I agree also.  There are a lot of blanks in this situation.  Maybe the neighbor that called didn't like him?  Maybe there was racism or a clash of ego with her and him?  Or maybe he didn't get along with his neighbors because he felt above them?  Who knows.  The main thing here is that it was dropped.  It was a mistake.  But there are always people that want to cry out unfairness when they don't have a clue to what is really going on.

Thank you. I agree there may of been any number of things going on here. The seed I hoped to plant was: Before you cry out, jump on a bandwagon, or make a accusation please stop, count to 10, look again at the whole situation. A single question "What's really going on" can be useful.

Sure are alot of "maybe's" here.

The author wrote a good article, well written, has alot of truths in it.

And he is right; it should never have happened.

Well, first, the author didn't write an article.

He wrote an opinion.

The first three questions that have yet to be answered about this situation are:

1) Who made the initial call & what was the tone of caller?

2) What questions did the officer ask upon arrival?

3) How long had Mr. Gates lived at the residence?

The answers to these questions would clear a whole lot up for me.

Yet no one seems to be able to put the answers into the barrage of media clambering to make this a huge deal.

I wonder if Gates will push this law suit.

If he's just a loud-mouthed blowhard, he'll make himself look thus in such a publicized case.

He'd better be careful... if he goes much further he won't be able to turn back & then he'll really be in the spotlight.

The entire nation will watch his every move & word & will judge him like he has never been judged.

We all know there is racism in the US, but do we really need to bring those guys out & parade them around anymore than necessary?

If he's putting up a fuss over nothing, he's just going to damage his credibility & he might even mar civil rights efforts by providing a bad example instead of a good one.

One way or another, he'd better think this one through thoroughly.

It had better be worth ruining people's lives.

the writer of the article shows his ideological confusion comparing a poor black male whose arrest being poor black and male would be justified . what he fails to see is that such a situation could happen anywhere in the U.S. if the professor were in a less privileged neighborhood, or in a store or anyplace where he couldn't be protected by his academic shield. remember the nature of the report. "two black males" trying to break in a house. compare it with "two white males" and see if it balances ideologically. Furthermore, if it had been a white person vociferating against the police, they just might have apologized and retreated hastily from the scene. In the officer's mind, he probably saw color first, and the academic prestige last."even though you're a university professor, you're black and shouldn't talk back to me in such a manner"

You may not socialize with your neighbors but you know what they look like.  I have lived on my block for the past eleven years.  To this day, I know only two of my neighbors and it wasn't because I didn't try - but I know what they all look like.  My son spent all those eleven years never playing with the two boys who lived 4 houses down.  We are black; they are not.  Is it racism??  Don't know - don't care!  However, if one of these "neighbors" ever called the police on me or my son because we looked suspicious trying to get into the house - then there would finally be a conversation (more than likely unpleasant) between us - because regardless of what may be said - THEY KNOW I LIVE THERE!!!! 

the part of the story that caught my eye was when he refered to gates as an african-American.

was gates born in africa? or was he born here in the United States?

its just like when people refer to Obama as african-American,,,if they would stop and understand what they are saying and what it would mean if they are right.

if Obama is truly african-American that means that he was born in africa and moved here later and became a citizen and that would disqualify him from being the president.

once again just because someone is black dont make them african-American

if they were born here in the united states they are AMERICAN no matter what color their skin is..

From the original story I read , the neighbor saw TWO men trying to force the door. And a story earlier today did say that the driver of the cab company was assisting Mr. Gates at attempting to unjam his door. So it makes perfect sense to me that this neighbor did NOT recognize one of the men, and if Mr. Gates had his back turned towards the door she could not have seen him. I say he should be thankful that this woman cared enough about his property to have alerted the police to something that certainly appeared suspicious on the surface.

I am not naieve enough to think there are no racists in this world, but having a son who is a police officer, he often runs into this problem when he will be arresting someone with wads of cash, bags of cocaine, drug paraphenalia, OR, on a domestic where there are smashed up walls and a bloodied wife/husband, and they always carry on about "Only reason you're arresting me is because I'm black...or Asian, or Indian, or Muslim, or Hispanic". nu uh. Also let's not forget that there are segments of racism in all ethnicities and colors.

Great opinion, until he got to the part of the Jena 6. How convenient Dr. Boyce Watkins like so many others ignores the fact that had 6 white boys beat up someone of a different race, it would have been labeled and prosecuted as a hate crime. The school in Jena was wrong to ignore and belittle the noose incident. The prosecutor was wrong to try for more serious charges than warranted. But by no stretch of the imagination was the action of the Jena 6 something that should be revered and them made out to be the only victims.

OMG, irideon2wheels, not this "is he qualified to be president" question again? Gates is referred to as African-American because he's an AMERICAN of AFRICAN decent (as the majority of african-americans in this country are). If you're going to post something, post something INTELLIGENT!!

I love what 'irideon2wheels says:

once again just because someone is black dont make them african-American

if they were born here in the united states they are AMERICAN no matter what color their skin is..

so what most white Americans are from european decent but you dont hear us calling ourselves european-Americans

we dont get that option when filling out applications

i can understand someone being proud of where their great grand parents came from but why not be proud of where you ARE and address yourself as such

Americans are Americans no matter what color their skin is or where their great great great great great grand parents come from.

i feel the same way about people that were born here and call themselves mexican-American

if you are born in mexico and move here and become a citizen then yes you are a mexican American

but if you are born here then you are AMERICAN and i dont know about anyone else but i am VERY DAMN PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN and nothing but an American no matter where my family came here from

If Cambridge and all the departments in Massachussetss were not paranoid and opposed to having video in their vehicles, there would have been audio proof of what really happened. But despite the fact that video exonerates 95% of false claims against officers and departments they still continue to live in the darks ages. If you are not doing anything wrong, you have nothing to worry about.

The problem is the writer expected the officer to treat this person differently from a regular citizen because he was a Harvard professor or since he lived in a nice neighborhood, and because they elected to drop the case he thinks the officer was wrong, where did this fruit cake writer come from, get a grip on real life, it's plan and simple Gates screwed up, he should have just let the officer do his job instead of letting his ego get in the way.

It's hard to say what is what here, as there is not really enough information to make an intelligent decision.

