What does it matter that you are white or black or asian. Rational is a human being and should be treated as such tommiet!

No, the charges were dropped to prevent Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson from marching on the station. If race played an issue here, and the defendent was white, he would not have been released with the charges dropped. I have said in other comments that Obama is the President of the United States first and an African-American second and I agree that he owes this guy an apology. He wasn't too ashamed to admit he was wrong earlier in his Presidency and it is no different now.

Nonsense! How can you 'diffuse" a self-righteous loudmouth who should simply have been GRATEFUL that police were looking after his house. All he had to do was show his ID (something most white people, who don't see "racial profiling" and discrimination behind every move others make, would have done immediately) and take it from there. It WAS his house, wasn't it? No matter what, it's going to be sorted out eventually. This guy just got hung up on the fact that he is a professor and thinks he deserves special treatment. And Obama should have kept his mouth shut. But he always does love to hear the sound of his own voice, whether he knows what he's talking about or not.

I don't see any mistake made by the arresting officer. He responds to a report of a B & E in progress, asks for ID, is refused, then given a college ID which doesn't show an address. People have to realize that a majority of the time police deal with trouble- makers & criminals, with no way to immediately tell the difference. By asking a series of questions they can figure things out, if the other party cooperates with them. In this case, Prof. Gates refused to cooperate with police, which would lead them to believe there was something wrong here.

I agree with RationalD here. The issue should not be about race as much as the fact that Gates should never have been arrested. The responsibility was on the officer to diffuse the situation once Gates was identified as the resident of the house.

The officer is the one who needs to realize that he's the one owing the apology and shame on the media for once again missing the real issue.

Are you confusing your opinion with the facts?  I don't think you know the facts.  You were not there.  Neither was Obama.  Don't act stupidly, as Obama did, and make assumptions about what happened.

Fact: You must do what the police ask or tell you or you are subject to arrest.

Gates had only to show the officer his ID to prove he had a right to be in the house. Had he done so and thanked the officer for protecting the property from reported break & entry, the outcome would have been so much better. Sounds like Gate's ego got in the way.

Perhaps Obama's ego too, as evidenced by speaking about something he knew little about, just because he could.

Perhaps the sutuation wouldn't have escalated if Gates would have calmly cooperated with the police in the first place instead of just jumping to the conclusion that race had a part to play in it!

What is wrong with Gates simply complying with the police request without mouthing off or getting his back up? HUH?????? Obama should have said "no comment" when asked that question. End of story. Without hearing both sides he was wrong to say anything. He wasn't arrested for breaking in he was arrested for disturbing the peace. He wasn't arrested because he was black, he was disturbing the peace, creating a public distrubance. Gates side of the story is so far fetched.......

This is outrageous HOW DARE THESE COPS demand an APOLOGY from our nation's President?! He is the Commander-in-Chief.

Honestly they would NEVER do this of a white president NEVER I am SO outraged -- if this were Bush NO ONE would be complaining at all

This is exposing the disgusting underbelly of white supremacy -- the silent majority and, as a white woman, I am absolutely devastated and disgusted both.

The man was NOT such a threat that he should have been carted away in handcuffs!!!! The arrest was STUPID -- whether racist or simply "I'll show you who'se boss (you uppity negroe)" it was inappropriate and undue force. The Professor uses a cane and has asthma. He was kept in jail into the wee hours of the morning. He had just returned from China they are lucky he did not drop dead in the precinct. IT WAS STUPID.

NOW that jackass Gates not only refuses to apologize but he is crying like a baby to the media wah wah wah I do not see Gates whining to the media and NOW THE perpetrators want an apology from our nation's President.

This is SO outrageous -- this is why cops are called pigs. Pure and simple, putting their own egos (1) before the citizenry, this would not have happened if Gates had not put his ego before the citizen whose home he had just invaded and (2) putting their own egos before the COUNTRY

Yes by all means fuel the neo-Nazi fires!

These cops do not have the nation's interests at heart.

First of all Obama is NOT our first black president, know why? BECAUSE he is 1/2 white, did everybody forget his mother was very very white...so how can ANYBODY say he is black..

Second, Gates should have showed his ID and kept his mouth shut instead of acting like a spoiled brat, the police were doing there job. Gates should thank them.

a sobriety test should have been performed....oh, can't do that because he is crippled, then a blood test should have been performed...oh, can't do that, he was on a junket to China and probably high on opium.

Gates and Obama owe the NATION an apology for setting race relations back decades, but they wont do it, they want the racial divide wider, it makes it easier for Obama and his ilk to take over america. Very popular strategy amongst communists.

NO it was NOT a dumb comment it WAS DUMB to cart a 58 year old cane-using professor away from his own home in handcuffs -- was Gates threateneing this ass of a policeman wiht a gun or butcher knife?

Now the police want an apology from our nation's President??? HOW DARE THEY?!

They are dividing the nation and feeding the fires of the neo-Nazis and other Christians for hate GREAT JOB COPS

Sounds like you are not real swift. Read about the officer his past records what he does and you will see that he gave this man is far from racist and gave him every oppurtunity to simply show his ID and be done with it. However, anybody black or white that refuses a police officers request, espcially when they are invertigating a reported robbery, will be arrested and can explain their case later in jail. He should of been happy that someone responded and cared enough to check things out instead of turning this simple case into a racist issue which even our non racist President decided to jump on when he even admitted he didn't know the facts. Sounds like he's not real swift either, and now we all know his real demeanor.

I said GATES needed to apologize I meant the police officer CROWLEY

rationalD, i agree with you... i've read the MA law for disorderly conduct and professor gates would have easily won a case against his arrest... sargeant crowley should have walked away... if gates refused to show ID (which he didn't), he should have been charged with obstruction, not disorderly conduct... the law is very detailed so this kind of thing DOESN'T happen.

and tommiet... i'm white.

Finally, someone does understand. It's about the arrest, not the race

If an officer is called to a possible break-in, the officer has to protect his safety then ensure the owner of the house is not being held against his will. If the officer doesn't follow procedure, Gates could have been harmed or kidnapped.

The officer asked Gates to step out of the house. The professor refused an instruction from the officer. Gates knew that he and his driver were forcing the door open earlier. He was tired from his travels. Instead of helping the officer understand, he escalated the situation.

To his own admission, Professor Gates felt he was above following the instructions of a police officer investingating a reasonably suspicious situation.

Now that the character of this officer is becoming clear and we now know his training on profiling is extensive, Gates pushing for an apology may not have been his wisest move.

Soldiers, Firemen and Police have jobs that puts their life at risk every day. They come home every night if they are careful, considerate, professional, and lucky. They are heroes. Gates does not respect this.

The cop apologist on this board will do anything to avoid recognizing that people in their own homes have RIGHTS!!!The scumbag Crowley went out of his way to make this more than it should have. Once he ascertained it was Gates home he was then responsible to show Gates his ID as demanded.To refuse and place Gates under arrest is abuse of power and the FBI should arrest Crowley for violating Gates civil rights.Anyone that thinks we have to cowtow to the police just because they wear a badge is a mindless robot that doesn't deserve to live in a democracy

I LOVE that the police are crying about Profiling! This behavior is out in the open now. In one incident, EVERY department must stop this behavior

No arrest would have been necessary if Gates had done as he was asked and not responded like a common ghetto thug devolving into the usual Persecution myth that minorities play so well. That with the usual academic arrogance, I'm sure ,ad a lot to do with what happened. It's obvious that Professor Gates thought that he was entitled to get some special treatment because of his place in the world and his race. As far as Omoonbeam is concerned, he's a bigger ass that I thought he was.

It should only be about the arrest. He was arrested for disorderly conduct which he seems to be guilty of. If he didn't want to go to jail, all he had to do was show his ID. Just because he is black it's all of a sudden about race. Last time I checked, when a white guy gets arrested for something like this it doesn't even make the local papers. Too bad Gates has friends in high places to make such a big deal about this. It scares the hell out of me that we have a President who will make such an uninformed, ridiculous comment without any of the facts. God help us when China or North Korea do something to provoke him.

Apparently, those who want to paint Obama as a racist cannot comprehend the rational argument that the issue is about abuse of police power. If a cop arrested me for "disorderly conduct" on my property because I yelled at him or asked for his badge number, I would devote considerable resources to making sure that person was reprimanded, up to and including a lawsuit.

For that reason, the actions of the police were "stupid,", and outrageous.

From the reports I've read it seems that would have placated Prof Gates. He Jumped to the immediate conclusion that this was a racial issue and flew off the handle.

This is outrageous HOW DARE THESE COPS demand an APOLOGY from our nation's President?! He is the Commander-in-Chief.

Honestly they would NEVER do this of a white president NEVER I am SO outraged -- if this were Bush NO ONE would be complaining at all

So as commander in chief he's infallible? He's been apologizing for previous presidents' actions since he took office, he may as well start apologizing for his own.

This wouldn't be an issue with Bush because even he was smart enough not to get himself into this kind of situation.

NO it was NOT a dumb comment it WAS DUMB to cart a 58 year old cane-using professor away from his own home in handcuffs -- was Gates threateneing this ass of a policeman wiht a gun or butcher knife?

People are carted away from their own home in handcuffs every day for disturbing the peace. Black, white, brown, yellow, green, old, young, male, female, healthy, smart or not. If you act the way Prof. Gates did you should be reprimanded for it.

I've been picked up and/or confronted by police concerning crimes that I wasn't involved with a few times, basically because I'm average hight and weight and almost fit the descriptions they had. You know what, I cooperated with them and had no problems. Perhaps Prof Gates should stop looking for racial confrontations and maybe they'll stop finding him.

The officer responded to a report of a burglary. Gates was arrested because the house was burglarized and he refused to show identification. The officer handled the incident by the book.

Obama needs to apologize.

Every one who has commented has stated that he didn't show his ID. Has the arresting officer stated that he didn't show his ID? I don't remember him stating that fact. If he didn't show his ID, then he was in the wrong; if he did, the police officer was wrong.

1st fact is called Terry Stop, law enforcement officers are allowed to stop ANYONE that looks suspicious, especially in a situation like that, and ask for identification to verify the persons story.  They are also allowed to run your information and check you for warrants.  I would hope you want the police checking some one that fits the description of someone in what appeared to be a breaking and entering, called in by a friendly neighbor.  I sure as hell hope they are that proactive anywhere I live, that means they are doing their job!!!  As far as an apology, who cares, the majority of America knows the President is a moron and talks in riddles about nothing but change, yet has not done anything substantial except raise the national debt even higher.  People need to get out a little more.  This is why we are going to implode as a nation.  I hope to be retired before the next civil war breaks out, because that will be the last time I raise arms for the socialist government of America.  I will be defending the people of America against it's government.

Disgruntled Military Police Soldier

What's up with those blacks. In day light some educated ones seem perfectly normal. Some are even professors with intellectual clout and reputation for normal behaviour internationally but when left alone with police in the dark (or day as in Gates case) they transform like werewolves and prefer to get shot, sometimes 45 times, reach for their empty pockets, or start becoming aggresive and abusive while being professionally addressed.

