TROUBLE AHEAD IN NEW YORK? – AT 11:17 A.M. ET:  The Dominique Strauss-Kahn case hasn't been in the headlines recently, but it's about to return, and there is potential for racial unrest, should some irresponsible elements choose to exploit it.

You'll undoubtedly recall that Kahn, then president of the International Monetary Fund, was charged with sexual assault by a maid in a New York hotel.  The charge itself cost Kahn his job.  Kahn, who has a reputation for womanizing, was presumed guilty.  It later turned out, however, that the maid had substantial credibility problems and had apparently been deceptive in interviews with authorities.  It was widely reported that Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. was seriously considering dropping the charges against Strauss-Kahn.

The maid is a woman of color, and some community leaders are leading rallies, demanding that the charges against Strauss-Kahn be pursued, and that he be tried.  But D.A. Vance must ultimately decide whether he can get a conviction, considering the accuser's reportedly considerable baggage.  There are also reports, unconfirmed, that the maid would settle the case for dollars. 

The problem here is that, if Vance drops charges, irresponsible leaders looking to advance themselves could call for protests.  We have seen flash mobs all over the country this summer, and what is clearly not needed is an irritant in New York.  Vance is set to announce his decision this week.  From The New York Times:

With Cyrus R. Vance Jr., the Manhattan district attorney, seemingly poised to announce on Tuesday whether he will seek dismissal of the charges in the sexual assault case against Dominique Strauss-Kahn, it is clear that his decision has the potential to carry political ramifications.

Letitia James, a Brooklyn councilwoman, plans to hold a rally on Monday afternoon in front of the courthouse in Manhattan urging Mr. Vance to proceed with the case against Mr. Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund.

And Kenneth P. Thompson, the lawyer for the hotel housekeeper who accused Mr. Strauss-Kahn of assaulting her in Manhattan in May, plans to hold a news conference outside the courthouse after Mr. Vance announces his decision. Mr. Thompson’s law partner is expected to hold a parallel news conference in Paris.

Hints of the possible political fallout from the case have been apparent ever since Mr. Vance revealed in June that his office had serious questions about the credibility of Mr. Strauss-Kahn’s accuser.

Vance is a decent guy, the son of the late Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, who served in the Carter administration.  He'll have problems no matter what he decides, but those who know him believe he'll decide his course on the merits.

It will be fascinating to see how The Times, a paper notorious for political correctness in racial cases, handles the decision.

August 20, 2011