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twitterLetter to the editor:
Arrest of professor was over the line
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 | 2:05 a.m.
The arrest of Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. was absolutely insane. President Barack Obama’s characterization that the police had acted “stupidly” in placing Gates in handcuffs is exactly as it should have been described.
It seems obvious to me there were two missteps here. Gates probably could have found a calmer way of expressing his displeasure with the police, and the officers overreacted by arresting a guy they knew isn’t a criminal and wasn’t a threat to them, simply because they didn’t like what he was saying and how he was saying it.
Despite the police officer’s claim that he acted according to policy, he did not use discretion or common sense in making an arrest. Although some call it racial, I think Cambridge Police Sgt. James Crowley became intimidated by the professor’s reaction to the intrusion.
Can’t it be considered that the professor just had completed a tedious and long plane trip and wasn’t aware that a neighbor had played good Samaritan? Couldn’t the police officer have been a bit more prudent in his approach?
Discussion: 140 comments so far…
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Burgess you let out a key point that Obama was making and that was his babbling about racial profiling.
Obama was saying that the cop was racist which is racing profiling by Obama himself.
He assumed that the cop acted "stupidly" because he was a racist. That was a racist assumption by Obama. Just because a cop is white does not make him a racist.
Obama should apologize to the all cops and the nation for making such a racist remark.
...you mention being prudent. Yet you fail to
state that Gates could have acted more prudent
...by keeping his "mama" comment to
himself. I side with the cop on this issue.
SgtRock is very confused. Obama NEVER said the cop was a racist. Furthermore, Obama said the cop acted stupidly because the cop DID act stupidly-- he arrested a man, in his own house, who had not broken any laws and who posed no threat to the cop or the public. Gates was arrested after he had already proved he was the resident of the house simply because he told off the cop in his own house. Whether racially motivated or not, that is just plain stupid.
SgtRock is part of a new trend-- any complaint about racism or possible racism is now itself deemed racist. But SgtRock isn't satisfied with that perversion of logic-- he has to invent (I assume its his fantasy or projection, not an actual lie on his part) the claim that Obama characterized Crowley as racist. Obama never said that-- he only said that a this kind of incident and its interpretation must be understood in light of the history of racial profiling (though he used milder words).
Now racial profiling is and has been a reality-- one that has been documented in courts, in studies, and in the experience of a large number of persons of color. I myself (white though I am) have witnessed it directly. Like Obama, I believe things are getting better. Like Obama, I believe there is still some ways to go. Until people like SgtRock cease spouting untruths and denials, we will still have work to do.
Obama owes no apology to anyone. He was simply speaking the truth, and expressing it gently at that.
I have to comment again: "just mike" sides with the cop because of an alleged "mama" remark by Gates? So if a cop comes into your house and you say something about the cop's mama, you should be arrested? That's ridiculous. If you throw a punch, shake a fireplace poker at or pick up a kitchen knife, yeah, then you can be arrested-- for assault or physically threatening. But it is not illegal to call someone names, especially in your own house.
And as it turns out, Gates denies making the "mama" remark. And we already know that the cop's account of things has some errors in it based on the 911 tape. Whether the cop was lying or just confused (or projecting) we can't know-- but we do know that just because Crowley said it, doesn't make it true.
But again, even if Gates made a remark like that, there is no reason to arrest him. The arrest was still s-t-u-p-i-d.
From all indications Gates was not only obnoxious, but was provocative, and probably even threatening, in his behavior toward Cambridge police in their response to a 911 call intended to checkout a report of a possible break in at the Gates residence.
Professor Gates used his black color to strike a blow for racism in America. Rather than showing some gratefulness and respect for the police, Gates ranted and raved at the police presence, elevating the level of debate to that of racial profiling, even drawing President Obama, into the matter. Obama, showing his own knee jerk racial bias, and admittedly without any facts,stated the Cambridge police had "acted stupidly".
What this entire matter demonstrated is the depth of hypocrisy in the behavior of some well educated and successful blacks who have risen to levels of prominence in the nation because of the incredibly good values and generous opportunities open to people of all colors in this great country. There was absolutely no element of racism shown by the Cambridge police in this matter. Professor Gates was out of line in his behavior, and deserved to be arrested for his misconduct.
DavidA, you can't just ignore the facts.
Here is the question he was asked: "Q Thank you, Mr. President. Recently Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. was arrested at his home in Cambridge. What does that incident say to you and what does it say about race relations in America?"
The reporter was asking a question about racism in America.
He responds and says that the cop acted "stupidly".
Then he goes on and babbles about racism profiling. Why does he talk about racism profiling? He is linking racial profiling to this case. Even you suggest that he is linking racial profiling to this case.
Perhaps you are right. Obama was not calling the cop a racist by going on and on and on about racial profiling when asked about this case.
Perhaps Obama was acting stupidly when he answered the question and just should not left out the babbling on racial profiling.
Lets stick to the facts, okay? Gates was arrested for talking back to the cop.
I don't care how obnoxious Gates was acting. He was clearly being an idiot. However, if anyone could provide a link to the Mass. statute that states verbally berating a police officer is 'disorderly conduct', I would love to see it. (hint: Mass. state law states that berating or yelling at a cop is NOT grounds for arrest.)
Bottom line, if the arrest was a good one, the DA would not have immediately dropped the charges. It was a bad arrest, no question about it. I imagine Gates will have a fairly easy time with a wrongful arrest lawsuit.
The people who think this was a good arrest seem to be the same people that are part of the crowd convinced Obama is trying to take away your 'free speech'. And the irony flies right over your heads. How would you like it if the cops arrested you for shouting your opinion? Are you saying that anyone who yells or expresses displeasure at a cop should be thrown in jail? Isn't that kind like the 'big government' police state you are soooooooo afraid of??? Hypocrites.
Gates business is race resentment. He chose this moment to be a teaching tool, a way to sell more books, and to raise his speaking fees. The fact that our president chose to step in it like a clod speaks volumes. We should have seen this coming from the Rev Wright rants. So much for our new post-racial era.
rusty57: Gates "chose this moment to be a teaching tool, a way to sell more books, and to raise his speaking fees"? So, I guess you're saying he put in the 911 call and then paid the reporter to ask the president the question at the news conference.
SgtRock: You can say "babble" all you want with respect to Obama's remarks. That doesn't change the fact that they were highly coherent (as always) and quite relevant. It is clear that you and many of the others on this board just despise the president and do not like any pushback against racism. It would be hard to make the case that you, rusty57 etc yourselves are not afflicted by racist attitudes. Take a deep breath. Look in the mirror. Search your souls: you are all probably very good people in other respects... you can do better in this regard also. Good luck, and God bless you.
This is nuts... my blond-haired blue eyed husband worked on rehab projects in Watts in LA. He was pulled over twice for "being white in an all black hood." Once, they even followed him to the freeway entrance. Of course that's racial profiling at its best. It was obvious he didn't belong there and the police were doing their job. Did it offend him? No. It did his mother though when this very issue came up in a letter to the editor of the LA Times... they printed her response with this very story to show it works both ways. The big difference? We consider this now family lore, whereas...well, we'll leave it at that...
