In an "analysis" on how President Obama is dealing with the race issue, AP writer Charles Babington seems to have based his take on what happened to Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on the assumption that Gates was arrested for being black in his home, not that he was arrested for disorderly conduct and for his outrageous disrespect for a police officer -- something to which other police officers involved attest, officers that are themselves minorities.
Babington so soft-pedals Obama's gaffe against the police officers, leaving out so many details that, after reading the story, one finds it difficult to understand why Obama's words were so controversial. And it's all in a seeming effort to cover for the president and try to help him reclaim the high ground on race in America. The whole Babington piece appears to be far more of an effort to smooth the waters for Obama instead of provide any actual analysis of the incident.
Calling Obama's reaction to the Gates arrest "understated" and "perhaps obvious," Babington goes on to say that Gates was arrested in his home -- without giving any context at all -- and assumes that even with Obama in the White House race is still a major problem in America.
What's less clear, however, is whether Obama's history-making election is triggering changes in the day-to-day racial interactions of ordinary Americans. After all, if one of the country's most prominent black scholars can be arrested in his home after a heated exchange with a white police officer, doesn't that suggest Obama's racial breakthroughs apply more to the political world than to the broader society?
Notice that Babington does not flesh out the context of why Gates was arrested. Babington does not mention even in passing Gates' uncalled-for behavior, the taunting that he delivered to the officer, nor his obstreperousness. No, according to Babington, Gates was just a "prominent black scholar" arrested in his home, seemingly for no reason at all.
Babington goes on to his soft peddling of Obama's initial reaction at the press conference Thursday where he was questioned on the incident.
Even Obama was surprised by the intensity of the uproar over the arrest of professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. by Cambridge, Mass., officers who were checking a possible burglary report, which proved unfounded. At a Wednesday news conference, Obama said the officers had "acted stupidly" after they realized Gates was in his own home.
Notice how Babington adds that the burglary report "proved unfounded"? An uninformed reader can easily be misled into thinking this whole incident was the result of racist cops, arresting people for no reason. Saying that the reason the police were at Gates' home "proved unfounded" makes Obama's comment that the officers "acted stupidly" seem less controversial than it in fact is.
Babington goes on to report on the reactions of Gates' friends.
Nearly all his black associates think Gates was a victim of racial profiling, Cummings said, while 70 percent of his white friends do not. "We look at these problems of race out of our own glasses," he said, "and they are based on our experiences."
Again, notice that the context of the arrest is completely ignored?
The whole problem with this AP analysis is that not once is Gates' actions detailed so that a reader will quickly gravitate to the assumption that the cops were acting in a racist manner. The APs piece seems geared to absolve Obama for his foolish involvement in the Gates incident as well as continue the strife between blacks and whites in America.
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LOL-And to think, the AP
July 25, 2009 - 19:51 ET by R D HelmLOL-And to think, the AP wants to charge us actual money to read propaganda tripe like this.
ROFLMAO!
-Dave
Yep Dave...it's got to
July 25, 2009 - 19:57 ET by bigtimerYep Dave...it's got to where it makes my hair hurt.
Can't take anymore.
Doubling down on stupid is not a particularly good idea. ~Andrew Breitbart
bt,
July 25, 2009 - 20:29 ET by R D HelmYeah, I know what you mean.
Actually, given that the AP is leading the movement to actually charge for this BS, I hope they actually do it, as soon they will be relegated, just like their former UPI rivals, in having nothing but a cheesy little website that nobody reads.
-Dave
Even Gates himself says he wants to "move on"
July 25, 2009 - 20:17 ET by lsudolemitefrom this. Now Obama wants to save face by having a beer with Gates and the officer. This tells me those audio tapes must be very damaging to Gates's version of events and showing he was race-baiting the officer. If they supported Gates, he'd be demanding immediate release to the media and screaming police coverup if they didn't, milking the incident for everything it's worth. Instead we see a lot of backtracking.
We are heading for a Palin
July 25, 2009 - 20:05 ET by Dan The Man 2We are heading for a Palin moment where all hear "I can see Russia from my house" instead of the facts. The more the lie is spread the more the lie will be the truth.
The EXACT reason
July 25, 2009 - 20:07 ET by FuzzlenutterThis is the EXACT reason I do not read ANYTHING from Associated (with Terrorists) Press...
Come now, how can the AP associate with terrorists
July 25, 2009 - 20:19 ET by lsudolemitewhen all they see is "insurgents" and refuse to use the word at all?