Cop: Show me your ID, sir, so I can be sure it is your house as that would protect you in case it was not.
Gates: NO you vile, racist, evil, insulting thing with a gun.
We: Who knows what exactly happened between them and all other weird cases in the past.

Black folks are so, so, mysterious and unpredictable. Why would a group continue to enjoy being shot or be assailed by outnumbered and trained personnel with guns - I cant figure that group out.

Had he done so and thanked the officer for protecting the property from reported break & entry, the outcome would have been so much better.

Wrong! Gates shows his ID and the cop frog marches his ass out of the house. A private citizen has the right to say whatever they want on their property. The cop had the ability to just walk away after confirming gates identity and didn't do so. He acted STUPIDLY.

Every one who has commented has stated that he didn't show his ID. Has the arresting officer stated that he didn't show his ID? I don't remember him stating that fact. If he didn't show his ID, then he was in the wrong; if he did, the police officer was wrong.

He did eventually show his ID, after whipping himself up into a self rightous racial frenzy. The cop then walked away and Prof. Gates followed after him screaming about racial profiling and demanding the cops badge number and name, which he gave 3 times according to the report. The arrest wasn't for breaking and entering, it was for the disorderly conduct he exhibited afterwards.

In my eyes he owes the police an apology, and Obama should have either had no comment on it or at least waited for all the facts before commenting. He too should apologize.

GATES brought up the race issue, not the cop. GATES fueled the entire episode and continues to fuel it blaming it on race. but, to arrest a man, no matter how obnoxious in his own home is wrong

Violating someones civil rights is a civil crime, not criminal. Such cases are heard in civil courts, which the FBI normally doesn't get involved with unless it is on a large scale such as corrupt departments, etc...

I have a different take on the officers dilemma. The original call said '2 black men with backpacks' and the officer encountered one black man without backpack. Did the caller see double or was there a (potential) B & E in progress at the same time the professor came home? How could the officer have known the caller was incorrect? Let's play what if........what if the officer verified the professor's identity and left...and there happened to be 2 black men with packpacks now IN the house and the professor was harmed...who's to blame now? The officer was trying to do his job according to the information given via the professor's own neighbor. We have heard both sides of the story and somewhere in the middle lies the truth, which makes our own opinions based on inaccuracies. President Obama did not have all of the facts (and probably never will) and based his remark on long standing personal experience. He needs to stick to fixing healthcare and the economy and let state agencies handle their own disagreements.

let's look at the big picture here... this has nothing to do with an "African- American" or a "Harvard Professor" or a "white police officer"... What kind of outrage would be raised if the police were slow to respond to a possible burglary in progress and the African-American harvard Professor was killed by a drug adict? This has to do with an officer of the law... a person who daily earns his rite to ask questions like, "who are you?" and "do you live here" and "can you prove it?" without getting any crap back other than your name, where you live and this in my proof... and how about a "thank you" for looking after my well being. Policy officers put their lives on the live for the rest of us everyday... how about we give them the respect they deserve instead of garbage and smart ass responses that don't contribute to the solution!

I agree 100% this officer was unprofessional and needs to apologize. His superiors should mandate that he make a public apology and in-service him on appropriate behavior.

Angry-- this issue is not about the decision to determine that Mr. Gates was actually the homeowner. This was due to Mr. Gates disruptive behavior, he was disorderly toward a uniformed police officer. He deserved to be arrested and frankly I am thrilled he was. He displayed a total lack of respect for the officer and his desire to assist in protecting his home. He should have thanked the officer for being there timely and offered him his ID without attitude. That would have been the civil thing to do. Mr. Gates clearly acted less than civil in this manner and thus resulted in his arrest. As for the dropping of the charges, that was something clearly due to the media coverage and lack of a desire to increase the negative feeds.

Once ID was presented, no matter how long it took, end of story. No breakin, let's go home.

Insulting an officer in your own hourse or on your own front porch. American right. No matter how profane. Your right. Gates right. Not black home owner's right? What's wrong with everyone?

The proper reply to any Law Enforcement Officer, regardless if he is in your home or on the street, is: "Yes Sir!". 

Rational, the professor Teaches RACE RELATIONS!! I think that this shows he clearly should not be a professor at harvard if this is how he himself behaves. How on earth would any form of that kind of behavior contribute to positive race relations? It is no wonder things keep causing divides, when a man at our highest learning institution immediately reacts like a racist bigot. And acted like that to a cop who is showing up to confront whom he must think could be two armed men breaking into the PROFFESSOR's home! As said hundreds of times, most people would have said thank you and cooperated.

It is no wonder with teachers like this, we have Harvard students such as Michell Obama saying they hate the USA. This is where it starts, and Harvard should do something to change that.

And to think America thought by electing this man (who's family's statements and actions left no doubt as to what they think of america and its inhabitants, think thesis papers, rev. wright, etc. ) was going to change race relations.

A little secret, when you have a black racists teaching RACE RELATIONS things are certainly not going to improve! Similar to hiring a KKK member to teach American History. How do you think that would end up. White america bristles, vomits, and condems the venom coming from parties such as the KKK. I can only hope we can see the same from the black community on this issue. The media will probably try to hide these folks opinions, but hopefully they will get a message out. Truly most parents black, white, green, can not want their child to act(react) like this. Nothing good can come of it.

Did anyone hear the president talk of how it has been shown in the statistics that blacks and latinos get stopped more than others? Look up the records on those, they reslult in durg and weopons violations more than not. Like they say, you can make statistics say anything, especially when you only state half the issue. The latinos get involved because of immigration more than anything, and while that is unfair, it is only because so many of their bretheren have crossed illegally. Facts are Facts.

Put a Grateful dead sticker on any white kids car, and you will see profiling. You drive around looking like a pot smoking hippy, guess what???? Surprise the cops just might pull you over more to look for marijuana. I also bet that steoetype is correct and that they do find more weed in those situations. Same with African americans, you drive around looking, acting like a gangbanger......Surprise???? you might get pulled over more often than someone who doesn't to be searched for drugs and guns. Fact there will be more drugs and guns in those situations than pulling over an African american who does not fit that "stereotype".

Insulting a police officer in your home is disorderly Julzzz? If so, let them pursue the case and get a conviction based on the law of the land by a jury of peers. Julzzz as an American you have the right to insult anyone in your house even a cop. Now on the street is a different matter.

I agree 100%

Since when does a man get arrested for being in his own house minding his own business! The officer 'a servant of the people' feels he should arrest that man for getting 'indignant'. "Indignant" makes me cringe as it serves as a code word to 'one not being subservient'! Therefore 'since you raised your voice at me, a cop, i think I will teach you a lesson and arrest you'. The officer showed a total lack of professionalism and discernment! Note: That's why the charges were dropped. Wake up America!

No mistake, but Gates' racial attack should justify, at least, the arrest if not public ridicule as punishment. I wonder if the cop can sue for slander?

White black whatever.......when a officer comes into your home without an invite or probable cause what will your reaction be? We had a local police department up here (June 2008 Lakeville,MN) literally checking to see if doors were locked to homes. When they found one that was unlocked they entered at 3am! The home owner was sleeping on his couch....they woke him up! "your garage door was open and your door was unlocked...you should really lock your doors" (Really!) Police have an important job. But they are humans, agents/enforcers OF the law, they do not make the law. If those limits are not monitored and checked where will our rights be? We have the right to question authorities!

Momma always told me that when talking to a police officer in his professional capacity that "yes sir" and "no sir" were the only things to say, and to do whatever the officer asked of you. If there was a problem, the lawyer would settle it later. Did Gates' mom drop the ball on this one?

...

I'd be happy that the officer was looking out for my personal well being and property if he asked for my ID. If you refuse to see this for what it is and see OBAMA's true motives and racial prejudices you are a lost cause. How much more does he have to do before his ill-gotten gains run out?

The charges weren't dropped 'because they were a mistake', it was probably decided that an arrest was a sufficient response to Gate's outburst. Try to 'diffuse' somebody who wants to make a racial incident out of you doing your job to further their agenda. The officer did everything that would reasonably be expected in this situation.

Please, what planet are you from? The charges in cases like these are dropped normally when the situation is under control and no harm no foul can be assertained. It was a courtesy for the police department to drop the charges, if for no other reason than to contain this media firestorm that is on going. Obama is a racist, and proves it now. These are racist comments made by him under predjudice. This is what we have for the rest of his term? Seriously! It is exactly these reasons that I call for his resignation and the socialist economic solutions are aplorable. We really need a political revolution within the next four years. Alright I am done, for now, Sons of Liberty

Over 70% of the Harvard alumni voted for Obama. Gates' work there is done.

Also, since this was the case, I believe that Harvard pretty much educates schmucks with schmucks. Most of you voted for this. Did you do any research? I found tons of crap that solidly linked BO to some bad racial stuff. Are you telling me all you highly educated college boys didn't do your homework. Or are you saying you just didn't care?

I guess that's why we have to import brain power. Our supposed finest university is an insane asylum. And what was Kennedy thinking...Oh, thats right, he wasn't.

Thanks for the next 3.5 years.

Hey Rational D, by your comments, you must deal with the public each day huh? Well, you might want to re-read the following statement again!!

Gates said, ‘This is my house, I’m a Harvard professor. I live here,’ ” Crowley said, ‘Can you prove it?’ I said, ‘Just a minute.’ And I turned my back, I walked into the kitchen to get my Harvard ID and my Massachusetts driver’s license. He followed me without permission. I gave him the 2 IDs and I demanded to know his name and badge number. He wouldn’t say anything. He was just very upset and I said, ‘Why are you not responding to me? Are you not responding to me because you’re a white officer and I’m a black man?’ ”

1st of all the police officer could not assume Gates was the owner of the home just because Gates said he was?? Or should he have after Gates made the big statement that he was a Harvard Professor!!! Who cares if he is a Harvard Professor? In law enforcement, you assume nothing or that maybe the last time you assume anything alive. No one of higher education has ever committed a crime before?? And then the racial chip on Gate's shoulder became eveident when he spoke the words, "Why are you not responding to me? Are you not responding to me because you’re a white officer and I’m a black man?’ ” Get a clue Gates and Obama, you embarassed yourselves and our nation by talking your racial trash. To think I voted for him. Obama probably didn't have his politically correct team alongside him and decided to try talking on his own once. He has proven he is not any better than the other old political farts he replaced. Gee, imagine that, an good old boy politician with a new package!!

Always be respectful of authority and comply with instructions. If you do that and there will not be any confrontations. Simple, isn't it?

Think about it. Gates teaches racial profiling. So he would know how to make up the perfect story about how he was abused. Blacks need to take a hike on the racial issue. I can supply hundreds of true stories of how blacks are prejudice to whites in a lot of businesses. Just for starters, IHop restaurants, Home Depot and many more. Do you hear or see whites claiming racism? I'm about to.

Seems to me that anyone who prejudges a situation and then spouts off without knowing the facts of that situation owes an apology.

The second officer witnessed the entire incident and says the professor never showed any ID until after he was arrested. The second officer is black, which normally wouldn't matter, but Obama is trying to fan the flames of racial hatred, so it needs to be said .

