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* The late Chicago School Board President Michael Scott had gunshot residue on his left hand (he was left-handed), his own gun was found under his body, his money clip - with his cash, ID and his credit cards - were found in the water of the Chicago River, yet some folks continue to insist he didn’t kill himself…
Many, in fact, questioned whether he killed himself at all and challenged the medical examiner’s conclusion.
“We are not going to rest until we find out what happened to him,” said community activist Harold Davis.
Davis was joined at the Starlight Missionary Baptist Church on the West Side by Chicago ministers and others activists who called for a state or federal investigation into Scott’s death.
According to ABC7, the ministers believe that Scott was murdered…
“We believe it was a murder, and we are saying to all the brothers that are out there on the street, we need your eyes and ears because we are going to get to the bottom of this.”
Asked who would have murdered Scott, they said they don’t know because he didn’t have enemies.
More…
“This looks like a murder, and then trying to make it look like a suicide,” said fellow community activist Harold Davis, who said he shares that view with one of Scott’s wired-in City Hall friends, Phil Krone.
So, the ministers believe Scott couldn’t have possibly killed himself, and he also didn’t have any enemies, so he must’ve been murdered.
Grandstanders. Plain and simple.
If you really want to see something disgusting, and I don’t think you do, try looking at some of the comments that the Tribune has allowed to be posted on the death. Morons.
* Mayor Daley went off on a reporter yesterday who brought up the ministers’ allegations…
From the Sun-Times…
The mayor’s news conference after Wednesday’s City Council meeting took a bizarre turn — and came to an abrupt end — when a TV reporter [Tera Williams of Fox Chicago] quoted the ministers as claiming that the mystery surrounding Scott’s death would have political fall-out for Daley.
“What? Death? It’s a personal thing. That has nothing to do with my public career. That’s an insult to me,” Daley said.
“My son died …’Cause someone that you love dies, that changes your public career? …What a silly question to ever ask anybody. If your mother died, does that change your life? What’s wrong with you people? Don’t you have any respect for people anymore? I know you want to make a lot of money. You want to be on TV. You want to ask me a lot of questions. But, do you have any respect for anyone? I guess you don’t. It’s kind of a sad comment. You owe me an apology.”
* And an Austin Weekly News columnist talks about the location of Scott’s suicide…
I have walked past the spot where Scott’s body was found a number of times, around 2 or 3 a.m. when my old job called me in due to problems with the computer system. Not once in 15 years did I fear being by myself so late at night. Of course I was cautious, but I never saw the spot as dark and isolated. The railroad bridge where Scott’s body was found faces two huge apartment buildings, as well as a smaller group of condominiums whose backside are composed of floor-to-ceiling window areas.
That likely refers to a John Kass column from earlier this week which claimed the area was dark and unnavigable. Some of his commenters took him sharply to task for that column, but there’s been no retraction as of yet.
Any stupid tinfoil hat comments will be deleted here. Don’t push your luck.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 9:54 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Personally, I have always felt that area by the Kinzie bridge has some of the best views of Chicago along the river. It is a serene view of the bustling city.
See here, or here.
Comment by George Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:03 am
Amen Rich, can only agree with you.
Comment by Dan S, a voter and Cubs Fan Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:05 am
Forgive me if this comes off as insensitive or rude in any way, but I just don’t get something. At the African American ministers press conference where they denied it was suicide, and claimed it had to be murder, a sign was held up stating “Another Black Leader Murdered.” I really fail to grasp how these black ministers know more than the medical examiner (who has said it is suicide) and the police (who are leaning in that direction now, but want to do some final investigation). Further, I find it offensive that these ministers cannot believe that someone like Michael Scott could commit suicide. I have news for them, there are suicides each year where people can’t imagine that the person who killed themself could have possibly been headed down that road. Finally, I find it offensive to compare the suicide of an apparently troubled man with the assasination of someone like Dr. King. The sign up at that news conference makes that comparison. Maybe, before they speak, they should think. Maybe they should preach on Sunday from their pulpit about recognizing signs of depression, of resources available in the community. No, all that would be too hard. It is much easier to blame things on something/someone else…a murderer that doesn’t exisit.
Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:07 am
What ever happen to having compasion for people ? I couldnt believe the one blog I read on the Trib blog !
Comment by Stallion Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:08 am
I would never try it. There are those who are grandstanding about this event. The sad thing about that is that if it’s a public person that people cared about it happens. I try to keep in mind that someone out there is in mourning and they care less about conspiracies at this time. At least I would expect that such ideas would be the last thing on their minds.
Comment by Levois Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:09 am
I kind of admire the reporter sticking to her guns as Daley went off at her. Her body language even as he brushed by her was how the press should act to those in power. Ask tough questions and don’t be bullied.
Comment by walter sobchak Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:10 am
I kind of admire the reporter sticking to her guns as Daley went off at her. Her body language even as he brushed by her was how the press should act to those in power. Ask tough questions and don’t be bullied.
Amen to that. Never heard of this reporter but she was terrific. She stood firm, though at the same time, didn’t try to fan the confrontation or make it about herself at all. Tremendous job on her part.
Comment by anonymous Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:14 am
I dont think the question was out of line. I just think Daley over reacted to what is a very emotional situation.
Comment by Moving to Oklahoma Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:16 am
By the way, the reporter dueling with Daley was Tera Williams from Fox Chicago. She normally doesn’t get the pol beat, but maybe she should:). The clip is also on myfoxchicago.com which is their local web site. Rich, you might put up their link, instead of NBC’s since it was their reporter.
Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:17 am
I think the question by the Fox reporter was totally out of line, but Daley called out the medical examiner in that same interview for holding a press conference to announce the findings. When in fact, in my estimation, the medical examiner is probably the only one involved who approached this situation rationally.
The right thing to do would have been to decline comment pending the outcome of the police investigation, and call for privacy and sympathy for the Scott family. Fat chance of hearing such measured words come from Daley’s mouth.
Daley is totally irrational, unprofessional and even obnoxious, especially under pressure, and I don’t have much sympathy when some reporter asks him an obnoxious question.
Comment by PFK Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:29 am
The worst part of this situation is that it puts the family through additional grief. Questions, if there are any should be handled discretely.
The only curious thing about this investigation is the speed that the Coroner’s office made the determination of suicide. Press reports of this determination came within hours of the discovery of the body. As busy as the police and the Coroner’s office are, it is unexpected to have a final determination so quickly. If the office routinely provides a final determination within 12 hours of the discovery of a body, then I applaud their efficiency.
It appears that Superintendent Weiss seems to be performing due diligence in this matter. That is more confidence building than a lightening determination from the Coroner’s office.
Comment by Plutocrat03 Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:33 am
I also cannot believe some of the comments left at the Trib and Sun-Times in the past few days. Some have gone so far as to suggest that certain other people ought to do the same thing. I saw similar comments in relation to another high-profile suicide a couple of months ago. It is in my opinion the height of journalistic irresponsibility to allow such comments to be published.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:33 am
Niles… nail/head… you hit it.
Comment by Wondering Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:34 am
The clip is good political theatre, but the question was dumb and Daley did overreact. I guess it needed to be asked since politicos get asked dumb questions quite often and someone else would have done it if she didn’t. But Daley was also right in that the “gotcha” moments seem to drive interviews and press conferences these days. I guess that’s one of the reasons why I come here — to have the news distilled for me.
Meanwhile, the idiotic tree-killing media fail to capitalize on internet-based revenue by not moderating comments and driving readers away. The sickos hang out in the comments at the Trib whether its politics, crime, or sports. Just incredible that major media still allow disgusting posts on their websites in 2009.
Comment by Lefty Lefty Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:43 am
Daley ate that reporter up !! It shows right here.. People are talking about the reporter and Daleys reaction, and overlooking the question the reporter asked.. Daley sidestepped another one, and played us again..