But I know this. If my door was stuck and I had to get in my house from the back door, and one of my neighbors called the police when I came through the back of the house and "un stuck" my front door with the help of a person that is unknown in the neighborhood, I would probably be happy that my neighbors were watching out for my house and contents. And from there It would probably take about 10 seconds to show any officer my drivers license with my address and it would all go away. And that is the huge question that is not answered here. That is , Did Mr. Gates ever show any I.D. to the officers, or did he just yell at them that he lived there? If he did show I.D. then I think that no matter how either rude, or friendly he was, the officers should have simply left after an apology and an attempt to explain why they had to ask him for I.D. in his own home.

CJB320: I agree with you except for one possibility. The article doesn't really explain enough to decide. I think that it is possible that what happened is that Mr. Gates couldn't get in his front door because it was "stuck". So he went to the back door and came through the house. Then while he was inside where none of his neighbors could see him, he was working at the door while his driver (that no one in the neighborhood had ever seen) was at the front door. And there was a car parked in the front of the house that like the driver, was not recognized by any of the neighbors. It's not like I sit in the front of my house and watch the neighbors front door. But if I missed the part where my neighbor got out of a car and went into his house through the back door and was inside, then I saw a strange car parked in his driveway or in front of his house, and someone that I had never seen before was on his front porch shaking, tugging and yanking on the front door, I might call the cops myself. More than likely I would go out and ask the guy what he was looking for, but that's just me.

irideon2wheels: Everyone that is born in Mexico IS an American. We live in the UNITED STATES of America. We here in this country don't have sole rights to call ourselves Americans.Everyone from Canada is an American. Everyone from Honduras is an American. And African Americans (most of them anyways) prefer this term over others , such as black, person of color, or any of the others that came and went from the mid 80's to the late 90's. To most of them it is a way to make it known that they are not white. And also to many it is a way to let others know of their heritage, of which very many are very proud of.

You can call yourself a European American if you want. I'm sure that no one will really mind.

This author clearly has simmilar experiences to me. This is about EGO and attention first. Race is reduced to the excuse of justifying the need for good people like him who shine a light on injustice. Even though the light doesn't show anything here and no lights are needed a few blocks from Mr. Gates home to find real injustice.

While there still needs to real work on racism, it is not here. One need only go a few blocks from Mr. Gates home to find real victims of racism.

I am afraid, once the racism salvo has been fired, the truth will become the first casualty and we will never know exactly what was said or how it was spoken.

This event will perpetually be mentioned in every African American studies course for the next two decades, which is exactly what Mr. Gares wants.

If we were to move from the ivory towers of Cambridge and stop in another neighborhood that city or in Dorchester, Roxbury or plenty of towns around, Harvard students can and do see what real racism looks like.

This is no Rosa Parks. This is a snob with an attitude and a cop who may or may not have overreacted. No more, no less. If you can't distinguish racism claims here to real racism, you an ostrich, regardless of your races.

to betsdy ross - there should be a 4th question. why did mr. hahvad spew his own racial hatred with his "i'll talk to your momma on the porch" insult? I think mr. uppity was looking for a fight. no, recognition beyond his own limited circle of intelligentsia. how many people have ever heard of gates before this incident? i would wager that not even the mouth (al sharpton) did.

Thank you for articulate and objective article. Your response should be the same position taken by all Amercians, whether black or white. It speaks the truth.

There are many very good questions as to why this incident took place. Sometimes when it comes to race issues the real story is sometimes missed on purpose. If an incident happens that is related to abuse based on skin color then it should be talked about/dealt with and if it is talked about on so many levels then it means that it is happening alot...and that is the bottom line. When it comes to the race issues in the US... our protective shell/skin color is different (diversity is good, our creator made it so) but is very petty for people to use it as some sort of entitlement to everything good. It is very illogical and frankly idiotic...and the root source to the continued racism in America.

I'm an American period, the term Afro-American came from the mind of a nut be he black or white. I don't care what any one thinks of my color, I wear mines with pride and dignity. My race comes with a lot of different blood,Native american, white( by ownship of the slave owns, Spainish( their owner ship also and let's not forget the French. Most of us from La. are called Creole (mixed hertiage) but I'm just a plain American, damn the blood line and what people chose to call my race.

Mary Robertson: That is fine and wonderful. Even with your inability to spell or put together coherent sentences, I was still able to understand most of what you were trying to say.

I think that almost everyone is willing to let you have your beliefs about this. But I am curious about why you seem to be so bothered by what other people think and feel about this subject.

I thought it was a good write-up, well thought out, and unbiased. That is until the author sneeked in "The Jena Six." Another day, another story, another...planet?

Good heavens! That was resultant of a group on black children's attempted murder of a lone caucasian child. Mr. Watkins, honestly. Your thoughts are from the same school as those that believe Matthew Shepard's attackers are cult-heroes.

The rest of your story is good. But somewhere you missed a connection and ended up in the land of faulty anology.

Gary Cooper, Your wrong they are not part of the United States of America, they are part of the Continent of North America, a term that would need the designation of North American. The people that were born in the USA are known as Americans-a defacto term. I agree that the people of the USA need to stop seperating themselves by terms, this would probably go along way in how we treat each other.

To iridion2wheels,

What you propose of ignoring their skin color, is wonderful, but naive...

Long ago people started being treated like less-of-a-human, because of the color of their skin.

C,mon, give a break! If Gates had been a white guy, walking with the help of a cane, the cop had HELPED him, intead of arresting him.

Gates was mad, of course!!! the guy just landed after who-know-how many hours of flying, just want to take a shower and go to bed, and a cop that enter his house (Gate's) refuse to give him name and ID.

Several times the pharmacists asume I am on medi-cal (public assistence) because I'am Spanic. I have 2 helth insurances, 2!!! one because I do work, and another one because my husband works too...

I know a little abut recism because I'VE expirience it!!! Respectfully: I bet you are white...

Nice to hear a black man support the police. Maybe, if he'd produced his drivers license (with his address on it) instead of his Harvard id with no address, without arguing, he never would have been cuffed. A Harvard prof should have more brains than he's shown so far.