The entire incident is on audio tape which will be released much to Obama's chagrin this evening.

Bottom Line:

I believe once the Officer established that no burglary has been committed, he should have said have a good night sir, sorry for the inconvenience just doing my job keeping your neighborhood safe.

Racial, maybe not, but human error definitely. Officers must know when to draw the line, this man was in his home, did not fit the description of someone burglarizing a home.

A burglar would have not wanted to converse at all with the officers, let alone open the front door.

Regardless of what Mr. Gates was saying to the Officer, the Officers must put themselves in the position of the person in question.

When dealing with the Officers of the Law, it is You against Them from the start. It can be very intimidating, frightful, and demeaning, for an innocent person.

Gates was arrested for being "disorderly" in his own home! That is outrageous to me. The message being that black men can't express anger when being treated without respect in their own home. If not there, where can a black man express anger and frustration? After assessing that Gates was in his own house and that there was no crime, the officer should have answered Gates' question and walked away. We may never know, but I believe that had Gates been white, that is exactly what the officer would have done while apologizing for the misunderstanding. As it stands it looks like a black man losing his temper with a white man can still get a black man arrested in 2009.

Exactly ATCS. In the dark of the night when they are left with cops and only their word to boot, blacks love to weirdly antagonise cops with guns and superior numbers. Those folks are very weird.

It is impossible that cops retell the story to always fit:

In Gates case, I simply asked for his ID and he right away went after my mum. In Louima, I told him to stop, inspite of the fact that he had to arrest record and no gun he reached for his pocket and we shot him 49 times. With the groom at the club, he was drunk and rowdy even though he was getting married next day, when he saw us he started running so we shot all three of them. Those weird folks simply do not know how to act in the presence of white cops. Rodney King saw us all twenty of us and just finished watching American ninja so he took us on and was doing pretty good. Oops there was someone recording?

You know, this started out as a racist black man verbally attacking an innocent white cop, but then BO put his two cents in and made it a national if not international incident. Now all BO can do is blame the media for blowing this out of proportion. While BO blames the media, there are millions of us waiting for him to get his racist a$$ on tv and admit he made a mistake and apologize (really say he is sorry) for his statements. Protect your white people's honor like you do your black peoples'.

Of course, don't do it and prove what millions of people already know.

Remember when he was running and someone would ask him a question that painted him in a negative sense and it was true, he would give this bullsh** smirk and than come up with some crazy stuff to change the subject. I'm sure he's got that same "caught with his hand in the cookie jar" look on his face over this one.

I can't say this is resignation worthy, but he never should have been voted in in the first place.

Gates and President Obama are working together to polarize the nation, whites against blacks, police against blacks. These two are the worst kind of racists.

It appears Dr. Gates may have had a chip on his shoulder. But ... that, in and of itself, is NOT a crime. The police officer was called for a B&E ... once verifying Gates' identity, he should have left. There was absolutely no need to handcuff someone, just because someone is yelling at you. What do the libertarians think ... the govt can come into your house and arrest you if you hurt their feelings? What would have happened if Dr. Gates died in custody? Who would be apologizing then?

Gates showed ID. Crowley unlawfully entered his home, and might have responded "no, I want to assure myself you are not being held hostage" to the alleged "because I'm a Black man in America?" comment, but his subsequent statements ("thank-you for complying with my original request") belie any such possibility. Whatever qualified Crowley to teach about racial sensitivity should have urged him to diffuse the situation, but he did not. He engaged in some weird "I'm the dominant male here" game. Gates actions did not constitute Disorderly Conduct as defined by Massachusetts law, and Crowley should be held to know that. Crowley's failure to repudiate the racist maelstrom he keeps generating shows that he is racist. I cannot imagine a non-racist accepting such accolades and support. Crowley's claim that his mother was dragged into the matter is laughable. Nobody is required to blindly show deference to a policeman. This was not a "Terry stop" -- it was inside Gates' home. Since when is it "wisdom" to appease a bully, especially if it's a policeman. Those who give up a little liberty in exchange for temporary safety deserve neither. Crowley was a bully from the time he determined to not diffuse and to continue to assert his will for his ego's sake. From his subsequent statements, it is obvious to the casual observer that his request that Gates step outside was a vicious ploy to seduce Gates into surrendering his 4th Amendment rights to be secure in his home. Why aren't all the 'strict constructionists' screaming about that. Setting up a vicious thug as a strawman in the circumstances Gates presented -- an "older" man weighing 150 lbs walking with a cane -- is just ludicrous. Crowley was way over the line of what is acceptable conduct by a police man, period.

But not to worry. This case will be the Moot Court project at 100 law schools this fall.

I detest Black racism as much as anyone, but I figure we are more properly concerned with our own side of the street.

This had nothing to do with the man's race. Bottom line, he was another rich jerk with a sense of entitlement. Whoever thinks the white man would not have the same thing happen is delusional. Anyone in this situation who doesn't produce an ID and acts suspiciously is deserving of this treatment. He felt that he was too good to follow the law of the common man. There are many like him, black, white, purple, sky-blue pink, it doesn't matter. He acted like a moron and was treated thus. Oh well! Obama should have apologized. He sure felt quick enough to comment. Lead by example? Wouldn't an apology be in order when you know you messed up? That is truly leading by example. But he is just another politician. They are all the same in all parties, no matter what their color. As long as people keep bringing up racism where there is none, racism has no hope of ending. Grow up, and learn about personal responsibility. We all have to sooner or later. And just for the knowledge, I am quite a mix of races. Just about every one of them was beaten down in the past. I don't go around whining about it!

As always, the majority of people on WhineVine don't have the facts. Gates did show his ID. He was ill, suffering from jet lag, and some cocky arrogant police officer was treating him like a criminal. President not Mr. - show some respect)Obama should not have to apologize for anything. The police officer is an ass - But I guess he will soon be the new poster boy for racist fixed news!!!

Goofball Obama never should have commented on the topic. He is stepping in on more and more people that he knows. Gerald Walpin got fired buy Obama because he was zeroing in on Kevin Johnson's (Obama's friend) misappropriation of funds with Americorp. And broke the law doing it. The hHarvard professor should have practiced his higher education instead of hittin the cop with the "Yo Mamma" street BS and cooperated completely with the cop like any citizen should and we wouldn't be discussing this. I don't have any use of a leader I have to fear. Obama absolutely continues to prove to the world that this job is way beyond his mental pay grade. He needs to focus on the nose dive he's got this country in and not on taking care of his buddies. What an idiot

And Yes he should apologize to the Police Dept and America for running his mouth on matters that don't concern him.

The United States of America needs to WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!

We are living in a society that is built on "Law and Order," not what people "think" happened. To judge without being present is casting a stone at the old glass house you probably own also.

Judgement in this country, on criminal matters, is left up to the courts.....yes, free speech is great, but when you incite others in doing so can be called promoting a riot!

NObody in this country is holding anybody else down, and the sooner we Americans hold that truth to be self evident the quicker the racial issues will be reduced significantly. Why we even still talking racial issues anyway? We are so diverse and yet so few can cause so many problems......white, black, hispanic.......if you are an american, you are an american! You don't ever hear from the Japanese Americans how they were held captive, by the government, or from Japan...heck we killed a couple of hundred thousand in Japan with 2 bombs!

Heck.....my family, and most AMERICAN families, were not even in the USA yet when there was slavery here.....or repression, and those who are here now that were responsible for it are getting way to old to dictate what we do now!

GET OFF THE RACE KICK......"EVERYONE" Make your own decisions and be responsible for only yours......don't blame the past or someone else because of their race! Let US concentrate on real issues here in the USA, that is raising our families, getting the drugs out, better and more affordable health care, and making OUR COUNTRY safe for all of US!

The officer arrived on scene looking for a possible burglary. He found a man inside who might have been unaware that a break-in was in progress (it happened to me), so he invited the man out of the house and away from potential danger.

Does this incident sound like something that one of Obama's other friends, a minister if I recall, would do? What does having friends like that tell you about our President?

Gates wasn't arrested for burglary, he was arrested for being an A-Hole! Which by the way, would occur regardless of your color. If I become verbaly combative towards the cops and continue to escalate the situation [usually verbal precedes physical], then I would expect a little time out in handcuffs at the minimum, if not a ride downtown regardless of my race, or the race of the officer.

Yes the police need to take responsibility for their actions, but equally, so do the citizens they encounter.

Gates knew he had the race advantage when he engaged the police and should have been part of the "cooler heads prevailing" solution vs. the problem.

I think Obama's remarks are racist and he should apologize. He, too, "acted stupidly" by rushing into an issue with which he assumes he has all the answers, again.

Dropping the charges does NOT mean a mistake was made in making the arrest. Valid charges are dropped all the time by prosecutors for all kinds of reasons (including bad publicity that would be brought by not dropping charges).

The charges were not dropped because he should not have been arrested. The charges were dropped because the Governor and Mayor both kowtowed to pressure based on race.

Professor Gates acted irresponsibly. Can you imagine what would have happened if the police had been called to a break in at his house and did not come? Why would anyone, with nothing to hide, refuse to show ID to a policeman summoned to their home because of a reported break in?

I think the real issue here is Gates inflated self importance. He knows the President wopie do!! First why even start with the race card before you understand the situation.

(little premature considering they were there to protect HIS house)!!!

The police were responding to a call ah sorta what their supposed to do.

If the police came to my house to investigate a reported break in, I would be estatic, I would be thanking them and baking them cookies. Come on this guy over reacted, made a fool of himself and Obama and created a mess. Harverd Professor acting like a street punk real role model.

On the other side the police once they knew he was the home owner should have just left, yes he was an A-Hole and maybe they had a long day or the moon was in Mars or what ever, but; they should have just left the jerk to stand outside and make an a$$ of himself.

Bad judjment both sides. Obama little full of himself too.......

Both are educated in the race relation community. One (Gates) kept the pressure on. As for the Prez. he should not have had any comment on the situation at all. Deal with the National issues, leave the local issues to the locals.

The media played the public. Propaganda works. Ask Al Sharpton or Jessy Jackson or ACLU. The point is that the President of The United States should have had no comment on the situation and was, at the time, pressing his health care proposal on national TV.

I still don't know what happened during this incident.

All I know is that Obama admitted he didn't know the details, then he accused the policeman of acting stupidly.

In my opinion, this tells me a lot about Obama's character. Obama is the racist here, and I'm very very disappointed.

Nikki M. -It's obvious you didn't read in detail that the professor did show his ID and was still arrested. If there was no wrong to the arrest why were the charges dropped? Why was there a need for the officer to alter his account on the written report? What's wrong with him being the bigger person and apologizing for the arrest? Also if the cops were watching over his house then they would have been familiar with him to know that he lives there...end of story. As for the comment by Obama he stated that the act was stupidly not the person. That was only his opinion on the situation....just as the rest of us have our opinion on what happened.

Everyone, including the president, is allowed to express their opinion. No one, including the police, can be indemnified against critical opinions. Oh, and I don't think people have to apologize for their opinions, particularly if those opinions don't cause measureable harm.

