so have whites, what has race to do with it?

CROWLEY ARRESTED ONE BLACK MAN FOR TUMULTOUS BEHAVIOR IN HIS OWN HOME. HOW MANY WHITE MEN HAS HE ARRESTED IN THE PAST - IF CROWLEY'S PATTERN WAS TO ARREST ANYONE WHO TALKS BACK, THEN CASE CLOSED - HE'S A ROGUE COP FOR EVERYONE. IF THIS IS HIS FIRST ARREST OF THIS TYPE OF TUMULTOUS BEHAVIOR, THEN CASE CLOSED, THIS IS A RACIAL BIAS ARREST. CASE CLOSED IN ANY CASE - CHECK THIS COP'S RECORD... and if there is racial bias, then entire police dept and probably all police should be checked for what is the true pattern and retraining or dismissals be accorded as appropriate. This should probably be done in interest of race relations anyway....

The cop was chosen by a black officer to run a class on racial profiling. Seems his record is pretty good.

rd-356761. I hope you realize that members of Congress do not read any of the bills they vote on. They don't have the time. They relie on their staffers. You sound like the typical ignorant Republicans that drove this country into the ground during the bush/cheney years. If so, please do America a favor and refrain from voting.

Press secretary Robert Gibbs told NBC News that Obama wished he had not escalated the issue, adding that the media's "obsessions" were keeping alive Obama's comments.

======================

Media's obsession? How funny. The man is President of the United States, the most powerful position in the world. When he puts his foot in his mouth and says something really stupid, and yes what he said was stupid, the media will run with it. Maybe next time he'll pause and think before uttering something this dumb. Unfortunately I don't see that happening. It must be a politician thing.

They never should have drop the charges, because this a$$hole gates is a racist and is using his color in defense of him being a complete and total jackass!!!!!!!!!

The police in general need to take a step back and be a bit more courteous to those paying their salaries. I'm freaking sick and tired of the "blue line" that exists between cops and normal citizens. How can they expect respect when they have a different set of rules for themselves compared to normal citizens. Cops cover for themselves and treat citizens like crap for the most part. If the police union want respect they need to understand it is a 2 way street. Another thing I am sick of, is having to walk on egg shells and worry about "offending" cops because of the "hazardous" job they do. Here is a news flash, a cops job is not the most dangerous job on the planet, not even close. Furthermore no one is forcing them to take the job, so stop the fake indignation every time someone questions how they treat people. You want respect. start giving it. End of story.

He will never apologize. He has never made a mistake, he even now refuses to back down.

The only thing he can apologize for is someone else's mistake, like he apologizes for the way America has "treated" the rest of the world. But see, that is not his fault.

This must have been Bush's fault too, somehow.

Just like the Universal Healthcare Coverage Obama doesnt get it. He called the cops stupid he needs to apologize and admit he was wrong. These cops did their jobs, this guy Gates became irate and out of control. He thought his Ivy League job put him above the average person and he could do whatever he wanted. Sorry bud, doesn't work like that. You go to jail just the same as anyone else who wants to mouth off at the cops. Obama messed up he needs admit it and move on. LOL at the Obama team "media obsessing over it" lol. They're doing their job, and get used to it. EVERYTIME a president makes a gaffe the media will expose it. The Obama team just doesnt get it... and I think we'll see them make several more mistakes like this over the next 3 and a half years.

The headlines on TV reads: "Police Union - Cambridge police dept. is not stupid". Obama, NEVER said that the police department is "stupid", he said, "ACTED stupidly", HUGE difference. This DEFINITELY is a racial issue NOW by the police union.

Obama does not owe anyone an apology, if anyone, Cambridge police department owes Dr. Gates a HUGE APOLOGY.

IMWHITEWOLF

Hmmmm...seems you forgot who Bush inherited his problems from!

Also, it's no secret that the media are a bunch of liberal bafoons! Funny, Obubba's own are talking trash about him!

Like I said before, if we can just make it through the next 3 years without imploding, we will never see another Democrat in office again! The Right will have to break out the extra big mops to clean this mess up!

Gates and Obama are just fueling the flames of racism. Mr. Gates is a jerk for not cooperating with an officer, he actually was totally uncooperative because of his race. Obama didn't have a clue what happened at the scene but his community organizer experience led him to open his big mouth and blame the white guy.

Obviously everything is looking up for these difficult and troubled times we're all facing now-a-days.

Clearly President Obama's plate isn't full enough of more pressing issues and he has time to share his deep insightful thoughts on matters that could have and should have been handled at a much lower level than the Presidency.

The shifting of the blame to "media obsession" was a poorly attempted ploy also, Mr. President. In case you haven't noticed - The media has been obsessed with you for quite sometime. You shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you to a gullible public and practically drools all over itself at every opportunity to showcase your omnipotent presence in damn near everything you do and or say. Had you kept your comments about the incident in question to yourself and not sought the medias attention, maybe you could have avoided this feeling of regret that troubles you so. It's the public, in general, that is slowly beginning to have serious doubts about you. Don't blame the media Barack. They're some of the best friends you've ever had.

As for the police - They're doing what they're paid to do. Maybe it's time for our president to do the same.

Gates was in the right. Okay. The police were there to investigate a break in. Professor Gates showed the officer his two Photo ID's that showed that he lived there. The cop should of apologized and left. But he didn't. He kept taunting Professor Gates until Gates lost his temper. Now, no one should be arrested for their own first amendment right - FREE SPEACH.

Obama is a racist. Don't expect him to apologize for that now. He never has before.

Thunderpoof, give me a break, a journalist asked him a question after addressing about the health reform TV press. I agree with President Obama's response regarding this RACIAL arrest of Dr. Gates.

Sean, I believe the officer was leaving but Gates followed him shouting at him. He SHOULD have been arrested and the D.A. SHOULD have prosecuted him.

Hmmmm...seems you forgot who Bush inherited his problems from!

You mean the terrible budget surplus that Clinton left, you mean positive progress in the middle east peace process, you mean the status that we enjoyed in the world as the stalwart of human rights and dignity, you mean the greatest economic expansion to date??? Before you open your pie hole you should check the facts and stop spreading dribble. I know that this isn't what Rush and Sean like to teach you, but then again they never let the facts get in the way of their rant and it seems you've learned that skill from them very well.

Sean - you sound like you were right there at the scene. Were you? Or are you repeating what Mr. Gates would have you believe? The officer and Mr. Gates have two entirely different versions of what happened. You seem to believe Mr. Gates. I think he is a liar. I think we need to find out who is the liar. Then Mr. Gates and President Obama can apologize to all Americans for their racist behavior.

The gov't might as well take a way the Batman belt from the cops and just issue them a pen and papers to write reports. Thats what it' coming down to folks. Cops are being limited to what they can do these days. Might as well take away everything. Let the criminals run this country. It seems like people are in cops business even if they are just doing what they are suppose to do. The police department should not owe anyone an apology. Even if it's the president. Just because the president knew the guy and this whole thing got blown out of proportion. People with attitude will bring on more problems like the professor. Usually, it's MOSTLY the Blacks with attitude problems that I personally dealt with myself but NOT ALL BLAKCS. And I am a minority and I am not racist. I am speaking from my experience.

Read the whole story morons. There are only two racist in it and it isn't the white cop.

You can be Tazed for being disorderly. The cop showed tollerance and restaint. He was the only one with a cool head.

what im tired of, and what nobody will ever have the guts to say. Is that the Race card is about worn out. How long does a country have to sink their heads when someone injects race? I had no part in in slavery My parents had no partm, my grandparents had no part. We are Native American (Apache) a culture going extinct, When my dad get pulled over he does'nt use the race card. there is no race card for us, and we would use it if we had one. When will the white community get it through their heads that untill they stand up and say BS, they will always have this hanging over their heads.

Treat people the way you want to be treated and walk away from A$$ h073s. I have only been pulled over once. the officer thought my vehicle matched the disciption of a suspects vehicle. I was put in the back of the patrol car while my veicle was search and my ID verified. Yes it was an inconcience, but it was all taken care of with no problems. The officer said thank you for cooperating, and explained what happend. That was that. A guy doing his job and thats it.

Off topic note: the libral talk radio were saying Unions are good except when it's a police union. BS! The libs cant have it both ways.

rd: HUH??? might want to say what ever it is you're saying again.... but S-L-O-W-L-Y....ok?

READER, seriously, you make it sound that all cops are SAINTS. A reality check, there are cops (2% bad apples) that are using their badge to manipulate and act criminally, legally. This Sgt. from Cambridge OBVIOUSLY has a HUGE CHIP on his shoulder. This cop was caught with his illegal actions.

How often have you heard Mr. Obama say "... uh, I, uh, don't believe that it would be uh, appropriate at this particular time to uh Make any statement or pass uh judgement on the issue until we uh have all the facts."?

That may not be word for word, but we have heard it numerous times in the past. THIS should have been one of those times as it had absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand, which was the health care reform. There's your break, Vicky.

Gates got exactly what a loud-mouth, chip on my shoulder, the "man" is keeping me down black man deserves! He's a racist and has no business teaching anyone anything!

No only does Gates owe the cops an apology for his racist, pain in the a s s behavior, Obama owes the cops an apology too. Unless of course he wants a lot of people to continue to believe that he too is just another loud-mouth, chip on my shoulder, the "man" is keeping me down black (okay, half) man.

Cops already have enough issues dealing with the scum of society that they have to deal with! The last thing they need is an idiot President, without the facts, spewing his bullsh**!

But he knows not what he says when he doesn't have a telepromter!! What a pathetic joke of a President. You'll be out of there in 3 1/2 years. And you've already stolen enough from the taxpayers - leave the china and silver alone!

I am sick to death of these scumbag cop apologist who will excuse any cops actions just because he is a thug hiding behind a badge. There is no way in Hell that you can justify arresting someone in their own home for disorderly conduct no matter how much he yelled at the cop.Cops saying "calm down" is just their way of really meaning "Shut the Hell up,I'm a cop and can do whatever I want"Gates had every legal right to demand the cop ID himself and the sorry pig bastard just walked away like he was above the law.When Gates insisted the cop arrested him in an attempt to bully him into silence.The cop broke the law

BJs65:

Oops comments once or twice? Do you actually ever listen to Obama? He's shot your excuse all to hell - and he is only 6 months into his one and only 4 year term.

Carl:

And the racism that goes on against whites deserves no apologies whatsoever! What a joke! And racist blacks need to be fired as they shouldn't be teaching at Harvard!

Fact: Officer Crowley has absolutely no history what so ever of exhibiting racism. Mr. Gates on the other hand was very uncooperative and confrontational. He should have shown his drivers licence or any form of ID with his address then thanked the police officer for doing his job. Then there wouldn't be a story. To those who are convinced the officer was looking to push his weight around, read the official report... if you dare.

Hmm?

Let's review:

The police respond to a possible break-in. When they arrive, they find Gates who isn't exactly cooperative. However, after it's all said and done, the police learn that he's a professor that's simply locked himself out of his own property. Meanwhile, because Gates is beligerent - and this cop appears to have taken it personally - Gates is arrested for disorderly conduct, charges which are later dropped.

That's stupid! ... and well put, Mr. President.

How often have you heard Mr. Obama say "... uh, I, uh, don't believe that it would be uh, appropriate at this particular time to uh Make any statement or pass uh judgement on the issue until we uh have all the facts."?

I think you're getting confused with the Bush administration when they responded to questions about one investigation or another that they were party to.

Henry Louis Gates is a Poo Butt !

Police Officers all over this country should strike and march on DC to demand an apology.

Right wing nuts lost their minds for sure. Heck, they don't even think Obama is an American -- even though opponents like McCain were never willing to make that claim, or John Roberts who swore him in, or anyone else going back to his days as a Senator, etc. We know this all is manifestation of people's discomfort with his race, Muslim father and what have you. Scarwy!

And they have short memories too. Biden has done more for law enforcement than most anyone else, not to mention the support the Obamas give to our troops. The mistake was Obama forgot he can't be uppity and make a comment like that regardless of the truth.

The reporter who asked that petty, shallow question has derailed health care reform and is the one who should be run out of town on a rail.

And the racism that goes on against whites deserves no apologies whatsoever! What a joke! And racist blacks need to be fired as they shouldn't be teaching at Harvard!

I'm white, explain to me what racism I've endured over the last 52 years. All racists should be fired from teaching institutions regardless of race. The penalty for not keeping our teaching institutions free of racists are comments like yours.

Unfortunaely Blacks and Hispanics commit most of the crime in the US......

Blacks and hispanics, as a community, need to clean up their acts.........

or as Richard Prior joked....... find "Just-us" in jail

As more of this comes out, I think Gates thought he would get a "rogue cop" in trouble. Now we find out this guy teaches against racial profiling in the Cambridge Police Dept. I think Gates picked out the wrong policeman to make his point, whatever it was. This guy has a stellar record, at work and in the community.

I was proud to see a multi racial union and force stand behind their officer and not bow down to the President in this situation. I doubt they'll get an apology from him or Gates. They are both too arrogant to admit they are wrong. Kudos to them for standing up for right.

Meanwhile, because Gates is beligerent - and this cop appears to have taken it personally - Gates is arrested for disorderly conduct, charges which are later dropped.

Okay, I know some people believe Mr. Gates had the right to berate this cop, and that the cop should have been bigger than that and simply walked away. Let's put the shoe on the other foot. Let's say someone calls the cops and it's a white guy breaking into the house, and the cop is black. The white guy immediately starts abusing the cop and follws him out, screaming at the back of his head as he's walking down the steps with the whole neighborhood watching "And don't ever step foot on my property again, you f-ing n-word!"

Now, I want the cop to be alowed to turn around and arrest the white guy, what do you guys who thing Gates was in the right think?

Wow everyone needs to grow up. This is ridiculous. Yes, Obama probably shouldn't have said anything but media and police are you really THIS upset because someone said you acted "stupidly"???? Only a child couldn't handle being called a name and a rather weak one at that. Grow up children and cover some REAL news, we still have two wars and an economic crisis so how about doing some ACTUAL reporting on things that matter. Geez.

TAW57-

Couldn't have said it better!

Obo's mouth runs faster than his brain. Again. But then he is a brother to the Pelosi/Clinton twins.

Sheila- In the interest of "Race Relations" Obama should apologize to the police officer in question!

Amen...we were promised change, a more open, transparent government, all bills would be on line 72 hrs before they were voted on. All lies to the American public. We have no change, we DO have more taxes, more government, a president that resents white people and especially cops. Folks we have to change things in 2010 and 2012.

I have a question. If the president were asked a foreign policy question dealing with say, China or Muslims that he hadn't had the opportunity see all the facts and investigate, yet he makes a comment that either inflames relations or possibly move us closer to war how would you feel? Would it be different. President Obama is supposed to the president of all American citizens, yes even the ones that didn't vote for him, without consideration of a persons race etc etc. Not unlike past presidents the words he speaks are held under a microscope. No matter his intent at the time and after stating he didn't have all the facts he should have said that he couldn't comment. In addition he prefaced his comments with Mr. Gates is friend of mine which puts him further under the microscope as to his personal bias. We have so many pressing issues in this country right now that will have a greater short term impact on our country than the issue of race. Not with standing the issue he called the press conference for in the first place which was health care.

I wondered what would happen when we elected our first minority to the top job in the country. It's compelling that we elected our first African American president to highest job in the land yet it seems all the ghosts of our past race issues have chosen this time to come flooding back to cloud what is actually happening in this country relative to race. We've made progress yet by all account since President Obama was sworn in it looks like we have taken ten steps backward. Not only HIS presidency but former president Bush appointing the first Black Secretary of State in Collin Powell and then following that with his appointment of Condi Rice who represented 2 minorities, African American and a female. We have a Black President and a white female secretary of state in this administration.

We seem to muddy one issue with another they by never accomplishing much or letting those in office take advantage of us. The president holds a press conference to talk about overhalling a part of our country that represents 10% of our Gross National Product which is huge when put in prespective. We have double digit unemployment. Many in the country are still losing their homes to foreclosure. We have men in women in uniform in foreign countries losing their lives to protect us. So many issues that are a thousand times more important to our immediate and collective futures than this one.

Fact is, Presidents and Public Officials don't APOLOGIZE, period. They simply let us banter about wasting our time until the dust settles.

Want to worry. Worry about a country that's on the verge of bankruptcy. One that's in a war with an enemy that has no home country and will probably be fought for decades. What happened to our outrage at paying $4 per gallon for gas? Now that it's back at $2.50 per gallon no one seems to care and if we don't care then our government won't care. They haven't done anything about it to date. What about the immigration issue in this country? That was a sore spot for the last 2 years during the campaigns and since the inauguration not a single word.

