I've been following the Ross Mirkarimi story and have come to the conclusion that the SF Sheriff, at least for now, has been convicted by the SF media.
Don't get me wrong--I have no sympathy for Mirkarimi, and the DA's case, based on the evidence that's been reported from the affidavit looks pretty clear cut. But, nevertheless, Mirkarimi hasn't been convicted yet. And yes, domestic abuse is a very serious subject--but the "court of public opinion" is not the court of law.
Yet, Mirkarimi has been hung out to dry. Radio shows in the morning have called for his resignation, (KSFO). A few local critics have said the Chronicle coverage has been decidedly, 100%, negative and all but asked for his head. And yes, based on what we all know, he looks guilty from here.
Let's not concentrate on the merits of the alleged crime(s); that's not the issue I'm exploring here. I'm wondering about the ethics of the local media in SF-- some, that have essentially judged the case. Just suppose we haven't heard all the evidence? Logical thought.
It's an issue worth looking at--how do you see it?
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The media is eating Mirkarimi alive, but deservedly so. The evidence is overwhelming. He needs to be on administrative leave until he has his day in court. Wife beater Sheriff? Are we in Arkansas?
ReplyDeleteJana, If they had "Thumbs Up" on this website for comments, I would give one...What you said is Spot On!
DeleteThere are times when you can not wait for the "wheels of justice" to do its thing... You would not have an accused child molester continue to watch your children simply because "nothing has been proven yet."
ReplyDeleteThe same goes for an elected Sheriff. The spousal abuse actually doesn't bother me as much as the dissuading a witness does. He can not continue to serve in this position while such charges are working their way out.
His "this is a family problem" attitude goes against all modern day teachings of domestic violence.
Keep in mind, this is the guy who has FINAL SAY in all disciplinary issues of his department. If he thinks this is ok, can you imagine what else he will allow?
One reason this seems so outrageous for a law enforcement officer to do this, is because he wasn't a law enforcement officer until very recently. His progressive politics hold law enforcement to a double standard, but now that he is one... He calls this a political witch hunt.
Time to step aside until this is settled in court. If convicted of ANYTHING, you should step aside and let someone else take on this huge responsibility you have.
As far as I'm concerned, it's none of my business because I neither live nor work in the City and County of San Francisco. Even if I did, the only way it would truly become my business is if I were a juror. And if I was a juror, I'd do my job and listen to the evidence presented.
ReplyDeleteYou can't use the word, "ethics" in the same sentence as, "local media in SF."
ReplyDeleteAlso,the "self empowered angel", 'Madison' seems to have taken upon herself to get the sheriff. She waited four days to turn him in..just enough time to gain the wife's confidence,take a photo..because as we all know a bruise wont show for hours or a day later.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the wife asked 'Madison' to let it go. Instead, she pushed like it was her god given right to ruin a family and marriage and career.
I can see Madison with her tin cup held to the walls to hear the neighbors arguing.
A do gooder?.. no,the neighbor from hell.
4:38...We don't yet know if the evidence is overwhelming. I think this case is much more convoluted than it appears at first blush..er...bruise. google Ivory Madison. She's the one who shot the tape. She has a comic book called "HUNTRESS"....10-1 SAT NIGHT ..on KGO
ReplyDeleteAlso from Google: Ivory Madison----------------
DeleteAn American entrepreneur, singer, consultant, writer, editor, essayist, and lawyer, she has penned "Huntress: Year One" for DC.
It never crossed her mind the publicity she would get. She is all altruistic,she loves what's her name the wife. And take that photo of her from the right side..
DeleteIt wouldn't occur to me to google "Ivory Madison" because I would assume with a name like that, my "parental controls" software would block the results.
DeleteYeah! Christine Craft! I'll be listening.
ReplyDeleteI agree with CC (loved her in the long-ago Monterey days) that we really don't know what happened, and that we may never find out the details of this case, if in fact it is a case. Barbara Taylor's KCBS piece today seemed more dispassionate than most other treatments. In general, domestic-violence charges often default to the alleged victim's choice to forget the whole thing. Which is what I think will ensue here, though Mirkarimi will for the time being have to be subject to the classic "Are You Still Beating Your Wife?" public questioning.