On the other hand, presidential opinions that result in the death of thousands of our soldiers and tens of thousands of civilians, are opinions that I think cross the line.

You can conjure up a lot of moral outrage about things that happen, but it is very disingenuous to make big noise about small matters and concoct phoney rational about earth shaking blunders. My advice is to pick your moral causes carefully, they define your character.

For those of yoou what insist that Mr Gates did not commit a crime should do a litle research before mouthing off.
The criminal prohibition against "disorderly conduct" can be found in Chapter 272 of the Massachusetts General Laws, under a category that penalizes "crimes against chastitity, morality, decency and good order." It is penalized under Section 53, which provides fines and possible imprisonment for "Common night walkers, common street walkers, both male and female, common railers and brawlers, persons who with offensive and disorderly acts or language accost or annoy persons of the opposite sex, lewd, wanton and lascivious persons in speech or behavior, idle and disorderly persons, disturbers of the peace, keepers of noisy and disorderly houses, and persons guilty of indecent exposure."

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has stressed the public disruption element of "disorderly conduct" as ordinarily charged: the classic formulation of the offense and its enabling statute is found in its decision in Alegata v. Commonwealth, 353 Mass. 287, 303-304 (1967)(emphasis supplied), quoting from Model Penal Code § 250.2 (Proposed Official Draft 1962): "It is our opinion that "disorderly" sets forth an offence. . . designat[ing] behavior such as that singled out in Section 250.2 of the Model Penal Code (Proposed Official Draft): 'A person is guilty of disorderly conduct if, with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, he: (a) engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior; or (b) makes unreasonable noise or offensively coarse utterance, gesture or display, or addresses abusive language to any person present; or (c) creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor. `Public' means affecting or likely to affect persons in a place to which the public or a substantial group has access.'. . . .[T]he statute. . . aims at activities which intentionally tend to disturb the public tranquility," and penalizes one who "with purpose to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, . . . creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose of the actor." When Mr Gates continued his barrage after going outside he was in a public place and therefore disorrderly.

Officer Crowley Should have charged him with Obstruction.
Obstruction has a much broader definition and covers anyone accused of "willfully hindering or delaying" an investigation.

Ridiculous replies to this post that simply states common sense. What about Gov. Patrick, who has been, and still is, a racist and extreme leftist, just like comrade Obama, thus the attack by both on the police despite the complete lack of information. They were playing to their black constituents, who gave 95% support at a minimum without fear of any charges of racism due to the block racial voting. Funny how being a lawbreaker elevates black politicians in the eyes of blacks, who very seldom admit to being in the wrong. Why else would they consistently support thugs like Rep. Jefferson, Rep. Bobby Rush, and the disbarred federal judge from Florida, now a senator, who are pure criminals. Anybody who is perceived as sticking it to whitey is a hero. Even Roland Martin on CNN last night went ballistic over any criticism of comrade Obummer, and had to be calmed down by Lou Dobbs in a forceful, but respectful manner. No, any criticisms of comrade Zero will provoke a verbal attack by his black supporters, at the least, who will not admit that he is a marxist and a former closet muslim, in fact, nothing short of a messiah or rock star. None of that matters, as redistribution is coming so far as they are concerned, whether by bringing poverty to everyone through the ongoing financial and healthcare schemes, which certainly levels the playing field, or the more difficult, and dangerous, task of simply taking from those who have been successful in life due to hard work. With the seeming united front against whitey, there cannot be peace and reconciliation, only a hardening of attitudes, with the black and latino gangs representing the state of racial divide and danger in this country.

dropping the charges was a political answer for Harvard. A normal citizen black or white would still be in jail and rightly so. Mr. Gates created the media event he sought. Even the African American officers at the scene are backing the arrest. Grow up people. This SOLID CITIZEN broke the law.

paulg1237115 states:

Valid charges are dropped all the time by prosecutors for all kinds of reasons (including bad publicity that would be brought by not dropping charges).

So paulg, are you implying that prosecutors are willing to allow illegal activities just because they fear publicity? So, if someone robs someone and is caught a viable tactic is to yell "racism" and hope the prosecutors don't want the publicity.

Thank you

Any good leader understands that it's important to diffuse minor issues.

Obama added fuel to the fire. He should have known better. In fact, most of us right here and right now would have shown better judgement and kept our mouths shut had a national camera been aimed at our face.

I wonder if he did it on purpose.

Gates got off because of "who he is". Guilt or innocence had nothing to do with it. Is that the way the legal system is supposed to work? Yup, guess so. At least it does if you are one of Obamas friends. Hmmmmmmmmmm. He admitted that he did not know all the facts, but just had to make a comment. No facts,but lets comment anyway. Hmmmmmmm again. Just another day of "Change We Can Believe In". What a bunch of Keystone Kops.

There would have never been an arrest had Mr. Gates simply said to the officers that were there responding to a burglery in progress as his residence, "Officer I have been on an extended trip and got locked out of my house. Please allow me to show you some I.D. and we can clear this up right away." Instead, he used it as a platform to promote his racial activism. Heaven forbid that he acknowledge the officers were there to protect him and his property.

I dont know about the rest of you, but i dont know if my neighbors are the actual owners/residents of the addresses around me. So i ask, how is an officer supposed to tell the difference between a robber and a good guy? My guess would be to run a piece of identification to verify. If i were in a situation such as this, second that, any time the police ask and/or tell you to do something, do it! They have been trained to investigate situations, and the more resistance they recieve the harder it is for them to sort the truth from the fiction. I think for the majority the police in any situation are the minority, because they are usually out numbered and they are sure as hell under paid to deal with combative individuals such as Mr. Gates. A upstanding citizen should understand that the officers responding to his property were there for his benefit not the inverse.

Bottom line respect the police and they will respect you!

The charges were dropped due to political pressure not because the officer made a mistake! Gates should be happy that the police were there to protect his home and posessions! Instead this arrogant proffesor behaved poorly and got himself arrested. Im a 6'4" 250 lb male with long hair down my back. If it had been me acting up I probably would have been tazed! Does that mean the cops don't like people of Cezch descent! No, it means I was being a jackass and got myself in trouble! This professor needs to own up to his own misbehavior and appologise for for being a racist himself, along with Obama!!

Your comment, is right on! Police have enbbeded in their mind racial profiling, In the Police Academy they learn to think that if you are "Black, Latino, Middle eastern" you! are! a person of interest! I Know! I was a Police Officer!

Republicans (i.e. the rabid wingnut fringe) are accusing Obama of being racist because they have NOTHING else to bring to the table. Nothing to answer the healthcare problems, nothing to straighten out the economy and bring back full-time jobs, nothing except to say no and complain, complain, complain. All they have are smear campaigns against Obama and any fearmongering they can muster. Fortunately, most Americans are fed to the teeth with these politically motivated antics and are ready to move on. So gnash those teeth away, little Republican rabid wingnut fringe. Pretty soon you'll only have stubs left.

Hey people,

It was reported that the officer keyed his mike when Gates started his abuse and the entire incident was recorded. Supposedly the recording is to be released!

Somebody(s) is going to looking very foolish, immature, racist, reactionary and STUPID when the tape is released.

I have a strong feeling it won't be the police who will look this way. Just wait for the tape and see if the guilty have the COURAGE, INTEGRITY, and HONOR to apologize.

This may have been covered by someone else as I have not read all the posts. Consider this, if the officer just made a cursory inspection and took the guys word he belonged there but it turned out it was a robbery in progress how loud do you think the yelling would be. The officer was just doing his job. He might could have handled it better but since I wasn't there to witness what happened I can only speculate about that. Gates should be proud to have the officers respond in such a timely manner given the sometimes long response times by police.

Roberta we certainly are fed up with Obamas politicaly motivated scare tactics. In case you have not noticed his job performance ratings are dropping although his personality rating is staying up.

The officers partner - a black man - feels that his partner acted and reacted properly. But I bet you are one that would believe that the officer was wrong regardless of the facts just because he is white.

you sir dont know the whole story either,the three arresting officers all staed mr. gates was out of line

Mr. Gates was not arrested in his home. He has admitted that he followed the officer out of the house. The officer arrested him outside his home. Gates says it was to get the officer's name and badge number, the officer says he was agitated and continued while the officer tried to disengage from the situation. I don't know who is telling the truth, but there should be an audio track from the officer's dash-cam. Whoever is lying should be shamed out of their job.

You try back-talking a cop arriving at the scene of an alleged burglary. He doesn't know if you have a gun. He doesn't know that you are breaking into your own house. The mature, rational, safe and sane thing to do is PRESENT YOUR ID, with your hands clearly in plain sight, getting permission to reach into your back pocket before doing it. Any one who is breaking into any house, even if it's your own should understand that a cop will believe the worst until you prove him wrong. That's what keeps him alive and you safe. Apparently, you, Gates and Obama are cut from the same racist cloth.

yeah, be smart, appease, don't be sassy, trade your liberty for a little temporary safety.

JAMartinJr75,

Sir, should it ever come to that, I will be proud to stand by your side. I took an oath, not to any individual, but to the Constitution of the United States of America to protect, preserve and defend THAT document and the principles contained within it from ALL enemies, both foreign and domestic.

Thank you for serving your country.

The charges weren't dropped because the police were wrong, the charges were dropped because they were trying to stop what has happened anyway. But your right, this wasn't about race. It was about a famous well connected man who was mad that he was being held to the same standards as the common folk. He did scream, "do you know who I am?" . He only made it about race because he knew it would be easy to play that card. GATES made it about race, he is the bigot. If a black officer arrested him instead what would he have used then??? He has hurt the very people he says he is trying to help. Everyone who cries "racial profiling" will be second guessed because of gates false accusation. He should be ashamed of himself. This had to do with him feeling he was above the law because he is from Harvard and has friends such as Oprah and Obama. what is not mentioned is that gates had a break in several months before this and that's why the police were so adamant about his ID. In Boston, he should of been happy someone called the police. I have seen people step over crackaddicts in parking garages without a backward glance. If Gates was white, Asian, Jewish, a women etc, he would be in jail right now, the only reason he;s not is because he is black and famous. As a women who can be LEGALLY discrimentated against every day, I have no sympathy for him AT ALL!!

White middle aged man here. Cops have way to much power. I know all you neocon jerkoffs like to think of them as knights in shining armor, but in truth, there have always been crooked sadistic racist cops. Examples, Selma , Ala. early sixties, trigger happy NYPD, and my hometown cops the LAPD. They will beat you down for the fun of it. Having said that , they are a necessary evil.

The president should have known better than to give the rightwingnuts and the media something to jump on. The whole thing is now overblown. Cops are for the most part generally puffed up egocentric characters anyway and to demand and expect an apology from the president of the country just proves my point. Everbody should just get over it and move on to much more important business.

Wrong.

To me, this shows the real barak obama and how he really feels. I think he is a racist!

I guess this is obamas next distraction. Wonder what he's pulling now!!!