This is a blatant case of not knowing your neighbors. Though the 911 caller, Whalen, did not identify the race of the "intruder," if you will, she was asked what race these individuals were. Cops get aggressive when confronted. Regardless, this whole thing is stupid.
"This is a blatant case of not knowing your neighbors."
Just a FYI, Gates does not live at that house. It is one of his investment properties that he was checking on.
Obama could have said, "I can not answer you question about this case and how it describes race relations in America. I do not have the facts to make that determination."
But he acted stupidly and gave his opinion on the matter.
Obama could have said, "I have doubts that cop should have arrested Prof Gates but it has nothing to with racial profiling."
But he acted stupidly and went on and on and on about racing profiling linking this cop to racial profiling and therefore called him a racist. Obama is the one who is the racist for trying to link a white cop to racial profiling without the facts.
This was a nonissue that has gotten totally out of hand. If you say you are colorblind...you are a racist. If you call a person by his name of ethnic choice you are a racist. The way I see it "white" American can't win. We are the only race that doesn't call ourselves anything; i.e. Hispanic, African-American, Pacific Islander, etc. Have you ever called yourself Caucausian? I know I sure haven't...I'm American. Race be damned.
Davida: No, its a "teaching tool". He "teaches" race resentment. And a white cop afforded him the opportunity. He does not have vested interest in good race relations.
JahReb,
It's very easy to google Massachusetts statutes for disorderly conduct, I did, here's what I found...
http://www.open.salon.com/blog/jacob_fre...
"So the law against disorderly conduct in Massachusetts is probably constitutional, because it follows the definition of disorderly conduct in the Model Penal Code...
Model Penal Code s. 250.2: "(1) Disorderly Conduct. Offense Defined. A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if, with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, he:
"(a) engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or
"(b) makes unreasonable noise or offensively coarse utterance, gesture or display, or addresses abusive language to any person present; or
"(c) creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor.
"'Public' means affecting or likely to affect persons in a place to which the public or a substantial group has access . . . ."
The relevant Massachusetts statute (G. L. c. 272, 53) is a relic of the colonial era, and it sounds more like something out of The Old Curiosity Shop than a modern statute...
Faced with this monstrosity, judges in Massachusetts have resorted to the useful fiction that G. L. c. 272, 53 is a hideously clumsy paraphrase of the Model Penal Code at s. 250.2: (1), which I quoted above, and G. L. c. 272, 53 has been saved from "constitutional infirmity" by interpretation rather than legislative revision.
In other words, constitutional challenges to G. L. c. 272, 53 are avoided by de facto adherence to the Model Penal Code s. 250.2: (1).
Now it makes sense to ask if the arrest of Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. matches the criteria of the Model Penal Code s. 250.2: (1), and it seems to me that the most significant sub-section is 250.2: "(1)(b)...
(b) makes unreasonable noise or offensively coarse utterance, gesture or display, or addresses abusive language to any person present...
If you believe the police report (and this is an essay about matters of law rather than matters of fact), then Professor Gates probably satisfied the criteria of Model Penal Code s. 250.2: (1) by shouting insults at the cop from his front porch, and even though the front porch itself is not a public place, it was sufficiently close to the public sidewalk and street so that "persons in a place to which the public or a substantial group has access" were affected."
...You're welcome, anything else?
I don't buy the whole mistreated by police mentality as anything other than a spring board for Mr. Gates to launch himself into notoriety. Most of us were raised to respect authority (especially if it's wearing a gun). Situations like this only hurt a nation. The next time a similar situation arises, maybe the police officers in that area will just take the word of the person who appears to be breaking into a home. And, if that person was in fact breaking in, then what? Now who's reponsible. There is no gray area...this is seriously all black and white (pun intended)!!! Clearly, Mr. Gates has issues with race. It's what he does best. If Obama was as smart as he thinks he would have left well alone.
there is no more arrogant person in the WORLD than an "educated" liberal black person with a chip on their shoulder.
they should have given him the taser.
i don't like cops in general, but think about it THIS way...
what if this guy WOULD have been breaking into this house.
what if he would NOT have been the owner.
what if he was breaking into YOUR house...would you not want someone to call the cops?
It has been over a hundred years of the black and white issue,and frankly im getting damn sick and tired of it!We now have a black president,so dont give me your oppressed problems anymore!Maybe if ol so called Rev Al Sharpton,and Jessie Jackson would keep there mouths shut,and stop bringing up this so called oppression by the black man,race relations would get much better?We all have the same color blood,its just our wrapping is of a different color! GET OVER THE COLOR ISSUES FOR GODS SAKE!!!
Stevem, exactly what I was thinking!
Where is the gratitude for the police showing up right away? I have seen numerous posts on these boards hammering Metro for not showing up fast enough.
This is exactly what is destroying our country. An absolute lack of respect for authority because if I'm lucky I'll be famous for fifteen minutes thanks to the 24/7 news cycle.
BTW, In my line of work I don't get to pick the areas I go into and I was in east L.A. recently and was pulled over "for being white". I calmly identified myself, chatted with the Officers and went about my business.
If I was a malcontent, troublemaker or other form of knuckle-head I would have made a scene and got involved in a low-speed chase on one of the freeways just so I could illustrate the hype.
Jahreb, they dropped the charges because it became a non-starter once the world got involved in the situation......... not because he was innocent.
Thank you stevem. You've summed up the position of most of the others on this discussion so succinctly. It all comes down to those uppity, educated "black persons".
whether or not people think the arrest was too far, Gates brought it upon himself with his reaction and then finalized it by playing the race card. Tired of minorities jumping the Race Train every time they are merely even looked at.
The blatant racism of you posters is staggering! I love the way most of you make up your own version of what was said and wasn't to suit your own agendas. Does the klan have a media relations spokesperson? If so, you guys should apply for the position.
When the herd bleats is it worth listening to? No.
1 -- None of you were there, though you act like you were.
2 -- Police EVERYEWHERE need to be taught to respect citizens, especially in their own homes. It's in their oaths!
3 -- When Gates identified himself the police had no reason to be there and became the intruders, period, and Gates owed them nothing, not even courtesy.
Exactly right KillerB!
When these "uppity negros" learn their place? I don't care if you are the president of the USA! You don't go talking to a white man anyway you want and not expect to get lynched! Sorry, I couldnt resist. lol!
"The blatant racism of you posters is staggering! I love the way most of you make up your own version of what was said and wasn't to suit your own agendas. Does the klan have a media relations spokesperson? If so, you guys should apply for the position."
How can you post a comment like that? Who was the guy in Obama's admin. who said "white guys need not apply." Get real...it goes both ways. And let's not even address Sotomayor and all her Latina wisdom. Life isn't fair...get over it!