I say we let this issue ride off into the sunset and quit letting others distract us from the things are important right now. Trust me, with the Reverand Al and Jesse Jackson this issue will continue to find the light of day. Lets simply make it another day!

Vicky - Texas:

Have a little chip on your shoulder do you?! People like you condoning the use of race to further your own personal agenda is what is pathetic in our society. America has no use for any racist - no matter what their color is!!

We will get over it in November 2010 and November 2012!!

I second that motion Political Cynic. Let's move on.

Barack Hussein Obama, Naivete Extraordinaire has attacked Our CIA, Our Military as well as our Entire Nation. Makes sense he's going after America's cops. They're part of the equation.

It's all part of a pattern that stems from Barack's long time mentor, pastor, and father figure Jeremiah Wright of the Church of Trinity in Chicago:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jc2FCJ7zWEQ

OBAMA - One Big Assed Mistake, America!

he did not arrest him for talking back you imbecile! Read the police report. And shut up if you do not have your facts correct.

Why should the police report written by the officer accused of overreacting be the document that proves what happened. You living in fairyland? Oh, that's right, you're "Mr. Investigator" and you wouldn't be biased at all now would you?

Rd, Shut up! We're so tired of having every issue railroaded by partisanship.
And as for Gates and Crowley,There were several other officers there at the time.
Were they all wearing head phones?Why hasn't anyone corroborated either side
of these stories. And yes,the Presidents remark was reckless and unsubstantiated.

To protect and server (IE the people, public)
A long time ago that is what police stood for however clearly that has changed.
You have no rights when it comes to anything dealing with the police on any level.
On the street, on the road, in your own home, the police have the power over you and in any case that you question why the police are there. Right or wrong (as in you are a criminal or not) that officer is going to have you in handcuffs shortly.
Why? You do not question the police's power.
As we see by police unions standing tall against even our own president.
Does this not show us all how law enforcement thinks their word and power has no limits?

They answer only to their own (as in other police) in all most every case that an officer is questioned for wrong doing, it ends with acceptable procedure, case closed.
Even in the event of a death at the hand of an officer.

All Americas should want a change in law enforcement, no demand.
The police should answer to the public, not the police commanding everyone under their power. (That's you and me)

If the police came to your door making demands, what would you do?
I would question it

What in the hell are you talking about? Do you get your news from wacko conspiracy dot com? Or just Fox News and Rush Limbaugh? Same thing right?

Freak show!

What else would we expect from the ACORN commander in chief? Obama's first instinct was the perception of racial injustice from his days as a rabble-rousing community activist.

The officer had keyed his radio and they have it all on tape, wait for the facts to come out I think you will see who the real racist are. As for obama, he is a racist and a socakist I can't stand to even hear him speak.

Blacks and hispanics have been intimidated and harassed by police for far too long. Time to stop the racism!

NEWSVINE - Why would this comment be collapsed? Specifically what section of the code of conduct does it violate or are you just collapsing posts of opinions that you don't agree with?

As for obama, he is a racist and a socakist I can't stand to even hear him speak

It appears that you keep forgetting to breath when you type, the lack of oxygen is evident in your dribble.

Vicky -

Sorry to disappoint you. I don't have a speech problem. Though I'd surmise you have a reality problem.

You apparently are the true racist here, not I. You omit civil authority to feed your own agenda and lash out with your racist rhetoric. You make it sound like the police staked out the professors residence and just waited for him to show up.

Need anyone remind you the officer was responding to a call to that residence by a neighbor that thought there was suspicious activity going on when they witnessed someone trying to force the door open? The professor even admitted to that. Can't you?

Upon further questioning, which is exactly what the police are suppose to do in order to verify validity, the professor became irritated and curt with his responses to the police questions and request to show ID. Clearly, Vicky, if this had gone an entirely different direction it wouldn't even have made the news. Unless.....

On the other hand . . . Had the professor come home to find his house broken into and possibly been assaulted or killed - Well, I guess that would have also been a racial issue also. Right, Vicky? Yes sir! The police were ineffective and derelict in the performance of their duties! Perhaps you should try being an officer of the law, Vicky. You and several others like you. Strap on a badge and walk around in those shoes for a time before you sit in judgement of what is practical police work and what is racist. The police responded to a neighbor's call.They did what was necessary to insure the safety of the neighborhood. It's that simple! Slide that racist card back into your sleeve and use it when it is really needed. Not here.

Big Deal Everyone

America with the history of Native American genocide, Ghetto's (Reservations) much as the Jews without being gased , Slavery and Segregation all by the way which were Legal sure would have made Hitler Proud appeared to have garnered the Senates special attention last month in an apology to the black population currently in our country.

This whole episode seems perhaps staged both are educators of racial equalities? I say they both owe an apology to the People of U.S. for bright individuals showing the dim prospects of equality ! Period.

If were looking for a scapegoat I would appreciate at least one of the witnesses that were present (one of the eight officers) to give an honest testimony from behind that thin blue line

Common Sense:

Obama is the first "child" that needs to grow up! He should not have said anything about this issue! Mainly since he didn't know what he was talking about. So Obama, grow up and stop acting so childish!

Obama is supposed to be and act like the President of the United States - and being such - he has created another racially divisive situation.

There were supposedly about 8 civilian witnesses out in the street and also some minority cops who witnessed the event. The internal investigation will be accurate and most likely show that correct procedures were followed by police.

Obama totally screwed up this time and not much he can do about it. If he doesn't apologize he looks like a racist. If he does apologize he looks like a dumbass who made a racist comment by mistake and got caught.

In this case, the Union is correct to ask for an apology. The President was thoughtless to make a comment on the case. People are starting to treat law enforcement like they treated the soldiers coming back from Vietnam. It was not right then and it is not right now. I have seen repeated cases of "minority attitude" without just cause. Why should they be allowed to be rude and disrespectful just because they are not white? They shouldn't. They should abide by the same rules as the rest of us. ANYONE who is rude to an officer should be arrested if they persist.

Officer James Crawley WAS and IS WRONG! IF there is anyone who should be apologizing it should be him. He should have been the better man, and showed control and constraint. For an officer of the law who “supposedly” trains recruits regarding racial profiling, he should know BETTER, and should have been MORE UNDERSTANDING of what Prof. Gates is feeling. This is an old man who obviously have had a major share of bias and discrimination, therefore, BLEW A FUSE that up to now, in this day and age AND at HIS AGE , maybe still be subjected to another degrading event.

Base on all the media discussion, it seems that with all the verbal tirade, Officer Crawley flex his muscle as to who would had more power and authority. It’s almost like, “I don’t care if you are a Harvard professor, I can throw you in jail if I want to!” attitude. Crawley got what he was sent there for, which is to investigate a reported burglary; he eventually found that the professor was the owner of the house; he should have just ignored the tirade, BE PROFESSIONAL in his job and WALK AWAY!! NO, instead he charged the old professor for disorderly conduct! I’ve watch enough COPS shows where you can see cops just walk away from people screaming at them - from ALL colors - yes, whites too. IS this a NEW rule? Anyone who yell and scream at a cop, and say, “your mama” now be charge and taken to jail? Don’t we have ENOUGH people in jail already- and beyond capacity?? And a cop BE so “childish” to let this bother him enough that he will retaliate by hand-cuffing you?? WHY didn’t officer Crawley, just let it be! He wasn’t attack by Prof. Gates with his cane or kicked or spat. He had a verbal tirade, and that is a common reaction for a lot of people that are angry in any unwarranted position. Crawley’s action was STUPID, because it basically showed that he wanted to punish the professor for his tirade. Basically like, “Yeah, I’ll show you who is boss!” attitude. The handcuffs and charge were so very unnecessary. IF he is truly a JUST and FAIR man, he should have just WALK AWAY. And this would have not been blown out of proportion. As far as I am concerned, Prof. Gates should have controlled his temper, and kept his dignity as a professor, BUT officer Crawley, should have BEEN the one more controlled with his own emotions, instead of letting his ugly side show by brandishing what he is capable of doing just because he thinks he is in the side of the law. His ‘EXTRA action’ was stupid and unnecessary. Yes, if there is anyone who undid whatever progress made by the authorities in dealing with the public, it is Crawley.

Obama was seeking Gates as a potential member in his administration and close cabinet, hence, the President began with the statement, "I know this person very well....but I don't have all the facts yet on what happened..." Had this been someone else, I think the President would have refrained from the "stupidly" comment and left it alone. But since he knew the guy, well we see what Obama was thinking. His method of emphasis as "fact" that only black and latino men get pulled over or questioned is like pulling random comments out of thin air.

I have been pulled over and never questioned the cops reasons. Over here in Augusta, Georgia, a police officer went to invesitgate a known drug dealer operating in low income housing. When approached by police, the drug dealer fled in a vehicle and attempted to run the two officers over. Both cops fired their sidearms and shot the driver who would later die from three gun shot wounds. Inside the dealers vehicle were drugs and money.

What do you think the local community did? The same community that lives for free, the same community whose living expenses, food, and assistances is paid by taxpayers? They torched dumpsters, and attempted to throw bottles, bricks, and objects at the police who came to investigate the incident and shooting? They began to start a riot until increased police units arrived and dispersed the crew. They spoke about the actions of the drug dealer as if this guy was a "hero" or equal to the Pope. Local community leaders throw out the race card as well, claiming that the victim being black was targeted by the police. Of course one Officer was black and the other one was Hispanic heritage?

Just another example of "do as I say not as I do." Obama should have attempted to re-word his statements and say, "I personally do not agree with the handling of the Gates situation but I respect the difficulities that the law enforcement officers have to deal with on a daily basis."

No meaningful content in your message: Obama is not a Marxist; Chavez comparison is ridiculous; article does not pertain to role of congress. From a broader perspective, I suspect that the police's actions were not unreasonable, and that Gates probably did overreact. But, I would probably overreact if a neighbor (person who called police) interpreted my actions plus taxi driver's as breaking into my own house ... I'd be upset, and I might express that to whoever was closest, in this case the cop. Unfortunate situation, and one that must be considered within the context of racial stereotypes. Is it possible that the neighbor saw the african-american taxi driver (I think) also go around to the back to see if the rear door was open, which would further make one think that this is an unusual way to enter a home if you lived there ...

This is simply an unfortunate circumstance, and one that the cops should simply let drop. If they want an apology from Gates and even Obama, then I think they should also be ready to provide several days worth of apologies to the many non-white (and some white) citizens that some of their less professional police staff have harassed and injured over the years (see for a recent example in Boise). Etc., etc.

Crowley's story sounds reasonable, and he appears to be quite professional and experienced, and certainly more experienced than Gates in this type of situation and probably more accurate in his assessment as a result. But, I'd recommend that the Mass. police take the high road and just shut up at this point.... let the issue dissipate.

President Barack Obama apologize? Bollocks! He and the Court Jester press secretary, Mr. Gibbs, seem clueless about discretion or humility. This is not the first time reckless, bitter and hurtful remarks have spewed from His Highness. No apologies or efforts were made to ameliorate Mr. President's mean-spirited, cocky, off the cuff remarks that have devastated Las Vegas convention and tourism business, leaving the masses of blue collar workers here who voted for this President out of work. These are our arrogant "leaders"! Either they've forgotten that they're supposed to represent all of US, or they never knew it.

I am astonished that the President waded into "this" pile... it was the wrong one! He has been very careful to conceal many of his beliefs by proposing large government overhauls to help minority groups without specifically wading into race relations. That is smart! But to specifically speak them out without full knowledge of the incident just shows that there is a cord tied to his heart. Previously it was revealed through his relations to his 20 year Pastor, whom he said he didn't ever hear some of this Pastors rhetoric. He was given a pass on this issue during the campaign. I think that was a tremendous mistake by the McCain people... because it was a relevant issue.

I believe that he was just waiting for the right moment to jump into this. As it is, some colors of what he really believes deep inside came to the forefront. Sure... it's a touchy issue... and one that many Americans felt was being addressed by the election of an African American as President. But the situation as described reminds me of many arrests that I see made on COPS. Nothing new... just an elevated neighborhood.

Just goes to show how fragile race relations are... even at the top. The underpinnings are still in tact... even though we by and large have been hopeful that we finally cracked that barrier.

My sister inadvertently set off her house alarm. The local police called and she explained to them that it was an accident and everything was ok in her home. A minute later, a cop that had parked down the street out of sight came to my sister's door with his hand on his gun and asked if everything was ok. My sister explained and told him everything was ok. He then asked if he could enter the house and my sister said "sure". The officer searched the house and then explained to my sister why he did that. He explained that just because my sister said everthing was ok doesn't mean it really was. My sister could have been lying to the officer to protect her child who could have been being held in another room with a gun to his head by a perpetrator. So, you see, you WANT these brave cops to come in and look around. It's their job and it could save your life or the life of a family member. Had Gates listened to Sargeant Crowley he may have been impressed instead of screaming "racist". Further....I wonder what Gates would have thought about Sargeant Crowley if the person in the house was NOT Gates?

This is a bitter and not very productive comment.  We can appreciate your opinions better it they are thought out and logical.  This sounds like ranting of a mad man with no factual support or rationality.

What I find comical, is that they have published the name of the neighbor who called the police in the first place! O M G - she is the one profiling the professor now! Do you think it is possible that she was asked for a description of the men breaking into the house? He should be thinking her for watching out for the house! What has this world come to.

A- Love you Obama but you should apologize for making a personal statement in a public way. Even if you did preface it with "not knowing all of the facts" there is no harm in admitting that again.

B- To the officer - I have never been a cop, there were other officers present, I will take your word for it.

C- Professor - Why would you be annoyed with the police making sure your house isn't being robbed? There are places not too far from where I live that police won't walk up to a suspected robbery in progress and ask for ID...

How many years did it take Obama* to pay all of his 15 outstanding parking tickets from Camebridge? How many years will it take for Obama* to produce a Birth certificate. All of the other candidates did except Obama*. The " certification of Live birth" from Hawaii does not state the Place of birth or the name of the Doctor.Obama* is the only US President whose actual Birthplace is UNKNOWN to the Public...As things are now, there is NO evidence that Obama* was born in the United States...This "Transparent " administration is so obscure that it sets another record. During the Campaign, McCain's campaign released a full list of all online donors. Obama*'s campaign still has not released the names of those who donated at least 1/3 of the 750 million Dollars he received. ACORN is being investigated for voter registration FRAUD in over 15 states. It IS an Undesputed fact that Obama* still has refused to provide a Birth Certificate as required of all presidential candidates. The Birth Certificate states where and when a person was born, A "certification of live birth" Does NOT...Obama*'s family has named two different hospitals in Hawaii as the place of birth. A scofflaw who failed to pay parking tickets is a scofflaw who is refusing to comply with the laws that pertain to elections. This is not a race issue, it is a legal matter. Obama* is moving so fast at getting these laws passed to give Hundreds of Billions of dollars to banks, and there must be a reason. he has something to hide. his real Birth Certificate is among the hidden. Let's count the votes again...County by County...And being belligerant to an Officer of the law is Disorderly Conduct. The charges should NOT have been dropped.

If this guy was white, this would have never made news, and Obama would have never opened his mouth (which he usually sounds more intelligent when he does'nt open it)

The officer did NOT overreact. If a man was causing a disturbance in a shopping store, you'd want him removed. Arresting is the police's way of removing a rowdy civilian from the public.

all have one vote and one free political voice. Your not voting for him has little or nothing to do with his actions. Just face it. It is so obvious!!!!!

The officer had keyed his radio and they have it all on tape, wait for the facts to come out I think you will see who the real racist are. As for obama, he is a racist and a socakist I can't stand to even hear him speak.

HA! I had to repost this one. I don't know what a socakist is, but I'd love to see one!

It must be extremely difficult to make amendments to a bill without reading it. You must have an i.q of 50

Love it or leave it, rd.

How can this be called racial profiling? A neighbor called saying two black men with backpacks appeared to be breaking in. Is it the term "black men" that makes it racial profiling? Was it true that two black men with backpacks were on the seen? What if they had been purple polka dot men...should the woman who called have ignored that fact? The woman was reporting facts to assist police. In this hypersensitive world we have created, should we avoid physical descriptions altogether? In the future, should we say "two beings appearing to be human are trying to break in"? Obama and Gates are the racists here. This had nothing to do with race, and yet they are trying to make it the issue. The cops did there job, and I hope that if someone tries to break into my house, there will still be cops around who are willing to risk their safety to protect my family. God bless them. Next time I see a cop in line at a restaraunt, I am going to buy him/her lunch and thank him/her for being willing to deal with the real bad guys, and also deal with the truly bad attitudes, like that of our own "commander in chief".

It's still OJT for the POTUS, and you thought Palin was inexperienced.

The experience in this administration is over in Europe, hitting on the chicks.