Comment by Stallion Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:44 am
===and overlooking the question the reporter asked===
The question’s subject matter was goofy. Should it have been asked? Somebody should’ve brought up the ministers. But should we focus more on the question than his answer? No. It’s a ridiculous premise.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:50 am
We are seeing Michael Scotts’ apparant suicide (CPD has not officially declared) played out in public because he was a public figure. This is the same way things are played out by family memebers in this situation, but on a smaller scale out of the public arena.
Comment by Third Generation Chicago Native Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:52 am
Trying to nail down the point, here. IMHO, whether this death happened through suicide or murder, the question is whether public pressures and/or public malfeasance - by anyone - contributed to the death.
There is an important public policy issue here. Michael Scott wasn’t simply a private citizen with no connections to public figures and/or no public obligations. He was intimately connected with a municipal administration that has seen multiple suicides and multiple corruption convictions. Ignoring those elements of the context would be foolish and play into the hands of those who benefit by corruption.
Put another way, we can’t create a situation in which corrupt people think there is a hesitation to investigate deaths that are, or look like, suicides. The harm that could flow from that is immeasurable. There are a lot of people left alive today who need the benefit of an open discussion, not a premature shutdown of the inquiry based on shame.
Bottom line, let’s find out what happened.
Comment by Thomas Westgard Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:56 am
It’s sad all the way around. The Trib has lost its mind. Kass’s column should have been spiked.
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 10:57 am
The public would be better served if we focused on state budget cuts that are leading to the closure of five of the city’s mental health centers.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 11:00 am
Here’s the thing that creeps me out:
Daley: “Death? It’s a personal thing.”
False. If that were true, we would never issue commendations to military or police who die in the line of duty. No police investigations would include a determination of motive that involved public money or public duties. The idea that death is always completely private is simply not true. When Scott took a public position, he made some things the public’s business. That doesn’t suddenly become untrue when he dies.
Again, the correct course is to let the investigation proceed and get some real facts on the table. Then we can decide whether the public’s interest is affected or not.
Comment by Thomas Westgard Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 11:06 am
We are living in another era full of conspiracies. When things go wrong and people don’t understand it, they create conspiracies.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 11:12 am
==Again, the correct course is to let the investigation proceed and get some real facts on the table. Then we can decide whether the public’s interest is affected or not.==
TW, I agree with your first sentence. The second - not so sure. The public’s interest is affected by virtue of his long-standing involvement in the Daley administration, including currently serving as CPS prez and recently as a Chicago 2016 member.
Daley has become increasingly stand-offish, belligerent, and curt with the press corps. He routinely limits media questioning to very specific and predetermined subjects, and routinely dismisses off-topic queries with insulting barbs.
While a struggling print media industry looking to pierce the veil of secrecy in which Daley governs leads to some overzealous reporting and inappropriate questions, I think this type of situation was and will continue to be inevitable, primarily as a result of Daley essentially governing by fiat.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 11:19 am
I remember reading somewhere years ago that suicide carries a stronger stigma among black men — that they tend to see it more as an act of cowardice or weakness than whites do. If that is true, could that be another reason why the ministers won’t accept Scott’s death as a suicide?
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 11:20 am
We are living in another era full of conspiracies. When things go wrong and people don’t understand it, they create conspiracies.
—————
Agreed, but this is nothing new. I took a course in college called Conspiracy in American Culture. It was fascinating. Many of the things we think of as conspiracies aren’t even close to being one, and other things that we don’t think of as conspiracies, actually are (the prime example, of course, is the Lincoln assasination with almost simultaneous attempts on the life of the Vice President and Secretary of State Seward who was next in line under the line of succession at that time).
Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 11:21 am
I agree, we are living in an era of conspiracies. Real ones. This morning, a multi-million dollar political payroll fund that violates the Shakman Decree, operated by Ed Burke, was found. Over the years, the hits keep coming:
Hired Truck
Burge Torture Coverup
Silver Shovel
Summerdale
Governor Ryan
Governor Blagojevich
etc.