Thanks for proving my point indythinker. Exactly who was this "guy" you speak of? Stop making things up!
Robert Reich...ring a bell? And in case it doesn't.... READ ON!
"A top economic adviser to President Obama has told a congressional panel the billions of dollars in the proposed economic stimulus plan should be allocated with social issues in mind, to make sure the money doesn't go to just "white male construction workers" or the highly skilled."
LV4LIFE: Gee, we must have missed the part where the "professor" got lynched. Could you point that out to me?
Gates is a hothead looking to be a victim of racial discrimination. Sgt. Leon Lashley was on the scene when Gates was arrested and fully agreed that Gates should have been arrested.
Sgt. Lashley is also black.
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/ar...
LV4LIFE, you need to put the brakes on. If this was the south in the 60's things would have been down right tragic. If this was Las Vegas in the 80's, he would have been pepper-sprayed and subdued, heavy on the subdued.
We have come a long way as a country and now Mr. Gates decides to get a little free publicity for his "movement" and has the support of Mr. Obama, well, what can go wrong with that?
I still think having a beer is a bad idea. This gives the illusion that we can be men about this; the reality is Mr. Gates and Mr. Obama are going to use this as a photo-op like the Vietnamese used our captured pilots. I hope Officer Crowley knows morse code.
indythinker is absolutely correct.
This topic was highly debated. I hope this is the correct link, my viewer isn't working.
Oops, here's the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT1TkLgfi...
Bottom line regardless of color of the cop or the "perp", respect the cop. If you are "right", then you'll be on your way in a matter of minutes, no need to act up. The police are just trying to do their job. Here in NYC I have friends and family (all different colors)that have been stopped by the police for one reason or another. It's a pain but hey, if they stop someone fitting the description of a burglar, or rapist all the better if they catch them. If we didnt see a police presense people would then complain. Can't win can we?
My thanks to the people who post comments on here. I'm almost looking forward to moving to LV and seeing all the goings on discussed here live and in color.
Rusty,I used the word "lynch" as a metaphor. It was not to be taken literally.
Indy, I am sure there are no black highly skilled that have passed over because of color. You are right, how could I have been so wrong
Fromny, I am sure cops respect everyone they come into contact with,especially black people.
THIS IS NOT ABOUT WHAT MR. OBAMA SAID! THIS IS ABOUT WHAT HAPPEND BETWEEN MR GATES & MR. CROWLEY!
i love how i'm accused of being racist by saying the word "black", then the person that says i am racist says that i'm in the klan.
so...anytime a white person says the word "black", we must be in the klan, huh?
you know what...i'm gonna do it...i've never been able to...but i am going to play...
THE RACE CARD!
saying that all white people are klan members is RACIST!
And you were there, so you should know, right?
Who uses the word "lynch" in the same sentence as a "black man" and expects it to be considered a metaphor?
"Highly skilled black labor"... you missed the whole point. I would have been mad if he had said black, Mexican, or Asian. We've moved beyond that. The simple fact is that only "white" people were upset by this. The rest of you liberal nuts either didn't care or can't seem to grasp the simple concept that racism in any form is wrong. Frankly I have never done anything to any person of any color to be ashamed of. If you are decent and treat others well, it will be returned to you in kind.
If racism is still such an issue with black America then it's time they do something about it. Break the cycle!!! Stop having kids out of wedlock so they grow up in a dysfunctional single parent households where there is no stability. Stop blaming the rest of us for things we have absolutely no control over. And, seriously contemplate a world where your own self-sufficiency is what guides your decisions not some punk selling drugs on a corner.
Furthermore, as long as we have "liberal academics" who insist that in order for me to fully understand minorities I need to take six college credits the resentment doesn't abate, and only builds. Do minorities have to take classes in "white America?" In case you don't know the answer to that question...it's NO.
People need to look at who is crying foul the loudest... and, it's not white, er Caucausian America. This country was founded on hard work, not hardly working. And, if you still don't get it... I have one word for you...Asian. They come over to our country as immigrants and in one generation are contributing members of society and by all accounts highly successful. You only need to walk the UCLA campus (for one example) to see what I mean. All the helping hands that the US has given Hispanics and African-Americans has only crippled them.
The cop did what many others would do. He arrested Gates for verbally abusing him in order to show Gates who was the boss. A better cop would have walked away. A lesser cop would have shot Gates and planted a gun.
End of debate!
Wayne, exactly the point.
LV4LIFE: THIS IS NOT ABOUT WHAT MR. OBAMA SAID! THIS IS ABOUT WHAT HAPPEND BETWEEN MR GATES & MR. CROWLEY!
Oh admit it, our supposedly cool, hip, intelligent prez stepped right in it like a clod.
LOL...
look, i'm WHITE...like "mr. clean" white and i used to have to work a REALLY ghetto section of north las vegas when i was doing sales and i bought a new infiniti and sure enough...
i would get pulled over at least once a week.
they thought i was down there buying / dealing drugs OR they assumed the car was stolen.
now, i could have been a jerk, and made a big deal of it, and ended up leaning against a cop car, but i said "yes, officer"...showed my license, insurance, and registration...they ran my info...and TWO times the officer came back to my car and said "no problem, sir. we get a lot of reports of these cars being stolen. sorry for taking your time. have a nice day".
and it was DONE.
now, i KNOW they were "fishing", but i had a choice...got to the police station or go get a route 44 drink at sonic...i chose the drink.
LV4LIFE said, "THIS IS ABOUT WHAT HAPPEND BETWEEN MR GATES & MR. CROWLEY!"
That was very true, right up until the point where Obama opened his big fat racist mouth.
But then he sort of apologized, so I guess it's fine. Not a real apology, but something about regret and he could have chosen his words more carefully. So when the President takes a position like that and fans the flames of racism, please don't ever think that it will go without being noticed.
henderson says: "Gates is a hothead looking to be a victim of racial discrimination. Sgt. Leon Lashley was on the scene when Gates was arrested and fully agreed that Gates should have been arrested."
--
henderson, Boston Officer Justin Barrett also agrees that Gates should have been arrested:
Police: Boston Cop Used Racial Slur In Gates E-Mail
...
The e-mail was first sent anonymously to the Boston Globe and then to local members of the National Guard, where he is a member.
The e-mail was in response to a Globe article about Gates' arrest. In the e-mail, Barrett writes, "(Gates') first priority should be to get off the phone and comply with police, for if I was the officer he verbally assaulted like a ... jungle monkey, I would have sprayed him in the face with OC deserving of his belligerent non-compliance."
...
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/mostpopu...
The account differs from a police report written by Sgt. James Crowley, who arrested Gates for disorderly conduct. That report specifically says Whalen "went on to tell me that she observed what appeared to be two black males with backpacks on the front porch'' of Gates's house.
"She told me that her suspicions were aroused when she observed one of the men wedging his shoulder into the door as if he was trying to force entry," Crowley writes in his report.