Hell, Obama's staff vetts these questions, their reputation for manipulating the press is legendary. Shades of Rev. Wright comes dogging him, and POTUS stutters support for his friend without knowing the facts. Hope he doesn't conduct foreign policy and the rest of America's business like that. This is going to be worse than Jimmy Carter.

It's still on the job training, we're still "raisin obama".

He might get it just in time to be thrown out.

All of you laughed at how, "dumb" Palin was portrayed.... care to revisit your position on Obama? LOL....didn't think so.

The police report clearly states that he was arrested for what the ossifer described as words which he considered or characterized as "tumultous". Words. Massachusetts does not include words as a basis for disorderly conduct. characterizing words as tumultous was how this officer sought to get around the requirement of the law. Obama has tried to cool this off, now we'll see how everyone else reacts.

why were the perfectly reasonably comments made by TAW57 & truepatriot and commonsense collapsed by the community? Only b/c they do not agree with the prevelant view? Because there re no slurs curses etc contained in their comments.

So you all really DO want a police state -- one sided news and no nay sayers? YIKES i keep thinking it can't get worse and it does

political cynic -- in order to fix a problem you have to acknowledge the problem first.

sweeping something under the carpet is not change and it is not fixing it

throwing a placating bone now and again is not change and is not fixing it.

Obama made history with his race speech during the campaign and he continues to initiate change, hold the mirror up to our behavior in this nation, and tell the truth.

that's why we elected him -- so he's just doing his job.

you all pretend to think the cop was just doing his job when he carted an elderly infirm Harvard Professor away in handcuffs

-- someone explain the handcuffs to me please

-- well maybe the cop was doing his job maybe not (I think not -- i think he was giving an uppity n----r a lesson in respect as cops in the US and elsewhere are wont to do all too often but i don't really 100% know and no one but Crowley knows the answer to that -- in other words i do not have all the facts and no one actually does except Crowley and Gates and not really even them at this point but that is what i think, if nothing else certainly HANDCUFFS WERE STUPID)

you all act like you never heard of burning crosses; being tarred and feathered; being ridden out of town on a rail; or lynchings -- ever heard of the KKK or the neo-Nazis? -- no you never did eh? this stuff is NOT made up of COURSE racism is real and there are many many more closet white supremacists than i ever wanted to know about this incient is bringing them all out -- even if the incident itself was a power strruggle rather than a race stuggle the racists are responding in full and irrational force

be all that as it may -- clearly and certainly Obama is doing his job !!!!!!! GO OBAMA!

If this James Crowley character wants an apology from our President he needs to become a Muslim or Communist dictator first! Then we'll talk about it!

TAW57 - You mean the terrible budget surplus that Clinton left, you mean positive progress in the middle east peace process... Before you open your pie hole you should check the facts and stop spreading dribble

I thought we came to Newsvine to gain knowledge not state falsehoods.

First that budget surplus was from a huge Reduction In Forces of the US Military which led to the closure of 14 US Military Installations. This resulted in huge Unemployment and a collapse of those cities and towns that were around those 14 US Military Installations, these US Civilian Economies have still not recovered - Installation Command Study, Base Realignment and Closure Report on Economic Effects.

These RIFs (Reduction In Forces) crippled the capabilities of the US Military, loss of Logistics, Supply, Tranportation, Water Purification, VIP Security, Intelligence, Corps of Engineers (US Projects, repair of dams, leeves, lakes, rivers, streams), etc. This lead to the rise of the US Contractors to fill these positions; like Halliburton, KBR, Blackwater (Xe), Triple Canopy, etc..

H.R. 4655, 1998, Declaration of Current War At Iraq:

Together we must also confront the new hazards of chemical and biological weapons, and the outlaw states, terrorists and organized criminals seeking to acquire them. Saddam Hussein has spent the better part of this decade, and much of his nation's wealth, not on providing for the Iraqi people, but on developing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and the missiles to deliver them. The United Nations weapons inspectors have done a truly remarkable job, finding and destroying more of Iraq's arsenal than was destroyed during the entire gulf war. Now, Saddam Hussein wants to stop them from completing their mission. I know I speak for everyone in this chamber, Republicans and Democrats, when I say to Saddam Hussein, "You cannot defy the will of the world," and when I say to him, "You have used weapons of mass destruction before; we are determined to deny you the capacity to use them again. - President Clinton.

This does not include how wrong he was about the Iraqis (Arab, Sunnis) use of Chemical Weapons against the Kurdistanis (Indo European Shiite Armed Allies of the Iranians (Persians, Shiites)). The Kurds are NOT Iraqis, their Country Kurdistan was dissolved by the Treaty of Luasanne, with the Iranians promising the reformation of Kurdistan if the Kurds would kill Iraqis. These Chemical weapons came from:http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/steel_box.htm

The weapons given to the Iraqis that were not used were stored in an Ammunition Storage Facility Northwest of Basra. These were destroyed by Combat Engineers of Gen Swartzkof without a site survey (finding out what was in the ammunition magazines). The explosions threw the Chemical Weapons thousands of feet into the air, the wind carried these thousands of miles, downwind some hit the 1st and 2nd US Cavalry.

So when Congress funded 1998 H.R. 4655 in 2001 this was the authorization for this Law to become effective. If the President did not obey, then his Impeachment would begin, violation of US Code or Law. That is how it works, sorry to burst your bubble.

So now who is

pie hole you should check the facts and stop spreading dribble

Just don't come back to Newsvine spreading your manure.

Hello Vicky

"The problem with this cop is that he hates the fact that a BLACK man is a HARVARD professor, jealousy brought out his criminal actions, in other words "ACTED STUPIDLY". : D"----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So do tell....What kind of "HARVARD professor yells at the cop"I'll talk to yo mama outside." ????????

This story is about a racist man who will say anything to get ahead but will not admit to any error in judgment that he may make. That racist is Obama, and we have just seen a small crack in his faux armor, the real personality ha been well hidden by the press and the rest of the conspirators.

I said it before, you don't spend 20 year in a pew listening to a hate spewing j wright without being the same type of man. Obama is an egotistical, maniacal man.

this won't stay posted long

I was just curious to know if the black officer that was also at the scene would not also be labeled "racist" or a "profiler" also. And why would either officer even be accused of racial profiling if they were just responding to the dispatcher? Unless the dispatcher only told them to investigate the suspects if they were black. After reading these comments here, my hat is off to all law enforcement personnel. I don't envy you having to deal with these people on a daily basis. Damned if you do and damned if you don't...

I suspect that a white man and a black man could be treated exactly the same under the circumstances, and the white man would feel like a fool afterwards, but the black man would consider it a case of overt racism.

I think it was Justice Roberts who said "The best way to stop stop discriminating on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race".

I'm sure that most white people go out of their way to avoid even the appearance of prejudice, but I also suspect that many black people will read racial undertones into many situation because of conditioning and supersensitivity.

I think the more we "talk" about racism, the more polarized we become. What a shame, because we're all really very much the same - In fact, the only real difference between white and black skin is the amount of melanin in our skin, which is an adaptation to prevent overexposure to Vitamin D.

This is the latest approval results on Rasmussen's latest Daily Tracking poll;

"Overall, 49% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the President's performance. Today marks the first time his overall approval rating has ever fallen below 50% among Likely Voters nationwide. Fifty-one percent (51%) disapprove."

Also, the Republicans now have a 4% advantage on the generic poll for Congressional Districts over Democrats.

It would appear that the words of Mark Twain "Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated" apply for those who thought the Republican Party was in decline. LOL

Obama has said that a white police officer acted stupidly by not letting a law breaking black man off the hook. He stated because the professor gave his ID he should be above the law and not have been arrested.

So black men, and high ranking people are above the law in Obama's eyes. Sounds like bigotry to me.

Obama said he didn't regret stepping into the controversy and hoped the matter would end up being a "teachable moment" for the nation.

You better BELIEVE it was a teachable moment for the nation! Unfortunately, for Obama, it wasn't a positive one for him as President ... He triple ruined himself and punched a pretty good sized hole in the ship he's been sailing....

On the other hand...

Sgt. Leon Lashley, a black officer who was at Gates' home with Crowley at the time of the arrest, said he supported his fellow officer's action "100 percent."

Ouch! I bet that one hurts; doesn't it, Gates!?

I fail to see how Prof. Gates broke the law. It is not illegal to bad-mouth the police, not very intelligent, but not illegal. Disorderly conduct is a gray, shady area that can be used as an excuse to arrest people. I read an article recently where police were summoned to someone's house, and subsequently arrested them for public intoxication. In my opinion, this arrest was not racially motivated, more of an ego competition between a police officer and a Harvard professor. As for Pres. Obama, he really should have just left this question alone.

Just as I told you last November. Fasten your seatbelts for a bumpy ride. The captain has NOT turned off the sign yet, so you better keep them fastened for 3 1/2 more years. Mr. and Mrs. Obama subscribed to Rev. Wright, a racist, anti-semitic bigot, for two freakin decades. Who among you brain-washed Obama-zombies insists upon continuing your total stupidity? Stop the stupidity! Stop the denial! Get real!

I sure hope that Crowley refuses Obammy's invite. I will have no respect for him if he accepts.

Mr Gates is a racist pure and simple. The officer questioned him and Mr. Gates called the officer a racist and some other things. Mr. Gates was never treated any differently then any other suspect upon approach. Mr Gates slanderous remarks about this officer should have sent him to jail. Mr Gates slanderous remarks in public about this officer should get him sued. This is a HUGE problem for law enforcement in the United States. When confronted with possible consequences suspects like Gates will use race to inflame a response or manipulate. This is what the media needs to focus on because it is the officers that are becoming victims in a society where the assumption is with the person crying wolf. I wish the news would ask officers how THEY feel about this instead of listening to bigots like Gates who when in the wrong will terrorize this distinguished officer and his family and label him as a racist when the fact is Gates is the racist. Media everywhere show Mr Gates for what he is a upity professor who uses his color to slander this true American officer.

I agree with you entirely, there is problem with our system and we drastically need a change for sure? But not an Big O one the Obama Change is apparently the wrong answer? We need to adjust our ways here to common sense! Common sense tells anyone that a President of these United States does not go to the public on such Trivia as his cronie, from Harvard? That was totally our of line! That is a local issue, and certainly the FBI officials are trembling about this nonsense! How in the hell can a cop do his job with this Baffoon making stupid comments about race? Did anyone ask whether the Professor was drinking or maybe he is on meds? He was out of line! And to have our President comment in the way that he did is appalling? I did not vote for Bush but he and Obama have something in common? The Beer Drinking Buddies ha ha ? What is he doing? This country is in trouble and he is taking valuable time out of his busy schedule to have a beer to smoothe over his silly comments? what is he trying to prove? Schmoozing the cops? Come on? He has lost all credibility with me, after this blunder? He is not mature enough to run a State Fair, let alone our government? And in fact he has finally popped his weasal on his hidden agendas. Racial Socialist, Marxist, Big Labor Unions, Religions, and the Gay rights issues, and our Military as well? Health issues clearly are not his expertise at all! But he will sell you a pig in a poke, Mr Acorn Man! Has anyone looked into Acorn thoroughly on their investments in Real Estate? Individual members as well? And what about Reverend Wrong? What does he own and how is he profitting now? All these politicians are liars and thieves, but at least some are more sophisticated and intelligent enough not to keep tripping over their tongues and try to bribe someone with a BEER? Why should the Professor show his ID when the president wouldn't show his Birth Certificate with real signatures? The one he showed could be made on any computer! Low Class!

A simple driver's license and we wouldn't be hearing about any of this. That's all it took. How hard can it be? 999 out of 1000 would have just handed the officer their license, thanks for coming, and been done with it. Years ago, I was stopped by a PA. trooper for speeding. The first thing he said was "My name is Corporal so and so and I am a Pa. state trooper. I thought " Well, I can kinda figure that out". There should be no one, NO ONE, who would want to live without law and order. Can you imagine the chaos? The rapes, the shootings, the killings, the muggings? These guys asked for an ID and were given a ton of crap. No reason for it at all. I know when I need a cop I expect the cavalry to be comin' my way asap.

It is truly sad that we have one who calls himself President that isn't man enough to say "I'm Sorry"!

Gates' legal team argues that authorities are misrepresenting the professor and the officer, and Gates has said he is determined to keep the issue alive despite the charges being dropped.

"This is not about me; this is about the vulnerability of black men in America," he said this week.

These quotes taken from CNN. As one of these black men in America, I wholeheartedly disagree. This IS about Gates and his overinflated ego. I knew what this situation was about the moment that I read a single word about it. I'm pretty tired of having to sit back and watch high profile African Americans in these situations discredit what true struggles with race do still exist in this country. I'm even more tired of how no OTHER high profile African Americans will stand up and just as publicly call out the Sharptons, Jesse Jacksons when they are clearly off target.

The public is fickle as you can read from some of the nearly 4000 comments on this article. They actually mobilize and believe the words and actions of one jerk represent an entire race of people. The sense of reason has to go both ways on that. I'm not supposed to make leaping overgeneralizations about caucasians based on the isolated unambiguous racial incidents that happen (and I don't). So, people need to calm down and realize that just because you have a microphone and a television camera trained in your direction doesn't make you an official spokesman...even if you are the President.

I know a white cop who says he uses racial profiling all the time but it isn't towards minorities but towards whites. When ever he sees white people driving in a a crappy part of Santa Ana, Ca. where drug trafficing is heavy he pulls them over and has another officer run his dog thru their car. He has made so many bust he is up for an award.

I fail to see how Prof. Gates broke the law. It is not illegal to bad-mouth the police, not very intelligent, but not illegal. Disorderly conduct is a gray, shady area that can be used as an excuse to arrest people.

That's why all these cops are Democrats, they want to make the law up as they go along. Kinda like Judge Sotamayor. You can' win with Democrats. With Republicans, at least you know where you stand. We Republicans take care of our own, and if minorities voted for Republicans, you can bet Republicans would out an end to this racial profiling stuff. :)

If nothing else, minorities should be leveraging their vote into forcing the Democrats into doing something about racial profiling. At least threaten to take the vote away, if the cops and their influential unions don't back the hell down. I don't mean to talk down to minorities, but you guys are just sheep the Democrats figure they have in their pocket, because the Democrats control the media, and they make the minorities hate the Republicans so much that no minority can concieve of voting Republican or even threatening to vote Republican. You have no clue how powerful youe are. Come over to the Republuican side, and we'll teach you how powerful you can be. ;)

To A Republican - Yes, I agree with you, Obama should apologize to the officer, but he won't. In fact, I feel the meeting the three of them are to have is in the interest of Gates and Obama and they will somehow come around to asking the officer to apologize to Gates. I feel it and will bet the farm I'm right. I am an independent voter - have been for over twelve years, but this past presidential election I was a true blue Republican and will be committing the rest of my voting days to the party. I think the dems have gone way over the edge and need to be corralled till they can be retrained as Americans and behave themselves.

Obama, when asked about the case should have stated that he does not know enough about the details of the case to render an opinion. A Harvard Law graduate should know this. Perhaps he attended Harvard as a janitor. Then again, he did not have his teleprompter to answer the question for him. Heck, politicians dodge questions all the time.

even worse, stacked... he waded into a local issue, then feigned shock that his words caused such an uproar. Either he is such a babe in woods he doesn't know that the president does not get involved in local law enforcement -- or he is so indoctrinated into race-baiting political stunts that he didn't care about the fallout. Either way it's not good for america.

I think the latter is true. In six months in office he has fired a white IG who dared to confront a black "friend" who was abusing his offical role as mayor of sacramento, and he has called a white police officer stupid for daring to arrest his black "friend" at harvard. Quite a racist beginning for the first post-racial president.

Luckily, the white officer in this case was a democrat and obama supporter, so the racist protestors were off-loaded from the buses before the protests could begin. This officer would have been savaged by the left if he were a republican -- ala Sarah Palin and Joe the Plumber.

dsanthony....wow, Crowley was a dem and Obama supporter.....I bet he is rethinking that.

pay attention he did show his ID but the cop wasn't about to let any one defied his perception of his self-worth. You know kinda like kissing his ring or finding a way to show his superior power.

I watched morning Joe today and poor Mika was clueless as she is the daughter of a rich and powerful man and the police know better than to mess with anyone that can fight back in court and the media.

Get your story correct. He did not produce ID until way after the fact. It should have been done right when asked.

Why don't you step into an officers shoes for a bit. Wonder how you would do?? It is for the most part a thankless job. They deal with the scum of the earth daily. People you wouldn't even walk within 100 feet of. You don't have a clue.

so I guess mouthing off is a cause for arrest? wow - is that what are cops do or are supposed to do? That's protocol? wow again

you are one of the many that will cause the inward destruction of this country. the world is watching and judging now. not you. what do you think you look like to us.