First of all Gary Cooper that would be "too bad" not "to bad". Just sayin'. Second The folks from Canada and Mexico call us Americans when they have something to say about us until we distinguish ourselves as Americans because we're from the U.S. then of course we're all Americans. I've had that conversation before. Either way I agree. If you're from North or South American you're an American. We need to get the house draft a bill that will give us a unique name. That would be money well spent.

As far as this article there are alot of backhanded comments that make the title seem a bit misleading. I don't disagree that racism exists but black people are not the only people that have to deal with it. It exists between all races whether it be white on black, black on white, or black on mexican. And don't give me the Jesse Jackson definition of racism either because he's part of the problem IMO. My son, who is white, was stopped when he was four years old getting on a trip to go to Disney World via Make A Wish and was scanned with a wand along with his Rugrats suitcase. So don't tell me it's only blacks that have to deal with getting stopped at the airport either.

okay maybe not Racism, who cares??.. the officer got the man's ID, that should have been enough to go on his merry way..the officer became offended when the victim asked him for his badge #ID..yes 2 ego's going array/ amok in behavior..this is nuts!!...1st of all, whats a big deal about not divulging a ID by cops??..police need to be trained how to deal with people..not by being a bigot over everything..this attitude of being a subject only to his questions is bigotry in the worse degree.. then for the professor, please it never hurts to be respectful in the presence of a officer..the professor could have kept his mouth shut, and reported the officer to internal affairs..there are records of a police brutality and complaints..they do have to be a fine representative of the law, it's part of the job.. they won't last long with a dirty profile..

Dr. Watkins states:

However, once Gates proved to the officer that he was the owner of the home, the officer should have simply said "thank you" and left the premises.

I thought the point was that Dr. Gates DID show his I.D. from Harvard as well as another form of I.D. (driver's license) and the officer did NOT say thank you and leave the premises but continued to pursue this 'investigation' / instigation. I therefore feel that racism was involved and that in certain situations it does not matter how much money or education you have, in certain moments, there continue to be people who only see skin color. Why assume that Gates is arrogant? Because he teaches at Harvard? I think it is perfectly legit for Gates to view his arrest along the continuum of treatment that blacks rich and poor are still subject to. If he were not 'privileged' (as a professor of Harvard) and therefore connected, charges may not have been dropped and this story may have turned out differently-- as it so often does for black people. (I am a white woman by the way... I say this because god forbid I were 'grinding my own axe' or speaking in my own defense.

As for being an "educated" individual, you should easily equate "capitalism with "racism. In my view; racism is a main facilitator of capitalism.

"The fact that the charges have now been dropped against Gates shows that a mistake has clearly been made."

Nice try, but racial/political realities often trump legalities. If the professor had simply complied instead of "copping an attitude", none of this would have happened.

All I know is that if u bring socialism up then u will bring racism back.

Wow Gary Cooper, A little less caffeine. Last time I was in Canada the called themselves Canadians, and while I was in Mexico they called them selves Mexicans. So maybe you should pull your head out of your a$%. Try traveling some time and make this claim. Both countries citizens will correct you and if you say this in Mexico they'll probably help you in putting your head up your a$%.

The woman who called the police was not a neighbor; she was not from Cambridge, but from Maldon.  She saw 2 men who happened to be black, breaking into a house, so she called the police; she had no way of knowing that one of the men lived there.

My impression of this incidence is that Mr. Gates felt that he was above being questioned with the "do you know who I am?" attitude.  Whether or not he could have had this attitude as a white man and not be arrested is up for debate.

Cry babies: Well I should congratulate you. At least this time you didn't make something up and claim that I said it. And maybe you should try a little caffeine. It might wake you up and help you concentrate (no, not like on the orange juice container) a little better.

And I've been to both Canada and Mexico. And when I was there whenever I heard some one saying they were an American, the previous is usually about what I heard in response. And don't worry so much. I don't think that anyone would be able to put my head anywhere. It will stay right on top of my shoulders, where it always has been.

If I were Mr. Gate, I would have the same reaction. Came home from a long trip. Being tired and the stupid door did not open. Finally Got back in to a comfortable home to try to rest and a cop showed up at my house and demanded me to prove my id. No excuse to the cop being unprofessionally handling the case. Soon as Mr. Gates proved that he lived there and he should walk away. This is not a police country. What is he trying to prove?

WOW!!!

I guess it must be a terrible thing for neighbor to report anything unusual if the home

in question happens to belong to a black person. How sad for everyone involved to

think white neighbors (if that was the case) just sit around waiting to make the black

neighbors look bad. I work for a state agency that has to search boats

for water mussel pest. We check all boats when possible. Recently a black gentleman

made a huge fuss and threatened our staff because he said we profiled him. Of course

we did!!!! He was pulling a watercraft from an infested area and we needed to inspect

his boat. I am not a racist and no one I work with is so do we stop doing our job just

because someone else was racist to this person. I hope that my black brothers and

sisters will stop judging me because I am white. I try to treat everyone the same.

Good manners and such are used by all races although sometimes even black people

are not nice. I hope someday for peace on this issue because there are many worse

problems in this ole world than egos and hurt feelings. Peace!!!

If I saw an unknown car in front of a neighbor's house, a neighbor who had been gone, it is late at night, there are two men trying to break into the front door, you bet I would call the police. I would NOT go outside to ask what they were doing, and I would hope that a man would not do that either. That is a job for the police, to see that all is okay.

It is my understanding that after a bit, Mr. Gates did get some id to show the police. However, Mr. Gates had already been verbally abusive to the police. As someone stated, it may have been a clash of egos, or it may be that Mr. Gates was far more abusive than has been reported or it could be that the police were on a bit of a power trip. Who knows, we certainly do not because the evidence is not available.

My problem is wit Mr. Gates and his reaction to the police. Had Mr. Gates actually been a burglar, would Mr. Gates not be appreciative that the police were insistent in seeing some formal ID? If I was in the same situation, I would be apologizing to the police that they had to come and check on the house when there are actual crimes being committed!!! I would be appreciative that a neighbor cared enough to call the police, and I would appreciate that the police arrived promptly. Maybe it is just me, but I do not understand why someone would get mad at the police for doing their job!!! Now if they were unnecessarily harrassing Mr. Gates, then he has every right to sue, and I would hope the police would lose their badges! But most police develop a good feel for personalities, situations, etc., and I'd like to hear their side before drawing any conclusions.