Personally, i think that the cop was wrong, and i think his story wasn't entirely true. But i also think that Dr. Gates was probably less true than the Officers. But i think the real issue is that President Obama made a demoralizing and undercutting statement about a police officer, and the police force as a whole. While i fully accept that a lot of cops are just bigoted jerks looking for a power trip, i think that there are police officers who do their job out of a sense of responsibility, and a drive to make the community a better place. And so, if President Obama insulted a police officer without knowing all the facts, then he should apologize for the incident on national television, the same place that the insult took place. And as for the people saying that he was just stating an opinion, he should know the facts before making any kind of accusation of stupidity. Like it or not, he isn't just another guy, entitled to tell people his opinion on things, whether he is educated or not. He is the President of the United States of America, he should be/ is held to a higher standard.

The charges were dropped because Gates was not breaking into his home. President Obama should come out and say his friend acted stupidly also. If I were Mr.Crowley, I would not sit down with the president and his friend under any circumstances. And in my opinion, the racist here is Mr.Gates, and he is probably looking for a law suit, so he can retire early.

I feel the officer involved owes Gates an appology. Plain and simple. The police were wrong!!!!!

I agree. And one fact everyone here is ignoring. Mr. Gates DID show his DL and Harvard ID inside the house. He asked for the officer's ID and was refused. It is not against the law to raise your voice to the police. He commited no crime. That's why the charges were dropped. And the officer (being a highly trained racial profiler) fell short by not just walking away if he didn't want to show his ID.

It's a "no win" situation for the police. If there had been a burglar in the house and the cops didn't insist on identification and respect, Gates would have complained that the officers didn't care about his house being robbed because he was black! Everyone seems to be overlooking the fact that the black police officer involved backs his partner 100%. Is there something less "black" about a person if they are a police officer? As for President Obama, he showed his true colors.

The charges are being dropped because Obama involved himself when he should have kept his nose out. I'll bet Mr. Gates would be suing the police if there had been an actual burglary and the cops ignored it because the thief was well dressed.

Obama is not that good a speaker (reader) and off the cuff will get him every time. Now he makes a joke out of it. He should have apologize to the cop. At this point, it wouldn't be sincere anyway, so skip it.

President Obama has not realized that, as the leader of the Executive Branch, he is our nation's top cop.

Before believing a buddy's story, he should act like the top cop and get all the facts. Based on the facts, he should have a conversation with the arresting officer and assisting officers to clearly understand the context of the arrest.

If his buddy is using his relationship with Obama to get himself out of trouble with the law, President Obama needs to ask himself if he is fixing a situation where his friend is guilty. This may not be in President Obama's best interests if he is using his influence to get friends out of trouble with the law.

Jack Detate, The president is allowed to have his own opinion, but he should not express his opinion when discussing health care to the nation. Barack threw ALL police men and women under the bus with his statement. As the story unfolded we found out the this officer has been on the side of improving race relations not obstructing them. Mr gates it seems flew off the handle and when the recordings come out on the situation it might further shed light on this issue. Back to the point the POTUS should not express his personal opinion while on a national forum such as he did.

I agree it was a stupid arrest. If all you have to do to vacate someones civil rights is call in a "possible burglary", then we have no rights. The fact is (maybe "was" since we are becomming a police state) that police have no special powers to seize or occupy the property of a citizen if they do not have 1. probably cause or 2. a warrant. If they have time to get a warrant, many courts have ruled that probable cause is not enough. In this case the "burglar" turned on the lights, walks with a cain and finally answered the door. You decide for yourself, but for me thre was no probably cause.

What!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was a dumb comment, he aspoligizes for America rather than be proud to be an American. YES he should apologize, he zips his pants the same way we all do, bottom line he is just a man.

People are forgetting two things. 1) Obama was speaking candidly, joking a little directly before the comment, so "stupidly" was maybe not the best choice of words. 2) Obama is a lawyer, and given the fact that Gates was arrested after he presented his ID, it just won't hold up in court if Gates wanted to bring a lawsuit.

We all make mistakes. This situation, just like Obama's comment, was a misunderstanding. We are all human. Nice distraction... now back to the healthcare debate!

hey madcow, r u insane?, oh yes , you r black, now i know

Mad cow..you are absolutely correct. Only person in this situation who needs to apologize is the "arresting cop"...end of story!

This incident speaks a lot to me about the temperament of the President. Anyone willing to make a snap judgement without (by his own admission) all the facts should not have his finger on the nuclear trigger.

Gates was arrested after he presented his ID

He wasn't arrested for who he is or where he was, he was arrested for disturbing the peace. The cop was LEAVING HIS PROPERTY and Gates continued to chase after him and harrass him.

If you made a mistake that somebody else took as a racial insult and followed after you screaming as you tried to walk away I bet you'd be pretty happy to come across a cop to get the maniac away from you.

There was another officer present (who was black) who suppored the arresting officer 100 percent. I believe that the leader of our country should be able to appraise a situation with all the facts before throwing out comments like a child. That does not show leadership.

2) Obama is a lawyer, and given the fact that Gates was arrested after he presented his ID, it just won't hold up in court if Gates wanted to bring a lawsuit.

It would absolutely hold up. The fact that he already presented his ID only proves that the cops knew who they were arresting for disorderly conduct.

Hey Irish, I'd be happy to feed him two fists full of knuckles. Unfortunately, the cop couldn't do this. Probably a good thing as less than 20% of the population might be quick to riot. It's fortunate that the close to 80% don't see things the same way.

Hey Clinton didn't resign for adultery and perjury, and calling for Obama's resignation is a bit excessive.

But I do believe he should apologize for snaping to a quick judgement and making the remarks prior to the incident being investigated. It unfairly paints a negative image on police officers.

Granted, the police in many cases are not exactly innocent angels either, but without the facts, our commander in chief should have not commented at the juncture he did.

If this is an indication of how our president reacts without the facts, then we should be more concerned about future snap judgements that cannot be fixed by an apology.

Interesting that our President goes all over the world apologizing for America at every stop, but cannot bring himself to apologize for his stupid comment.

Stupidity, or dumbness, is the property a person, action or belief instantiates by virtue of having or being indicative of low intelligence or poor learning abilities. Stupidity is distinct from irrationality because stupidity denotes an incapability or unwillingness to properly consider the relevant information.

MADCOW. Didn't he admit he did not know the relevant facts before he commented. Just wondering.

The president is a racist. I guess he did listen to Rev Wright. Obama needs to apologize to America.

Madcow how is it absurd to ask for an apology?

heyteach. I think you should apologize for that stupid comment.

He is the president

Why should a black guy be allowed to dis a cop the way he did when in fact he himself did not want to co-operate in the first place? Yes it is racially motivated only this time the black guy is being racist for not respecting the law because the cop was white.

Another thing that occurs to me is why, with such schooling and endorsements behind him, even suggest to challenge a person of authority?

What i see is many on here racists against white people and especially white cops. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Madcow you are 100% right!!!

Why didn't Crowley provide his name and badge number when asked as he is required to do?

It's outrageous to me that all the closet white supremacists are coming out in full force and crying "Gates was arrogant" and "Gates argued before giving his i.d." but no one mentions Crowley refused to give his badge number and i.d.

As someone trained to defuse exactly this situation why didn't Crowley difuse it?

And so much more to the point HOW DARE THE COPS:
1. Refuse to aplogize
2. Carry on crying to the media
3. WORST OF ALL how dare they demand an apology from our Commander-in-Chief OUR PRESIDENT.

They are simply dividing the nation and fueling the fires of the neo-Nazis and the Christians for Hate (right wingers)

That is not acting in the interests of the public they are supposed to serve

I assure you all that if Obama were a white president -- these cops would NEVER demand an apology -- NEVER -- it's becoming more outrageous by the minute, and you closet supremacists are on the wrong side of this one.

Mad Cow, don't use this as a love fest, won't work this time. If I falsely said you were stupid before knowing the facts, I would apologize to you. He may be the President, but he is still a man, still a human being, and still should apologize for his actions. None of us are perfect and neither is he............

The cops badge is on the front of his uniform. Gates could plainly see his badge number. So why INSIST that the officer give him his badge number? Also cops usually have a name tag on the front of their uniform. My son is a police officer and I know he has his last name displayed on the front of his uniform, along with his badge which shows his badge number. So why did Gates have to make a scene and insist to get the officer's name and badge number. It's always right there! But it sure does make for good "drama" doesn't it.

I am so so SICK and tired of every little thing being blamed on "RACIAL"..The cop acted on a 911 call, he had to do his job..whether the guy was black or white. Gates right away pulls the racial card instead of thanking the cop in case someone WAS trying to break in ..
Gates should be thankful someone was watching out for his house. I wonder why the woman who made the call didnt know he lived there?
Obama better get OVER the racial bigotry profiling too, its old old old. The main reason he never got my vote was because he insisted on calling himself an African-American instead of just an American..He always seems to forget he is half white..and now his bigotry IS showing..

If the cop didnt bother to check everything out, he would have been called a racist because it was a black man's house & he didnt care..
Seems Prof Gates should learn some respect for the Law ..he is supposed to be teaching..

What?!!! How in the world was BO being in the right? He admitted that he didn't know the facts!!!! What have you been smoking?

Briget: I totally agree. I once had a college professor who said that as long as people see each other as black, white, or other, there will be racial and racist problems. We are all Americans and that seems to be difficult for OB to see. HE is creating racial problems!! Not only is he 1/2 white, he is also Arab.

The police officer was doing his job. He might have faced guns or knives trying to secure the Gates home. For that, his actions are called stupid! Is that not the pot calling the kettle that other color? Do Presidents that are full of themselves ever apologize????

well enormous, I hope you are prepared to accept the application of your standards to yourself.

Hence the name "mad cow," I guess.

Industrial Strength Comment collapsed by the community

Take a good look america, this is the man that is deciding the future of your country. He spoke his heart, whitey bad, loud mouth racist black man good.

If you haven't purchased a firearm yet you had better do so, Obama will ban them soon if he can.

an armed society is a peaceful/lawful society.

Industrial, why was your comment collapsed? I don't see anything wrong with it. Most of these other posters are writing worse than this. Was it the gun comment? Our 2nd ammendant right?

Agreed. It was totally unfair of the media to ask Mr. Obama this question and did so I belive with the intent to excite a response that acutally blow the situation out of control turning it into a race issue. This act of the media also place Mr. Obama into what could be seen as him playing a race card or profiling postion too.

The house had recently been broken into. If I was an officer and rolled up into this situation and the person claimed to be the owner I would have them secured before discovering if they were or not. And not just take thier word at it.

Sandy,

The officer gave his name and badge number TWICE ! Mr Gates wouldn't shut up long enough to hear it. Gates was the one who immediatly threw out the race card and that was totally inappropiate. All the officer was trying to do was determine Gates was lawfully on the property. I bet if Gates house had been robbed he still would be cryin racism for the cops letting burglary happen to a black man.

And obama should have said NO COMMENT.

And you were there or you believe the written report?? I somehow don't believe you were there and you know how bystanders exaggerate to make their story much bigger. I for one think this story needs to be removed from the internet as to keep people like you from deciding right or wrong.

Yes, there is proof that Gates is lying about what happened.