It amazes me that such a "supposedly" intellectual man would start mouthing off to a cop about his mother! -a real first class citizen, this Gates! -and this is one of Obubba's best friends? -just like the Rev? All I can say, "birds of a feather flock together!"

Where have all the great leaders gone?

He gave his ID to the police officer, if you would have read the report. The cop still arrested him for using his First Amendment Right. The Right of Free Speach.

free spellcheck too!

Quite honestly, if someone was breaking into my home, like me, and i got busted because a neighbor called and i was aggravated and p!ssed off and i gave the officers attitude and lashed out at them... and then wound up arrested... because my own actions escalated the issue, well then.... they're doing what they should be, i'm not going to blame it on anything but my own actions. if his license picture is as bad as most peoples.... well it's no wonder they didnt think he was who he said he was! ha

Wolf it would make your point of calling someone ignorant a whole lot more plausible if you didn't have simple miss-spellings in your post. relie ? I think you meant rely

Wonder what would have happened if it had been YOU?? I don't care if it was Gates a black man or Gates a rich white man, no officer has the right to come in our homes without a warrant. If I become belligerent in my house, it is my house, if the officer doesn't like it, then he can stand outside and talk through the door. Even if I am angry and yelling, maybe cursing, once he knows it's my home, he needs to crawl back in his cruiser and leave. The officer didn't arrest until, if I read the original article correctly, until Gates came outside his "home". Now, most of you are saying this man had no right to be angry or curse or what ever he did, but that does not give an officer the right to do what he did. As for all these great police officers out there who are indignant, how many times have you cursed a traffic suspect or any one else and called them names questioning their heritage?? Come on, fess up, you do it all the time, especially if the person you stop becomes the least bit irritated. Must be nice to be judge and jury there on any scene. As for racial profiling, it goes on, you all know it, just read some of your comments.....

Well.... look... this thng has gotten way out of hand. Yeah, Gates should have just shown his freaking ID and calmed down, kept his mouth shut. Yeah, the cops probably gave him some hassle when he got arrogant, indignant and nasty, and yes, President Obama probably should have not used the word stupid.

Seems everybody is a tad thin skinned of late. So, look, lets get the cop, Gates, and the President to go have a nice lunch someplace, shake hands, have a bit of a love fest and sing Kombaya, and lets get on with life. Problem solved.

Really, the fact that the media just won't let this thing go doesn't seem to help either. See? If we are pointing fingers of blame, it sure looks like there is plenty to go around.

Can't we all just get along?

"The White House said Obama regretted commenting on the arrest of Gates."

Yes, I'm sure Obama regrets giving any opinion, something like this will loose him white votes, and the endorsement of the law enforcement unions around the country. That could loose him a re-election in 2012.

As for comments about "media obsession", Obama should know better. The right is looking for anything to use and time is on their side. All Obama has to do is stick his foot in his mouth, like this time, and it will be spot-lighted. Duh...

The photo taken of Gates with 3 police officers on his porch says it all; he was out of control and the cop on his left is trying to calm him down. Just look at it.

For a decorated scholar, Gates "acted stupidly". Trying to cover his over-reaction by now using the "racial profiling" charge is disgusting. He should apologize to the Cambridge Police Department.

Perhaps this is less about race and more about the President sticking up for his friend. This is one that our President should have stayed away from because his friendship would make any answer more than a bit biased.

I would have hoped our Commander and chief would have used better judgement in knowing when to not escalate an issue especially when it involves a personal friend of his. He's got more important things to do like congratulating the White Sox pitcher on his no hitter yesterday, picking North Carolina to win NCAA tournaments and prepping for his next infomercial for the public in pressing his agenda.

I don't know about calling the man stupid...arrogant and perhaps a bad decision on his part--but even smart people make bad decisions when they are mad and irrational. I know many (not all) of the professors I have encountered carry a bit of an arrogant edge to them with a bit of a God complex or a sense of entititlement.....I don't know this person well enough to make that characterization. But usually the one's that are good often have no problem reminding you just how good they think they are.

I would hope a police officer would ask any person found doing what appears to be breaking and entering to produce ID to prove they are who they say they are and that it is their home...especially when someone has called to report what appears to be a break in. That should be regardless of color...whether they are black, hispanic, asian, or even a white beligerent redneck. This stuff happens to whites also...but when it does its a non issue.

It makes for a great story to stir folks up....but let'sleave this to the folks that have all the facts to resolve this and lets move on.

if Gates was white he would not have to show any ID. His word would be good enough.

Obama doesn't have the guts and he is not enough of a man to apologize.

In this case, the Union is correct to ask for an apology. The President was thoughtless to make a comment on the case. People are starting to treat law enforcement like they treated the soldiers coming back from Vietnam. It was not right then and it is not right now. I have seen repeated cases of "minority attitude" without just cause. Why should they be allowed to be rude and disrespectful just because they are not white? They shouldn't. They should abide by the same rules as the rest of us. ANYONE who is rude to an officer should be arrested if they persist.

Sean and Sheila,

The man was arrested for denying the ID request and verbal confrontation. Him showing his ID after that charge was made doesn't make the arrest void. (in actuallity I'm assuming that the arrest charge was made before the ID was shown).

You do have the freedom of speech, but with limits. Not giving ID when asked is a sure visit to jail, as is verbally confronting a police officer.

Are you saying that a person who refuses to show ID should never be arrested and that you are free to yell insults to police officers. Or only that black proffessors with huge chips on their shoulders should be allowed?

Do you people hear yourselves? Just give ID immediately, keep your mouth shut, don't question the police and for God's sake, don't ask them for THEIR ID! Where do all of you live, Nazi Germany? The man had just gotten back from an extended trip, could not get into his own home, has a neighbor call the cops on him and then has to prove he is not a criminal to the cops....if he was really pissed off, I think he had good reason. Even if he was wrong and was not being profiled, he still has the right to say it. He asked for the cop's ID and it was never handed over to him, which is against MA law, which states that all law enforcement officials must hand over their ID card if asked. Gates may have been yelling and he may even have said something silly like "yo momma" but neither of these things are against the law. Why did the cop call for backup AFTER he saw the man's ID and knew he was the resident? The cop is the one who escalated the situation, including the arrest to this man. I think this one cop did act stupidly and for all police unions to come out and demand an apology from the President for expressing his opinion about this one situation with this one cop is ludicrous! As for race relations with the cops being affected by the President, what a joke! I think that the driving while black and shopping while black arrests affect race relations a lot more than this. By the way, I'm white and I think this whole thing is being blown up just to give the talking heads something to say on cable, now that Michael Jackson has been buried.

The 'stupidity ' is Obama opening his mouth when he should have kept it closed and Gates 'stupidity ' in not complying when asked to show ID. Police officiers are in a difficult position since any situation they walk into is usually heated and dangerous. I would say it was poor judgement for Gates to argue at a time when restraint was necessary. Is this a sign that Obama is not ready to make critical decisions when truly necessary. Now Obama is back peddling. OOPS!!!

The Worm Turned,

Gates, 58, maintains he turned over identification when asked to do so by the police. He said Crowley arrested him after the professor followed him to the porch, repeatedly demanding the sergeant's name and badge number because he was unhappy over his treatment.

It seems, it was the Police Officer who refused to give his ID. Shouldn't the police officer be arrested?

stupid his id was in his house thats why we are in this mess

My sister inadvertently set off her house alarm. The local police called and she explained to them that it was an accident and everything was ok in her home. A minute later, a cop that had parked down the street out of sight came to my sister's door with his hand on his gun and asked if everything was ok. My sister explained and told him everything was ok. He then asked if he could enter the house and my sister said "sure". The officer searched the house and then explained to my sister why he did that. He explained that just because my sister said everthing was ok doesn't mean it really was. My sister could have been lying to the officer to protect her child who could have been being held in another room with a gun to his head by a perpetrator. So, you see, you WANT these brave cops to come in and look around. It's their job and it could save your life or the life of a family member. Had Gates listened to Sargeant Crowley he may have been impressed instead of screaming "racist". Further....I wonder what Gates would have thought about Sargeant Crowley if the person in the house was NOT Gates?

Vote,

I have heard that they both gave their ID. Which of course is on their uniform and on their badge.

If the police came to my home because my neighbor called, I would be most cooperative. I would thank the officers for coming to protect my property. I would tell them that I appreciate that they risk their lives every day. I would NOT begin to say "do you know who I am?". Who cares if Mr. Gates is a professor......Crowley did his job and should be thanked. Mr. Gates tried to make himself a victim from the second he saw a white police officer approach him. Gates is a Victocrat. Proof that being a "professor" does not mean you know how to behave.

The problem is, this isn't an issue of race at all. It's an issue of police rights verse individual rights. For him to jump on that race bandwagon without proper facts laid before him, makes him just the kind of person that contributes to the remaining racial divide. His gut reaction was as insulting and predjudice as the one's he is assuming the people he accuses had. How ironic.

This is one great misunderstanding two politicians tried to profit off of. This is not the media's fault. Again, where is the responsible leadership? Do they owe them an apology? Absolutely. Man. Talk about looking desperate to dig up racial issues. Is this the best they have? If so, I think we're finally getting somewhere.

To bopdaddytoo,

No, you pay attention, he showed his id only after a verbal lashing and then continued to mouth off as the officers were leaving. following them out the door. If you can't read don't post. I am trying to remember the last time I saw a cop without a nametag. Gates had the name and was just being an ass by demanding the badge number (means nothing anyway). That other crap about, "if he was white he wouldn't have had to show id" is complete and utter ignorance spoken by ignorant people. I have had to show my id evry single time I have even dealt with the police, even when I called them to my home or car. I locked my keys in my car at a gas station and had to id myself and wait for them to run a background check after they opened the car. You stupid people shouldn't be allowed to vote much less post on these boards. Stupid people are hte bane of our society.

JO ANN - while agree that this incident got way out of hand, and that President Obama should have had all the facts before making a statement, he is NOT stupid!! I agree with the arresting cop, I don't think it should have gotten blown out of proportion and I believe the rush of it all was uncontrolled!!

A similar example; take President Bush for instance, with he getting an immediate attitude and wanting a battle when a foreign leader threatened his father George H!! The lesson learned from this, NEVER EVER MAKE A STATEMENT IN FRONT OF THE MEDIA, IMMEDIATELY AFTER A QUESTION IS ASKED!!!! Think before you answer ANY media questions!

President Obama fell right into this trap and because he only saw his scholar's view of it (GATES) and not the entire story, he immediately sided with Gates!! Bad idea!

Gene and Michael Ghee

I have been in a situation where a white cop asked for ID from me and the person I was with. It was not in a home but was on private property. We where more than happy to povide them with ID and thanked them for their interest in protecting the property.

Gene - would you perfer the cops not enter your property when you need help? Maybe they should wait for a warrant while someone robs you and/or stabs you.

Professor Gates DID produce his ID when first asked. That stupid cop did want want to accept that, but wanted further identification. You know, very often,subsequent reports change from initial reports as a situation mushrooms. You have to be a very good listener from the onset.

Arresting a middle aged man who needs the assistance of a walking cane within his very own home for being rude…..to a police officer. Shame on anyone who thinks this is appropriate behavior for any of our law enforcement officers in the United States of America. That could have easily been anyone of our grandfathers or grandmothers aunts or uncles arrested for being "rude." The officers actions were not only unintelligent but were also extremely unprofessional.

Donna,

The police are not just some strangers walking around making trouble. We all have hired them to do a job. Checking out the possible burglary of a house is a reason investigation. If someone was doing the same thing to your house, would you accept the explaination that the burglar simply refused to give ID and that was that? Police have the right AND THE DUTY to positively identify all detainees, suspects, witnesses, victims... in any action in which they are involved. To say that giving ID and being polite is similar to Nazi Germany is cruel to our police officers and an insult to those who endured Nazi Germany.

Do you think the police ought to have simply turned around at him refusing his ID and gone away? If so then I don't think reason will work.

He was arrested for refusing his ID and verbal confrontation. Show his ID afterward is no more esculpatory than a theif giving the property back. The crime had already been committed.

It was stupid what Crowley did (the police officer) otherwise the charges would not have been dropped by the police department and DA. STUPID...STUPID...STUPID!

police union wants obama to appoligize... don't worry, you guys helps get him elected, but he'll sell you out just like he did the UAW.

So if Pres. Obubba can slip and make such a lame comment on this small of a scale, what happens when he makes a "slip" with a nuclear armed country, or a country that is holding an American hostage? Geez...what an idiot!

DgoTown,

I suspect the charges were dropped because they wanted to de-escalte the situation. The charge was a minor one, on a generally lawful citizen.

To jump to the conclusion that they dropped the charges because something the police did was wrong is presumptive. And to make the the same "stupid" accusation tells me that you too will pre-judge a situation based upon race. Does that make you prejudicial and racially biased?

Everyone that is for the cop is for the police state we now have. Everyone that is for Gates is for the free America that we ONCE had but is now gone...this type of incident will happen to everyone in this country in the next 5 years so everyone will have an opportunity to show how they would react, because they will be given the chance.

BREAKING NEWS: Obama says arrest of Harvard professor ‘a teachable moment’

did obama learn a lesson then? get the facts before you open your mouth!

To jump to the conclusion that they dropped the charges because something the police did was wrong is presumptive.

My money is on the D.A. trying to avoid the kind of damage a Jena-like march would create in his community.

Gates got off where you and I would have a court day, and all because he was black.

bopdaddytoo.....yep, pay attention..the article did not say how soon the professor showed his ID...nor did , according to the professor, he give the name of the man with him ...actually, refused to,,,told the officer it was none of his business...What it all amounts to is this...if you show disrespect to anyone..you most likely will get the same back. It also appears that the professor had no problem bring the race card into this...looks like it would have made more since just to answer the officers questions with out making the statements he made. So who becomes more of a racist.? I would think it would be the one using it as an excuse for poor judgement. Attitudes on both sides of the race thing have to change...it is apparent the professors attitudes have not.

DgoTown.....what was stupid was for the President and the mayor on down to pass judgement with out knowing what went on from both sides...not just the professors side of this...unless of course the publicity is what you were looking for.

.

I suspect that even if the police had bent down and kissed Gates rear, he would have continued the escalation until they finally validated his racist perception of law enforcement. Gates probably teaches hate in his classes, and it would undermine his worldview if the cops did anything less than arrest him.

Jo Ann,

I don't think Gates is stupid. I think Gates has been waiting for this kind of thing to happen to him for years. Where I think he's misguided is that he hasn't apologized to the police officer yet. If it was me and the police asked for my ID after they arrived. I would have asked them why. After they answered me that they got a call about a possible burglary I would show them my ID and then thank them. Gate reminds me of Gomer Pyle chasing after someone yelling "citizens arrest, citizens arrest". Instead of citizens arrest he's yelling "I'm a victim of racism, I'm a victim of racism. Look at me! I'm a victim of racism!"

Wrong they would not have just left. That is B.S. and you know it my white friend. Because I have first hand experience with police lying I know it is very possible that this officer was lying. I doubt he was just trying to leave and was forced to arrest this man, rather I think he did not like the answers he got. Besides it is his house and if he wants to be indignant then its his right.

The truly sad part of this whole thing is that most of the people posting here DO NOT have all the facts. Hell, most of you are not even close.

HAAVAAHHHDDD professors do not realize that their &6$# stinks. Gates is supposedly a "high profile" part of the Harvard community, lives in Cambridge (we call it Moscow on the Charles) summers on the "Vineyard", and is "friends" with the POTUS. I'm guessing that the mere fact that a lowly police officer form HIS city did not recognize him apparently really pissed him off.....To the point that( as witnesses put it)gates told him that " I'll talk to yo momma"...........VERY Professor-like

.

.

Stupid is as stupid does and the cops were stupid. Not the first time in my life I have seen them do something stupid. Most of them have a sense of values that treat people as they should be treated. The one who assists you when your car braks down or when you lock yoursef out of your car etc. Some take the uniform to mean they own the public. As with other things in life all you hear about is the ones who do something bad.

how dare the police demand an apaology from OUR PRESIDENT

WHO ever demands apoligies from our president?

if Obama were white this would not be happening

the police are deliberately provoking a national incident and feeding fuel to the neo-Nazi and other Christian for hate groups SHAME ON THE COPS!!!

and HANDCUFFS give me a break. this old man needed to be in handcuffs?!

I can't believe that the president of these United States formed an opinion and expressed it, based on his allegiance to another because of their common racial background, and did so right after stating that he didn't have all the facts. And this is the man the free world has pinned it's hopes on?

I have never seen anything said or done that could more severely set back race relations than this. Irresponsible, insensitive, and purely racist!!!

