Don't Screw Up, Torre!...James Chasse, Jr Jury Drags Its' Feet

Yesterday, I- along with the majority of America, for that matter- thought that Joe Torre, the current New York Yankees manager, would get the ax after losing two straight games in the American League Divisional Series- and the team not going to the World Series for the third straight year.

Well, it looks like Joe has another year to redeem himself. As mentioned this morning, Joe Torre will stay with the Yankees- thus feeling the fiery breath of Mt. George Steinbrenner for another season.

Now, I'm a Yankee fan (I'm also a Boston Red Sox fan. Glad I don't live in New York, what with these divided loyalties I possess...). So, as the wonderful and loving Yankee fan that I am, I have one word of advice for Joe: DON'T FUCK THIS ONE UP! Yes, if you want to make King George happy, very happy- then do your best in the 2007 season, bring New York another pennant (of course, if your crosstown rivals, the Mets of the National League succeed in the NLCS and World Series this year, then in a sense, they will have helped you bring one home...).

Until then, I guess that you'll be rooting for the Mets.


James Chasse, Jr.: A Tragedy
On September 17, 2006, James Chasse, Jr. was stopped by Portland Police. The officers involved thought that Chasse was urinating and was on drugs, so they proceeded to arrest them. Chasse struggled with the cops, and when it all ended, Chasse was on the ground and hauled off to the Multnomah County Justice Center. It was there that a nurse instructed the police to send him to the hospital.

En route to Providence Medical Center in northeast Portland, Chasse, 42, died.

Now I wouldn't give a rat's ass about this story had it not been for one factor: I know the victim's father, James Chasse, Sr. James, Sr. is a volunteer of an outreach program, Operation: Nightwatch, which serves the homeless and poor three nights a week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Which makes it pretty difficult for me to take sides, you'd have to understand.
James, Jr. suffered from schizophrenia, but he was also a brilliant musician and artist. I never knew the man personally, but from accounts I've read, James, Jr. was very much a loved man by a family who did everything they could to help. I can imagine the feeling of loss that Jim, Sr. feels, losing a family member to the hands of the police.

The coroner ruled Jim Chasse, Jr's death 'accidental'. Jim, Jr. had sixteen broken ribs, no drugs or alcohol in his system

Jim Chasse and his family are considering legal action.

Today, the Multnomah County grand jury was supposed to render its' verdict. Now, we'll have to wait another week to find out whether criminal charges will be filed against the officers involved.

I don't know why there is foot dragging in this case. Are there more witnesses to come forward? Is the grand jury afraid to come forward in fear that there may be repercussions (read: hell to pay)?

What's taking them so damn long?