second chances must be earned. Not through a small prison sentence, but through humility and a heartfelt concern for the lives of others.
Vick’s reinstatement has not come as a surprise. In a society that sees any controversy as an opportunity to make money, Vick was sure to be offered a job by someone. Rumors have been circulating of books and reality shows in addition to his football contract. The criminals most of us don’t see are the corporations who use this sort of cruelty to their advantage, further proving that in America, justice is secondary to profitability.
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