I love how people read the police report as fact. The fact is that Professor Gates did not commit a crime and should not have been arrested. The evidence is that the charges were dropped before there was even a hint of a trial.

I've spent enough time with cops to know odds are you and I and everyone everywhere is likely doing something illegal right now or recently. Maybe you parked too close to the fire hydrant. Maybe you have an expired license or a pool that violates zoning codes or shot off fireworks on July 4. But even if you've done nothing, you better not say the wrong words to a cop. He can arrest you for simply uttering the wrong words or having the wrong body laguage. That's what disorderly conduct is. "I've got nothing on this guy, but he's pissing me off." Most people just pay the $25 fine and go on their way. Connected people hire their POWERFUL friends as lawyers to get the charges dropped. The only difference between Professor Gates and the average black guy is Gates is very powerful and Charles Ogletree is a wildly powerful and well known lawyer.

I'm white and I'm disgusted, devastated and appalled by the closet white supremacists in full force as the result of this incident trying to hide their white supremacy under socially acceptable platitudes

Obama is doing what we hired him to do INITIATING CHANGE he made history with his race speech during the election and he just did again DO NOT BACK DOWN MR. PRESIDENT COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

I agree with President Obama. This is a teachable moment.

Unfortunately for Mr. Obama, the moment is teaching a lot of people that he is closer to Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson than he is to Martin Luther King.

from svenolafson - Gates reminds me of Gomer Pyle chasing after someone yelling "citizens arrest, citizens arrest". Instead of citizens arrest he's yelling "I'm a victim of racism, I'm a victim of racism. Look at me! I'm a victim of racism!"

I"ll probably be called a racist for bring this up, but I can remember a cartoon about Johnnie Cochran after O.J. was found innocent. The title is "JOhnnie Cochran as a young boy."

Johnnie Cochran is about a 9 yr old boy and the cartoon has him standing in front of his mother and a broken window that she asked him about. He is holding a sling shot but has it hidden from his mother behind him. He says, "I didn't do it, Mom. I was framed by a racist cop!"

Professor gates has written and assisted in writing many books on african history and African American struggles in America. I can see another one coming on.

cmon

I agree with you about pandering to the union vote, but he didn't sell out the UAW. Remember, they now own a good chunk of Chrysler and GM. A better one is the hospitatly unions. He needed their vote, then chastized companies for sponsering junkets to Vegas... where that union is quite large.

The police officer should have provided his name and badge number, as requested by Gates. Compliance with this request is required by MA law.

Therefore, Gates and the officer are both in the wrong, by your reasoning.

It wasn't racial profiling, it was the typical gestoppo tactics of police officers. Two choices in this country, a free state or a police state. Don't question authority people, and the government WILL make the choice for you.

from jimmy in post 2.38 - Everyone that is for the cop is for the police state we now have. Everyone that is for Gates is for the free America that we ONCE had but is now gone...this type of incident will happen to everyone in this country in the next 5 years so everyone will have an opportunity to show how they would react, because they will be given the chance.

Other than traffic stops, I haven't been stopped by police. Spent night in jail for public intoxication and minor in possession many yrs ago, when a teenager (dumbass move by me). All my experience has shown me is that if you are polite and courteous to police they will be polite and courteous to you.

I've said yes sir, no sir and done whatever the officer has asked of me and I think because of that, i've gotten a warning once or twice that could have been a ticket. Of course a couple times I got a ticket I didin't think I deserved, but I didn't get into the officer's face about it.

Golden Rule treat someone the way you want to be treated.

Sgt. Crowley (a police race relations instructor) was right. He was sent to investigate a possible break-in. He didn't know the race of the home owner when notified over the radio, only that the intruders were black. When confronted by a black man (inside the house), the cop asked for ID, and was refused (several times) while he and his family members were being insulted through the door. When the man opened the door and verbally identified himself to the cop became intimided by that cop, went (leaving the door open-a legal invitation to enter) to get his ID, while continuing to rant racial slurs. The cop went outside, inviting Gates to come outside. If Gates stayed inside, and closed the door and screamed---the cop couldn't do anything (it's his home). But when he got to a point where the general public could hear--the cop was within his authorized rights to arrest Gates for distrubing the peace.

I forgot, did Gates not have his neon sign on that says "I'm a college professor; you don't know who you're messing with; you're a racist-I'm not"?

Crowley was right. Gates was wrong (and needs race training). Obama was (is) stupid, and needs to back off and admit he was wrong.

I'm amazed how many people say Gates had a "right" to insult Crowley when he came to the door. I see young people growing up with this attitude all around me, and I know that pretty soon no one's going to want to be a cop, already a pretty thankless job, when they are put in a position to protect us and not given the basic respect they need to do their job. Who told you it's your "right" to do that? Even in your own home? I don't remember seeing that in the Constitution anywhere. That's not 'free speech', as you suggest.

You don't know what would happened. You have never been there and apparently you don't understand. White folks have had it too good, too long and it is time to realize that it does not work like that now. This is a new time and we are moving forward in the name of Jesus. It is all about Jesus and what would he do. white folks get a life.

The President Of The United States Of All America is the Commander In Chief !!!.. he OVER RULES EVERYTHING.. give the President, His Deserved Respect !!!..while the words may have been frank, his point was made...the Police Department s/b apologizing to him, and find better ways to get along with people of any Color, Nationality or Creed..this is not about a POLICE CONTROL GOVERNMENT!!!... IT'S ABOUT A PEOPLE CONTROL GOVERNMENT.. police are servants for Law and Order for the people...not the other way around..I really do believe we have a mis-wired society..no, I cannot be chased out..my ties have been here way before the white man and spaniard..expecting the President for an apology is silly......

Wrong they would not have just left. That is B.S. and you know it my white friend. Because I have first hand experience with police lying I know it is very possible that this officer was lying. I doubt he was just trying to leave and was forced to arrest this man, rather I think he did not like the answers he got. Besides it is his house and if he wants to be indignant then its his right.

Then, if it's a white professor and a black cop, the white professor has the "right" to follow the cop outside and drop n-bombs on him? I don't agree.

You are stupid just like Crowley. I would yell in my house to. I am the owner and Crowley is not. If he has a problem with black folks yelling, then stay out of our houses.

Then, if it's a white professor and a black cop, the white professor has the "right" to follow the cop outside and drop n-bombs on him? I don't agree

That's not what he said and you know it. You had to turn his comment into something it isn't and then attack that. That's the weakest debate technique in the history of debate.

This is a lesson on how NOT to act when the police confront you while you are trying to rob your own house....scream racism...lol

That's not what he said and you know it. You had to turn his comment into something it isn't and then attack that. That's the weakest debate technique in the history of debate.

But that the equvalent of what happened. Why doesn't anyone who's sticking up for Gates want to answer that question? Does a cop have the right to arrest someone who's beligerent? Yes or no? It is a cop's duty to respond to the call that Crowley got. It is his duty to ask for identification. It is his duty to call the Harvard police to verify the identification if he's not familiar with it and it doesn't show the adress. It is his duty to get the man out of the house in case there are intruders in the house. Gates got beligerent. Now, the guy gets beliegerent, does the cop have the right to arrest him? And if you say "no", then you are saying that some white redneck has the right to drop n-bombs on a black cop in that situation, and the cop has no recourse.

Obama said today it was a poor choice of words he used to describe what happened to his "Friend the professor" he stopped short of apologising this proves to me Obama is a lying, Racist sack of @!$%# he should be Impeached.

Anybody notice that Mr. Obama is backpedaling on his strong support of his buddy Gates, particularly since there be a recorded tape of the altercation, as the Boston Herald is now reporting. (The tape was evidently triggered by Crowley when Crowley thought that Gates had lost control.)

Anyway, for all of you wondering about the truth, I think that there is an answer out there, if the Herald's report is accurate.

i am no racists nor do I advocate racism but, incidences such as this occur frequently within this nations borders. being a black man i am very skeptical towards policemen and women. walking the streets of New York i never feel as if the NYPD patrols the areas i navigate with the desire to protect and serve me along with the black community. the mutual feeling is the police patrol the neighborhoods heavily populated by minorities in an effort to only catch them engaging in unlawful activities

Our Society has allowed that to be a reasonable response. They have been trained to say that since the 60's. Mr. Gates is a product of what has been and still being taught. This is why it will not get any better. We have a President who is what America is about. True Diversity. For a man that was about change shows his true color. It is a very sad thing, for the 21st century it still only appears that white people are the only racist.

If this action had taken place involving a white professor with black office would this have been in the news. If I were belligerent towards a policeman I would expect to at least for him to put the cuffs on.

Oh, I get it. This will set race relations back how long? That is the biggest bunch of bull I've ever heard of. We set nothing back. If whites were set back with every remark (err), you'd be in the stone age. What we need is Sarah Palin I guess huh. Go read a book or something....that type of behavior will never cease by our country's MINORITY! I've just learned to accept that fact! NOW WHAT?

Talk about a guy that can't admit a mistate.

I also dislike the way Obama talks down to everyone, like he is some kind of all knowing entity.

As sad as it is to say, Obama will apologize to European leaders and leaders of Muslim countries, but he will not apologize to a single American much less and Organization that he feels arrests far to many minorities like American Law Enforcement Officers.

Face it folks, while you have to give him kudos for having his friend's back, he committed an serious act of betrayal to American Law Enforcement officers by running off at the mouth. Here was yet another in a long list of yet to come incidents where Obama should have simply said that Dr. Gates is his friend and anything he had to say would be biased based on that friendship and as such he was choosing to say nothing. Instead he exposed himself for the racist, wannabe dictator that he is proving to be. His latest attempt to bully the American schools into doing it his way or losing federal money is just more proof that you can take a crook out of Chicago, but you that simply makes him a crook (in this case) in Washington DC and worse yet posing as POTUS. Obama should do this country a favor and resign now. I am no Joe Biden fan but I would bey he would do no worse than Obamais doing and possibly better. Obama keeps blaming Bush for the federal deficit he inherited. but declines to talk about the trillions he has spent in just the fist 7 months he has been in office or the trillions more than Bush he intends to spend if Congress will let him. A con-man is just a con-man regardless of the title of office you give him and Obama is a con-man.....Period....

Yeah JoAnn. Obama is stupid just like Gates. Obama has the highest office in the US and Gates is a scholar. And what office do you hold? You make a little more than minimum wage don't you? And you probably got a GED, not a high school diploma. Obama don't owe anybody an apology, especially no white cop. Nor do any other black man owe any white cop anything. Too many innocent black men have already paid the price for any and all remarks they make by being beaten, murdered, falsely arrested, falsely accused, falsely jailed, etc. etc. etc. Of course, we don't expect you to comprehend. After centuries have passed and your people are still riding near the "retarded" or should I say "stupid" mental line.

I love how so many people on newsvine can make such statements and coments while putting all of their knowledge of the issue based on a few reporters depictions...........Who looks stupid now? Iguess you got ALL the correct facts from the article?

Anyone that mouths off and is non compliant with someone that is toting a firearm is beyond ignorrant. Badge or no badge it just isn't smart.

The only kind of person that would support their friend in this type of action is usually standing behind the building smoking cigarettes and selling dime bags.

Of course BHO should apologize!! That's what he gets for speaking without a teleprompter, which tells him EXACTLY what to say. What a buffoon!!!

I wish ALL police officers would carry a small pocket recorder. I told all of my officers to carry one and turn it on when making public contacts. Over the years, as a supervisor, I have received MANY complaints from "outraged abused" citizens. Many of them demanded to make a formal complaint, against an officer. When I told them to come on in to the station, to sign a complaint. Then WE would listen to the recording of the incident, most of them were surprised, and would say "Oh, nevermind" then hang up.

Yes, they probably would have just left, and most likely said thank-you for your time have a good evening sir.....

USE THE TELEPROMPTER!!! USE THE TELEPROMPTER!!! And people give Biden a hard time about speaking without thinking!!! Biden??? You know, Joe Biden , the vice-president!!! Hahaha Is he still alive??? Anyhoo, lets just hope our commander in chief doesn't oops with some foreign country who's not so lenient!!!

Wasn't this supposed to be a press conference about the health care bill? I thought it strange that this subject was even brought up since it had nothing to do with the health care bill.

Obama did not look good at all stepping into that trap. He should have declined answering that question especially since he didn't seem to answer any of the other questions that did have to do with the health care bill. Why did he even answer that question? He didn't even have any of the facts & just made himself look foolish. I am embarrassed for him.

Liar, that didn't matter. Crowley wanted to teach Gates a lesson because he was out spoken. Cops are out spoken and they kill, usually it's blacks of course. As for dropping bombs on black cops by rednecks, read up on it, there are quite a few. But you know this is not racist, just good old boys out for some fun. I wonder if the police would be so quick to stick up for Crowley if he were black and Gates was white. Say what you will but they would not, there is far too much racism in this country and it's not getting better. The sad thing is we tell other counties about human rights but we never practice what we preach. This whole mess would be re solved by both parties giving each other an apology, but the police, police union, the public at large(white of course) can see no wrong in Crowley but let's hang Gates from the rafters. This is not one sided it took both of them to make this mess, as for thinking someone else, maybe a criminal, was in the house, horse $hit. Gates came through his back door, he told the policeman that and I'm sure he checked it. Crowley was stupid, and so was Gates. A young fool and old fool but both fools. The man need not have been arrested, he was not Public Enemy No. One, but a harmless old man who was angry at a jammed door and a policeman who was harassing him. All policemen need to carry cameras then the world would know the truth, I bet the Cambridge police will have them from now on, and no incident like this will ever happen again. It's been said that Gates is arrogant and has a bad attitude, but so does Crowley, being a policeman does not give you the right to harass any body. No one, black or white, likes that and no one should have to put up with it from the cambridge police or any other police force.

Here's an article from the Chicago Tribune, stating that the black police officer who was at the scene supports Crowley "100%".

It seems the more info that leaks out, the worse Gates' position is getting.

Oh my God, Mary, take off the chains!!!!

....."a teachable moment" all right. Teach me to vote for Obama ever again.

"I could have calibrated those words differently" says Obama. Lets watch the calibration in 2012.

He did produce it, Where do you get your news from? Not this article.

"Stopping short of apologizing for his remark..." says it all!

Our President isn't man enough to admit when he's wrong!

What an obvious racist

You are the stupid one! Had this been two youth, two white women or two older white women trying to open the front door of their own home, we would not be engaged in this conversation. The passerby (the frist racist person to respond in this situation) might have even walked up to the porch to offer help. You and anyone sharing your thoughts on this issue need to take a deep and I mean deep look within to deal with your own racist attitudes and beliefs. The fact that this man reacted rudely or in anger is irrevalent! Believe me had this been a white man or woman reacting the same way, you would be Professor Gates was in his own home. He was assualted by these idoits (racist police officers!) Not the other way around! You can't see through this because you yourself are racist and likely republican! A white woman from Iowa

Sort of good news for Obama when the "controversy" he's facing is over a bad choice of words regarding an incident.

How long do you think this will be milked by the media? Because in the end, there's no story here - not the arrest - not the comments.

This incident reveals the true racists: obama and gates! obama will not apologize because his power is based on racial tension. It is time for him to go (resign) so this country can return to a path of continued greatness!

But I think there is a story here. Obama, when speaking off the cuff, chose to support his friend, Gates over the police, calling police behavior, "acting stupidly". That is significant to whites and law enforcement officers all over the country.

The joke is that Obama is a "closeted Black Man". His comments, without knowing all the details of the incident, show he will fall along racial lines. This puts whites in the insecure and unsure position of thinking they've been duped. They voted for a president who is Black first, a president, second.

Whites wanted a President that will represent the people, not just black people. This gives an indication the latter might be more true.

Obama's back-pedaling now is not believable, and rehearsed. What we heard from his earlier comments several days ago was Obama the BLACK PRESIDENT, uncalibrated.

I think we should take this situation one step further, and say," why are so many of us Americans so angery at police in our communities? How many times did we feel ,and sometimes just know police acted improperly, ( at times too violently)? and Why do police feel they have too treat people this way to protect themselves? How can we learn from this situation? How can we correct this abusive cycle? "
In my community the police use a fear and violence, as a tactic of control and in any relationship this is abusive, and this is not a relationship people can just walk away from and start over. This is a relationship that causes the community to retaliate and hate the the people who are supposed to protect and serve us. This causes people to be deeply resentful on both sides and teaches us nothing. I am sure many police and citizens don't want to learn anything, They don't want to admit any wrong on either side. And this causes thousands cases where people are victims of violence and death on both sides. And how much of our tax money goes into these situations. I know this seems like too big of situation too tackle. But I beleive its not only about race or even about minorities its a relationship that can be healed and can be more about genuine respect and give police the option of being more forgiving and kinder. I believe this would make tax payers more likely vote for protecting police funding and supporting them, and I think we even could use the media as a tool to help heal the community, by showing us this can be done. I know this sounds like a faerie tale, but so did racial equality. I hope there are people who agree with me.