Comment by Thomas Westgard Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 11:22 am
i don’t think you have to know Michael Scott to be angry about the multiple bad actions of people in the last few days. but if you know him it should make you really angry. because he was not like all of these reactions. they are mostly very loud and inappropriate, unlike Michael. i’m speechless at the “another leader murdered” squad, the Mayor lashing out especially at the Medical Examiner, the Fox reporter for making the Mayor look slightly ok—that death thing just conjures up his son Kevin,
John Kass for totally undercutting whatever moral power he had with a moronic column, the Police for moving the body, the Medical Examiner for not waiting just a bit (although she is very professional as is the Dr. who did the exam, I feel so badly for that nice nice woman). I’m tired and hoping that the memorial service, sunday at UIC, will be a time for healing. Please, peace
people.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 11:32 am
That press conference was NOT one of Daley’s finer moments. In fairness, he was already highly emotional. Then I suspect he did not initially hear the reporter’s question clearly and did not realize she was asking him to comment on the “ministers” earlier accusations. Instead, he called the question (and therefore her) stupid and it went down hill from there. I have no doubt that when he saw the clip(s) later he realized that if he felt insulted, it was due to the “ministers” not the reporter. But babbling, sputtering and looking out of control on TV is never good for a politician’s image. I hope by now the mayor has made a quiet overture to apologize to the reporter. None of it was her fault. She was completely professional throuout the encounter and was just doing her job.
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 11:59 am
Daley was right to be angry about that question. Everything isn’t always about politics. He lost one of his best friends, and there is a family out there that lost their husband, father and grandfather. Asking how that relates to politics was just ignorant. And Kass wrote his column based on some suppositions that turned out not to be true. The biggest one of them being that Mr. Scott was last seen at 630pm when it would have been dark outside. However at 4:25 which now appears to be more accurate, it would have been light and the area would not have been as foreboding. I think Kass learned the hard way that most of the time in situations like this, you have to let the dust settle before you pop-off.
Comment by raising Kane Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 12:07 pm
I’m with the mayor on this one. The question served no good purpose. A free press is important but there are times when decency should trump gotcha. This was one.
Comment by 10th Indy Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 12:17 pm
Responsa, i couldn’t agree with you more.
just another reason why he should not think about, or try to run for, another term.
Comment by Will County Woman Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 12:29 pm
I doubt Kass learned anything from this situation.
Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 12:52 pm
*I remember reading somewhere years ago that suicide carries a stronger stigma among black men — that they tend to see it more as an act of cowardice or weakness than whites do. If that is true, could that be another reason why the ministers won’t accept Scott’s death as a suicide?*
I saw an interview clip speaking exactly to that on Fox Chicago yesterday morning. To paraphrase, the guys said essentially “Black people don’t commit suicide. White people commit suicide. Black people don’t commit suicide.”
Comment by ben tej Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 1:06 pm
It boggles the mind that the Tribune continues to indulge John Kass’ underworld fantasies with prime real estate in their paper. Under the guise of the voice of everyman and in the spot once occupied by Mike Royko, Kass continues his bad Elmore Leonard impersonation.
The guy has a ton of imagination, but very little shame.
Comment by JonShibleyFan Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 1:07 pm
Daley owes both the reporter and the M.E. an apology. I’ll cut him some slack because he is emotional over the loss of a close friend but you don’t go before cameras and take it out on others.
Unfortunately, my path and Dr Nancy Jones’ have crossed a number of times over the past almost 20 years. There is no one that avoids publicity more than Dr Jones. Even when on the witness stand, she is very soft-spoken and never grand stands. She treats the victims with respect. She shows compassion for family members. Unlike the mayor, she has my total respect.
Comment by Chi Gal Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 1:36 pm
Re the idea that “black people don’t commit suicide”: one of the activists quoted above claims that Scott’s death was a murder made to look like a suicide. But could it actually be just the opposite? It might be possible (we’ll never know for sure, of course) that Scott wanted his death not to be TOO obviously self-inflicted, so he chose that location, weapon, etc., with that in mind, and to some extent, it had the desired result.
Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 1:58 pm
How unfortunate that this man’s death has become the #1 quest for information by the press. It will settle down pretty soon Rich.
Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 2:06 pm
No offense, Secret, but you ought to have kept that thought a thought and not actually written it down.
Comment by JonShibleyFan Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 2:35 pm
Actually, JSF, Newsweek did a story about that very topic last year… http://www.newsweek.com/id/170781
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 2:37 pm
I was actually referring to the notion that it was a suicide made to look like a murder.
The article discusses incidences like “suicide by cop,” but even on that note, it is cautious, if not outright dismissive.
Not trying to be snarky to SS (though it does read that way - sorry). There’s just so much unfortunate talk about this man’s death already.
Comment by JonShibleyFan Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 2:48 pm
The reporter was young, naive, and hungry for a scoop…
Daley was highly emotional, understandably so…
Fact of the matter is that Daley’s cronies are under siege of late, and a question about that aspect of this sad news could have waited at least until all the facts are in…Daley’s human and completely stressed out…cut him some slack on this one…WCW: He will surely run again, just goes to show how out of the LOOP you are…
Comment by Loop Lady Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 3:09 pm
It’s difficult to accept that a man seen as a role model could take his own life. I know the area well and Kass is just selling newspapers. I met Mr. Scott a number of times and didn’t know anyone who had his charisma. His death under any circumstance is a tragedy. Let him rest in peace. He earned it.
Comment by Stackerofwheat Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 3:41 pm
re Thomas Westgard - “He was intimately connected with a municipal administration that has seen multiple suicides”
What multiple suicides? Orlando Jones was connected to Cook County and the investigation of him related to matters in Las Vegas. Chris Kelly was convicted of tax evasion and the other matters related to Blagojevich. What other city-related suicides have there been recently?
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 4:23 pm
I guess I really do have to think about another handle since we seem to have so many new folks posting here. None of the previous “Anonymous” postings were mine.
I have no comments on any topics on this thread, except for noting that Daley was genuinely upset, as I think others in the same, or a similar, situation at this particular time might be.
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 5:01 pm
Hi Anonymous, sorry to see you’re still having writer’s block regarding a new handle that will eliminate the confusion on this site. Here’s just a few suggestions to get the ball rolling and the old jices flowing:
Original Anonymous
Not a Capfax Newbie
Expensive Dental Work Survivor
Now, let’s see what you can come up with!
Comment by Responsa Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 5:35 pm
Regardless of whether it was a suicide or murder, here’s what we do know:
* He’s been part of Daley’s inner circle that has overseen Chicago’s Culture of Corruption
* He went to Copenhagen for the Olympic Bid with his wife to support his buddy, the mayor, at the expense of school funds (paid by taxpayers)
Was Michael Scott under investigation? Was he about to be nailed for something or pressured to turn on someone big? We don’t know, but we cannot look the other way on Chicago’s culture of corruption and who is responsible for how the structure has thrived.
Comment by Bourne Chicago Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 6:19 pm
One of my favorite spots in the city is the Kinzie Bridge. Gorgeous view of the city. The Harry Weese designed townhouses built next to the bridge are pretty, too. Maybe it was one of Mr. Scott’s favorite places? Rest in peace.
Comment by Emily Booth Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 7:13 pm
The ministers have reason to be concerned about the facts of this case whether it was a suicide or not. The fact that the body was moved before the medical examiner arrived, one report that says that the police ticketed the car at 2am (but did not run the plates to see who owned the vehicle) There are valid questions that need to be answered about the death.
Both the family and the community deserve a complete investigation before a declaration of suicide is made!
Comment by Get it straight Thursday, Nov 19, 09 @ 9:29 pm
lol Thanks, Responsa. I’m seriously considering the last one.
Anyone have any other suggestions?
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Nov 20, 09 @ 12:15 am
Anonymous,
I have always liked you and admired the way you bully around the other anonymous’ who show up. That said, I’d like to see something along these lines:
I’ll Show You Anonymous, anonymous
Butt Out anonymous, I’m Anonymous, and there isn’t room for both of us
This Is a One Anonymous Town
Comment by Jeep Driver Friday, Nov 20, 09 @ 12:49 am