Bravo to you badgirlfromarizona, you are indeed one of the good people.  However, after working corrections and then law enforcement for seven years, I have to be one of the few individuals to admits racism, hate, and stereotyping takes over many of the so called professional situations civil servants are suppose to handle. 

I know all too well how situations like this can blow up.  I am sure this officer responded to a breaking and entering call.  Upon arriving on the scene he had to prepare himself for the worst case scenario; a possible burglar.  I am not sure how the two came into contact with one another; however, once the individual produced his indentification the office is at that time suppose to verify this individuals identity.  I am sure Mr. Gates had no outstanding warrants, so at that point the officer can either write a report or apologize for the inconvenience and move on.  However, this is where the not so clear picture comes to play. 

We can all sit back and make judgements about this situation but officers are trained to be professional even at times when they feel the individual is getting verbally out of hand.  However, "to aire is human but to forgive is divine".  The one thing I hated the most was for a person to ask my badge number and then to request my supervisor to come onto a scene that I was already securing.  I also hated when a civilian refused to respect my uniform.  With that said, I can understand Mr. Gates being tired, being falsely accused of not being the owner of the said residence, and also being made to feel like a criminal (Even if only briefly until it was proven he was not).  I can also understand the officer trying to do his job; however, once his name and badge number was requested, professional, the officer was suppose to hand this gentlemen a one of his card and/or even call his supervisor to the scene. 

I would like to also state that until a situation like this comes close to home, it is easy to brush it off as nothing.  Now, someone brought up Jessie Jackson earlier.  I do know that he picks and chooses what stances to take on black issues; however, I have chosen to sit quietly in my home and type up my opinions behind the comfort of my own screen like many of you.  All in all, my hat is off to anyone that can take a stand for what is right and what they believe.  Whites, Asians, Hispanics do it every day.  If you don't like the man or people bringing awareness to what they feel is racist treatment, then show they are wrong or turn the channel.  Other countries had no idea of blacks being mistreated until the media started showing the civil rights movements on air. 

I want to end this by thanking those individuals whom throughout the worlds history have chosen to take a stance for truth and equality.  Note; I did not put a race in that sentence. 

I read that she was not a neighbor. Also, why should the officer applogize for doing his job. Mr. Gates should have thanked him for the officer possibly laying his life on the line to protect his life and property. The officer told him his name when he arrived at the house, unlike Mr. gates who at first refused to give his name and instead was a racist jerk. I guess the officer got pissed after getting a ration of crap from the prof. and after he didn't ease up put him under arrest. This is his discretion here, but from my own experience I never give a cop a hard time in order to avoid the crowbar motel and it has paid off more than once. And I really should have been cuffed and stuffed. This is were many blacks screw themselves. I am white, but I have dealt with both black and white cops and if you cooperate the outcome will be the same.

In the first story it said the lady who called worked in the neighborhood and seen two black men forcing their way into a home a few doors down from the business. It seems the professor forgot his key and he was trying to force the door open with his shoulder. Apparently she thought the two were breaking into the home, as would I have had I seen this taking place, and called the police. But I would have called the police whether they had been white or black had I seen this taking place. To me this was all just a big misunderstanding and had nothing to do with race in the beginning. It only took the racial turn when the police arrived. I'm not saying one is right and the other is wrong because I wasn't there to hear what was said between the officer and professor. I'm guessing it got ugly both ways. I would hope that people in my own neighborhood would be as vigilant as the lady in this case. It seems she was just trying to be a good neighbor.

I am happy to see so many posting on this seed wanting to know facts before forming an opinion on this situation. I do not know if Mr. Gates arrest had anything to do with race.. It is certainly possible, and the Harvard Ego is also possible.

I suspect the media is counting on many to react strongly to the story. Sadly, for some this article and other coverage of this topic will just flame the fire on both sides.

A very interesting perspective though and not one I would have thought of.

irideon2wheels, your posts are displaying a badge of something far short of brilliance.

was gates born in africa? or was he born here in the United States?

If Obama is truly african-American that means that he was born in africa and moved here later and became a citizen and that would disqualify him from being the president.

I believe it was BMan41 who indicates that the hyphenated identifier is one which denotes the country or region of descent.

so what most white Americans are from european [sic] decent but you dont hear us calling ourselves european-Americans [sic]

Have you not heard of Little Italy or South Philly. I cite these as examples. People who live in those neighborhoods are proud of their family origins-Italy. Some of them may call themselves Italian-Americans. Hence, an American person of European descent could call himself European-American or Euro-American.

I am American by birth. My culture can be traced to a Africa by way of the Caribbean. I have served my country so you can have the freedom to express you illogical views. I am proud to call myself African-American.

irideon2wheels, do you ever read what you have written before you click the Post Comment button? Just for the point of edification...that question was rhetorical.

"Perhaps the next time there is another Jena Six incident, Dr. Gates will fight as diligently for poor Black men as he is fighting for himself"

Maybe the next time there is another Jena Six, he will call the black aggressors racist.

I agree, I think we are missing what really happened...if we had a tape of what was said and how it was said I am sure we would not be bashing the police.  Additionally perhaps both of them had big egos and none would back down and think more rationally.   This need not blow up as much as it is as this happens every day, people overreact to the police and the police overreact to some situations. Get over it life goes on.....

If you (as a minority) believe all white people are racist against you, you will act in such a way as to fulfill that belief.

I have read as much as I can on the story & according to Gates, he & his driver were dressed well, in suit or sportcoats. For the "nice, neighborly" woman who called the police to not have noticed how well they were dressed at 12:30 in the afternoon, she would have to be so blind as to not know whaty race they were as well. This all falls on her. But for Gates to simply refuse to cooperate with a figure of authority, a person who constantly must be on guard for his own protection as well as the protection of all people, speaks volumes. We all know that you don't backtalk an authority figure. That will make him/her search out ways to make your life miserable. White, black, Hispanic, Asian. It doesn't matter.