But Murphy, speaking on Whalen's behalf, says the only interaction between Whalen and Crowley occurred at the scene when she gestured to him and told him she was the 911 caller and he told her to stay where she was.
-- How come no one on either side is talking about this? It seems the officer either embelished his report, or is now calling a 2nd person a liar!
SgtRock: regardless whether he was living at that specific address or it was his investment property, it's still about knowing your neighbors.
Mia,
That's a great story. What exactly is your point? On one hand there is a black officer that was at the scene. On the other hand you have a racist police officer in another jurisdiction that sent racist emails and was stipped of his gun and badge. Now, bring the two together and make a point would you?
Well I am back and I still see the biggots are still here. Indy, I suppose whites dont do any of the things you listed in your post. I would suggest they do and in greater numbers simply because their are a lot more of us than there are of them.
henderson, the point is that Boston is not some bastion of tolerance and diversity when you have a fellow cop using those racial slurs in a mass emailing.
And after Dr. Gates provided his ID to Sgt. Crowley as he requested, why did Sgt. Crowley refuse to give Dr. Gates his badge number?
If you ask a cop for their badge number while you're on your own private property and in your own home, is that grounds to be arrested?
Is that too "uppity"?
Mia,
Are you suggesting that because there was a racist cop in the Boston PD, that it somehow makes the black Cambridge cop less credible?
Also, according to the article you linked to the email was sent to the Globe anonymously, then to members of the National Guard where he served. Nowhere does it say that other officers were recipients of this email.
So how does an email from one racist (now former)cop on the Boston PD become a reflection of Boston or Cambridge officers?
I would even go so far as to say that the fact that this officer was relieved of duty for his racist email, would prove you completely wrong.
Doesn't that prove that Boston IS intolerant of racial slurs in a mass emailing?
Duh Mia, "Boston is not some bastion of tolerance and diversity when you have a fellow cop using those racial slurs in a mass emailing."
Then you link to the article that shows the man was relieved of duty. You're so dumb you negate your own point.
LV4LIFE- Cops here in NY try to uphold their general rule of "CPR"- Courtesy, Professionalism & Respect. Most that my friends, family and I have encountered are respectful. Sure you may get a rude one here or there, but they don't want any trouble, just as much as the next person. There are some bad apples in EVERY group, especially the Police. Those people seem to can't be weeded out.(For example- http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime...)
In the city I have witness other's interactions with them and it's is almost always the "perp's" attitiude that will perpetuate trouble.
If people would not GIVE an attitude, they won't GET and attitude. You treat people as you want to be treated (cops included)and it will come back to you that way.(MOST of the time) I learned this from 20 yrs in the cust svc field and other experiences.
Sell it to someone else From. There is nothing special about cops except they carry a gun and the authority to use it. I have seen worse than "attitude" from cops. And most of it unprovoked by the recipient. You can express your opinion here till hades freezes over. My mind is made up concerning law inforcement in general. BTW, did you see the video on msn today where the cop rear ends the woman and then he and his fellow upholders of the law set about framing this unfortunate woman? And it is all caught on video/audio. They were out to ruin this womans life because they screwed up. Thats how I see cops.
Well gee henderson, I guess you were too durn busy insulting me to answer my question. Here's your free second chance:
After Dr. Gates provided his ID to Sgt. Crowley as requested, why did Sgt. Crowley refuse to give Dr. Gates his badge number?
If you ask a cop for their badge number while you're on your own private property and in your own home, is that grounds to be arrested?
Is that too "uppity"?
Okay, I'll go, then your turn.
Of course not, asking a police officer for a badge number is not grounds for arrest.
Just like firing a police officer for racist emails does not prove that a police department is tolerant of racism. So here's your second chance to demonstrate how a racist (former) cop in Boston is any reflection on Sgt. Lashley who was in full agreement that Gates should have been arrested.
Your turn
henderson writes: "Of course not, asking a police officer for a badge number is not grounds for arrest."
So how do you justify the cops arresting Dr. Gates in his own home, after having produced clear ID for the police establishing that he owns the home?
henderson writes: "Just like firing a police officer for racist emails does not prove that a police department is tolerant of racism."
I didn't say the Boston PD is "tolerant of racism." I linked that article for you so that you could see that there's no shortage of racists, and certainly not in the Boston PD.
That racist Boston cop was only fired after he blasted out his "jungle monkey" email to everybody and his brother. Were it not for that, don't you think he'd still be a racist and on the beat?
-- How come no one on either side is talking about this? It seems the officer either embelished his report, or is now calling a 2nd person a liar!
The account differs from a police report written by Sgt. James Crowley, who arrested Gates for disorderly conduct. That report specifically says Whalen "went on to tell me that she observed what appeared to be two black males with backpacks on the front porch'' of Gates's house.
"She told me that her suspicions were aroused when she observed one of the men wedging his shoulder into the door as if he was trying to force entry," Crowley writes in his report.
But Murphy, speaking on Whalen's behalf, says the only interaction between Whalen and Crowley occurred at the scene when she gestured to him and told him she was the 911 caller and he told her to stay where she was.
"henderson, the point is that Boston is not some bastion of tolerance and diversity when you have a fellow cop using those racial slurs in a mass emailing."
You can understand my confusion in thinking you were actually trying to draw a connection between a racist cop in Boston and Sgt. Lashley, who is a Cambridge officer.
Gates was arrested for disorderly conduct. Not for requesting a badge number, but for repeatedly screaming from the porch to a crowd of unlookers that this is what happens to black men in America, and screaming racism from his porch to the crowd that had gathered.
And this was before he was ever placed in handcuffs or under arrest! I guess requesting photo id from a black man is racism.
LV4- I saw the video, like I said 1 bad apple... (there are several). I guess like the NYFD has a test that has been protested as being stacked against minorites, perhaps they should re-tool the application tests for the police in LV to get a better "grade" of people. NYC cops make about $30K to start, not enough, but to some bad apples with an axe to grind its ok and thats how they get in. Nassau and Suffolk (Long Island) cops make alot more and have a little less crazy to deal with. Ive seen NYC cops put up with verbal abuse and keep goin, I sure the MA cops make more. He could have ignored him.
As you said we are entitled to our opinions. You get out of life exactly what you put in.
Blacks that are born in the USA use "racism" to explain anything bad that happens to them.
They get a "C" at school. It is racism.
They get sick. It is racism.
Their boss complains that they are late to work. It is racism
They get a speeding ticket. It is racism.
The neighbors call the police when they see somebody trying to breakdown the door in the back. It is racism.
They get arrested when they yell and scream at the police. It is racism.
I would be pissed off too if my great grandfather was a slave. I would be pissed off too if my grandfather was given 2nd class citizens. I would be pissed of if my father was a constant victim of racism. But those days are in the past. Some degree of racism will always be around. Blacks born in the USA need to dump that baggage for it hinders their development through life and it devalues their attempts to fight true racism when it occurs.