AMEN TO THAT. Pres. Obama has the sad disorder of rectocranial inversion. I know plenty of police officers and the things they stand off against on a daily basis what most of us will never see in a lifetime. Why is it that when minority groups are asked certain questions it lead to a racial battle. Get over it. If you are a well to do minority figure, get into the lower income communitues and teach them how to be rational level headed thinking human beings. Whatever happen to "Ask not what your country can do for you"? Unfortunately greed and selfishness have run this country into the ground.

I believe that the police officer is a victim of racial profiling by the professor. White cop = racist to this man despite all reports that the police officer did nothing but his job.

Mary You need to read the article. No where does it say gates is the bad guy, hanging him from the rafters your quote and that Crowley is the good guy. Cops do kill, when they have to!!!!

CJ -
The intelligent, and proper response, as all leading politicians know, is "I can not comment on this issue at this time."

Obama keeps demonstrating the racist he is ... 20 years with Rev. Wright, Louis Farakam "man of the year", his racist supreme court nominee, Gates issue ... non apology statement of today " the Sargent" "OVERREACTED" and Prof. Gates "PROBABLY" did too. Yes Mr. President there is still racism in America, you are proof of it!

Well...I think that both parties were wrong. I do think that I would have been offended if some cops approached me in my house and demanded ID and not believed what I was telling them. I do also think that there was some racial profiling going on. I have been in a racial profiling situation and if I weren't afraid of being shot, I would have responded in an upset manner. Just the thought that someone is suspecting that I was a criminal, was offensive to me. Here's a thought, why doesn't the local police department know the prominent figures in their neighborhoods? How could policemen work in the area and not know Henry Louis Gates? I live in the Midwest and I know of him. The policemen should have known he lived there and should know him by face. I think they didn't know because he was black and seemingly not important to them.

Instead of everyone trying to clear their name, I agree with President Obama, use this as a teaching moment. Both parties should particpate together in sensitivity/diversity training and a community event that brings blacks and whites together. The policmen should get to know people that are different from themselves.

I know some people don't agree with President Obama's comment about stupidly (I don't necessarily agree) but I do understand. If you are not black, you could not understand! The sad part, others different from us often times don't try to understand.

Mary, I am afraid that Obama has put the chains on you, and everyone else in this country.

His spending will keep you in financial servitude for the rest of your life, your children's lives and your grandchildren's lives.

Obama is not here to free us! He is here to enslave us!

Now, Obama is proposing a health plan that you have no choice about. You will be part of it or pay fines.

You have no freedom; your master Obama has seen to that.

I am sick of blacks yelling racists. Anything that happens, it's not their fault, everyone is being racist against them. This is a crock!!!! They are the racists. If Gates would have done what was asked instead of having a chip on his shoulder, nothing more would have happened. He should have been grateful that the police came to check on his house. I bet the police will think twice about answering a break in call at Gates house in the future. He is a jerk and so is obama

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jeeesus

The President Of The United States Of All America is the Commander In Chief !!!.. he OVER RULES EVERYTHING.. give the President, His Deserved Respect !!!..while the words may have been frank, his point was made...the Police Department s/b apologizing to him, and find better ways to get along with people of any Color, Nationality or Creed..this is not about a POLICE CONTROL GOVERNMENT!!!... IT'S ABOUT A PEOPLE CONTROL GOVERNMENT.. police are servants for Law and Order for the people...not the other way around..I really do believe we have a mis-wired society..no, I cannot be chased out..my ties have been here way before the white man and spaniard..expecting the President for an apology is silly......

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• 2
• !

#2.60 - Fri Jul 24, 2009 2:53 PM CDT...It seems to me that the last Democratic President we had was IMPEACHED.... Hey Obama* we are still waiting to see the BIRTH CERTIFICATE... Put up or shut up.

how dare the police demand an apaology from OUR PRESIDENT

WHO ever demands apoligies from our president?

if Obama were white this would not be happening

the police are deliberately provoking a national incident and feeding fuel to the neo-Nazi and other Christian for hate groups SHAME ON THE COPS!!!

and HANDCUFFS give me a break. this old man needed to be in handcuffs?!

you said it. People who have never wore a badge have no clue on the grap you get from people for doing your job.

I agree that the situation could have been dealt with in multiple other ways that would have not initiated such a controversial issue. I am an African American Woman and understand the severity of racial profiling. IT IS A PROBLEM IN AMERICA! Not in this case. According to the information shared in the article, Gates was returning from a trip out of state. To come home and not be able to get into your own house would frustrate anyone. When officers arrived i am certain that gates was still in the mist of his frustration. When asked to see his identification which i believe is a necessary procedure, he was overwhelmed by the act and therefore reacted as such. This small petty issue could have been resolved from clear communication and understanding from both parties. If the officer would have just calmed down and explained his reasoning and Gates would have calmed down and realized that the officers were just protecting the safety of the owner of the house, the issue would have not escalated any further.

A disproportianate number of blacks and latinos are stopped, that's because they commit most of the crimes!!!! The affirmative action racist got himself arrested on purpose. @!$%#, it's like the 60's are happening again. Get over it and when the police arrive to help any other citizen's out, do as they say and if you are innocent you'll be okay. What a concept.

I just watched the video and Obama has more or less just put this whole fire out. No other president would do what he just did and that is part of his genious. We have one elegant chap running our country right now, and don't worry haters, give him another two years you will all think highly of him as well. Notice that North Korea has all of a sudden shut the F up. This president and his staff are the best we have ever had running this country. Hilary handled north Korea as if it were a small child that needed some discipline. Obama handled the officer very well by personally talking to him. Very well played, back to you Rush! Don't vote republican in 2010 or ever again.

American wolf is a crackhead

Yea all that grap you get from people. I sure do hate people who give me a lot of grap, I mean crap is fine, matter of fact I love crap, but grap of the other hand just gets one my last nerve. There are a lot of people on here who are plum full of grap!!!

I find myself considering the statement made by Martin Luther King about judging a person not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character. That being said, I question the content of Mr. Gates' character. Certainly a man of his academic credentials, education, awards and accolades should have displayed a character far above what he did during this incident. His behavior, unfortunately, is what I would expect from one of much less circumstances and conditions. If I were to judge him on the character display, I would have to say he failed.

Gates is another man with a chip on his shoulder; he should have been grateful that the police were there to protect his property from two burglars. Show the ID and shut up, "Gates acted stupidly"!

SickOfThisStuff - Where have all the great leaders gone?

If you haven't figured it out yet, Law School teaches you to win your case, brief, debate, argument by any means possible including making the facts "irrelevant". Leadership is not taught at Law School. And Leaders of Professional Sports Teams are not really Leaders in that the highest paid makes or breaks the "Team". They also get to go home afterwards if they lose; we come home in flag draped metal coffins if we fail.

The only people that teach Leadership (Leadership by Example, Sharing Hardships, etc.) is the US Military and only currently at certain levels (before this was taught to everyone). This is why to this day when I hear someone that is supposed to be a "Leader" say that there are no "I"s in Team, I know that they are NOT a Leader. The "I"s in Team are what make the US Military strong. The "I"s in Special Warfare: Initiative, Ingenuity, Innovation, Integrity, etc.. To answer your question we (Leaders) are at Afghanistan (the unsuccessful ones are dead).

donna-397871 - Gates may have been yelling and he may even have said something silly like "yo momma" but neither of these things are against the law.

So if the "N" word was used then what would have happened. Even here on Newsvine Tyler would have deleted this post if I used the "N" word. If you want to blame someone blame his neighbor for calling the Police and not recognizing his neighbor Gates was breaking into his own home.

Rightman, no president has ever been impeached!

When asked about this, BHO should have said, "It's above my pay grade!"

To Kevin thinking, the Constitution prohibits illegal searches, that means this police officer had no right to enter the home. If Gates had not opened his door, would the police have broken it down, or would they have searched the outside, determined there was no forced entry and left?? Would that neighbor have been more observant she might have seen the men had luggage. I guess she thought they were just illegal aliens looking for a place. If the man had been white, I believe they would have taken his word and left. To address the last point, if someone is breaking in my home, the police will only need to bring out the coroner. Your point about how gracious the police are, make one mad and see how gracious he is. You might argue with the next guy on the street, but a cop is right even when he's wrong. In their eyes, you'll guilty, there is no let me look further.

yes!

Obviously a case of an educated person thinking they have more entitlement than the rest. The scholar has no clue how or why an officer must be prepared for any scenario. Just like there is no typical traffic stop,dealing with intruders should be treated the same. If someone thinks they must be treated better simply because of their education,they will be sadly mistaken,and the same will apply if they try to ride on presidents coat-tails. I deal with people who think they deserve better treament simply by their upbringing and education quite often. What I've noticed is that with all of their supposed influence,they still rarely accomplish anything on their own,they need my help,and thats just laughable.

I agree Jo Ann - Gates brought this whole thing on himself and the story to the country. You're right - nothing would have happened if he showed his ID - nothing. He's just another racist instigator. He should be ashamed.

At least Tebow's a Gator.

Tebow would make a better President too.

Every Political leader since the beginning of time go through the same thing!!! The only thing that they need to remember is that when the media ask you a question involving a racial incident, DON"T REPLY with an immediate one-sided answer! President Obama did a one-sided answer and that is where I disagree with him on. He IS my President, as the cop still supports him too, but he should have NOT answered that question to the media that way, he should have said that he will only comment when ALL the facts have been brought to the table!!

LaDulce, you've just showcased the entire problem : anytime a black man runs up against the law, they've got to be innocent because we all know white cops are villains ( despite the fact Obama was elected on the power of white votes ).

And Obama is right about one thing : its is a teachable moment. It taught us that, without any other information, Obama's gut impulse was to side with the black dude.

Obama needs to be President not God.

Not to worry Greg. Barry is making himself look more and more like petty "Community Organizer" rather than a NATIONAL LEADER daily!

dewintre,

You are quite wrong. The reason most assume the white guy is the villain against the black guy is because that has how it has been for so long in America. For nearly 200 years whites could do anything--even murder--with impunity. Something like that doesn't just go away.

So contemporary whites are paying for it. Sins of the father, mate.

And Obama didn't side "with the black dude." He sided with what seemed logical. Admit it...arresting a man in his own home for doing nothing is not only stupid...it's a little nutty.

Peace

The President is entitled to his opinion on the matter jsut as all the racists in here are. If you do not like it lump it.

Well it took a couple of days,but it now seems POTUS and his "braintrust" have had enough time to start the "spin" cycle. You certainly didn't expect him to be man enough to admit "I was wrong to comment without all the facts and as President I should not have let friendship cloud my opinion",or "right now I have no comment,the pressing issues are my responsibility to this country and it's citizens well being". Hmmmmmm.......not to bad,maybe I need to run...........nahhh,can't I have a consience! LOL!

...arrested a black Harvard scholar...

Why, MSNBC, did you use the word "black" to describe the scholar? Your company always publishes and exploits issues about race, but when you keep separating Americans by color, you may be part of the problem. Knock it off!

Obama is supposed to be the post racial, “transformative” figure? He had an opportunity here to be what he promised to be. He would have been better served saying “Despite the fact that we have turned a corner in this country concerning race we must all be reminded that some scares are still there and at times some people will react from these scars. Even if he did act within protocol, the officer would have been better served to understand why Gates may have reacted in the manner he did and walked away once he made sure there was no crime. However Gates would have been better served if he had realized the office was there for the protection of him and his property. This is a time when we all need to cool down and come together and these misunderstandings may some day end.” Instead he made the same comment Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton might have. Part of the reason I support Obama is for the potential he represents in bring this country together. He needs to live up to this promise. The one he made when he ran.

Greg,

"Between Obama & Tim Tebow, the media is like a bunch of little teenages looking at the next bigf teen idol, gushing & hanging on to his every work."

Besides the point that you are probably a little drunk on this fine Friday, between the two of them I would much rather have Tim Tebow as my Commander In Chief than President Obama. At least Tim is and has been a leader. Oh yeah, and his girlfriend is extremely hot. Haven't seen Obama's girlfriend.

Svenolafson = idiot.

Why? I submit his inane commentary such as, "Oh yeah, and [Tebow's] girlfriend is extremely hot."

Yeah, because Tebow's girlfriend has a lot to do with this. Hell, maybe if Tebow had a future in the NFL I might be interested in him.

Peace

christgofer-1235610, I'm sure when you state (interested in him) your referring to a sexual interest in Tebow. Peace your mama.

Who do you think got this man elected??? Yeh, the media!!! During the election anything McCain or Palin said was torqued and turned and thrown out there to get this man elected. Dude, it's a double edge sword and the media is the meanest whore swashbuckler ever made!!! It's all about ratings. Sure got you and me interested didn't they? Micheal J. back burner time.

Skiddy - not a fair comment! I have two dogs that would make better presidents...and better decisions!

There will not be another black man or half black man elected pres. for decades thanks to the assss in chief.

He owes them a apology....its because he is racist himself.....he thinks he is better than anyone else, especially white people. He was wrong when he spoke about something he knew nothing about from a 'set-up' question from one of his lock-step reporters in the group. This man hates whites, he hates America and is bound and determined to ruin it before he gets voted out in a landslide in 2012. (OK MSNBC go ahead and deleate this posting too.)

It apperas that Obama is more than willing to take the word of his "friend" this professor. over the words of several officers that were there...including one that was black...Its easy to pass judgement if your judgement is soured a bit in one direction....rather than looking for the truth of any matter....siding with his friend before knowing what went on was wrong...and it looks like he is too good to say so. Maybe he saying that all of the officers that were there were wrong for even being there...maybe the officers should have seen what house it was and who lived there before going to investigate a breakin call...and just not gone instead..

I didn't vote 4 Obama and reading all these comments brings back some memories. I remember last year when many were on this thread trying to warn you that Obama is a poison and he wll destroy America. Not many listened then, I hope you all are listening now. Make mental notes for 2012.

I think the blacks have cried wolf one too many times and their racist crap is back firing big time. This country has catered to the minorities for years now and anything we hear lately is just whining for attention.

Did you actually think that Obama was here to bring unity? lol Things are 100x times worse since he took office, and this is just the beginning folks.

Also, we're not all white supremisists just because we speak the truth.

One more thing, seems like every time I see his face on TV OBama is always apologizing to someone. Without that teleprompter, he just cant get his foot out of his mouth.

I agree with you 100%. Obama is Presidentof the United States for God's sake. Why in the hell is he getting into a fuss with a police officer. It is clear that he is showing his "black" side because he took Gates' side before investigating the facts of the case. It would seem that Mr. Gates became beligerent and verbally abusive. Maybe if he had just kept his cool, the incident would not have happened. The officers did not initially know that he was not a burglar...they were just doing their job. I personally am sick and tired Obama's quick response to things that have nothing to do with his job. He is not running a campaign any longer...he is supposed to be running the government and not getting into stupid little squabbles between a black professor and a white police officer. This deal would not have become so big if he had not run his mouth and took up for Gates. It truly shows color...and everyone tries to tell the Anglo Saxons that we are the biggots and racists. Seems to me that the pot should not be calling the kettle "blackie" - pardon the punn...it is in no way intended to be a racial remark. I regret that we still have prejudices in this country. My only hope is that my grandchildren learn not to be prejudiced because it is taught to our children...they are not born disliking someone because of their color or disability...the parents are teaching them. So, as parents, we did not teach our children to dislike anyone of color. We tried to instill in that everyone is a person regardless and to judge that person by their character and not their color. I only hope that the black and white parents of today try to do the same thing and some day we will be able to accept each other on the basis of character.