I am afraid the time may have come where anytime a non-white person has the need of interaction with a member of the police, medical field, National Guard, etc, that we may need to stop all proceedings and use a member of that person's race to interact. The fact that Gates became immediately belligerent shows he has a cross to burn, and was lucky enough to find a white police officer at his door. Had Crowley had a black officer with him, and the black policeman did all of the interaction, Gates probably would have been just as mad, but would not have been so visibly agitated to get charged. That is because he couldn't pin a racial bias charge on a member of his own race.

More excuses! I don't give a @!$%# what color a person is; if I see someone breaking into a house. Yes. Breaking in. His door was jammed. I don't know all the facts of the case; but I would think that a prudent person hearing the noise would call the police (know matter what color the person is). How far away was the neighbor? I am just sick and tired of the race card being played! I would hope that a neighbor would do the same for my house! I have seen this happen before to white people with a black police officer arresting the white people. It was found out to be a honest mistake too. But here's the difference: the white people cooperated with the police. The white people didn't claim racism because they were white and the cop was black! Now who's the RACIST Mr. Gates?

WOW. Ive got to say this is the best article on Newsvine about Mr. Gates.
Maybe he wouldn't have had the police there if he was a white woman or a white man for that matter. Or maybe he would.

I called the cops on my neighbor cause I thought someone was stealing stuff out of his yard. Now they put up a fence just along our property line. You could easily walk to the end of the fence and go in his yard. I took that as "your in my business, stay out" kind of thing. Next time I think someone is ripping him off I wont call police. His loss.

I certainly can understand how some people think they are being singled out. 

Im just glad to see that people of all colors see Mr. Gates for his true self.

none of this discussion would be necessary if our president would answer the question proffessionaly and without racism himself. If this was George W, we would want an impeachment. Racism is the easiest way out if a minority does't get what they want. I believe obama was racist in calling out the WHITEpolice officer. I am sure these kind of things make michelle obama an even less prouder american-american. And i thought barack is half white and black, so why is he an african-american.

Here is another angle. The neighbor called the cops , he was found in the house after the police arrived, quickly it appears maybe the professor shopuld have just flipped ID without flipping out . It would seem to me he should have been grateful the police responded so quickly and he should have been pleased they were checking ID of anyone in the house at all .

Is he the same jerk that would get hostile with the clerk at a c-store for asking for ID as he paid for his gas with a credit card. the clerk is looking out for him too

This event never would have escalated

Redneckbaron, kinda reminds me of the guy who sued the cleaners for losing his pants........do you remember? I forget how much money he (he was a judge) wanted to sue for. People just go off !!!!!!!

One time when I was 20, some friends and I were coming back from a late movie in Westwood, California and were stopped by police. The LAPD officer said I had gone through a yellow light too late. He asked me how I pronouced my last name and what kind of surname it was. When I said it was asian surname he let us go. I wonder even today what would have happened if I said it was hispanic surname?

foofer

I wonder even today what would have happened if I said it was hispanic surname?

You probably would have got a beat down from the cops and if you had dark skin, a beat down and arrest.

What a racist remark! Notice that the police in the picture is ALSO BLACK!!!! He was rude to the police so what are they suppose to do??? I am sure if he were white and gave them the same answers instead of coperating he would have had the same out come. Tired of the number game too. If more of a certin race break the law then it only make sense you will find more in jail duh people!!! Like you never see a white person, asian or mexican or anyother colored AMERICAN in jail????

Thank you. I wish everyone would feel the same as you. I believe that after a very long tiring trip, perhaps Mr. Gates was weary from his trip and upon arriving home, irritated that the front door did not work. I am just assuming that this may have been a mistake and Mr. Gates reacted too emotionally. I sometimes do that when I am tired and aggravated. It's just the same as a parent having a hard day at work and sometimes taking it out on their family. We are all humans and at times when we are tired we over dramatize a situation. I can only hope that is what happened to Mr. Gates. I believe maybe he owes the officer an apology. I am Black. There are more serious things which have happened to Blacks that I am concerned about, the dragging of a Black man in Texas and the threats to our Black President while campaigning.

I would be interested in hearing what Mr. Gate would have said if there were someone breaking in and the neighbors didn't call. I am sure he would be just as mad. You never know and I would have appreciated the fact someone was watching out for my home.

what???-1001826: In an interview w/Soledad O'Brien a few hours ago, Mr Gates thanked his neighbor for calling the police, said he does not blame her & appreciated her looking out for his home. He said his issue was strictly w/the officer that confronted him. While I understand his position, if it is true that the id he showed did not match the address where he was at then the officer would have been right to continue his investigation. Situation sounds more like communication gone out of control and nothing more sinister than that.

BillyBoy 29803: how many people have ever heard of gates before this incident? i would wager that not even the mouth (al sharpton) did.

Billy, just because you never heard of him doesn't mean he isn't well known.

If someone is trying to break into my home IN BROAD DAYLIGHT or not, I would hope that anyone who might witness this would call 911...even if it turned out that it was me trying tyo break in because i forgot my key.

Note: The only time that my house was broken into was in broad daylight...when we were at work. People ususally break in when no one is home, which is not necessarily at night.

Jschw: I would like to thank you for expressing your empathy and understanding of the climate here in America for those of us like me who dare and take risks and run the DWB gauntlet. There is something wrong as drive through the speed trap near my home wondering if it is my turn to be pulled over.

When I see a two black men messing with a front door, IN BROAD DAYLIGHT, I should not automatically think B&E and if I do I should check my assumption before dialing 911.

I agree with you that the assumption of B&E should not be automatic. However, an alarm of some sort should begin to alert. I have to respectfully differ slightly and amend the thought. If I see any number of unrecognized persons regardless of color messing with a front door of my neighbor's home and I don't see a service truck. I am going to do something like walk by and speak to get their attention. If my spider senses are still tingling, I am dialing 911. If it is at night, my first response might be to call 911.

Linda. I know the crime statistics, criminology major and all, and I am not trying to debate the situation; what happened is what happened. I just hope that we all can look at what happened and try and come to a better conclusion than the Professor, the Neighbor, and the Cop did.

Mr. Tee,

The situation with Oprah was different, she went to a store HOURS after it had closed to the public and demanded to be let in to shop. The shop owner said that the store was closed and she would have to come back when it opened the following day. There was NO racism there. She was just pissed because she is OPRAH and is use to getting what she wants, when she wants it. If that situation had happened to anyone else, there would be no problem, but because it's Oprah, it must be racism.