Gates can be heard screaming on the tapes of the event, the office was trying to communicate with dispatch and Gates is screaming in the back ground.

Obama and Gates owe the nation an apology.

Dianlarkin

"If this was Bush, no one would be complaining at all"

Bush sticking his foot in his mouth stopped being news years ago!

Sandy:

If you would use really basic logic and common sense, you would rethink your comments and realize that you sound as senseless as Gates. Get rid of your emotions and use your brain. Let me foray into profiling here and say that your comments make you sound really, really "blonde"??? Open your mind and think about a lot of the intelligent comments made here, if you still disagree,...then you really do have a problem. Gates should have thanked the officers and realized how the situation looked. Simply showing his ID and thanking the officers, not cussing them out, would have showed his intelligence. Now he looks like a racist bigot, without a brain at all. He also shows his own shame toward being black. A person who constantly sees attacks against themselves and constantly perceives that they are being put down, is a person that is hyper-sensitive. That proves that they have a boat load of shame about who they are. Situations like this prove the true character of not only people like Gates, but people like yourself who feel the need to defend him...

Sandy has a valid point. The media certainly enjoys "picking the sore" to see if it will bleed. But after reading some of the comments here (Industrial Strength), I can see why there's a knee-jerk reaction to this incident. Racism may not have been a motivation in the officer's case here, but it is obviously alive and well. Mr. Gates has no doubt experienced many Industiral Strength's in his lifetime.

If you take out all the conjecture as to what was said by who and such the bottom line is that the police KNEW that Gates was the homeowner when they arrested him and it was stupid for them to have done so. This is evidenced by the police dropping the charges practically before they were even filed

I totally agree with you. This whole situation would have easily been resolved. Tempers flared, people were offended by remaks, professional status and job status came into play, and the press is having a field day stirring the pot. Racism is alive and well in America. It may remains and most definitely surfaces in different situations and senarios.

Hey Sandy, the cops name and badge number are posted right on his chest. No doubt the demand was part of belittling the officer.

No Tim hate to disappoint you I am not blonde nor mentally challenged. I only speak what I believe whether it is right or wrong and am not defending anyone person. Isn't that my god given right to speak my mind? Unfortunally the majority of people that post on these questions, are bigoted, self righteous and for whatever reason think their opinion is better than the next persons. By telling me I have a mental condition shows you don't know what you are talking about and are passing judgment on something you know nothing about.

SANDY

Stupidity, or dumbness, is the property a person, action or belief instantiates by virtue of having or being indicative of low intelligence or poor learning abilities. Stupidity is distinct from irrationality because stupidity denotes an incapability or unwillingness to properly consider the relevant informatio

Sandy isn't that exactly what Obama did. He admitted he did not HAVE ALL THE FACTS.

dan42day -- my point was if Obama were white no one would DARE demand an apology!!!!!!

He is still entitled to his opinion. Aren't you all giving your opinions without all the facts. He should not have to apologize for stating his position. This is America.

George King Obama's admission that he "did not have all the facts" was a caveat to thinking people (caveat is disclaimer or warning) that meant -- "I have an opinion but it is only half-formed since I do not yet know what I do not yet know."

An admission that one does not have all the facts is a strength NOT a weakness or a stupidity -- the oppostie -- it demonstrates cool, clear thinking and integrity.

Honestly people get a grip find something that you understand well enough to complain about

instead of worrying that people with educations are elitist, Americans need to become literate

GET SOME EDUCATION -- LEARN HOW TO READ -- LEARN HOW TO COMPREHEND THE MEANING OF EVERYDAY WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, etc.

Little Nobody

And obama should have said NO COMMENT.

BINGO!!!! And then President obama wouldn't be surprised at all the fervor.

Gee - when white entertainers, politicians, etc., make such a stupid, obviously racist comment, they get fired. Sharpton and Jackson get all up in their face and away they go.

Remember Don Imus? He said something stupid, but that's how he makes a living. He got fired.

How many sportscasters either got fired or severely castigated when they made comments that might, just might, offend 0.01% of their audience? Quite a few.

Obama sat in Rev Wright's pew too long and it shows. While he does not need to be fired (neither did Imus), he should apologize like he means it. Otherwise he is as racist as David Duke.

Read the note just above yours. Cops have name tags on their uniforms, and their badges are also on the front of their uniforms. He didn't have to "insist" to get that info. It was right there in front of him.... He just wanted to make a scene and cry foul. for publicity. Suppose there WAS a burglar hiding in his house/holding him hostage...and the cops just left...without checking it out...then what? Gates needs to get over himself and be thankful that the police wanted to do a thorough job to be sure he was safe. Yet, he chose to cry "racism"... WHAT IF there WAS a criminal in his house? The officers were only looking out for his safety. WHAT about that doesn't he UNDERSTAND..? Yet he chose to rant at the officers ..he should have cooperated and been thankful that they were there to PROTECT him. Even if he did show them ID that it was his house....who knew that what the neighbor saw wasn't someone who had broken into his house and might have still been in there? The neighbor saw TWO people trying to force the door...even though it was a driver, it COULD have been a criminal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She did NOT recognize that person. Is that so hard to understand???? I wonder IF Mr. Gates ever does have an emergency at his home, would the P.D. be quick to respond, or would they be reluctant to come to his aid? No!!! they would be just as vigilant to protect him.

This whole thing is just ridiculous...if he wasn't a "buddy of Obama's" and a well known professor (I'd never heard of him) who was perhaps insulted that the officers didn't "know who he was", this would never have had the publicity that it has gotten.

Officers all over the U.S. GOOD JOB GUYS! We do appreciate that you to continue your dangerous work to protect us all.

dianelarkin...Whaaaat? "Cool, clear thinking, without the facts"? And yet commenting? I guess I just don't "comprehend" that.....

I repeat...all officers last names are displayed on a tag on the front pocket of their uniforms, and their badges, including the number are also worn on the front of their uniforms. No need for Mr. Gates to demand to get the officers name and badge number...it was always right there in front of his face. He was never denied that information..it was always right there, displayed. But, it does make for drama, doesn't it?

I think the real issue here goes beyond "racist cop or racist black professor." The real problem is that we have a president that. when off the script and TelePrompTer, is an idiot.

He did several times but like you he just couldn't hear it because he kept spouting off racial comments. Just like others who read an article but doesn't not comprehend what it says. Read the arrest warrant and you and others will see that he gave it to him several times. Plus if Gates was not busy spouting off I am sure that he could have seen it on the police officers uniform, name and badge number.

Cops do not get a blank check for abusive behavior. The cop was unreasonable and STUPID to take Gates to jail over this

How can you say the police were unreasonable? They get a report of breaking and entering, and there is a person inside. How would you like the police to determine if the person inside is a homeowner or a criminal? Just ask? Criminals don't lie right? What if the house was broken into and the owners were being held inside? If the police said "do you live here" and the criminal said "yes" and they left, they would be getting sued later because they did not protect them and now they are dead! Give it up. The old man is a loud mouth biggot that blames everything on race, and so is our president.

His girls went to Jeremiah Wright's church all their lives. Enough said!

dianlarkin. You are way off base. Also the first comment on this board. First how did the police make a mistake? They were doing their jobs. You want the cop to shak ehis hand and do a dance while investigating the scene?

Secondly Dian i have no clue what you are talking about. Many white presidents in the past apologized for comments made inappropriately especially when all the facts were not presented. Your absolute arrogance and lack of faith only shows the true hatred which you possess against the system. Well i prefer that system than your idea of a system. Obama said something out of pre judgement. You keep voting this nut in because the more he opens his mouth there will be less of you around. You will surely be the minority in that category.

linda welcome to the police state of american i cannot wait until they are in your living room

the police's actions WERE stupid and it's called power check

The way things are going...we will no longer have local police, their hands will be tied and we have a gestapo type of law enforcement.

That is what the MAN ir aiming for along with government owning everything.NANNY STATE!!!!!

He was wrong to comment , period. If Gates had shown a picture ID when asked none of this would have happen3d. If I were CPD I think I would ignore calls to that address.

BAsed on the professionalism shown so far, they probably will.

Jumpmaster, in my town people respect the officers or they pay the price. Race doesn't matter to the cops here. They're willing to pepper spray anyone, and are just itching for an excuse to do so. In my judgement, Gates got off light for mouthing off to a cop. In my town, the cops (white AND black) would have stomped his guts out.

What town is that? cuz I want to be sure and stay away! Respect has to be earned

Well Cain, I'd say you have a real problem in your town. Please give its name so we can avoid it.

Cain, so the cops in your town have the attitude of "respect us or else"? Hmmm., seems you just reiterated what some people are saying on this thread. Respect is earned, not demanded. The only respect you get from me is the same common decency and respect I give anyone until they either gain more respect or lose it. Up to them and their actions. Trying to demand respect will earn you less in the long run. Sounds like the cops in your town are just like the gangbangers. "Why did you shoot him"? "He didn't respect me". Yeah, definitely want to avoid your town.

I'm a middle aged white guy, a small business man in my community with a population of about 150,000. Every encounter I have had with police officers have been bullying and disrespectful of me. And these were minor traffic stops and even an inquiry about a situation! I dread any interaction with them nor do I feel protected by them. I have twice been a victim of a crime and was treated with suspicion and negativity until my victimization was confirmed . The good old days of the friendly helpful police officers are long gone. They are arrogant ,disrestpectful and over react without any self restraint. In my community there are at present two lawsuits brought against them for shooting and killing men who were of no threat to them. As a matter of fact the police were called to help the victim! So I personally am on the fence about the police claims in this matter.

I think that police officers deserve our respect. Period. So do the soldiers fighting for us. So do the Firefighters protecting our property. And about Dr. Gates, obviously, he is prejudiced against police officers and white people. If firefighters came to his house because someone had called and thought they saw flames on the inside of his house, they would have gone in, permission or not. And he probably would have been grateful for the men checking to make sure there was no threat to him and his property. But apparently, once you smack a blue uniform and badge on the white man, he becomes a problem. I don't get the reasoning here. I would expect more from our President, and a professor at one of our nations premier universities.

johnny :

There is no place for you on this blog!! Disgusting!!!

Quite frankly you need to go. Your choice of the "n" word clearly shows what and who you stand for and with.

It is people like you that make America look bad in the eyes of the world. But then I don't think that matters to a narrow minded bigot like yourself.

This doesn't necessarily have anything to do with story per se, but:

There is no such thing as 'reverse' racism (technically, reverse racism would be NO racism...since reverse means, essentially, the opposite or contrary). Racism is defined (by Marion-Webster) as (1) a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race OR (2) racial prejudice or discrimination

There is no mention that it has to come from a specific race. Racism is racism...it doesn't matter the color/race of the person instigating it

Johnny-1235842, outside of being just offensive, that may have been the most incredible case of a statement proving itself wrong that I've ever seen.

How did Johnny get that word through...I thought Newsvine filtered that crap?

To some people, being called stupid hurts as much as a black person being called the "n" word. The "prof" thought that teaching at Harvard and knowing the president puts him above the law.

Oh please. Being called stupid is not the same as being called a @!$%#. Give me a break.