Blacks that move to the USA from other countries do not have this baggage and generally have a better time in development through life. For example, when the boss yells at them for being late then they don't blame racism. They blame themselves and work on not being late in the future.
Whoa Sgt,
too general of a statement! All blacks don't blame racism as the cause of their downfalls. All blacks arent pissed off thier grandfathers were slaves (to be realistic it would probably be the great-great grandfathers)There are plenty of people who dont hold a grude against the white people of today for what happened 200 years ago!
True, there will always be some racism around ONLY because of IGNORANT people (black & white)that refuse to just let it go and move on. Racism isn't inherited it is TAUGHT.
It seems that every time Obama says something that isn't 'scripted' but instead just off the top of this head he winds up sticking his foot in his mouth. He wasn't there - he didn't have all the facts - why was he even saying anything about a local police incident? Doesn't he have enough to contend with dealing with the REAL problems this country is having? He should shut up and let local police do their jobs. I don't have any of the facts but I also don't have a hard time believing that the homeowner would immediately try to play the 'race card' as it's been done a hundred times over. Here's an idea if u ever forget your key and try to climb in thru an window - and if someone calls the cops believing there's a crime in progress - when the cops show up show them your ID and then go thank the person who thought enough about your home to make the call - thinking they were helping to protect your property.
Henderson writes: "You can understand my confusion in thinking you were actually trying to draw a connection between a racist cop in Boston and Sgt. Lashley, who is a Cambridge officer."
--
Yes, now I understand your confusion. The connection springs from the fact that Cambridge and Boston are neighbors in the same state. You could literally walk from Boston to Dr. Gates' home in Cambridge in about 15 minutes. Sorry, I should have explained that to you.
SgtRock, you must have had some pretty bad experiences with blacks. Clearly you don't know any personally or have any as friends. My advice to you is to get to know one or two. I think you would be very surprised to find that you have more things in common than differences.
No, I get it,
I'm sure everyone within that 15 minute radius shares the same views.
I agree 300% with your last comment LV4
One more thing,
Until the police see identification, they have no way of knowing if the person in the home, that pushed the door in, that the neighbor called 911 on, is a resident.
Gates was screaming racism at the officer for having the audacity to ask for identification, prior to being placed in handcuffs, and prior to being arrested.
Years ago when 911 was just coming into use, the police knocked on my door saying that someone from my residence called 911 and hung up. They wanted to make sure everything was okay within the home. I invited them in, they made sure everything was okay, that we were safe, that nobody was holding a gun to my head. It turned out one of my little cousins had been playing with the phones.
They were very professional and concerned for my safety. I thanked them kindly for responding and checking things out, we all had a chuckle and they left. I would not have been the slightest bit offended if the officer would have asked me for ID.
Don't you find Gates' reaction to be very odd? The police were concerned that there was a home invasion taking place. They were there out of concern for his property. Why wouldn't you laugh it off and gladly establish your identity. I find it a very strange and bizarre that any intelligent, educated man would instantly leap to outrage. I can't even fathom it.
"SgtRock, you must have had some pretty bad experiences with blacks. Clearly you don't know any personally or have any as friends."
I dated black ladies, had black roommates, worked with blacks and had teammates who were black.
Many blacks, especially the young, who are born and raised in the USA have the baggage of past racism. They tend to blame things on racism like Obama and Gates did in the recent episode when race had nothing to do with it.
Blacks who move from other countries tend not to carry that baggage around.
Obama played the race card very quickly. He should keep that card tucked away for when real racism occurs. He can be an example to other blacks.
Nearly 50% of murder victims are black. Nearly 50% of black girls under 18 have STD's. If Obama wants to work on black issues then I would hope that those would be on top of his list and stop dealing with some black professor who sees racism behind everything.
Henderson writes: "Until the police see identification, they have no way of knowing if the person in the home, that pushed the door in, that the neighbor called 911 on, is a resident."
--
You really should at least read Officer Crowley's report Henderson before you make assumptions.
For instance, in his report Officer Crowley stated that Dr. Gates had provided ID and proof that he was the owner of the residence.
Having established Dr. Gates' identity Crowley was satisfied there was no crime in progress and was leaving the premises when he decided to turn around and arrest Dr. Gates for disorderly conduct in his own home.
You need to check your stats again. Sounds like info from 2007 & 2008. How did you become an expert on blacks from other countries? You have no idea, thats a whole other ball of wax. Until you have an population the size of Brooklyn of blacks from other countries in LV then you might be able to talk about them.
In my experience, they are the ones that complain the most about how bad America is and are quick to throw the race card around MORE than any American Blacks I know.
If you want some figures, last I heard 61% of people on welfare were White.
We have a bunch of them here in NY, driving Jag's and wearing furs in the winter,dripping with diamonds, paying for groceries with EBT cards(food stamps) all over NYC.
I actually have read the report, have you?
The first moment of contact went like this:
"I asked if he would step out on the porch and speak with me. He replied "no I will not". He then demanded to know who I was. I told him that I was Sgt. Crowley from Cabmbridge Police and that I was investigating a report of a break in in progress at the residence. While I was making this statement, Gates opened the front door and exclaimed, "why, because I'm a black man in America."
You really don't find it incredibly bizarre and strange that an intelligent, educated man would react this way?
mia, you should read the rest of the report, you know, where gates is arguing with the officer from the beginning. Crowley should have arrested him on the spot if he wasn't willing to show his identification when he was first asked.
jaesun writes: "mia, you should read the rest of the report, you know, where gates is arguing with the officer from the beginning."
--
The cop was already done and leaving the scene when he turned around and arrested Dr. Gates, according to his own report!
Henderson writes: "You really don't find it incredibly bizarre and strange that an intelligent, educated man would react this way?"
--
Yes, we agree that it's unbelievable that Dr. Gates would act like the madman Officer Crowley tries to portray him as in his report and that's why I suspect that Officer Crowley is doing a lot of after-the-fact embellishing to excuse his bad judgment.
Plus, considering that the police dropped the charges and that there's discrepancies between Officer Crowley's report and the 911 tapes, it really looks to me as though Officer Crowley was determined to show Dr. Gates who is the boss, and his brothers in blue aren't about to rat him out.
Mia, I'm very confused by you.
You said, "You really should at least read Officer Crowley's report Henderson before you make assumptions."
When I tell you I have and show you what it says, you tell me that you don't believe the police report.
You, I assume, believe this officer showed up and was racially biased towards Gates.
I believe it was completely the opposite.
Why would you tell me to read the police report if you think it's all made up?
Just curious
Henderson writes: "When I tell you I have [read Officer Crowley's report] and show you what it says, you tell me that you don't believe the police report."
--
You apparently only read the first page because on the second page Officer Crowley states that he had Dr. Gates' ID and was leaving the premises. Then he decided to turn around and arrest Dr. Gates, on his own property.
Henderson writes: "Why would you tell me to read the police report if you think it's all made up?"
