Last Saturday’s Virginian Pilot featured an op-ed by associate editor Roger Chesley. We used to get articles by Chesley more often – I don’t know what the deal is with that – as his is a voice that we need to hear. This piece was timely and on point regarding not only Michael Vick, but the East End Newport News neighborhood in which Vick grew up.
… he had gotten out of the city, where he’d been a star at Warwick High School, and away from the violence. With his wealth and fame, Vick should’ve been able to cocoon himself from almost all harm. Instead, he courted trouble.
[…]
With all the opportunities that came his way, Vick has squandered an athletic career, probably his freedom, and millions of dollars. That’s one helluva role model for youths who don’t have nearly the talent, opportunities or access that Vick had. “If he can’t make it,” they’re probably saying, “what are my chances?”
Chesley hit the nail on the head on this one.
Technorati Tags: Michael Vick
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I am so tired of all the experts who know everything.
How about seeing what vick does with this. He says he will go to jail. What do you want now?
what about all the politicians who are causing harm to their consitutients by politicking. nobody made those guys “role models” and they’re the ones who make decisions that directly effect lives by the thousands! vick throws a football for crying out loud. he gets paid to display physical agility, as to all athletes. these guys were not hired because they are nice guys. they are just athletes. to expect anymore is flagrant. so what they get paid a ridiculous amount of money. pissed? STOP GOING TO THE GAMES!! STOP BUYING THEIR SHOES, CLOTHES,DRINKS, etc.
i think we’re a bunch of armchair opportunistic moralist, exacting our beliefs where appears a need
I would like to see politicians address the need for Humanitarian teachers. Community Service is seen as a punishment- people who commit certain petty crimes are forced to do Community Service. I think that this sends the wrong message about the Spirit of Community Service. Our youths should be taught true personal power and sportsmanship. We would have better athletes and less selfish citizens