ReplyDeleteWell, local media loves a wounded animal story. In this case, the wounded animal has been very vocal along with the spouse. This naturally feeds the local media frenzy. Had Mirkarimi and his wife not made any comment after his swearing in and after the charges were filed (especially when Mrs. Mirkarimi interjects at the podium), this wouldn't be a circus. His and her attorney should strongly advise them not to make any public comment. This afternoon, Mrs. Mirkarimi was quoted on a Latin radio program discussing the incident and turning it into a political hit. Rightly, the media can report on this circus event. Meanwhile, the Sheriff should take a leave of absence until the case is resolved. This is standard procedure with any member of his department should the same charges be filed.
ReplyDeleteA question for Ms. Craft:can you recall a Sheriff .
ReplyDeleteHey Rich, I'm glad that you are listening. Just for the record, Brian and I are calling for the Sheriff to "step aside" until the investigation and prosecution is complete. We have not demanded his resignation.
ReplyDeleteThe Mayor has the power to ask Mirkarimi to take a leave of absence. He has not. Ed Lee is cowering in the face of controversy. Again.
Domestic abuse is a serious problem that should not be swept under the rug.
Nobody is above the law. Nobody.
Regards,
Melanie Morgan
Innocent until proven guilty, BUT lets face it the NEW DA would not bring charges unless he had something very strong... MIRKIRIMI IS A LOSER, HE HAS NO BUSINESS BEING SHERIFF!
ReplyDeleteThis is SF politics at its finest. The guy was a supervisor, somehow gets made a DA investigator a while back by the DA Camila Harris, so he gets a basic designation as a "law enforcement officer" which is required to be Sherriff. THe Sheriff, Mike "the polition" Hennesy,( who was never a law enforcement officer because the law didnt require that at the time) backs MIRKIRIMI FOR SHERIFF?? Against a Sheriff Captain with a life of service!! How does SF vote this loser in against a QUALIFIED PERSON? And How does Hennessey back Mirkirimi against his own Captain??
Knowning Camila harris was going to be the state attorney general, Hennesy was doing a favor in his support to line up a future job with Harris??
Mirkirimi is a typical polition hoping from free job to free job, HE HAS NO IDEA HOW TO BE SHERIFF! And it lokks like he is a wife beater too! SO< HE SHOULD STEP ASIDE SO THE CITY CAN GET BACK TO BUSUNESS! Hes dirty!
KGONE has gotten so bad on the 10-1 slot that I actually cheered when Craft was slated for that spot. How far we have fallen. The minute she whistles over a caller I will switch to Coast to Coast....
ReplyDeleteHow was a guy with ZERO law enforcment experience elected Sheriff? Only in San Francisco!
ReplyDeleteGuilty or innocent? Doesn't matter, anyone else in law enforcement would be on Admin. Leave. He needs to step aside until this is settled!
ReplyDelete9:12 has an excellent point! I read that a cop shot a guy he had pulled over the other day. Sounds like it was self defense? Nonetheless, the guy is on administrative leave until the matter is settled.
ReplyDeleteI am a firm believer in trying crimes in a court of law, not in the court of public opinion. Nonetheless, I think Mirkarimi should do the honorable thing and at least go on leave.
AND that wife should shut her damn trap! I was really sickened to hear parts of her interview with Argentine media, especially where she says something to the effect that she "misses Argentina" because THEY would never treat a case that way down there.
I could say about a million things regarding that statement! But I just wondered why she ever left if it's so damn great in Argentina!
Mirkirmi was a dick as a supervisor, towards the public and his peers, of course he would mistreat his wife. And the office of the Sherriff, he doesn't care about upholding the law of the land. Look at all th kooky crap the city and county of San Francisco allows to go on. Hell the critical mass problem alone shows how foolish the whole bunch of city administrators are. You get the sherriff you voted for and Deserve.
ReplyDeleteTits ahoy mate.
dear 6:59..who the hell is "Camila" Harris?
ReplyDeletefor Melanie....just supposin' you had taken your infant to a gambling table for hours and hours while you exercised your jones..and jes supposin your hubby found out where you were with your baby..and worried for the chld grabbed your arm and the baby to get you out of the smoke filled room..would that be spousal abuse? Should your husband have been arrested? think before answering. Could that have happend to you ..Melanie?
ReplyDelete10:14 sounds like the New Sherriff in town... WTF is they drinking?
ReplyDelete2:06 Apparently you never saw the tv special.."HIGH STAKES,THE MELANIE MORGAN STORY" use your google.
ReplyDelete