I’ve always admired Whoppi Goldberg as an entertainer and as a person.  But her recent defense of NFL player Michael Vick’s acts of cruelty towards animals can only be described as ignorant and deplorable.  Come on, Whoppi!  What were you smoking???

Born Caryn Elaine Johnson in Chelsea, N.Y. (1955), Ms. Whoppi Goldberg was raised by a single Mom in a public housing project. She was a high school drop out. She was divorced and daughter Alexandra was conceived thru this marriage. Despite these challenges of life she grew to become one of the most popular and controversial celebrities America has produced.   A versatile stand up comedienne/actress, she won an Oscar for her winning portrayal on Ghost (1990). To the list, you can add a Tony, a Grammy and numerous other achievements. 

Currently Goldberg is a co-host with Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, and Elizabeth Hasselbeck on ABC Television’s The View. During a recent taping of the television gab fest Goldberg weighed in on the Michael Vick animal abuse controversy.  You know… from his background this is not an unusual thing for where he comes,” said Goldberg. “There are certain things that are indicative to certain parts of our country.”

At this point, co-host Behar went into what seemed a state of shock.  “What about dog torture and dog murder?”  Behar asked.

“It’s like cockfighting in Puerto Rico,” Goldberg said. “There are certain things that are indicative to certain parts of the country.” Goldberg replied. “You’re a dog lover. For a lot of people dogs are sport,” she added.

Behar’s shook her head…actually it spun! Whoopi didn’t stop there…and continued to say that it seemed to her that it took awhile for Vick to realize that the charges were serious …it was like a light went off in his head… (Could that be an I.Q. problem?).  Someone from, let’s say, New York would have acted differently.  Vick was raised in the South and this was just part of Vick’s cultural upbringing.  Vick comes from a culture when this kind of thing is not questioned…and so and so, she blabbered on.

Luckily for Ms. Goldberg, this Cuban-American, animal advocate, passionate and sometimes foul mouthed individual was not in the audience. You talk about controversy, my dears… it makes my blood boil to even think that someone in her position and being a mentor to so many black youths would make such a horrendous and irresponsible statement on national T.V.

Whoppi, what the hell is wrong with you? Did you get a bad batch of Jamaican Ganja? It’s a black thang???… No it’s not! I’m from the south …Miami-Dade County to be exact. We have had our hands full with Cock Fights and Dog Fighting issues. Still...you don’t see anyone excusing it as a ‘culturally it is OK’ thing!   What does it matter if it happened in New York or Bum **** Egypt? He massacred innocent animals! He electrocuted, beat, drowned, hung, raped, and participated in the degrading of what some of us proudly call “Man’s Best Friend.” He should be given the same treatment as those poor dogs. He’s a criminal! 

As for dogs being a “sport” … what century are you in? That’s about the most barbaric thing I’ve heard this year!  I suppose if you think this is a “black thang” and it’s OK because it is a ‘black thang”...well then I guess the K-K-K can go right back to hanging blacks, after all it was a sport to them?’ How do you like those apples? We can go into the American Natives reservations and Casinos and simply take over. After all...it’s a “white thang.” …or better yet, since the rate of domestic violence is higher in poor black areas…and it’s a “black thang”...that should be OK too. 

Perhaps it would be best if you stuck to movies, plays and other roles that are scripted. At least we’ll be saved from being exposed to your ignorance and outlandish ideas of subjects you know nothing about!   In the interest of educating yourself I’d suggest you watch some dog fighting videos on YOUTUBE. When you’ve completed that assignment then come and tell me that this is a sport! As a direct result of dog fighting millions of these creatures have died simply because of a “light not going off in their heads.”   It’s not a cultural thing Ms. Goldberg...it’s a “light thang.”  

Because of these assholes, Breed Specific Legislation is passed as law. Because of the actions of a few morons, innocent animals and responsible dog owners are made to suffer. Folks see Pit Bulls as dangerous and harmful to humans, when in fact, they are a gentle breed that has gotten a bad rap. Any animal given to hardship and cruel suffering as part of their training would go bonkers on you. 

So… in summary...before my blood pressure goes up…civilization has come along way. We don’t hang blacks, Native Americans are receiving at least a little compensation for that massive land grab a few years back, and we all try to live in harmony, while respecting each other’s cultures. 

You owe the American people a public apology! A nice financial donation to an organization dedicated to saving the lives of our furry and feathered friends would be a step in the right direction to make amends for your stupidity.  Oh, and an explanation to as why you were ‘smoking a fatty’ before going on the show would not be out of order!   

Yours in hope and commitment,
Dahlia

Dahlia Canes is an animal activist and an award winning writer who makes her home in South Florida. She is a regular contributor to Ambiente Magazine.  Her column, Unconditionally Yours, will appear in GaySOFLA each month.  Dahlia's love for animals has led to the rescue and adopting out of hundreds of pets!  GaySOFLA Magazine is proud of the work of Dahlia Canes and is pleased to partner with her in helping save the lives of our four footed furry friends!