You Mr Tee make it a racist world. YOU see it as black and white and YOU are the one making others see it that way too. You use the race card and I do not care what color anyone is it is not right.

No, Oprah attempted to enter Hermes before it officially closed. An employee asked her to leave because they were hosting an after hours party. Apparently she found it inconvenient to help a customer. We will never know whether Ms. Winfrey's ethnicity or casual apparel emboldened the salesperson to violate store policy or basic customer service standards to ask a customer to leave during store hours. I suspect however, that the employee will never make the same mistake again. The Hermes family apologized to Ms. Winfrey both privately and publicly.

For you information, luxury retailers don't make it a practice to ask customers to leave, especially someone as wealthy and influential as Ms. Winfrey.

Lastly, what's with the "Oprah is use to getting everything" sentiment. Ms. Winfrey represents just the type of "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" success story that people like you claim to love.

LOL! I didn't know that Danny Glover (who happens to hang out in my town of Portland now and again) couldn't get a cab in New York City. Why, the SAME THING happened to me...(and I'm not black)... Those cabbies, they just drive right by me when I'm trying to get one! I don't think it has to do with color, I think it has to do with the fact we're from PORTLAND!!! Does somebody want to take up Danny's and my cause? LOL!! You SO can't be serious!

A sour truth is what we have, the real question is why did the neighbor think someone was breaking in the house, it was because she saw a Black man. I am 1000% positive of that. If it were a white man trying to get past a stuck door no call to the police would have been made.

Perhaps Gates did over react because #1 it was his house and #2 he was shocked that he was being perceived as a thief, but he should have calmly answered the officer questions and followed instructions so as not to #3 get shot in the back, and become another statistic.

He could have then made his complaint through the proper channels like every other wronged black person has learned to do.

msgem the sour truth is that cops can be bullies. It really doesn't matter what color you are. If you talk back to them they will usually warn you and then if you keep it up you might just go to jail. You don't know if it was a neighbor or a passerby. If I was driving by a house and I saw what I perceived to be a break in I might call 911. Actually I've done it but the person was white and it was the people across the street from me. It turned out to be the ex-husband so..no he didn't go to jail since he apparently had a right to be there even though he didn't live there anymore. He wasn't my biggest fan after that.

As far as bully cops I've dealt with that personally and when they said I was going to jail if I didn't shut up....well.....I shut up.....even though they were wrong. Try reading the paper. We've had quite a few stories lately about off-duty officers being ignorant and I'd imagine if they have their uniform on that gives them super powers. I understand the police need to be able to do their job but I also understand that we are all governed by the same rules. They should not be able to say anything to me that I can't say back to them. Unfortunately that's not the way it works. So we have to deal with it. That's the price we pay for them to put their life on the line on a daily basis.

How's that for a backhanded analysis????

The woman who called police was NOT a neighbor.

Old Yankee, I would like to respectfully suggest that you pull up or you messages be perceived as being from Old Rebel.

Msgem: I have to disagree with you on point. Why should every black, brown, yellow, or green person rollover and accept unjust, racist and ignorant behavior. Okay, perhaps the fact that the cop carries a gun and a badge can be convincing arguments.

If I ask an officer for his name and badge number, I expect to receive it.

Albeit an unfortunate set of circumstances, Gates' arrest does shed light on those poor people of color who do not have an international stage as Gates has to bring this to light.

We have made progress in the area of racism. But we still have a long way to go before MLK's dream is realized.

Too funny. In what country does a Black, Harvard professor gets treated like an average Joe? In America. That's where. Police officers aren't exactly at the top of the food chain intellectually. They are for the most part average Joes. The one thing about average folks is they don't like to be told they're average. They don't like to be told they're not as smart. After checking the address and confirming the fact that the residence was occupied or owned by Gates the officer should have used common sense. Yes. He didn't provide his drivers license when asked. What he did provide, after refusing, was a school I.D. with his photo and name. Now....Why would a police officer after confirming ownership of a home and being provided with a picture I.D. that shows the face and name of the owner STILL FEEL THE NEED to pursue a possible breaking and entering? Oh...I get it. The crooks did a little research, found out the name of the occupant and then went through a elaborate plan to have fake Harvard identification cards made. (LOL) Are you friggin' serious? If he takes this to trial he will win. Guess what...the officers can say this, that or the other but the fact is he was in his own home, they knew it but felt HE HADN'T shown them the respect they feel THEY DESERVE. They proceeded to use the system to SHOW him and that's when they messed up. The police department can press a million charges and NONE of them will stick. The civil suit he will file will stick like GLUE. They're done.

An elitist white old man walking with a cane would have been tretaed VERY differently...

Bob your right on with your statement.Gates thinks he`s above the Law funny part is he`s buddy buddy with the Kennedy`s you know them i`m sure, they love saying ''Do You Know Who I am''Gates doesn`t even own the house ,it belongs to Harvard.Last night I heard Chris Matthews laugh and say Crowley,hmm seems all cops are Irish! Now isn`t that reverse racism?I wonder if Gates would have screamed racism if the cop was black.It`s really getting OLD

White or black cop his position put him on the higher end off the food chain and he will use it again.

Finally, somebody who has a better picture on the situation than most. I hope everyone out there reads this! Kyle, where can I get you're latest book?

My thoughts exactly. Why could not Mr. Gates pause for a moment to consider that everytime a police officer responds to a supposed burglary he or she is putting their life on the line? Why could he not consider how fortunate he is to live in an area where the police can respond to a 911 call in a decent amount of time? Had I been in this situation (and I'm a little surprised I haven't been, since I have locked myself out and had to break into my own house more than once), I would have tried to difuse a tense situation by calmly offering my license and identifying myself, then thanking the officers for responding so promptly to a situation in my neighborhood. Anger, defensiveness, arrogance, and threats have no place in this situation. Why can't we treat each other with dignity and respect?

You are wrong!!! The police was called and came exactly to do what you deny: TO SERVE AND PROTECT!