OB has spoken true gut personal feelings - taking sides before gathering and evaluating all facts surrounding the Gates-Cowley situation before making any comments at all and before deciding an appropriate neutral position to thwart any possibility of inciting any racial flareup being experienced right now. Also, a delicate situation like this should not have been addressed at that particular press conference, but rather should have been addressed separately. Unfortunately, his irrationalism is not conducive to initiating best judgement over the safety of people in this country, and therefore should not be in the position he currently holds. The topic of racism is kept alive by the government, simply by categorizing ethniticity in forms; emphasis on minorities, etc. The only category should be American citizen or non-American citizen, period.

You mean high profile people get preference?

Clearly he felt "high profile" enough not to believe he needed to show his ID to the Police Officer that showed up to protect his sorry butt!

Of course high-profile people get preference. What planet have you been living on?

I'm with enoughalready!

OldHighlandGuy you need to be impeached for impersonating a human being. You and the thousands like you don't know what your talking about. You just talk to make your head spin.

I agree that Obama should not have responded. It seems the officer and Gates both lost thier cool.
- Can I ask OldHighlandGuy are you retarted? impeached - really!

Sandy,

Obama's bowling partner can debate better than you can. This neo-maxist president is hell-bent on destroying white america. Look at his policies.... he is shifting wealth from white middle class to black/hispanic lower income families. This cannot be disputed. He has now gone on record displaying his racist views. He nominated a racist latino women to the U.S. Supreme Court. Yes, we should be proud that we elected a black president; however, my fear is the wrong one was elected. This cannot be disputed.

I agree with OldHighland Guy, Obama should be impeached.. not for his racist comments but for bribing and threatening U.S. Representatives and Senators into pushing his agenda. Obama has threatened Banks, Auto Executives, Financial Institutionals, and now Hospitals. Obama thinks he controls Congress... he does not... Congress is separate branch of Government. Since he does not control them, he is bribing them and even threatening them. Many have said as much. He needs to be impeached because he is acting like a dictator and he has only been in office for 6 months.

They shouldn't have stole all the money, crashed thier companies and begged for bailouts

And you think McCain and "Got ya" {WINK, WINK} Palin would be better. I think not. You forget Obama is only 1/2 black. If you don't like his policies maybe you should go to Iraq, I understand they don't like change either.

Wink, wink, you go Sandy

Don't wink at me you pervert. You should be thankful that she isn't running our country. Look how she ran her household and her ex-governorship.

Sandy,

what do you run besides your mouth.... Jumpmaster, I totally agree with you bro. They should have been forced to file bankrupcy and those responsible thrown in jail. I do not agree with the bailouts either. If you or I handled our financial like that, lying, cheating, stealing, we would be living in a 6x6 cell with bubba.

In the words of Obama... Let me make this perfectly clear.... I do not view issues as Democrats vs. Republicans.... I view things as Politicans vs US (Americans). I don't care who is in office, none of them are thinking of the average American no matter what they say. Both parties are using the Spending Package to pay-off their cronies... their backers... their campaign contributors.

I am a realist. I try to see things for what they are not which side of the isle they come from or the color of the state. We... you... me... and even Sandy are getting screwed by politicians in general. Well, maybe not Sandy... but mental health coverage is coming my cubby friend..... ooopss... did I hit a nerve?

Oh yeah, they impeach you for your opinions now? You're an idiot... Impeach away you old fool.

These are not opinions Morgan... these are statements from US Representatives. U.S. Representatives have said they received calls from Obama asking them what they wanted in the bill in order to pass it. This is a bribe you Moron, not my opinion. Obama is a thug... no one has ever said No to him.... he has authority issues since he was a child with no father figure. Two fathers abandoned this guy. If it wasn't for his White grandmother he would be attending community college to strenghten this community organizer skills. Let's get real. I suppose you still don't believe that Clinton has sexual relations with Monica? Do you? (p.s. Personally, I liked Clinton as President... even though he was impeached..... I suppose that didn't happen either) I swear... NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND has left more children behind then ever.

Just read Eyce's post. "Let me make this perfectly clear" - wasn't that from Richard Nixon when he said "I am not a crook?" They states that Clinton was impeached. Wrong again. Prove my point? You might be a realist but you don't know your facts. Go, don't stop and don't collect $200 and go to your closest library.

What kills me is that a majority of Americans were STUPID enough to vote for a candidate from the Chicago Crime Syndicate. No one from the Chicago politcal scene has ever been anything but a criminal... go look it up.

Ok Sandy,

You just placed Obama in the same catagory of a crook as Richard Nixon, since Obama uses that phrase frequently. Thank you.

As for facts, Clinton WAS impeached by the House of Representatives, but was aquitted by the Senate. Learn how government works. However, Clinton was found guilty of lying under oath by a federal judge and was fined and his law license suspended ;-)

Thank you, Koldwindblows, for finally bringing knowledge of our government to the table.

<3

So if he had probable cause, why was the arrest dropped so quickly. The cop is prejudice. As Ron from San Diego says prejudice is to pre-judge - isn't that what the cop did - he assumed Mr. Gates was a black criminal and wouldn't stop until he had him handcuffed.

The officer was correct, Gates was the knucklehead. As for Obama, he showed what he really is. This will loose him +-5-8% of his voting potential in the next election. He is out of control with tax and spend as for Pelosi the opposition needs to run her out back to SF where she belongs. He is eloquent but that doesn't make for a great pres. Do you know he is now rated 10th our of the last 12 presidents and yes George Bush is way higher

Because he is from Harvard, and everyone knows that anyone associated with Harvard is perfect and cannot possibly do anything wrong. :)

Hum... Ron T you must still be upset that Obama won the election. You must have liked living the last 8 years under the Bush Admin.

Sandy-MI, The police didn't drop the charges, the D.A.'s office did, because of the $$ it would have cost for what is a BIG misunderstanding. Prof. Gates refusal to produce positive proof of his address would have stopped the whole incident. Prof. Gates is the one who played the "race card". In Mass. college ID's are NOT accepted as proof of ID.

Sandy,

Just because someone is against Obama doesn't mean they were for Bush. I thought Bush was the worst president in my adult life. Then Obama came along. He has done more to destroy the middle class in 6 months than Bush did in his 8 years.

Was the war in Iraq over oil... I believe so. Did Bush let Chaney send in his company to build back infrastructure and profit off the American people. I believe he did.

I also believe that Barack Hussein Obama (of questionable origins) sat in a church for 20 years listening to White Hate Speech and has not changed his attitude towards white now that he's president. His agenda is to level the playing field, not over time, but over night. As soon as you and you pea brain friend realize the mess we are in, the sooner we can take back our country.

The DA's office must have thought then it wasn't worth the paperwork to push it. So the cop shouldn't have handcuffed Mr. Gates. If I have a photo ID of myself, it is my proof of who I am. Also if Gates' house had been burglarized before, why didn't the cop know who he was before handcuffing him. This cop might be good at training new recruits but in the real situation I think he was dead wrong.

Sandy,

You need to stop proving your ignorance... please help yourself and shut the hell up. Cops do their jobs... DA make the decision to prosecute based on the evidence. Cops do not make those decisions. To make the comment that a decision made by the DA after the fact should have been considered when making the original decision (to handcuff) before the fact is STUPID LOGIC... So stop showing your IGNORANCE

Eyce - here is my reply to your garbage. Our president has been proven to have been born in the United States by more than one organization. If you are determined not to believe it that is your choice. But by not believing the concrete truth and passing on more of your garbage is Unamerican. As for my peabrain friend you talk about, I think you need to go sit in a church and pray that you will be forgiven for your hateful attitude.

I’m not white, but I agreed with you there Blogo “why Mr. Gates not wants to cooperate with the police try to protect his home?" All he has to do is show the ID that he lives there, the police event help him to get in his house, just like when you got lock-out of your car. As for Mr. Obama, he was in the high horse and wasn't thinking at that moment to call the police "stupid" without getting all the fact and he should apologize to the officer about his statement.

Sandy,

the fact that your president had to prove he was born in the US should say volumes right there. His father was a Kenyan citizen, why doesn't that make him a Kenyan by default. If you traveled to Kenya and had a child there, would he/she be a Kenyan, or an American? If you say, American, then Barack Hussein Obama would be a Kenyan. If you say your child would be a Kenyan citizen, then you are telling all those Americans who had babies in other countries they are raising illegal immigrants.

Are you getting dizzy from all the logic. Or, are you going to call me Unamerican because I am against a dictator who is trying to turn this country into socialism/communism. And if you don't think he is, pick up a social studies book and read about a land far far away called Russia. Perhaps you're part of No Child Left Behind era in which case I understand you have mental limitations.... it's okay... it's not your fault.... it's whitey's fault.

If I have a photo ID of myself, it is my proof of who I am. Also if Gates' house had been burglarized before, why didn't the cop know who he was before handcuffing him.

My guess is that different officers responded to the previous calls. A city as big as cambridge probably probably has more than one cop.

Also, they were looking for proof of address, not just a picture ID. Gates assumed racism right off the bat and probably became more infuriated when he wasn't recognized from the Harvard ID he presented. If a cop asks for your ID to prove where you live, why would you give him an ID with no address? I'll tell you why, to stroke your own ego and wait for the aplogies to start pouring out. Who except a massive egomaniac would threaten a cop with statement like "you don't know who you're messing with"? When things didn't play out the way he thought they would he really flew off the handle and verbally harrassed the officer. That's why he got arrested with a disorderly persons charge.

Eyce - If my husband was born in England and I was an American citizen and we lived in the USA, our children are naturalized citizens. Where did you go to school. I think you need to go back to the comic book you were reading.

Eyce,

John Mccain was born in Panama. Is he an American?

Barry Goldwater was born in the Arizona Territory. Is he an American?

Anyone who is born in the US is an American citizen, regardless of his parentage. If you do not like it, go change the law.

Give it up. You lost, fair and square. No dancing supremes either. Do some navel gazing and figure out how to win back power.

Obama just lost Congress to the republicans inn 2010 and the White House to a republican in 2012.

I have to hand it to the republican party for doing nothing these days. That's all they have to do with this bunch currently in charge.

You know that for a fact, or you wish??

george2, how about you use your great intel to figure that question out for yourself. Do you know of anyone who can go in to the future? Do you know how to do it personally? Or you holding out from the rest of the world? Your amazing time travel machine, george2? If not, that answers your question. Quit being a loser.

Perhaps not right; but don't even tell me you wouldn't do the same!!

cjn.. I think we would all do the same, but none of us are the President. With that title comes the responsibility to not throw out a knee-jerk reaction to somthing.

Agreed. As President your comments should be held to a higher standard. The President's word acts as the word of the American people. I think if we had live video of this interaction we might be surprised at what really happened. Sometimes racism exists primarily in the minds of those who are looking for racism.

I always gather facts first, no matter what.

That's why I didn't vote for Obama. Admit it, most of you that did vote for him didn't do any research and the rest were blacks voting for a black man.

If I voted for a guy because he was white, I'd be racist, right. So basically almost all blacks are racist, right? No need to respond, I know I'm right. 97% of you did. I did the research.