It's just a sad state of affairs when the President of the US has to call a police sargeant and a college professor because he can't keep his nose out of local affairs and has clearly laid his racial beliefs out for public view. Did we really expect Obama to side with a white against a black? Gates had an agenda to push and , if what I read was correct, the first reference to black was his. That gives you some idea what he had on his mind. Let Yale and Cambridge battle it out. That's where it belongs.

american wolf the only comments collapsed are either insults and abuse by the right or sincerely entirely reasonable comments pro obama and pro freedom

but as usual the right is up to the same old same old doing the deed then shifting the blame............it's mind boggling

Shambama just couldnt help himself. The real Obams is starting to appear, not the one who snowed everyone with his hope and change mantra. The one who sat in the pews and listened to Rev. Wright has surfaced. It didn't take very long.

why were the emminently reasonable comments of TAW57 & truepatriot and commonsense collapsed? there was no cursing abusing or other disrespect in them -- just b.c they disagreed with you? you all really DO want a police state

political cynic we have to acknowledge a problem before we can fix it -- sweeping it under the rug or throwing a bone now and then is not change

Obama was elected to bring change -- that means holding a mirror up to our national behavior and he has done that in this instance very well

obama is just doing his job

not to mention -- have you all really never heard of the KKK, the neo-Nazis, cross burnings, lynchings, slavery and slave rape, being tarred and feathered or ridden out of town on a rail -- etc. -- racism is very real are you joking?

whether this incident was about race or about a power struggle it is really brining the closet white supremacists out screaming

All you morons like Chris123........read the report instead of making an ass out of yourself.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0723092gates1.html

This racist is a racial profiler - white cop=racist. What a piece of crap this guy is. And Obama is his friend? Why didn't Obama apologize? His remarks were stupid at best and short-sighted at least. And these are the people the dems vote into ofice. Will someone please take care of Bill Maher?

As much as some here hate George Bush, Dick Cheney and company, never would they be as unprofessional as President Obama showed himself to be with his ignorant comments.

The "man" is lost without his teleprompter, and this is a shame. I guess that's what you get when you elect a slogan without an explanation. But the media helped and you fell for it, now we are all going to pay for you electing this braying jackass.

Should have kept his egotistic opinions to himself. Obama is as racist as they come! He'll put his foot too far into things that don't concern him and it will lose him more votes. This sure did!

This professor was looking to cause a stink so he can sue someone. You watch he'll try civil action based on racism

When I was little I remember my Dad drove by a huge fire...and there were alot of people there. I was afraid with all the yelling as my Dad drove on by, I remember him saying it was KKK. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? I am soooo dang sick of everything whitey does is racial. You have walk on egg shells when your around them.....what are they called these days? Who the hell knows. Blacks?? no,,,African americans?...no Negroes?...no I honestly don't know and I have what I consider some nice freiends who are black but I am not going to ask them what they like to be referred to. I did that once and started an arguement between two of the black friends. I say, white officers should not go into the black homes ever, for any reason. The blacks are constantly looking for a way to sue or to whine and yell racist. Let them murder and rape their own and white oficers drive on by. Let only black officers handle their problems. There would be no longer any racist remarks. As far as I am concerned, the middle of the Sahara Desert is what they can have to live on. I said the SAHARA now, not the Mojave.

After making a poorly thought out remark like this, it is almost like he has almost no polical experience......

dianlarkin - you all really DO want a police state

We don't you do:

As a matter of Historical Record.

January 21 2009, first Act resigned back into Law by current President, Patriot Acts.

February 2009, revisions to Insurrection Act authorizing the use of (us) US Military and Deadly Force in the US against US Citizens. This includes the "shuffling" of States National Guard to other States (to prevent conflict of interest in the use of Deadly Force). Now not a violation of Rights.

March 2009, H.R. 1955 and S.1959, "Homegrown Domestic Terrorist Act", vagueness allows anyone to be declared a "Homegrown Domestic Terrorist", electronic communications monitoring, prosecution, indefinite detention and questioning (not a violation of rights since not "prison" nor a "conviction"), formation of US NORTHCOM (US Military Command for enforcing revised 2009 Insurrection Act, this Act, Patriot Act), etc.. Now not a violation of Rights.

There is more (not yet signed into Law). I warned you before on Newsvine forums before they became Law, you did not listen. (specifically before, during and after the Election; knowing what Bills, Acts, Legislation, they wanted, sponsored and supported as Congressional Representatives).

Recent surveys indicate that the current US Military; unlike the 1990 Survey, indicate that the US Military will fire on US Citizens if ordered to. This is because they now know that they are subject to Summary Execution under the UCMJ (no trial, no hearing, on the spot execution); and that their friends, family members (all), relatives, etc. can be used as leverage with detention as possible conspirators (under H.R. 1955 and S.1959, as "Homegrown Domestic Terrorists", no rights), placed on "watch lists", "indefinite detentions and questioning", Homeland Security "no fly" or travel restriction lists coding of "SSSS". This would be similar to the McCarthy era "blacklists" (no work or fired from work). Sorry all this is now "Legal" to protect "Government as usual" as H.R.1955 and S.1959 state anyone advocating a "radical change to (US) Government" is defined as a "Homegrown Domestic Terrorist", so advocating demonstrations, rallies, etc. that change US Government makes you a "Homegrown Domestic Terrorist".

Soon when the second half of the Auto Bill passes you will not be capable of Legally owning any old car or truck (does not meet current standards, especially mileage). Does not apply to Museums only Private Ownership. This will require you to buy a new car to meet standards. First half already Law (too late). Not a violation of Rights.

add to the above. If you haven't figured it out these Laws circumvent or eliminate the Bill of Rights and most Ammendments (especially First Ammendment thru Tenth Ammendment).

Just like the 1999 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act eliminated the Glass Steagall Acts (prevent another 1907 Depression and 1929-1939 Great Depression) and allowed the formation of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, a then Senator J Biden major campaign contributor and constituent, near Billion USD. The President was told not to sign as a means of protest by the Congressional Research Service:

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, bankers and brokers were sometimes indistinguishable. Then, in the Great Depression after 1929, Congress examined the mixing of the “commercial” and “investment” banking industries that occurred in the 1920s. Hearings revealed conflicts of interest and fraud in some banking institutions’ securities activities. A formidable barrier to the mixing of these activities was then set up by the Glass Steagall Act.

He signed it anyway and now thanks to the ISDA (see isda.org, primary members) as to why it became the "Global Economic Crisis", 60-100 Trillion USD. The ISDA primary members are also the consortium of Private (not US Government) Financial Institutions that comprise the non US Government Entity, Federal Reserve.

So now here we are, with all Billion USD Bailouts (demanded by Congress, not President; research Lobbyists) doing nothing to affect/effect the 60-100 Trillion USD "Global Economic Crisis" with those belonging to the ISDA being "too powerful to get rid of". Hope you like a "Super Nova Depression", this is just the start. Calculations indicate a over 1/3 US Population Unemployed (not counting illegal immirgrants, under employed, part time). Too bad this is all just mathematics, symbolic logic, and not opinion; as Cause + Effect(s) = Results.

Yes and they are acting like teens as well eating it up like pudding? They need to mature and that is a fact.
Obama is drunk from the idolotry, and glamour? Remember he is not all that, and has very little experience? Certainly he is in the Lime light but he should tone it down and a little less Hollywooood? This guy is not glamorous, and he is enjoying the Power! Someone who has not the experience in this type of world of the Rich and Infamous gets a Power surge to the Brain Literally? I just wish he would come up with a good idea of his own, that would resolve at least one problem? His health policy stinks? And it is not new either? Marxism? DUH? It does not work, fact! Socialism? This is a FREE Enterprise here? And Big Labor Unions should not be given this country so that we get rid of our secret ballots? DUH? We need a Change all right? A change of administration? Get someone that knows what they are doing and not drunk and having fun with Power and our Lives? We are not his experiment? No he is not God but we are all waiting for him to announce that when he puts on his Blue Turbin? ha ha

OMG! DeWintre - To your Friday, 3:13 PM post - You are scary right again.

Utmost respect to law enforcement, but the officer is supposed to be the professional here. He's the one that's trained and paid to diffuse the situation.

It's not required to possess ID when on your own property. It's not illegal to be belligerent and confrontational, as long as there's no assault involved. That said, it's easy to see how this one got out of hand. Cops are only human and are due respect, even though it's not required by law. Apologies are due on both sides.

Refreshing to read a calm sane comment on this page. Everyone needs to cool off a little bit. My guess is that all the parties who are getting media scrutiny over this one might want to walk it back in a little bit. Race still provokes and gets under the skin of the best of us. Take note. Move on.

Wouldn't it serve the media right, to see these two shake hands? That would be my challenge to Dr. Gates and Officer Crowley, if either are reading: to defy media exploitation by publicly burying the hatchet.

San Pedro, Great post... I agree 100%!

Yes, I guess we must remember "ONLY the PO lice must be professional?" I guess that suggests the "highly educated professor does NOT need to be... only the police?"

Why should ANY person, regardless of color, especially a Harvard Professor need to be professional? Not to mention if he is a minority... is that even MORE of a reason NOT to be professional? Why should he need to have some basic people skills?

I guarantee that if the exact same thing happened to me, I immediately do everything possible to cooperate, APOLOGIZE FOR MY OWN ERROR of acting like a criminal; for forgetting my key in the first place; for not leaving a key hidden on my property; for not having an extra key with a close neighbor, thank the police for trying to protect my property, which is what they are paid to do, etc.

But that seems like too much to ask... why? Because Mr. Gates is Black? Does that give him a free pass to act like an idiot... SCREAMING % SHOUTING & ESCALATING THE SITUATION IN TO A NEIGHBORHOOD DISTURBANCE ? His next door neighbor did not even recognize him and called the police? Why? Maybe he just a miserable old fart, who doesn't even get along with his own neighbors?

Mr. professor sure does not act like a professor. He acts like a miserable old man or an ignorant street thug, who has ZERO common sense.

If Gates did not forget his own house key and then ACT like a BURGLAR and SCREAM (not talk) back at the PO lice... absolutel nothing would have ever happened.

Why should the Officer Crowley apologize for doing his job.? The call was put out as a burglary, 2 suspects involved. The officer asked for ID for proof of who this person was. Gates could of produced his ID, and that would of been the end of it. Officer gates was protecting, him self as well as other officers on the call by handcuffing Gates, who was very belligerent at this time.

Officer Crowley arrested this so called professional because of Gates OWN stupid actions. Who knew if he was lying about who he was, as far as the cane, big deal, it could of been used as a weapon against the officer.

I believe OBAMA & Gates are both RACIST. Obama opens his flapping mouth without knowing the whole story, but it is a BLACK man, a friend, a brother, so he jumps in with both feet. God Bless you Officer Gates. Obama.. get back to what you are suppose to be doing, fixing America ( which I might add, you have done NOTHING for us)... not fighting your Belligerant friends fight. Again, God bless you Officer Crowley, may you and yours always be safe.

11b2eb4,

patriot act. you must have identification at all times and present such when asked by law enforcement. refusal is grounds for arrest.

Perhaps the Officer should have issued him a summons for Disorderly Conduct and if the Professor did not sign it, then put his black a$$ in jail. "WHAT DOES COLOR HAVE TO DO WITH IT?"

We hear this stuff on a daily basis! I patrol a highly affluent neighborhood. 99.9% of the time when a person of color is pulled over, whether rich or poor, the first thing out of their mouth is, "you stopped me because I'm -----." -they can't understand the concept that their lights need to work, they are not allowed to be on their cells phones while driving, they are not allowed to roll through stop signs, their registration needs to be current, etc... This is why PEOPLE get stopped! Although we can all agree some rules are ridiculous, the main idea is to keep everyone safe! If a person starts "flaming out" that's a sign that things aren't normal and precautions need to be taken! We take the precautions and sort out the details later. Yes, sometime feelings are hurt, but in the end, hopefully everyone goes home to their families safely! That's the goal of every police officer. It's not easy, otherwise, like they say, everyone would be doing it!

Gee Combat Vet, if color has nothing to do with it, why are you so quick to say his "black a$$" should be tossed in jail?

Well, really, I know a lot of highly educated people that dont have the common sense that God gave them. Educated doesnt always mean smart. Gates should probably have kept his mouth shut and given an ID and all would have been fine and dandy.

I ask the question before is where have white men been for the last 400 years? White men have had all the power they have ever wanted and dreamed of in politics, law enforcement, justice, societal, corporate america, banks and other financial institutions, education, etc. The list goes on and for the last 400 years something went missing with white men. This whole thing stinks and before anyone cry on this board about whom is racist in this particular situation should consider that white men for the last 400 years have had all the power. Sometimes we know what is the right thing to do but the "other" part of us look at the power we weld in our community and exploit that power. I'm not for any race and I'm afraid that race relations in America are going to get worse before it gets better. Every adult should take a step back and say this is not good for America because the rest of the world is watching us. Consider that if we as Americans can not get past this, it will be open season on all of us across the waters.

Why is the "highly educated professor" being asked to adhere to a higher standard that the professional law enforcement officer? Mr. Gates was pissed off at having to hand over ID while in his own home and he expressed it. But, he did give his ID and it was determind that he was indeed the resident. That should have been it. PERIOD. He could have yelled his head off and the cop should have walked away, saying, sorry for for any inconvenience, gotten into his car and driven away. But no, AFTER he saw the ID, he THEN proceeded to call for police backup. WHY????? This man was not a criminal, he was a man who was MAD..... in his own home! I'm still trying to figure out how this disintigrated into an arrest and it makes no sense.

NIECO....the thing that these idiots are missing is that there were black officers present and they back Crowley 100%....cut and dried. I tell you. The racial issues in this country will never go away. I would never require a white officer to go into anywhere a black lives, either a house or neighborhood. Let them shoot themselves up and just turn your head. The stupid Pres now says he spoke wrong and he wishes he hadn't said what he did. This idiot should NOT be President. He cannot control his mouth or his pea sized brain. Don't give me crap about his education. He probably bought his degree, he sure as heck doesn't have the brains to earn one. He is too dangerous to hold the power of the Office he finds himself in. He could cause a 3rd world war because of his mouth shooting off. AGAIN....there were black officers present and they said they back the white officer Crowley 100%. Did YOU GET THAT 100%......Now how can you silly people keep saying it was racially motivated..oh yea, I forgot because you are Liberals, you can make silly statements

11B2EB4: It's not illegal to be belligerent and confrontational, as long as there's no assault involved.

I'm not a law expert, but I disagree. Anytime someone acts verbally aggressive, taunts, curses, or threatens a police officer, I don't think they'll just turn the other cheek. More often than not, pissing off a police officer will get you a free ticket to the slammer. At least from what I've seen and heard.

Gate's seems to be the racist in this situation. A professor, who supposedly is an expert on racism at Harvard, acting as he did kinda makes you wonder if Harvard doesn't need to rethink who they have on staff. I would like someone to ask Gate's publicly how he feels about white people.

To all people blaming Gates:

At least get the facts right. He clearly established he was the rightful resident of that property well before he was shackled by Crowley. So why did the officer arrest him then? Gates is an academic...and a professional educator. He was not at work but at home. Crowley was the one on duty, therefore he has the onus of being the "cooler head" or the professional one. Crowley needs to be put behind a desk for a while, not because he's white, but because he's a dunce.

No officer, no matter how well trained can diffuse a situation in which the belligerent subject refuses to allow it to be diffused and continues to antagonize. Everyone has a limit, even police officers. If there's anything i learned when i was a youngster, it was " never talk back to a police officer". It's called respect for the law.

Gates is a harvard Professor, an expert on racism, a Public Broadcasting producer, and runs "The Root" website.......Anyone see where I'm going with this ????? Anyone ????

Yes....you in the third row.......... That's correct. PUBLICITY. Any publicity is good publicity.

Publicity for the website, his papers, his PBS specials, and he KNOWs BO will be on the "Vineyahhhhd" in August. What the hell would have happened if a BLACK cop showed up ??

Utterly ridiculous, BP. Gates doesn't need publicity. Academics aren't in it for money...it is akin to selling out your reputation. You may be right about some things, but your conjecture that he wants publicity only shows that you don't know the first thing about professors, academics, or scholars.

Peace

I've thought about this and I've come to the conclusion that if Black Americans had followed Martin Luther King Jr's example of hoping for a day when a man would be judged by the content of his character and not the color of his skin and lived by those words the US would be a much better place. Instead they listened to and used the Liberal strategy of using victimhood. And by using this strategy they were in turn used by the Radical Liberal Left to further their ends. Sad. I wonder what MLK would say about this today?

Why do I get the impression that Mr Gates or Professor Gates thinks he missed out on something? It appears that he is too young to have participated in the any of the really big civil rights protests. Maybe he wishes that he had been there during those times. Maybe he wishes he could have been hit by a fire hose or something like that? Maybe he wishes he had some of those stories to tell. Maybe he was hoping this incident would have been one of those stories?

Gates was looking for a fight and he got it.

11B2EB4

"It's not required to possess ID when on your own property. It's not illegal to be belligerent and confrontational, as long as there's no assault involved. That said, it's easy to see how this one got out of hand. Cops are only human and are due respect, even though it's not required by law."

You're correct it is not required to have ID on "YOUR OWN" property ... problem was with break in being reported the police have no idea who's property it really is without ID!