Black people should stop the call of "racism" every time they are arrested or stopped by police. They should also call themselves "Americans" and not African-Americans, and if they insist maybe: "Black Americans". I do not see what Africa has to do with black americans ... it's about time that Blacks integrate themselves in the American society and stop discriminating themselves. ENOUGH!!

Oh, by the way ... I am an immigrant from Africa -- but I am not black -- should I call myself an African-American or simply an American citizen!!!

What the "h-e double L" are you talking about, John3821?? Learn to write before you post on this site, please.

And Samantha, you are one of the few that can truely call yourself an "African-American"!! But if you want to call yourself an American, we welcome you with open arms!

Umm...what story did you read or listen to? Reading is Fundamental!

Racist on the part of the neighbor who called?? May I as why? Do you know for a fact that she was only calling because it was a black person?? Do you know for a fact that she herself is not black?? You may because I don't recall if this was in the article or not. But we all wonder why we do not help our neighbors or each other. This would be an example of why we all let bad things happen. Too sad, I tell you I will think twice about wanting to call in anything if it makes me a racist, sorry hope I don't see anything bad happen to you because this kind of crap makes me turn my head!!! What a shame on us all.

Yes I agree. Good inteligent discussion makes for better communication between all Americans. I cannot share the same praise for the knuckle head whose comment is below yours. Guy is an idiot.

what???-1001826: no, I do not know for a fact that she was only calling because it was a black person. No, I do not know whether she herself is black, or even if it was a she...and you're right, maybe concerned neighbor was less likely than the police that arrived to assume he was guilty because of the color of his skin. It could be that race had nothing to do with it, and she was simply looking out for the welfare of her neighbor, and that's great. I guess I was thinking racial profiling would be more likely on the part of the caller than the police because the police didn't drive by and see this happening, they responded to a breaking and entering call made by the neighbor...if that reasoning makes any sense, and I apologize if it didn't. Again, based on my experience with some University professors I have contact with on a daily basis (note I said SOME), I think it's absolutely possible it was a case of, "Don't you know who I am?" and, "I don't give a s#!t who you are, I can arrest you anyway!"

I have to admit, I'd want you as a neighbor, because the first thought that would pop in my head when seeing two people struggling to get a front door open in broad daylight would not be that they're trying to break in, and I probably would not have called the police. I'm sure I have a naive view of things because I am fairly trusting; it's safe to say plenty of crime happens in the daytime, but I would assume if someone were going to break in, they'd at least try to use a door that's less conspicuous.

Bob Carroll,

It's scary how truly simple and true your post and opinion is. It would've been over as quickly as it began.

You can recognize animals by the eyes I have seen them. They exist in all colors shapes and sizes. The news does not acknowledge them because they are scared of them. And to tell the truth I am too. That is why we need police to protect the sane from the insane.

I do find it interesting that the story has died... just plain died.

Racism? Of course! But psychopathic behavior really transcends the bounds of race or racism. The two are completely unrelated articles. The story about the murder/rape situation should be focused on why it's dead... why does no one care anymore?

Regarding the current issue we're discussing, I agree 100% with kyle-philosopher & WychDoctor George. I think that if the professor had just used his head, the whole thing could have been avoided, even if the officer was racist. It simply could have been done differently.

And... Prof. Gates, it doesn't matter how much you don't like the picture, that IS what you look like when you throw a tantrum. Perhaps you should consider that.

This story sounds familiar. Sounds like what whites did to Blacks for centuries and still do to Blacks. Emmett Till, the black guy in texas dragged by a car. You speak about one situation compared with many situations that happened to Blacks. I live in New York and have stopped counting the number of innocent Black men shot and killed by the NYPD. I also remember while President Obama was campaigning the chants to "Kill Him" at Sarah Palin's rallies. So vicious that even John McCain stepped back from her. I tell you what, let's create a list of vicious violent crimes commited by whites on Blacks and Blacks on whites. I tell you what, I will give you a head start.

Doesn't make you wonder why this particular case is brought up ad nausem? Isn't it strange that the case in question is somehow symbolic of how Black people behave, yet there is just one story brought up over and over? One would think there would literally be hundreds of such crimes committed everyday!

Look it up on Wikipedia. There is more there than these folks will have you believe!

The fact humans were murdered is the point... To spread the story around.. why? To support clashing of races... ? Or to say, see "they" are wrong too?

Nobody knows what happened in Mr. Gates house but the officer and Mr. Gates. By now they both have attys and PR people to spin their side of the story..

This is the first that i've heard of what happened to them.

People like the the firefighters in New Haven!

Honey337,

Everyone has experienced discrimination, whether you are at a golf course or at a gas station in Oakland! How you view me doesn't make me doubt myself or influence any decision that I make. This generation is absolutely full of people trying so hard to be victims.

The guy is inside his own house. So the cops can come in and arrest you for being dumb. My wife will like this idea.

He already is famous. If you spent less time watching Nascar, and more time watching PBS you'd know who he is.

Please don't confuse these people crying "racism" with FACTS or common sense. Besides I'm betting Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson already have their bags packed and tickets reserved to fly up there. And here you are, raining on their parade.

You make many good and valid points.

Really??? Since when do police go against each other...black, or white? So one of the other officers would have tried to talk the other "down". It's been my experience that just the opposite is more likely to occur.

Yeaaaa!

Someone finally hit the nail on the head!

More people should be so literate.

To many police officers, and civilians alike, a black man in America only has one class, and that's 2nd.

To: Randy-274700

You aren't really foolish enough to believe that statement are you?

What about President Obama? Do you consider him to be 2nd class?

We have a black president; there are black governors, mayors, lawmakers on State and Federal levels; blacks men (and women) dominate most every sport out there.

Get the chip off your shoulder!

Once every ten years is not even worth mentioning.

...and many many many cops, all over the world, stop people to "check them out."

Be flattered maybe, but don't get overly frustrated... it's nothing like being harassed the way non-white people are every day. There simply is no comparison & your comment only makes you sound a bit young & foolish.

What do you think when a white man walks in a room? "There's a man in the room," likely, if anything at all.

What do you think when a black man walks in a room? "There's a black man in the room," also likely.

Don't be ashamed to be honest with yourself. Most non-black people think that... we're conditioned to... by the media, our society, culture, etc.... even some black people have the same thoughts as well. It isn't ever going to change if we don't admit it though.

