Acts of a Random Thought

"Isn't he precious? His name is Sparky"

By: Chasity Parker

Welcome to Reality Speaks. I am Chasity Parker and this is our new blog page where we will introduce various topics and open the floor for discussion. This may not be everyone's reality, but I'm sure there are many of us that can relate. Everyone let your voice be heard... The time is now that we Speak Up!

My first entry to Reality Speaks is addressed to all of my sisters, no matter what your racial make-up may be, or your social background. I hope you can relate to my reality.

I don't know if any of you have noticed, but here lately Sparky is taking the spotlight over little baby Suzy and Brian.  I have turned on the television numerous times now and heard about how over crowed the Human Society has become, please adopt a pet, don't abuse the animals and SOMEONE is about to do some time for making a dog fight but what about Bobby?  What about the over crowded foster homes?  What about the shortage of funds there are to support these kids? How many times have you seen a parent/guardian be brought up on charges for child neglect or abuse and walk away free?  How many of them get sent right back to their parents even though the parent is neglectful, an alcoholic or has shown themselves time and time again to NOT be responsible enough to care for a child?  I have seen it many times and quite frankly it disgusts me.  What disgusts me the most is that it is NOT talked about on commercials or billboards as much as great doggy kennels and Adopt-A-Pet are.

Where are the REAL priorities of Americans?  It's obviously not where they SHOULD be.  Now don't get me wrong, we have taken tremendous steps to help the less fortunate children in foreign countries. We have sat back and watched our own children fall into dark ally ways, uneducated hall ways and prison.  We have to start at home.  Why are we treating the animals in America MUCH better than we are treating the precious, breathing, intelligent, misfortunate children that have not asked to be in this world?  Now, I am NOT for animal cruelty, but I would much rather my hard earned money and time go towards rebuilding the life a child in need rather than Bruno has a new and improved Milk Bone or a more safe nail trimmer.  These things are of no interest to me.

What I AM interested in is if there are going to be more foster homes built.  If there are scholarships out there JUST FOR children that were never blessed with a loving family.  Do these children have the best healthcare?  I want to know if there is a program in place for kids once they reach the age of 18 to help them transition into life on their on as an adult. Is there?  Do you know? No, but I bet you know where to take your dog to get spade.  We are all aware of how many dogs and cats die each year due to starvation.  We know about all the latest flea and tick medications and that it is cheaper to order these medications through 1-800- PET-MEDS.  But once again these things are of no interest to me.

Our priorities are off.  Not to bring up a sore topic, but Michael Vick. In April 2007, he was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison and was suspended from play by the NFL because of his involvement in an interstate dog fighting ring that evolved over 5 years.  He has lost his endorsements and has had to file for Chapter 11.  He has also had to pay $1 million for the care and rehabilitation of some of the dogs.  On the other hand, Nick Hogan (Hulk Hogan's son) was in a collision in August 2007 with a 22 year old Marine.  The Marine was left in a vegetative state.  Nick served 5 months in Pinellas County Jail.  Um, does this make sense to you?  Mike had dogs fight and was sentenced to prison, had career ripped away, had to file for bankruptcy and pay for the care of the wounded animals.  Nick on the other hand did 5 months for putting someone's child in a vegetative state.  These parents will never see their child walk, hear him talk or even see him smile.  I don't know about you, but this doesn't balance out for me.

I think if Americans shifted their attention to our future doctors, lawyers, teachers and entrepreneurs, this world would be a better place.  As for the dogs and cats the scientists, veterinarians and nurses that we raise, care for, house and feed, will be able to find a way to keep them from over populating, spreading diseases and becoming malnourished.  But, if we don't love these abandoned children and give them to tools that they need to succeed, it looks like the animals will be well feed, medicated and kept in very well kept Pet Spas over the weekends, but we will have to worry about the hungry, broken down, unloved, homeless teenagers scratching at our doors instead for food.

Get your priorities straight, America!!