AP= Applied Propaganda
July 26, 2009 - 17:15 ET by nadadhimmiAP= Applied Propaganda
Warner - no kidding. You
July 25, 2009 - 21:12 ET by Gary HallWarner - no kidding. You said:
Babington, in the AP piece, proposed:
Other presidents - other leaders - didn't have to duck such a question as the one posed to Obama. When one does not have the facts; when one has a personal interest in the incident [a close personal friend]; when a police investigation is in the early stages of investigation; when it's a sensitive issue; an intellegent well seasoned leader has only two choices of how to respond to such a question:
1.) I can't comment on that.
or/
2.) I won't comment on that.
Obama simply acted stupidly. And continues to.
(;~/ gary
Touche, Pesky Fact Guy
July 25, 2009 - 21:18 ET by BlondeI liked.
I hope he fails, too.
Wrong perspective
July 26, 2009 - 08:20 ET by ThisnThatGary, you're asking "What would a seasoned president do"? Wrong question. You need to ask "What would a seasoned community organizer (aka Agitator) do"? Here's an excellent, and short, summary of community organizing. I especially like this part: What keeps you up at night is the power you do not have. In community organizing and politics, you know the only thing that can hurt you is what you cannot control. Kinda describes Obama to a Tee, doesn't it?
___________________________________
An optimist thinks that the glass is 1/2 full; a pessimist 1/2 empty; a realist thinks the glass is twice a big as it needs to be
OK, lsudolemite...
July 25, 2009 - 21:27 ET by FuzzlenutterYou got me on that one!
Time to Invest in companies which make straitjackets.
July 25, 2009 - 21:36 ET by ekslibGates is an "English scholar," yet he couldn't comprehend the words, "Please step out on your front porch."
Were his ears plugged? Was he "druggy" from Dramamine or alcohol he took to help him through his flight? Maybe his mind was screaming, "Racism!" so loudly that he couldn't hear what the policeman was actually saying.
Gates earns his living, by pointing out that blacks are treated
differently than whites, but he couldn't stand being treated the SAME way
a white man (or woman)* would have been treated in the same situation.
Obama is a "Constitutional scholar ," who says he is concerned
about individual rights, but he practically convicts a man of racism
on international television (with no evidence at hand).
*I am an older white woman (TWP) who obeyed cops, when they asked me to step out on my front porch, when they responded to a call about a break-in at my home.
PLay the 911 tapes
July 26, 2009 - 07:40 ET by DragonsbreathLet everyone hear them.
The more you know....
“Less 1984 — More 1776"
I don't think its racial profiling
July 25, 2009 - 22:04 ET by nwahsIn regard to fleshing it out, Gates was arrested for p*ssing off a cop.
I do think the cops acted stupidly. Not by investigating the burglary or profiling, but by manipulating an arrest after they got their nose out of joint. I don't think Obama should have said it was stupid on national TV as it taints the investigation.
As a person with strong libertarian views, I don't want to feel compelled to kiss a cops a** for fear of arrest. I don't want to be lured outside of my house to facilitate an arrest by a cop I p*ssed off.
Its amazing how many people on this site abhor libertarian views and think its quite alright to have a situation where policemen can arrest you based on whether they like you or not. But then most of the polls here that result in favor of nanny laws, surprise me also.
Why not Jeb Bush?
Shawn you really need to
July 25, 2009 - 22:11 ET by Dan The Man 2Shawn you really need to read english and understand what it says. No one lured anyone out of their house. Gates follwed officer Crowley out of his house onto the sidewalk. Troll on dude.
Wrong
July 25, 2009 - 22:49 ET by nwahsIn his report, Crowley states he told Gates twice, that if he wanted his name he had to come outside to get it. Thats in the report, dude :)
I told Gates that I was leaving his residence and that if he had any other questions regarding the matter, I would speak with him outside of the residence.
As I began walking through the foyer toward the front door, I could hear Gates agai,n demanding my name. I again told Gates that I would speak with him outside.
Why not Jeb Bush?
It's also in the report...
July 25, 2009 - 23:13 ET by CobraManIt's also in the report that the police were about to leave when Gates asked, twice, for the cop's name and badge number, which he already told Gates once before. It's in the report that Gates keep yelling even after the police tried to answer his question. And it's in the report that Gates FOLLOWED the police outside, something he DIDN"T have to do. He wasn't dragged outside, he followed them out and continued yelling. They even warned him to stop, but he kept it up. So, when will you admit that Gates brought this all upon himself?