I worked late at my business and left the back door open....I had 6 officers show up in my store around 3 am suspecting a break in. They asked who I was and for id I showed them and laughed. They explained why they came in I had no problem them checking and appreciated their concern. Gates should have acted his age and IQ.

sanpedro yes if Gates had kissed butt all would have been well

but it was not Gates' job to difuse the problem it was Crowley's paid job to difuse the problem

And it was gates job to BE the problem

Gates was knee deep in Harvard arrogance and was not about to let a caucasian cop question him. The officer was just doing his job. One doesn't have to be a scholar to know that you don't score points by getting insolent with cops.

As for Obama, ethnic pride overcame his better judgement. His emotions took over before his speech writers can set up the 'prompter...

Why was 11B2EB4's emminently reasonable comment collapsed?

It seems the right has stumbled on a new weapon collasping all comments that disagree with their twisted majority rule MODERATOR WHY ARE YOU ALLOWING THIS?

When one is confronted by a police officer, common sense must prevail. Unfortunatly common sense can not be learned in a book, it is never taught in College. Just because Mr. Gated is a professor, it does not mean he is better or smarter than anyone else. In fact, from what I read Mr. Gates stooped to the level of fools and got what he deserved.

It would seem that Mr. Gates needs to learn that respect is earned, not automatically dispensed.

I find it funny how sometimes some groups do everything in their power to prolong news of this nature yet other times, they hope that 'we all get past this as quickly as possible'.

One of the articles yesterday mentioned that he wants to use this for a documentary he wants to make on racism in America....hmmm...ulterior motives????

All Mr. Gates knew was that he was being asked to show ID to a cop to prove he didn't break into his own home, it's easy to see why he would think it was profiling. In this case, it wasn't, a cop was responding to a call. But, as soon as it was determined that it WAS his home, that sould have been it. Over and out. Even if Mr. Gates was yelling bloody murder he couldn't be arrested in his own home. The cop clearly wanted to arrest Mr. Gates because when he was being yelled at to show his ID (which he should have produced immediately to Mr. Gates, via his ID card) he told him to step out on the porch, where he thought he COULD arrest Mr. Gates with the trumped up charge of "disturbing the peace". Well, I could say Mr. Gates peace was disturbed pretty thoroughly.

You all need to get a life. I'm sick of the bickering back and forth, the name calling and the nasty remarks. The man was wrong, whether black, white, hispanic, asian or indian. It doesn't matter if he was a professor or a ditch digger, the law is the law. He was in the wrong, not the police officer. And the president of this country only showed his true colors (so to speak), no one touch anything or anyone that he calls his.

This same thing happened to me a few years ago, and did the media have a field day with that. No, because I'm white.....and it doesn't matter what happens to white people.....it only makes news if its someone of color.

Rita,

You are wrong. Gates is not the one at fault. The media doesn't care one iota about you because you are NOT a world-renowned scholar who is employed by Harvard University. It has nothing to do with whether you are white or not. No one cares what color you are. This cop was too full of himself to recognize he needed to leave the man's house. But he couldn't stand that someone was telling him (quite rightly) how to do his job.

Who are you going to believe...a cop with a four year degree at best, or a man whose credentials are off the charts? I will side with the Harvard professor. I've had enough of rude, arrogant cops!

Racism does exist and probably always will but it's not one sided and Obama's remarks did not help any. Perhaps he forgot he was standing in the White House as President of the USA thanks to the help of "white voters". Obama stop the finger pointing. Maybe you should have kept your Senate seat and just kept voting "present".

obama in bad spot. If he doesn't apologize, he's perceived to be racist who doesn't support police. If he does apologize, he'll be perceived as a dumbass, who made a racist comment by mistake, and doesn't support the police.

What will his spin doctors do?

Why oh why, President Obama, did you try to answer questions without your teleprompter or at least screening the questions first? You know you are terrible at that.

christgofer-1235610 seem's to think that if you are a professor at Harvard you can't be charge with disorderly conduct, Gates and Obama apparently suffer from the same misconception. They are all are wrong.

Hey Ranger,

Let me put it to you in Army terms. It's called SOP!

Flag Waver,

The only stupid comments have been made by yourself and Ranger. To quote Julie "it's SOP".

The cop might not be a racist but he sure is STUPIT!

If you're going to call somebody stupid, please, at least spell the adjective correctly.

Criminals come in all shapes, ages and sizes and I would expect that a police officer has specific procedures to be followed when investigating a reported break-in and finding a person in the home and the front door open.

On the surface I can't see where officer Crowley behaved badly. If Dr. Gates had been slapped around or subjected to racial slurs, I'd feel differentlly.

I agree...absolutely! Officer Crowley BEHAVED STUPIDLY..

I said..it... STUPIDLY...STUPIDLY..and yes...STUPIDLY!

EXCUSE me..this is my home..you want what?

you don't believe me?

you want to search my home?

what?

excuse me officer, this is my home

and for some darn reason my keys simply jammed in the lock.

here's my id...what..you want more proof....

what in the world is the matter with you police officer

I have showed you proof already, this is my home,

thankyou...now leave my property.

Excuse me...you want to come outside so you can enter

my home and now search it? without my permission?

I told you everything is fine...I just jammed my keys in the

lock...do you not believe my ID?

and so what does this police officer do?

Cop an Attitude...obviously passive-agressive

evident because he's on the morning news

saying -dis-respecting the CHIEF COMMANDER

of the United States for hurting his ego and feelings.

Excuse me where has his compassion, and feelings

when Mr. Gates needed it? He was clearly badgering

the man...I got angry just writing it.

I agree with you....the Police officer acted 100% stupidly

the man was trying to enter his OWN HOME and did show

him ID which just wasn't enough for this passive-agressive

officer!

(think he was trained at GITMO ????)

Why don't you properly spell "stupid" before you use that word against someone!

May be your English is worse! He spelled STUPIDLY correctly.

You idiots talking bad about the police are the same ones who would scream bloody murder if you called for help from them, and they didn't show in less than 2 minutes. It's about to the point in this country that you need to decide which way you want things. You can't always have it both ways. Enough people are getting sick of this race card s**t.

Kathleen,

What's wrong with having to verify that a house, that appears to have been broken into, actually belongs to the person BREAKING into it?

How many times do you think people have lied and said, "oh yeah officer, this is my house. Oh no, everything is alright you can go on your merry way now." And then the house was robbed?

Kathleen-867523

Ok.. I'm a robber, I'm in your home. An officer comes to the door and said a neighbor spotted someone breaking into the house and he needs to talk to me... OK First thing I'm gonna do is claim I live there and then act angry because he's questioning me in MY home. I lie... why... because I want the officer to think I'm upset due to him harassing me in MY home hoping he just goes away. If he turns around and walks away.. are you going to be happy about that? probably not. I'd bet you'd be angry the cop didn't make sure he verified it. If he did then I'd be arrested and your things are safe.

As a cashier I've had customers get angry because I'd asked for their ID when they used an unsigned credit card... and one time that anger was a ploy How dare I question them. I pointed out the card was unsigned it's it's customary that I see their ID.... and guess what!- it was stolen.

10.00 an hour cop

Ha ha ha ...is that what you think? Look, we have come a long way from Barney Fife! Come out of your hole and see the real world! I'm sure your job at the corner store will still be there when you get back!

Gate's was the stupid one for locking himself out of his house, maybe the idiot professor is starting to be afflicted with Alzheimer's?

USA RANGER: STUPIT ??????

You've got a lot of nerve calling someone stupid when you can't even spell it.

Gates's door wouldn't open, and it had nothing to do with his key. He had his key. Perhaps there was something wrong from when the guys broke in while he was gone. You know...the time the cops failed to show up and do something. Instead, they show up when Gates is in his house and start being rude to the man in his own home.

Who's stupid now, Salgal? Check your mirror...it will give you the answer!

Peace

Gates is to stupid to open an unlocked door? Now I understand christgofer-1235610

USARanger,

My grandfather was never that dumb.

There you go again Christgofer-7982153, Using the facts (perhaps something was wrong with his door) to bolsteryour argument. Checked my mirror... saw christgofer-1235610!

Robbers and burglars don't stick around to be questioned by the police. If you catch one in the act, they're usually not the one standing in front of the window watching the police walk-up steps. Of course, there are exceptions as Gates has proven.

I don't think President's comments make him a racist. They may make him something far more dangerous: a knee-jerk liberal.

But I'm going to cut the man some slack. The dust is still settling around this incident and people's emotions sometimes get the better of them based upon whatever portion of the facts they've heard.

Obama admits that Gates is a friend that he admires. He made a statement that one says when defending a friend. He needs to learn to come up with non-personal answers that reflects the facts, not the emotional connection on hot issues. With the incident being a race issue (Gates made sure it was)- President should have been prepared to be asked that from media hoping to get such controversial answers. He gave them something to have a field day with in stirring the pot even more.

Chris...I 100% agree. Instead of Gates becoming belligerent to Officer Crowley maybe he should be thankful that there was somebody looking out for his property. Officer Crowley had no idea that was Gates home...which is why he asked for his identification. The police were called out to check out a possible buglary...so therefore Officer Crowley was doing what the tax payers have hired him to do. All Gates needed to do is explain that he is the owner of the home, that he was having trouble opening the front door and then showed the officer his ID as requested (ID as in one that contains his address). How freaking simple is that?

How do you think Gates would have behaved if Officer Crowley was a black man? Do you think his behavior would have changed? Most definitely. Gates may be well respected and highly educated, but his behavior is that of ignorance. Hey Gates...you are another pompous a$$ to be added to the like of Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Jeremiah Wright.

I am so tired of the black people always wanting to bring up the race card. It is ridiculous. If there is a racial divide it is not caused by the white people...it is caused from the black people because they refuse to move forward.

With that said...Obama open mouth insert foot. You acted stupidly with your comment!

Gates should be thankful? Why? They didn't respond when they knew his house had been burgled while Gates was away. So I guess it takes two calls to the cops to get them to come out.

Since you are into hypotheticals, maybe if Crowley was black he wouldn't have been rude to Gates. Gates is not like Jackson, Sharpton, and Wright. Gates is an impeccable academic scholar who is a professor at Harvard University...a place you couldn't even get to within spitting distance. Maybe you could get as close as the Charles river...

Obama has the right to state his opinion! I'm glad he did. Finally, a president who can actually comment on questions given to him without sounding like a complete idiot ala his predecessor. Boy, you want to talk about open mouth insert foot, Bush could do it like no one else!

Peace

Yaa well Obama sounded like a complete idiot in this case and that's why he had to correct himself today.

Man, you're so in love with Gates.......he's so smart he locked himself out of his house and acted like an ass.

I'm pretty sure he was already on his way to that.

Does the Secret Service act "stupidly" when they protect him? Gosh, I hope he don't speak of all law enforcement like this.

I bet if there were two black men beating their way through the door of the White House, they'd have a stick up their arse in Gitmo inside of a hot minute.

PJansen,

How smart are you if you can't even understand what Obama said? He said the cops who were there acted stupidly in arresting a man who was doing nothing in his own home. That doesn't mean he thinks they are stupid or that all cops or law enforcement are stupid. Please, listen and read his comments before trying to stand on your soapbox. As for the rest of you, stupid is a stupid does, mates.

Peace

Absolutely, the Secret Service acts stupidly sometimes while protecting the President. No one stopped Clinton from eating all of those hamburgers. Wait, that was me saying something stupid about hamburgers!

read the report:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0723092gates1.html

For you to have read so many versions of the story, you still haven't got your facts straight.

I think the intimidation and bullying was directed towards the police officer. Gates is not innocent in this incident.

I read that Gates spit on the officer, if this is true (I'm by no means stating that it is) then he should have been arrested for assaulting an officer. Perhaps his arrest went too far, but he should have at least been written a citation for his behavior towards an officer who was responding to a burglary call. What if it hadn't been Gates entering his own home, then he would have been thanking these officers for protecting his property.

Askari, you are right! Crowley simply went too far. Of course Gates was going to be pissed!

lmv77, if Professor Gates bullied and intimidated Officer Crowley he wouldn't have been arrested and had the charges subsequently dismissed. I don't see or hear anywhere that Officer Crowley felt bullied and intimidated especially with armed backup.

Skiddy, I read the a copy of the actual police report and I am still awaiting Professor Gates' official statement regarding his side of the story. So, I have as many facts straight as have been provided for me. You, on the other hand, have contributed nothing more than baseless comment. I think it's time for you to take a look in the mirror.

chris 123

You're an idiot and perhaps you should read the police report before you say one more stupid thing.

Oh yaa, Crowley went too far asking for ID. You're a moron.

Askari (Love your name) - You are on target.

BSA

Of course you haven't heard of Gates! He's not a celebrity like Billy Ray Cyrus (someone you might know), he's a scholar! He writes academic books for a living...which is why you don't know him. You probably didn't pay attention in your literature classes in college (if you went). And you certainly haven't done graduate level work in American and African American studies. That's why you haven't heard of him. Have you heard of W.E.B. Du Bois? Probably not. How many other Harvard professors can you name? Quit showing your ignorance. Or rather, keep showing it...it tremendously weakens your argument.

Chris 123,

Why don't you and Gates get a room already. Man you just gushing all over this man. I'll bet you cried at Obama's inauguration too.

AAAHAHahahahahaha.........Gates is soooooooo smart. he locked himself out of his own house.

What a dummy!

I agree. Too bad I can't take back my vote. Obama should have never said anything about it since he didn't know the facts (self-proclaimed) and he personally knows Gates.

Sometimes Mr. President, silence is golden!

Jo Ann, I beg to differ. I have shown my ID over the years many times to police and not once have they just gone away

You people are liars! You never voted for Obama and we are smart enough to know that. If you don't like Obama OK! If you are hoping he will be a one term President, OK! But don't come on here and lie about voting for him because we know you did no such thing, and President or not, he still retains 1st Admendment rights like the rest of us and can say what he wants.

he can say whatever he wants, allthewaylive, but he's also the most visible and powerful man in the world. He needs to not be a dumbass and pop off just because one of his friends got arrested. It makes obama look bad and makes US look bad.

Do you remember what obama said when Blagoyevich was accused of all the wrongdoing in illinois? "Like the rest of the people of Illinois, I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the US attorney's office today, but as this is a on going investigation involving the Governor I don't' think it's appropriate for me to comment on the issue at this time."

A response like above would have been better and he's given that kind of response to questions many times in past.

oh and i didn't vote for obama.

Just_Another_Sheep,

Certain speech is not protected by the First amendment...or didn't you know. Hmm...maybe YOU should have gotten all the facts before you spoke. Obama didn't make racist comments...he said it was a stupid act for a cop (of any race) to arrest a man (of any race) in his home without cause. What don't you understand about that?

Obama's remarks are indeed protected. To compare him with Imus is ridiculous.

Peace

I think that you found the truth trillions of dollars too late...

The real problem is that you honestly believe that police officers automatically have authority over people in their own homes. And, if this incident caused you to remove your bumper sticker, regret your vote and believe the President is a racist, then you were paper-shallow anyway.

when a 911 call is answered they send the police. I would not have dismissed the charges against the black racist.

See my reply to BSA above regarding Dr. Gates. Or look him up on the web. He is exponentially more intelligent than you could ever hope to be, Marine. They call you "grunts" for a reason. Couldn't make the Air Force, huh?

Christopher or whatever.....Watch your smart mouth, I was Air force and in Nam. Your kind have never tried to defend this country. That Marine would have you for lunch .....if you took a bath first....smiles

I agree. Gates produced two id's - that should of been it. The police should of walked away at that. Now I do understand that Gates also may of acted like a spoiled child and that it may of been pretty aggravating to the police officer. But once the id's were produced it should of been over - when they dropped all charges thay basically acknowledged this.

Ms J and Jim,

Once he showed the ID the cops were happy, and leaving. Then Gates followed them onto the front porch yelling insults. At that point in time, other officers were looking at him and passers by were stopping to watch, making his actions disorderly conduct. That is what he was arrested for, the charges never should have been dropped.

Crowley owes no apology for doing the correct thing. Gates owes an apology for starting the conversation off with accusing Crowley of being a racist, and for continuing it now. I really hope there is a lawsuit, by Crowley against Gates.

It was my understanding that he showed his Harvard ID, which did not include his address.

As I understand the police report, he showed the Harvard ID and Crowley radioed Harvard PD to come to the scene. Crowley was in the process of leaving when Gates followed him outside -- in other words, he was not arrested for disorderly conduct inside his own house. Gates is an arrogant, ultra-liberal college professor -- most college professors and law school professors are confessed liberals. Now being liberal is fine but not to the extent it allows you to rationalize borderline unlawful conduct and to somehow strain logic and label this an issue of racial profiling. Profiling has to do with the cops first selecting a minority for arrest -- not in the case of responding to a 911 call where the responding officer really doesn't have a choice in selecting the race of the perp. All that being said, this story is wearing thin -- everyone should kiss and make up.

Do you really think that Gates will let this go?