--
I don't think all of it's made up. The names, dates and addresses are all accurate I'm sure, and perhaps Dr. Gates was getting a little too 'uppity' for Officer Crowley, but there's a couple interesting discrepancies between Officer Crowley's report and the 911 tapes.
And it reads like it's highly embellished. He even claims that Dr. Gates hurled some kind of 'yo mama' insult too! I mean, come on. It doesn't make any sense.
And I wouldn't expect Crowley's partners to turn on him or rat him out. They still have to work there.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/yea...
Mia,
If by "uppity" you mean belligerent, racist, and hostile, then I would venture to say Gates was "uppity" from the moment he saw a white police officer at his door.
Dont you know who I am? That statement will NEVER go over well with most cops.
I see this situation a little differently. Gates made it a race issue when it was really a social class issue. Gates is an "educated Harvard scholar" and Crowley is an "uneducated civil servant" that happens to be white. He is the great Harvard professor and no one tells him what to do, especially in his own home. Gates rolled the dice and wanted to compare hohum sizes. Its a gamble that put him in cuffs. Gates comes off as completely pompous and full of himself. Crowley probably should have laughed Gates off, but maybe he also wanted to teach Gates a lesson in humility.
The lesson here is do what the cops tell you to do whether you are black, white, hispanic or asian. Had Gates not reacted this wouldnt have been a story. Compare how Ryan Moats handled himself compared to Gates. And Gates thought he had it bad.
Ryan Moats story.
http://www.fanhouse.com/news/main/ryan-m...
Vulcan,
The officer in the Ryan Moats story was completely in the wrong. There is simply no justifying his actions. I do believe he was either extremely racist or extremely stupid.
I would also like to add that Sgt. Crowley has been teaching classes on racial profiling and diversity for over 5 years. He was hand picked for the job by the former police commissioner who was black. His fellow officers have all stood behind him and said that Crowley would be the last officer to approach a situation with racial biases.
Just think about something: How does a racially sensitive, unprejudiced white police sargeant defend himself against false accusations of racism from a black Harvard professor like Gates?
There are people that will never believe that Gates just freaked out, even though his entire existence and career is based on all things race.
Remember, an altercation like this with police only promotes Gates' established agenda, and gives him a better platform. I think it's entirely possible he took advantage of this opportunity, and provoked the police into a confrontation that he could use to his benefit.
If that's the case, the only thing that might have prevented Gates' reaction to Crowley is the color of Crowley's skin.
Henderson, if Officer Crowley's arrest of Dr. Gates was a legitimate arrest and not some power-trip or temper tantrum, why drop valid charges and make Officer Crowley look bad and invite a wrongful arrest lawsuit?
I think the author of this article has it about right; both parties could have acted better.
But in my opinion, police have a responsibility to not abuse their power even if a citizen pisses them off.
The only racist people in this story are Prof Gates and Obama.
Mia,
The DA's office dropped the charges with this statement,
"This incident should not be viewed as one that demeans the character and reputation of professor Gates or the character of the Cambridge Police Department," the statement said. "All parties agree that this is a just resolution to an unfortunate set of circumstances."
Because of his arrest, Gates said he plans to make racial profiling and prison reform central intellectual and political issues he wants to explore. He's also considering a new documentary on racial profiling.
"Because of the capricious whim of one disturbed person . . . I am now a black man with a prison record," Gates said. "You can look at my mug shot on the Internet."
Thus furthering his agenda. Again, the only thing that might have prevented Gates' extremely bizarre reaction to Crowley is the color of Crowley's skin.
Let's be honest, Gates has been dying for a mugshot!
That's what I said, Henderson. If the arrest was legit, they wouldn't have dropped the charges.
And racial profiling? Never heard of it! :)
A black activist racist with a career that completely hinges on all things black and racial? Ever heard of it?
This mugshot gives Gates' career so much more depth now, he will surely make a lot of money with his tale of how Whitey put him in jail.
I'm sorry Henderson but I just can't seem to blame Dr. Gates for being arrested in his own home.
Call me an old fashioned Constitutionalist.
Ahh ahh ahh! He was not arrested in his home. He was arrested in front of his home, while he was shouting to the crowd that had gathered that the Cambridge police are racist, and this is what happens when you're black in America.
At that point, what had actually happened to Gates? An officer responded to a potential robbery in progress, and asked Gates to identify himself.
I'm still baffled and confused as to where the racism came into play at this point. Remember that Gates was screaming racism from his porch prior to even the threat of arrest.
We still haven't heard why.
Henderson is right.
According to the police report and other reports to news media by witnesses, Gates was arrested in front of house after he exited his house.
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/yea...
Henderson writes: "Ahh ahh ahh! He was not arrested in his home. He was arrested in front of his home,.."
--
Officer Crowley stated he was leaving the home. He had no business being on the property any longer. His job was finished, Henderson.
Dr. Gates was arrested on the front porch of his home, Henderson. Come on! That's his home. That's his property.
Let me put this another way. Let's say the police show up at Rush Limbaugh's front door one day and demand entry because somebody called 911 and said they suspected a break in.
The officer happens to be black and Rush Limbaugh calls him a "jungle monkey."
That's not a crime.
The police officer asks Rush for an ID and Rush Limbaugh tells him "take the bone out of your nose" (as he once told a caller on his radio show).
Still, not a crime.
Rush Limbaugh could give the black police officer his ID and tell him to get the f&*# off his property and call him a n---r and that's still no crime.
Don't you understand that?
Even though Rush Limbaugh is a flaming racist, the cop would be just as wrong to make up a reason to arrest him. If being an a-hole was a crime, Rush would be facing the chair, but it's not and he isn't.
But Dr. Gates didn't swear. Officer Crowley mighjt have found him to be be a bit too 'uppity' but he was no threat and he provided his ID to Officer Crowley.
A jack-booted arrest like that is either racist, or a power-trip or both, but it's un-American, plain and simple.
Mia, thanks for clarifying your stance on common sense.
In your exagerrated example Rush is in his house when the polce knock on the door..........and it goes downhill from there.
jack-booted ?? Are all liberals prone to crazy exagerration like you. If Mr. Gates were arrested by a jack-booted thug he would have been pepper sprayed, tased and beaten to within an inch of his life.
Oh, that's right he had the cuffs put on a little too tight, yeah I see the similarity.
When you are done convicting the police maybe you can join Obama on his Apology Tour II, I am sure there are other nations we have pissed on; you know by being jack-booted thugs when we bailed their a$$ out.
On any other day of the week, the Republicans would be railing about police not respecting the First Amendment and freedom of expression, and nobody is safe from big brother in the sanctity of the homestead and the heavy handed PC police and government violation of property rights etc., but today is Saturday and they hate Obama.
DING..DING...DING
It's nice to see you finally admit that Gates was probably just an ahole from the beginning, which was my point all along.
He was screaming racism before he was even arrested.
He ended up getting himself arrested for disordly conduct, earning himself that prized mugshot that will probably grace the cover of his new book and be presented throughout his documentary.