BTW, he didn't get arrested for yelling at a cop, he got arrested for just yelling in public. You do understand this, right?
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
<-- s-h-a-w-n <--
July 25, 2009 - 22:29 ET by MrShy"In regard to fleshing it out, Gates was arrested for p*ssing off a cop."
"As a person with strong libertarian views, I don't want to feel compelled to kiss a cops a** for fear of arrest. I don't want to be lured outside of my house to facilitate an arrest by a cop I p*ssed off."
Maybe try this, if you have half a brain. Find a middle ground. Certainly don't piss off a cop (or anyone, for that matter, who's not instigating anything) but you obviously don't have to kiss their *ss, as that is another form of pissing them off. Be normal and not a jerk.
In fact (and don't bite my head off for this suggestion), perhaps lean a little to the be-nice side of things, as we all should be toward our fellow man. Try actually showing that you appreciate the extreme and complex difficulties inherent in being a law-enforcer, and in the few minutes you are engaged with them be cooperative.
It won't kill you. It apparently killed Mr. Disorderly Hahvahd Snob that night.
I am
July 25, 2009 - 22:53 ET by nwahsI would never treat anyone trying to help me like Gates treated that policeman. I just don't want it accepted that policemen can arrest you for doing so. Anyway, I do lean to be nice, like lean over backwards and grab the check. I tip quite well too ( at least 8%) :) As I said in my very first post on this, as bad as Gate's behavior was ( and yup, it was atrocious) the policeman should not have not manipulated and arrest and there is no way I can agree with him doing that.
How many people would accept reprisals from other security agencies - e.g., the NSA?
Why not Jeb Bush?
Then you're a fool
July 25, 2009 - 23:16 ET by CobraManGet this through that thick skull of yours, You can't stand outside your house ranting and raving and causing a public nuisance. That type of behavior is ILLEGAL! It';s a misdemeanor. You, me, or anyone else would be arrested for that as we would be disturbing the peace, just as Gates was. Why is that SO hard for you to admit?
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
You need move to Iran
July 25, 2009 - 23:24 ET by nwahsYou would like it there better. Perhaps you could even join their police force. You could kick a** with impunity. But I'm guessing you're more of an insulter than a fighter :)
Why not Jeb Bush?
Why don't you move to the wilderness?
July 25, 2009 - 23:46 ET by CobraManHay, fool, try this little experiment. Stand outside your door and start yelling at the top of your lungs. Keep yelling when the police show up and start insulting them when they ask you to stop. See how long it takes you to get arrested.
You seem to have a problem with maintaining and upholding the public peace. It sure seems that you have no concern for anyone but yourself. Unfortunately for people like you (and Gates), the police don't have the luxury of ignoring public disturbances. People have been, hurt and even killed, because some maniac started acting in a belligerent attitude and no one tried to stop them.. But, hay, YOU don't care about what could happen when people ignore public decency, right?So, why don't YOU move somewhere out in the wilderness and then YOU don't have to worry about other people.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
BS no way
July 25, 2009 - 23:46 ET by general companyStand outside your door and start yelling at the top of your lungs.
Keep yelling when the police show up and start insulting them when they
ask you to stop
Heck in my neck of the woods we would be having viduals right quickly!!
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Maybe you should invite nwahs
July 25, 2009 - 23:53 ET by CobraManMaybe you could invite nwahs over. I hear he's up for some primal scream therapy.
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
Funny you should say such
July 26, 2009 - 01:27 ET by general companyHe lives just 30 mi south, I have asked him several time's to go eat, he wont go?
Many a highway man between us from Indiana, you might not understand?
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
You don't want to eat with me
July 26, 2009 - 18:45 ET by nwahsI spit when I talk.
:)
Why not Jeb Bush?
The policeman contributed to the disturbance
July 25, 2009 - 23:37 ET by nwahsIf the policeman really wanted Gates to calm down, he'd have tried to calm the situation in the house. Now where there are details of him trying to "calm" Gates with threats once Gates was outside, as invited by the officer,why do you suppose that nowhere in the narrative is there any detail of the officer trying to calm Gates in a less threatening manner before inviting him outside?
Because he didn't want Gates to calm down. He wanted to arrest him.
Why not Jeb Bush?
No, they didn't
July 25, 2009 - 23:41 ET by CobraManNo, the police didn't continue anything, except fpr asking him to stop creating a public disturbance. It was Gates that continued. The police had no choice but to arrest him. But you'll never admit that, will you?
