As a 2005 graduate of Cheverus and a Catholic educator, I believe in the mission of Cheverus High School: “to prepare young men and women to be people for others by fostering intellectual, spiritual, physical and personal excellence.” But how ought a school respond when reality seems to betray the ideal?
Anthony Chiasson, a 1991 Cheverus graduate and board member, was arrested last Wednesday on charges of securities fraud in connection with a scheme that netted more than $78 million. (He resigned from the board on the day of his arrest.)
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Chiasson is apparently a man of conflicting passions: allegedly committing crimes in the Wall Street that thousands of Americans occupy, he simultaneously donated his time and more than $10,000 to Cheverus – a place of “personal excellence.”
In addition to the justice that is due for Chiasson’s alleged actions, justice is owed to the boys and girls of Cheverus High School. Chiasson’s alleged behavior confronts us with the difficult reality of the lofty mission of the school immersed in a culture of greed and temptation.
Cheverus does not and should not apologize for its idealism, but the question must be addressed: How do we account for these failures? How do we teach our children to be good and do good?
To do good and be good seems an obvious lesson for all the children entrusted to our care. Yet it is the most difficult to teach. As Chiasson’s example apparently demonstrates, right and wrong are usually mixed: He is accused of stealing, but also possesses a charitable heart. How then shall we teach?
Cheverus must claim Chiasson as its son; it must take the news of its graduate as an opportunity to teach its students about the difficult task of the ethical 21st-century adult.
Rebecca Krier
Wellesley, Mass.
I am writing in response to the front-page article in The Portland Press Herald on Jan. 20 (“Cheverus grad is arrested in record fraud”).
A young man was accused of being involved in an insider trading offense.
The headline identified him as a “Cheverus” graduate as opposed to naming him as a “local” graduate.
Does being a Cheverus graduate make him more or less apt to be guilty?
I found it offensive to single out his high school in the headline. My children are Portland High School graduates, so this is not a biased observation.
Connie Rutherford
Portland
Per-job cost of Kestrel deal could get a lot done here
Why pay $150,000, over three years, per job to Kestrel? There are no guarantees that they will be successful in Wisconsin or anywhere else. In fact, relying on such corporate welfare may, indeed, weaken the entrepreneurial spirit of the company.
But more importantly, what else could you get for such amounts invested in Maine? A lot. Use your imagination. What needs fixing where you live? Or could operate better with more cash?
Let’s not beat ourselves up about a “lost” opportunity. There are more coming down the road every day. Let’s just make sure that we weigh each one carefully before putting taxpayer money on the table. All investment involves risk.
William R. Laidley
South Portland
Excesses of public pensions dwarf those of Wall Street
The chief of the Portland Fire Department has retired. None of my business – I don’t live in Portland and don’t pay their taxes. I am sure he was a great professional guy – otherwise I (assume) he would not be where he was.
My issue is not with him but with the system. He is 48 years old, retires at full pension and is free to explore “other opportunities.”
The world is crying about the excesses of Wall Street. We all know and are disgusted with what they are. But the cumulative impact on our economy of this taxpayer-supported system is more devastating than whatever happens on Wall Street. There, they play with their money (unless they are bailed out by the government) – here, it is the local taxpayers (our money) who foot the bill.
Seems to me to be a good story for Bill Nemitz to get aroused about – but most likely he is too much committed to the next story to try to come to terms with the fact that decades of Democratic domination in the state of Maine have brought us to the brink of disaster.
We are among the poorest states in the nation, yet we are amongst the most generous in supporting programs. Great, if you can do it. But ultimately, if you don’t pay your bills, the collector comes. Check Greece and a dozen other European countries.
Take your guidance from President Obama: He said, “The elections are over. Now I am in charge.” Look where that has got us. Can’t blame George Bush any more, can we? Now we blame LePage.
Keep at it, Bill – if it sells newspapers, we’ll at least have them a little bit longer.
Henk A. Pols
Cape Elizabeth
Romney’s resume should be seen as proper preparation
Am I understanding this right? People are unsure of Mitt Romney for president, yet they would consider a man who can’t make up his mind who he can stay married to.
Romney has been a successful businessman and made his fortune legally.
We need that kind of person in the White House – not a person who condemns Romney for his success.
Norma Stanley
South Portland
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