In Mass. a "disorderly person" is defined as one who:
*with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm
*recklessly creates a risk thereof
*engages in fighting or threatening, violent or tumultuous behavior,
*creates a hazard or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose.
Also, nobody demanded entry. For someone that claims to have read the police report you sure have a tendency to forget those minor details. Gates' behavior certainly falls under the first definition of disorderly conduct.
He wanted in the worst way to 'be a black man with a prison record and a mugshot.' Nobody is happier that this happened than Gates.
Henderson, how can you be "disorderly" on your own private property?
Do we all have to be "orderly" at all times, even in our home and on our porches?
Henderson writes: "He wanted in the worst way to 'be a black man with a prison record and a mugshot.'"
--
He wanted it so bad he waited 57 years for his moment, eh?
You can be disorderly by standing in front of your house screaming to a gathering crowd that Cambridge police are racist, and that this is what happens to black men in America.
As for the mugshot, just in time for his upcoming documentary.
It was obviously a bogus arrest since they dropped the all charges, Henderson.
And you want me to believe that Dr. Gates waited 57 years to get the mugshot you claim he's always wanted? That doesn't make any sense, Henderson.
None of it makes any sense, but feel free to turn the world upside down if that's what it takes to make all the pieces fit somehow.
The basis for dropping the charges was political and not legal.
I know that screws up all your crazy theories but it is what it is.
The basis for the arrest was bogus and not legal.
"The basis for the arrest was bogus and not legal."
That is your opinion which you certainly can have and state.
Only a the court system can make such a determination.
Here is a good article on the subject.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/...
"Only a the court system can make such a determination."
--
So are you saying that Dr. Gates should the police? They've already dropped all charges against him.
Oops! Here's what I meant to type:
So are you saying that Dr. Gates should sue the police? They've already dropped all charges against him.
LOL,
I don't even think Mia can't believe her own excuses.
Gates was freaking out so he could get a mugshot and some "streetcred" for his documentary. After all, it's kind of silly to be a 60 year old black professor of black racial studies, doing a documentary on racial profiling against blacks, when you've never even been arrested or been a victim of it.
Now he can use the drama of the mugshot, the photo of him in handcuffs, and no doubt the countless news articles for dramatic effect. Not to mention, his popularity has soared, and people that did not know him before, will certainly make a point of following his career and seeing his documentary now.
Clever career move!
Mia,
Absolutely! If Gates feels that he was racially profiled, that his rights were violated, he should absolutely sue!! What kind of example would he be setting if he were to simply let this injustice happen and not take measures to legally oppose this kind of racism against black men in America?
If the basis of the arrest was bogus and not legal, why was no disciplinary action taken against Sgt. Crowley? Why have the Cambridge PD and Officer Crowley refused to issue an apology? Why has Gates simply let this example of racism against black men in America (that is so rampant) simply be okay with a beer at the White House?
If Crowley was behaving in a racist fashion, he should be sued for racism.
Here's the thing, even Gates knows that Crowley's treatment of him was not racist or believe me, he would be pursuing this. Now if you could just accept it........
"If Crowley was behaving in a racist fashion, he should be sued for racism."
--
Sued for racism?
The only person harmed in this case is the police officer.
Both Obama and Gates were making racists comments about him.
Henderson writes: "Also, nobody demanded entry. For someone that claims to have read the police report you sure have a tendency to forget those minor details."
--
So let me get this straight; Dr. Gates was so "belligerent" and "uncooperative" that he invited Officer Crowley inside his home and gave him his ID!
How else did Officer Crowley get inside Dr. Gates' home? Did he force his way in? No, the "belligerent" and "uncooperative" Dr. Gates let him in. So much for being "uncooperative," Henderson.
And if you look at the news photo you can see Dr. Gates is standing in his front doorway, on his porch with handcuffs on! So much for the claims that he was out in public.
"Both Obama and Gates were making racists comments about him."
--
Really? Officer Crowley is now trying to claim that President Obama was making "racists comments" about him too? That is bordering on insanity. I think Officer Crowley needs some time off.
Mia,
Are you aware that you are the only person claiming that Gates was arrested inside his home?
He was on the porch, there were plenty of witnesses to that.
The officers went back inside the home to retreive a cane for Gates.
Also, where did you read that Sgt. Crowley was complaining about Obama/Gates racist comments? That is not what Rock said.
You seriously have reading comprehension difficulty.
Mia, Mr. Gates is on record stating that the Officer followed him into his home without his permission.
He (Mr. Gates) was outraged that he couldn't freely walk about in his home. Here is a newsflash: The Officer didn't know Gates from a serial killer at that point. If the Officer would have let Mr. Gates walk around his home unescorted and he was a true perp, who knows what could have happened next. The Officer was following protocol.
I know your version of protocol only counts when it helps your strained and non-linear logic, but Police Officers follow protocol because they never know what is around the corner.
"Really? Officer Crowley is now trying to claim that President Obama was making "racists comments" about him too? "
I have not heard that Crowley is making that claim.
There are thousands of police officers who are making that cliam plus me.
The President when acting stupidly called Crowley stupidly (even though he stated he did not know the facts) and then talked on and on about racial profiling tagging Crowley as a racist.
Thousands of police officers are offended by those remarks.
The President, the chief law enforcer of the USA, should apologized for that but refuses to do so. He is being a very poor leader.
Henderson writes: "Are you aware that you are the only person claiming that Gates was arrested inside his home? He was on the porch, there were plenty of witnesses to that."
--
First you said he was out in front of his house and now you admit he was on his own front porch.
But look at the photo, Henderson. Dr. Gates is quite literally but one step past his front doorway on his own porch. There's three or four officers standing around his porch and on the flight of steps leading down to his walkway.
No matter how you slice it, this was a really stupid call by Officer Crowley. You don't arrest somebody in the doorway of their home unless you really want to arrest them very badly.
getalife writes: "Mr. Gates is on record stating that the Officer followed him into his home without his permission."
--
Where is that record?
Mia,
I can't believe I have to tell you this, but porches are located on the OUTSIDE of homes.
If you are standing on a front porch, you are literally not inside of a home.
The more you talk, the dumber you get.
Henderson, why can't we discuss this without hurling personal insults?
Sorry, I tried. You don't know how long I was holding that back.
Mia, it is an audio recording he gave for either a radio station or website right after the incident. I was listening to talk radio in Phoenix last week and heard it then. I will try and locate it.
He clearly states that he was upset and outraged that the Officer followed him into the Kitchen without his permission.
"He clearly states that he was upset and outraged that the Officer followed him into the Kitchen without his permission."
--
I've found some interviews online. Naturally Dr. Gates' account differs from Officer Crowley's.
But it says that the officer was in his kitchen and that's where Dr. Gates retrieved his wallet and handed Officer Crowley his Harvard photo ID and his driver's license with that address.
Officer Crowley's account seems to match in that regard.