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
BTW, they LEFT THE HOUSE!
July 25, 2009 - 23:45 ET by CobraManBTW, they LEFT THE HOUSE! Wouldn't that tend to clam Gates down, if that's what Gates really wanted? Be honest with yourself, Gates is the one who wanted to be arrested, so he could justify to himself his ranting about how the police were just racists. Now you''re taking up where Gates left off, accusing the police of exceeding their authority. But guess what, you're just as wrong as Gates was. Even OBAMA admits this, why won't you?
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
wasn't asking for it
July 26, 2009 - 00:04 ET by konoThis was the best thing to happen to Gates in years, I bet. He earns his living studying, analyzing, and teaching about racist controversies of others, and now he has one of his own freshen the class material and kick off a book deal. In a 'publish or die' line of work, this event was manna from heaven.
Anyone observed trying to break into a house in that neighborhood would have been approached with the presumption of foul play by the police, and anyone in that setting who responded to police with sustained yelling, accusations, and name-calling would be cited for disorderly conduct.
Crawley was wise to leave the house. Given Gates' mood, it was essential for anything that transpired to have at least a couple of eyewitnesses. Else Gates could have escalated his charges far beyond 'racial profiling'. The more spectacular the incident, the more lucrative the book deal... I'm convinced Gates wasn't just wanting to be arrested -- he was virtually demanding it.
I agree.
July 26, 2009 - 00:09 ET by CobraMan"I'm convinced Gates wasn't just wanting to be arrested -- he was virtually demanding it"
I agree. I can just imagine what Gates is telling his students. You can bet is not: "I was wrong."
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
Also....
July 26, 2009 - 08:04 ET by Seabeach4348The report also said (and it was posted in several articles) that the esteemed and scholarly Gates started making insults and "incidiary" remarks about Officer Crowley's mother.....just to piss-off the Officer. Good show, Gates! A person of his stature resorts to gutter language directed at the mother of the police officer who is about to arrest him; that shows a lot of maturity and intelligence, doesn't it!?
And my guess is that Gates thought he could get away with that because of his color. He's lucky that Officer Crowley kept a cool head and just arrested him for a misdemeanor which was apparently totally by the book and justified.
As an aside, did anyone notice how the MSM articles (AP for example) repeatedly referred to Gates as "the scholar" and to Officer Crowley as "the cop"? Am I reading into that a bit too much?
Shawn:
July 25, 2009 - 22:56 ET by BKeyserFrom what I've come to understand about Libertarians, anti-authority seems to be pretty high on their political platform. So it's not surprising that you would equate cooperating with police with kissing their a**. However, having spent a little time as an MP in the Marine Corps, I can fill you in on a some things that might enlighten you, just a little, about the danger a police officer faces in doing his or her duty.
Keeping in mind that the officer responded to a phone report of a possible break-in of a private residence- First, he arrives on scene with little or no hard facts. A quick and preliminary visual investigation reveals a person trying, and struggling to enter the house -perhaps the owner of the residence, perhaps not. The officer asks for identification, all the while not knowing if the person is armed, has a hostage, is impaired or is otherwise dangerous. It is unlikely that he would have his weapon drawn at this point (unless the call seemed to indicate an armed suspect) for fear of unduly frightening the suspect (which he is until proven otherwise- only in a court of law is the person presumed innocent). So he is therefore virtually unprotected, at least initially, if the person in question is, in fact, a criminal. Now, if the suspect cooperates and produces his valid ID, the officer removes the "suspect" tag, politely says thank you, explains why he was on scene, and apologizes for any inconvenience. In the case of a report of attempted break-in, he probably asks to quickly search the house to insure the owner's safety if the call did not adequately identify the physical characteristics of the owner; the officer has to assume that someone may have already gotten in the home.
However, if the owner has a chip on his shoulder- sees a "fill in race here" police officer instead of a police officer, and acts belligerent, defiant (refusing to produce his ID), and unnecessarily annoyed at the officer's presence, the officer has to assume that this person may, in fact, not be the person he claims to be. Criminals are not known possess a great deal of integrity. Any person, innocent of a crime or not, has the duty to cooperate with law enforcement, even in their own home. If the officer acts irresponsibly, there are avenues available for complaint; police officers are quite rigorously scrutinized for their "bearing" (Marine Corps term for "presence"). If a person does not cooperate, or act responsibly toward law enforcement personel, they can be "detained" (arrested) until such time as they prove no longer a threat. Shouting, accusations of racial bias, and general disorderly conduct is absolutely a threat, both to the police officer and anyone else in the vicinity. Charges need not be filed and, given the media's general bias against law enforcement, are usually mis-reported as "charges were dropped". Filing of Charges would require a charging document, issuing of Miranda Rights, and pictures and prints in the event of a felony.