Some recent movie quote: "Just because that's the way it is, doesn't mean that's the way it should be."

Being stoppted once or twice over the course of many years may not be a deal but this is not the same thing that you experience as a white person that a majority of African-Americans experience. Every white person who feels threatened at the success of an African-American, who feels that what an African-American has worked for and earned he/she shouldn't have, who feels that what they think about African-Americans should rule (not truth), who feels that an African-American who works hard to do a job well done, thinks too much of themselves, who feels that they are entitled just because they have white skin... white people who think this way if given a chance will try to say or do something that would give them an opportunity to try and belittle, disgrace or discredit that African-American person. And it is not just once or twice that it happens. Even sometimes it is a flat out lie and/or set-up, etc. carefully arranged. It can happen with any number of white people on the job, at the movies, at a store, etc. You as a white person may not realize how often it occurs to just one African-American by many white person for numerous delusional reason, who feel that they can get away with it.

I have seen first hand all the mind games that some white people play...it an unspoken struggle constantly because they want you to be beneath them when you are not. This is what I feel occurred with this African-American scholar. I feel the officer took advantage of the situation and tried to make it something that it was not. As well, it could have possibly even started with the neighbor who placed the call. May the truth always be revealed in these matters.

One people, One nation...differences respected

Maybe they stopped you because you are HOT!

THANK YOU!

I've had experiences where I was made to get out of the car and take a sobriety test when there was no reason to suspect I was drinking, was patted down, and asked if I had any weapons or drugs on me or in my car. I was 18 at the time, and a small white female, conservativly dressed, in a nice area. And before anyone assumes this was a pleasant exchange, where I was nicely questioned, no it was not a pleasant experience. It wasn't take this test, and is there anything harmful around, I was yelled at by the cop, and spoken to in a completely non respectful tone, even though I was speaking to him in one.

We get treated like this too sometimes. It's rediculous that people cry racism over every little thing. Yes it still exists, and yes I'm sure sometimes that's what's going on. But not EVERY TIME. It's not always about what you look like.

I am a white , college educated professional woman with mixed ancestry from Europe- French, scandanavian ( Vikings) , Scottish, german and probably many thers I am not aware about- Been pulled over lots of times ( I have a lead foot) and on each occassion I have been treated courteously. Are there dumb ass police officers? sure. Are there dumb ass profs ( sure are, I work with some) there are dumb ass people in every job- there are racists and bigots in every job- However I do feel I am being discriminated against by stores who only carry size 0-8- Ah ha I smell the money!!!!!!

Marie,

You my dear are full of crap. How do you know what other people go through when they are stopped??? I know for a fact that no matter what color you are you will have people treat you bad and belittle you because that is the social hierarchy as in all animal species. NOTHING TO DO WITH COLOR my goodness can you all get over it!!!! I am not black and have had it happen many times in my life and will in the future learn to deal with it and stop the race card.

St. Louis was considered the #1 violent city a couple of years ago. I made the comment that if we roped off North St. Louis we wouldn't be #1. I was called a racist because there are alot of black people in that area. The fact is I wake up every morning with the news telling me about a murder in North St. Louis. I don't live there so I don't know what color they are but I know that's where the murders happen. Most of them are drive by shootings, which are just stupid. And most of them are done by young black men. This gang mentality needs to stop. Black on black crime is out of control.

If a white guy wants to kill someone they have a reason. They take out a whole familly and you know why. This makes it no better it just shows how many crazy people there are in the world. I don't understand the need to kill all of your kids because you're mad at your wife. It makes no sense. See how the white person's mind wanders.......this is why we're no good in a gang. We keep forgetting who we're mad at. Dammit.

Edna, are you saying blacks don't have a reason for killing? I'm confused by your post. Black people in inner cities don't just kill each other without 'reason' if I'm reading your post right. Violence begets violence. They have anger towards a society that thinks their bad guys, so they act like bad guys. It's not like anyone is coming in to bring better education to them. They have a misguided meaning of the word 'respect' and "power'. The only way to get them is through violence and they crave these things because they think they have no power. But that "reason" for killing is no better or worse than the 'reason' behind a white man killing his whole family or a white man going on a killing spree(How many black serial killers do you know of?)

Violence and acts of atrocities are something every race is capable of and history is a prime indicator of that all over the world. To say these black people need to stop committing so many crimes as though that is what we are predisposed to do is like saying white people need to stop oppressing, enslaving, and methodically killing people.

We know white people are no good in a gang. Look at the GOP. ZING! *ducks*

But seriously, we all have history. I just think we need to make a better effort to come together as human beings, not separating ourselves from each other by labeling and drawing lines, on the racial front and the political front. We have so much still that we need to work on as human beings.

As for the article, I could not agree more. The more I read about this situation the more annoyed I am. I really hope this blows over and leaves the news quietly and quickly.

Mr. Gates, you are NOT Rodney King. You were not wronged in a way that justifies media attention despite your rank in society and certainly not a law suit so I hope one is not forthcoming

As for the police officers, there HAD to have been a tone that they took that had Gates even more ranckled. I would be pissed too, if someone called the cops on me for breaking into my own house, which I've definitely done after locking myself out like an idiot. We cannot place all of the blame upon Gates and the media. This man is a scholar and while I'm sure there is an air of snobbery I simply cannot believe he was the one who made the situation worse. That cop should have given him is name and badge number without question. These are public servants, who deserve respect, but still public servants.

Really, good for you. I am a 34yo educated black woman who in the past 2 months have been stopped in front of my home 40 times. Apparently, my car looks suspicious. It is a 99 chevy malibu. I looked out of place.

One time the police officer said that i was breaking into my own home after i showed him ID.

I am glad Gates said something. This is not an isolated incident. It happens all over the country but it never makes the media. This time it happened to a Havard Prof.

I seriously doubt that honeygirl

Where do you live? I live in largely white area. Where the police pick on anyone non white. Believe what you want. I don't care. But 40 times in 2 months. Given tickets and later getting them dropped. All because I live in a Nice White area.

Wake up and smell the truth. Racism happens and people want to deny it. Blame the person who was wronged. People of color catch hell for trying to better themselves and are treated like 2nd class citizen.