The Ed Block Courage Awards celebrate Ed Block, "...a pioneer in his profession and a respected humanitarian," per the foundation's mission statement. I respected Ed Block and his work. I deplore child abuse and the abuse of any sentient life. Anyone working with abuse survivors knows that child abuse, and also spousal abuse, is frequently preceded, or accompanied by, animal abuse.

Since Michael Vick's actions first became public, the Philadelphia Eagles organization, including players, has done everything possible to "get past" the "problem" and show that Mr. Vick has "redeemed" himself. In that light, the Eagles' decision to designate him as their Ed Block Courage Award nominee makes perfect sense. I recognize that much of the money the Ed Block Foundation receives comes from the NFL. I appreciate the fact that it would take courage, the kind Ed Block demonstrated and the kind that the Ed Block Courage Awards are supposed to honor, to reject the Eagles' nomination of Michael Vick. I would hope though that an organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse would demonstrate just that sort of courage. S. Covahey, Baltimore