Police don't generally "arrest" anyone based on whether "they like you or not" - they will, and should, detain someone for disorderly conduct. Disorderly conduct is often only a whisker away from combative. In the case of Mr. Gates, it is obvious from the photo that the officer was trying to contain the scene- trying to calm down Mr. Gates- and had to resort to detainment to do so. They obviously did not feel he was too dangerous given that he was cuffed in the front as opposed to the customary position of behind the back. The photo itself is quite telling to anyone who has worn a badge; the owner became unruly, and prevented the officers from doing their job effectively.
Well lets look at reality too
July 25, 2009 - 23:16 ET by nwahsKeeping in mind that the officer responded to a phone report of a
possible break-in of a private residence- First, he arrives on scene
with little or no hard facts. A quick and preliminary visual
investigation reveals a person trying, and struggling to enter the
house -perhaps the owner of the residence, perhaps not. The officer
asks for identification, all the while not knowing if the person is
armed, has a hostage, is impaired or is otherwise dangerous.
In this case, the officer felt the situation was so dangerous that he stationed a civilian directly outside.
From the report:
"When I arrived at Ware Street I radioed ECC and asked that they have the caller meet me at the front door to this residence. I was told that the caller was already outside. As I was getting this information, I climbed the porch stairs toward the front door. As [reached the door, a female voice called out to me. I looked in the direction of the voice and observed a white female, later identified {} who was standing on the sidewalk in front of the residence, held a wireless telephone in her hand arid told me that it was she who called. She went on to tell me that she observed what appeared to be two black males with backpacks on the porch of• Ware Street. 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. Since I was the only police officer on location and had my back to the front door as I spoke with her, I asked that she wait for other responding officers while I investigated further."
Any person, innocent of a crime or not, has the duty to cooperate with law enforcement, even in their own home.
Not after probable cause is exhausted. As soon as Gates identity was established, the officer no right to be in his home. The officer need do one thing - leave. Had there been evidence of another crime or injury ( e.g., visible blood or dope) the officer would have probable cause to stay and the certainly would have been in the report. There is no such case. In fact another parculiar aspect is the lack of questioning about the wherabouts of the other male who entered the house. Either Crowley is inept, or he was completely convinced no crime was taking place.
Police don't generally "arrest" anyone based on whether "they like you or not" - they will, and should, detain someone for disorderly conduct.
Yelling at someone who doesn't belong in your house is not disorderly conduct.
Former MP or not, why would you support such intrusions on anyone's property?
Why not Jeb Bush?
That's a skewed version of reality
July 25, 2009 - 23:32 ET by BKeyserHe did not "station a civilian directly outside". That's a ludicrous statement. He told her to remain put so she would not become some nosy Nelly.
Yes, every civilian does have the duty to cooperate with law enforcement. Probable cause has nothing to do with cooperation. And, from the accounts I've heard, Mr. Gates initially failed to meet that standard in refusing to provide his identification. And your inference that the officer did not investigate the claim of a possible second assailant goes awry when you say he should have left. Entering the house was the way to insure no one else was inside that should not have been. Just because the Mr. Gates did not understand this, doesn't mean it didn't happen.
Yelling at someone who doesn't belong in your house is not the same as disparaging a police officer called to the scene by way of a 911 call.
Now, had the officer not responded, and Mr. Gates was assulted by two men trying to break into his home, would you be complaining about their inaction? Responding to a 911 call is sorta along the lines of "protect and serve," is it not? I wouldn't call that an "intrusion". There are too many cases where an assailant is in the home and coercing the owner to tell police that everything is ok. The officer would not be doing his job if he simply turned and left when Mr. Gates basically told him to go f himself. Maybe he annoys the guy, or maybe the guy's belligerent because he's scared or coerced- but if the worst thing the officer does is annoy the man, that's a consequence he can live with.
He told her to remain put in a dangerous situation?
July 25, 2009 - 23:51 ET by nwahsHe told her to remain put instead of go home? How dangerous could he have thought was? He didn't think it was dangerous. He wouldn't have told that woman to stand there if he though it was dangerous, he'd have told her to go home.
