Forgiveness

The news yesterday was mostly about the Michaels. Michael Jackson and Michael Vick. One is gone and seems to be forgiven and one has done his time for his crime but still is not forgiven. If we have prisons to punish then why do we not forgive when the punishment time is fulfilled? I am an animal lover and do not condone the acts that Michael Vick participated in but I do think people need a second chance. He will have a better chance at becoming a productive citizen if we stop penalizing him well after he has paid his dues. So what do you say? Forgiveness anyone?