Just in case you didn't know, my research shows that we still haven't gotten our first black president yet. I know it will happen one day though.

It will take curing people like Gates, BO and the 97% of the African American population of racism.

And don't forget that he wasn't born in the USA and his citizenship IS STILL in question.

It's funny because some black people still don't understand that a ton of black people voted for Obama simply because he was black... or were at least heavily influenced by it. They try to cover it up by saying they agreed with his policies. They had a TV show which went around asking black people who they were voting for and after they said Obama, they asked whether or not they agreed with Obamas opposition of renewable energy proposals and promising oil companies billions of dollars in tax breaks (McCain). Sure enough, they said they agreed. Hah, morons.

The many people who were claiming the President is not a citizen in order to try to destroy Obama's integrity now have a real issue to use as a rallying cry to round up the troups. Hurray for them!!

"99.9% of them are honest & hardworking"

Really? Do you have proof to back that up? Our police forces are not all you hype them up to be. Many police are no more than "professional bullies". If 99.9% are honest, why do they have and need internal affairs departments?

Wow Morgan R. While I would agree that there are certainly cases of "bullys" in our police forces I do not think that this is the standard case. To just assume that police are acting incorrectly is to ignore the danger that they put themselves in on a daily basis - for our benefit. I know a Russian tax policeman who regular participates in armed raids, with officers fully hooded and acting in complete public anonymity. Be happy you live in America.

From my experience, anyone that WANTS to be a cop SHOULDN'T be a cop. Yes, cops are bullies MOST of the time. It's the RARE policeman that is an unbiased professional.

However, this is precisely why cooperation with the police is required. Gates is lucky that he didn't get pepper sprayed or tazed.

No matter what, every time I personally have been in an uncomfortable situation and fearful for my safety or the safety of others, the first thing I do is look around for a cop or think about calling 911.

True, there may be a few bullies in the police force, but sometimes I just might need a bully to defend me and save my life.

The only rude cop that I personally have ever encountered was one who was writing me a ticket for an illegal turn. But I'm not sure which of us, really, was the rude one now that I think about it.

Bornintheusa; Agreed. A president should be above my buddy this and my buddy that. As hard as it may be at times, he needs to remain neutral!

Morgan....

Here's some advice.....DON'T try to bad mouth or threaten a police officer. You'll lose. You obviously don't have a clue as to the "bullying", being spit at, called filthy names that police officers have to endure every single day...no less putting their lives on the line to save someone's sorry azz like yours. What do you want, a bunch of touchy feely wussies protecting you? Get a clue. Most are just people with families who just want to come home ALIVE, yet have to put up with the lowest dregs of the human element DAILY. They take a hundred times more abuse than any other occupation you can imagine. Would that make you feel all warm and fuzzy???? They will respect you as much as you show respect to them. Just keep in mind, that every person they approach, be in a traffic stop, domestic, whatever, is a potential threat to their life. So you can just go back into your office, or behind a counter or wherever you work and be safe and spout off about those protecting you and your family.

I have had the police show up at my door and say they received a 911 call to my home when I knew that I hadn't called them. But by the time they had explained themselves, they were so effective at making me believe that they cared about my well being and didn't consider me the threat, that I was begging them to come in and search my home to ensure that no one was there. If the cop, the professor and the president were all white (or all black) we would all agree that both the cop and Gates acted stupidly.

Oh my gosh - I can't agree with you MORE! Thank You!

When did he apologize to our enemies? You should stop giving false facts without backup.

But I do agree he should apologise to the officers for speaking without knowing.

They dont know what they are talking about - they are just blowing steam and being "stupid".

Ron T— You got it wrong, Obama apoligized for the stupidities of the last administration and for morans that think like you.

As for the self-rightous cops whinning about what was "said", they should apoligize for all the "I'm-only-human" *>*kups they have committed".

Exactly you are right on Ron T,

The president said race remains a sensitive issue in America and he hopes the incident becomes "a teachable moment." What his "stupidly made comment means is that he (Obama) is a racist himself!!!!!

I am so so SICK and tired of every little thing being blamed on "RACIAL"..The cop acted on a 911 call, he had to do his job..whether the guy was black or white. Gates right away pulls the racial card instead of thanking the cop in case someone WAS trying to break in ..
Gates should be thankful someone was watching out for his house. I wonder why the woman who made the call didnt know he lived there?
Obama better get OVER the racial bigotry profiling too, its old old old.
The main reason he never got my vote was because he insisted on calling himself an African-American instead of just an American..He always seems to forget he is half white..and now his bigotry IS showing..

If the cop didnt bother to check everything out, he would have been called a racist because it was a black man's house & he didnt care..
Seems Prof Gates should learn some respect for the Law ..he is supposed to be teaching..

Strike one? He should have been thrown out of the game a long time ago!!!

Totally agree
I lost alot of respect for Obama on this one. I am a republican that voted for Obama hoping for change. This was not the change I expected.

I feel as if I was the only one that listened when Obama campaigned. I have not been surprised about any of the stupid things he has done, especially not this.

If this dimminshes the relations between the races then we are weak.

I agree Jumpmaster!

This really is not a race issue, it's an empathy issue. Gates not willing to put himself in the officers shoes and the officer not putting himself in Gates shoes, is what sparked the conflict. I do beleive Gates pulled the race card mistaking a grumpy cop under stress for racial profiling. It is clear, no matter who's side is more accurate that the way we treat each other is sad. Especially from a Harvard proffessor and a protector of the public. It is interesting that almost all of us posting chose a side. The same way the president has done. I beleive most without thinking about the situation from both sides while removing the race info. How would you react if a cop came to the door while your on the phone demanding you hang up and show ID in your own house or a cop showing up at a sceen not knowing if there is a breakin and the purpotator ar carring guns and maybe there are more. Then it turns out to be an angry owner yelling at you for doing your job. They should go out to dinner and learn about each other! Mabe that will be the start of fixing the mistreatment of others.
PS the President should also appologise for prejudging based on his personal experiences. PS he is human he will make mistakes just like The officer, Gates and all of us who are shooting off our mouths right now. ;)

I am a republican that voted for Obama hoping for change. This was not the change I expected.

Not all change is good. I didn't trust him before the election and I trust him even less now.

Please take your anger back to Ireland if you want change.

K...What did you expect a racist black man to do for America? Although I don't blame everybody for getting caught up in the MTV style hype when BO was running for election, you are the ones responsible for putting him in. In my opinion, 8 more years of Bush would have been better than 4 years of a racist man. And yes, I know Bush couldn't run again.

Have a nice weekend!

I didn't vote for Obama. (I always vote Libertarian for REAL CHANGE.)

That said, Obama just lost my respect.

Greg-281912, as a libertarian, what do you say to the govt coming inside your house and cuffing you and dragging you to the hoosegow, just for hurting their feelings? No bodily threat, no danger, just mouthing off? Just showing who's boss? Every libertarian's ire should be raised.

hpman - I think you might have the best post on here so far. Middle ground. That is where we all need to be.

{"commentId":8420843,"authorDomain":"bloggerrich"}

Bloggerrich -

In my opinion, 8 more years of Bush would have been better than 4 years of a racist man.

You're kidding right? I can see why you left this thread after making that comment.

He did not get arrested for being in his home, he got arrested for being an ass with his racial and vulger comments about the officers momma. We all know yo momma is slang for a whore! Give me a break, Sharpton and the ACLU will be all over this police dept and sue everyone involved. Guess who losses? All us tax payers!!!

Dorwin, if the police showed up at your house on a report of a B & E in progress with one of the burglars fitting your description, and you refused to produce positive ID, you WOULD have been arrested. Just like Prof. Gates was.

What does color have to do with it?? Ask Gates, he made it a color issue. You would be upset if arrested in you own house? Whats the cop to do? A break in is reported, officers responds. The house is broken into. The two guys who broke in the house refuse to show id and that they are the owner. The cops do their job trying to protect the house and the guy is screaming and acting like a child instead of simply showing his id. Somehow the cop is wrong in all this?????? You are entitled to your opinion, even if its wrong, but I hope the next time someone breaks into your house, that the cops simply walk away when the perps begin to act stupid like this guy. Maybe the cops will listen to all the stupity that you people are saying and let your house be cleaned out, because the perps won't show ID and start screaming racism. The lack of intelligence with you people absolutely astounds me..

You have to be kidding me. You think the officer is wrong for respoinding to a possible break in, and having to put up with someone as prejudiced as Gates and later as prejudice as Obama.. The man was doing his job, what if Gates had a gun or a knife or some other weapon? The Officer was very nice to him, and should of tackled hime and handcuffed him as soon as he refused to show ID. The reason the charges were dismissed is the heads up thinking of the Cambridge Police to end the race card that was pulled by Gates and Obama. If it was me and I refused to give ID and gave the officer lip, I would expect much more than was given to Gates, especially in that part of Boston, or any where in Boston. Obey the law!!

hey DORWIN, I woul thank the police officer for being there and would have shown my ID

Well just maybe he shouldn't have walked outside and started acting stupid in public. Close your front door if you feel the need to be an idiot.

If you cannot get into your house at night, use your cell phone and let the police know your problem. Then tell them you are calling a locksmith.

you are not white. just because you say so shows you are not. cheap trick to try and make a point, which by the way is WRONG!!!

Oh Please it doesn't matter if you are white or black or yellow. If you don;t oby a law officer especially during a critical call like B&E than he was lucky he was treated as nice as he was. I grew up around that area and anyone knows that if you aren' nice and cooperative with the police there, they will arrest and handcuff you, and I don't blame them. When you wear their badge and get put into dangerous situations as they do, you will understand that Gates was treated very kindly and leniatley.

I agree that this situation has overtones of abuse of power. The training that today's law enforcement gets seems to be getting is no longer fitting the slogan "protect and serve" but "protect and Rule".
This issue deserve further discussion by all our citizens.
Professor Gates behaved in a disappointing way, considering his stature.
But he was returning from a long trip to China and probably exhausted.
The officer seems to have been offended and decided to use his authority to arrest and handcuff a citizen because of it. They should apologize to each other. Then we have the end of story.
Professor Gates? Officer Crowley?

I call it Gates being an ass! And the President making a "Stupid" remark without knowing the facts. Also, you might listen to the tape of Gates screaming in the background when the officers were trying to check in with dispatch. What an eye opener it will be for you.

The officer was present at the scene, Obama was not. The apology is for making a judgment on the basis of facts unknown, as you are doing.

OMG>>>>>you are SO right about that! I'm tired of the "poor black me" crap while they give everybody disrespect!! When we are cut WE ALL BLEED THE SAME PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I guess it's turning into "poor white me" now. Some of you won't be happy until we're back in the 1800's. Since the taking of this country people of color have caught hell. Now that we're in the 2000's things have changed a bit, but the old U.S. way of thinking still floats about. Face it, we all have to live in this country together and get along. We should be treating each other alot better.

Amen

If the president had been white who would have asked him the question in the first place? Or if the professor had been white and the cop black, would there be a need for an apoplgy?