So at that moment in Dr. Gates' kitchen Officer Crowley knew with certainty that Dr. Gates lived there and he wasn't breaking into his own house and there was no crime in progress, so Officer Crowley's job was done and he should have gone back to his car and left.
Plus, he can see that he's angered this person and he no longer has any business being on his property.
And Officer Crowley is supposed to be some kind of race relations trainer? Heck of a good job!
You can say he 'went by the book' because he got Dr. Gates to go one step through his doorway onto his porch so he could haul him off to jail on a 'disorderly conduct' charge, OK. That's fine.
Was it a stupid arrest? Absolutely.
Was the arrest racially motivated? Probably not.
Was it an abuse of authority by a pissed off cop? I'd say it probably was.
And that'll probably be my last word on this unless I decide it won't be. :)
Which now brings my point full circle, because my original post was intended to question the accusations that Crowley was "racially biased."
I also would agree that it was not necessary to arrest Gates. I don't believe it was at all a racial issue and I still thoroughly believe that Gates was hellbent on provoking the officer for that prized mugshot.
Gates commited no crime other than exercising his right to freedom of speech. I don't care what he said or how he said it in his own home. The officer was wrong, wrong, wrong. I don't even care if the officer was a racist or not. He arrested a black man in his own home because he could, because his feeling were hurt. Not because Gates commited any crime. What are blacks supposed to learn from this "teaching moment"? "Sit your black a$$ down and shut the f**k up, this ain't your country you just live here cause we can't send your a$$es back to africa".
Henderson, it's ironic that your posts may have been intended to question accusations of racism yet you've accused Dr. Gates of racism and you even called President Obama as racist too, in the discussion.
That sort of thing makes your arguments less persuasive, in my humble opinion.
To falsely accuse someone of racism can be extremely damaging. Gates, an educated man, needlessly fanned the flames of racism in a situation that didn't warrant it. He could have accused the officer of other things, and he might have been right. He chose racism to further his agenda.
Obama also injected race into the equation with his wreckless statements, knowing that he did not know the facts.
Furthermore, if Crowley was guilty of racial bias, it would be irresponsible of Professor Gates to not pursue charges of racial discrimination.
"Was the arrest racially motivated? Probably not."
--------------------------------------
so finally mia gets it. IT IS NOT A RACIAL ISSUE
tired of every minorities in America jumping on the Race Train everytime they get looked at, questioned, arrested, etc. Gates handling of the situation only took race relations 2 steps backwards here in America. What person would really look at this whole situation and really want to change race relations if Gates is an example of how minorities act themselves.
Good grief! There's no end to it.
When asked, President Obama spoke honestly and like an adult and what he said was the truth. Take it out of context and twist it around however you like but Rightwingers have been calling President Obama a racist, a marxist, a communist, a socialist a fascist and even an illegal immigrant. Grow up!
Americans were so fed up with the childish incompetence that we elected a black guy named Hussein (!) and the Republicans are even crazier now. It's going to be a long 8 years because Republicans aren't going to get elected back into power this way.
I am so tired of hearing whites in america thinking that blacks always play the race card. Its as if they are personaly offended that one of their kind could possibly be one. And that since racism dosen't exist in this country its all in their heads. The problem isnt with whites. All the problems with race issues/relations are the fault of the blacks only. Whites have only tried to help elevate blacks to their rightfull place in our society. Just not so high that they start to get uppity!
Mia,
Even Obama admitted he used poor judgement in his response to this incident without knowing all of the information.
If he can admit it, why can't you?
LV4LIFE, I can barely read your post but let me give an answer to your tirade.
Mr. Crowley did not say "hey, nixxer(use logic) what are you doing breaking into that home? It is always the nixxers causing trouble. Come here boy!
He didn't say any of that, but because Mr. Gates is a opportunistic race baiter he jumped on board with accusations of racism.
The libs in this country have jumbled up race relations so much that anybody with a grievance can play the race card and everybody is supposed to back down.
Wrong is still wrong and Mr. Gates and Mr. Obama are wrong.
"Even Obama admitted he used poor judgement in his response to this incident without knowing all of the information. If he can admit it, why can't you?"
--
Is that exactly what he said, Henderson?
So why did you call President Obama a racist?
Mia, you are so ridiculous. No, those aren't his exact words, but feel free to look them up and call me out if you feel I have misrepresented Obama's statement.
In short.....he admits that he used poor judgement, poor choice of words. If you want to argue that point, then argue it. I could post his comments verbatim, but since you are questioning his statement, look it up yourself and show me where I am wrong.
I called him a racist because he was prejudiced in his initial statements. Would you not expect the POTUS to approach a situation like this without responding in a prejudiced way? I certainly would. I think his reaction on this issue is possibly the least presidential moment I've seen.
Before you decide to argue with me about the meaning of prejudice, or ask me something stupid like, "how so," here it is.
prejudice:
1. an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason.
2. any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable.
3. unreasonable feelings, opinions, or attitudes, esp. of a hostile nature, regarding a racial, religious, or national group.
4. such attitudes considered collectively: The war against prejudice is never-ending.
5. damage or injury; detriment: a law that operated to the prejudice of the majority.
He responded with racial prejudice.
Obama is a racist.
He said he did not have the facts but he said the cop acted stupidly.
Then Obama went on and on about racial profiling taging the cop as a racist.
Obama said he did not have the facts.
Yet he linked the white cop to racial profiling.
That sure does look racist to me.
Obvioulsy, the professor is a racist.
At first it was kinda funny, but this Obama Derangement Syndrome is entering the pathetic stage.
And on Planet Wingnut, everyone's a racist except the white guys!
Derangement? His initial response was one of prejudice.
Mia, how does two racists who are black turn into "everyone's a racist except the white guys!"??
The key number here is two.
How is calling the President out for a dumb remark derangement syndrome?
Nobody here is claiming that Obama is from Kenya, they are mad because people like you are so drunken with "holy water" (kool-aid) you can't see the forrest because of the trees.
Whether you hate cops or love them, can't you see the mere fact Obama commented on this as pathetic?
The right wingers have been calling President Obama everything the book; a socialist, marxist, communist, fascist, illegal immigrant and now he's a racist too, on top of it all.
They're going to use up all of their smears pretty quickly at this rate.
Again,
Even Obama admitted that he used poor judgement, why can't you?
Yet you've still failed to provide any quote of President Obama saying he used poor judgment, Henderson.
Mia, because you're obviously too lazy to prove your own point, I'll prove mine. Actually, I'm guessing you already know this or you would have been all too happy to prove me wrong.
"Because this has been ratcheting up and I helped contribute to ratcheting it up, I want to make clear that in my choice of words I unfortunately gave an impression that I was maligning the Cambridge Police Department or Sgt. Crowley specifically and I could have calibrated those words differently."
http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?...
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/...
Oh, so President Obama never did say what you said he said. That's what I thought.
So why did you call President Obama a racist, Henderson?