Deaf Crook
That wasn’t a “deaf activist” who received a two-year sentence and fine for the biggest fraud case of its kind in U.S. history (April 16). That was a crook, an impostor and a thief.
Calling the man a “deaf activist” is an insult to deaf leaders who work as advocates and “activists,” if you will, to improve the lot and well-being of deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
The fact that Robert Chesney is deaf is an embarrassment to the deaf community, but every community has its honest people and its thieves. Giving him leniency in sentencing because he is deaf and didn’t spend any of the money sets an example that you can get off easily if you are deaf. The real deaf activist tries to educate the public that deaf and hard-of-hearing people should be treated equally, and, if guilty, pay the same penalties. And the real deaf activist doesn’t steal other people’s money to make his point.
MARGE KLUGMAN
Information/Referral Specialist
Greater Los Angeles Council on Deafness
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