Yelling at someone who doesn't belong in your house is not the same as
disparaging a police officer called to the scene by way of a 911 call.
After its determined the officer has no right to be there, its pretty much exactly the same.
Maybe he annoys the guy, or maybe the guy's belligerent because he's
scared or coerced- but if the worst thing the officer does is annoy the
man, that's a consequence he can live with.
Now you see, there's not a shred of evidence in the narrative written by the police officer that shows any concern for Gates' well being, until Gates asks for a cane after he is arrested. Thats why I brought up the peculiar lack of questioning about the other male who entered the house with Gates. Nothing in the report like "I wrote on a piece of paper "are you being held against your will?" and showed it to Gates." In fact I find it striking how few precautions were taken in a situation that could have been a hostage situation. But Crowley's report doesn't drip with concern over Gates' safety. It drips with reasons for breaking police procedure.
Why not Jeb Bush?
He didn't think Gates was dangerous ether.
July 25, 2009 - 23:57 ET by CobraManHe didn't think Gates was dangerous ether, until Gates followed the two officers outside and begin yelling at not only the police, but to the by-standers who were gathering. That's when Gates was arrested, once he was outside and acting in a belligerent manner IN PUBLIC, correct?
The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.
The US Constitution
Unless you're a fetus.
The US Supreme Court
And, what,
July 26, 2009 - 10:28 ET by UpNorthpray tell, do you know of police procedure? From reading your posts all over NB about the racist and the police officer, I've concluded that, although you claim the officer violated police procedure continually and consistently, you know absolutely nothing about police procedure. Except what you may have seen on "Cops", and picked up from various police dramas on TV. "I wrote on a piece of paper"? ROFL, that's a classic, he didn't know that Gates lived in the house, he only had the word of a man who refused to identify himself or prove that he lived in the house.
Why not admit you just don't like the police? Did you get turned down for a job in police work? Or, maybe get arrested for disorderly conduct?
disoriented
July 26, 2009 - 00:22 ET by konoYou say here: As soon as Gates identity was established, the officer no right to be in his home. The officer need do one thing - leave.
But just a couple of remarks ago you blamed him for causing the blowup by not trying to calm Gates down while inside the house. Sounds like you still haven't decided exactly why to blame him yet; but I'm sure eventually you will.
Once Gates finally produced his Harvard ID, Crawley stopped treating him like a suspect, just like you say he should have, and he told Gates if he wanted to continue they'd have to continue outside, and left... just like you say he should have. It was Gates' insistence on continuing to scream at the police officer that got him cuffed for disorderly conduct. Bet'cha dollars to donuts if I get in a cop's face, scream incendiary things at him, and refuse to calm down, I'll get similar treatment.
I like the idea of quoting
July 25, 2009 - 22:27 ET by d1carterI like the idea of quoting the individual who writes this crap, not just the generic AP. We need to start putting names and faces to the crap that is written under the guise of AP. Sunlight is a great disinfectant.
d1carter
July 25, 2009 - 22:34 ET by MrShyI totally agree!! Who ARE these propagandists, posting this crap daily with impunity???
ideals
July 26, 2009 - 10:16 ET by ozarkapeI also consider myself to be somewhat of a libertarian but I fail to see how defending a person screaming at a police officer promotes libertarian ideals.
Common sense promotes any ideal.
You stay classy, AP. The
July 26, 2009 - 13:18 ET by wiwfYou stay classy, AP.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
Obama is a racist
July 26, 2009 - 14:07 ET by djm159The Cambridge police department and Officer Crowley, could take lessons from Obama on racism. Face it, Obama is an arrogant racist, in fact could be considered a separatist. He has no trouble apologizing for America to the Muslim world, but cannot admit he was wrong, nor apologize for his ignorant racist rant. He should remember he is president of all the people, not just the black ones. How much of this "racism" was based on Gates upcoming PBS program on civil rights? Probably not much. For the president of the United States to condemn the Cambridge Police Department as "acting stupidly" was a new low even for the Racist in Chief. Crowley should think twice before going to a Beer Summit in the White House with two vocal anti-white elitists. It won't be pretty or productive. It will be racist. Jeremiah Wright is a racist and Obama willingly attended his church and sat throught his anti-American and racist sermons. He learned his lessions well.
I
July 26, 2009 - 15:46 ET by jessieHI think these idiots say this crap just to get mentioned on NB. The only racist comments came from Gates---and obama.