There are two sides to this coin. One is that many african-americans choose not to stay in school and grow up facing trouble with the law. That is something they themselves must work towards changing thus earning the trust and respect of the general public. That goes for every person and race/culture. The second is the fact that everyone, including the police, lawyers or the general public, should avoid profiling anyone based on race or colour. There is no place in society for that. What surprised me the most about this whole thing, was the fact that the President of the United States involved himself in a local matter.

I am a 40 something African American female I work as a professional and sometimes expert in the field of human behavor. I have two degrees. I share this as it may have an impact upon how I view the issue and the article. When I viewed the news programs assessment of the incident. I felt they were extremely biased in favor of the police. I was stunned to see Anderson Cooper (one of my favs)interview a police officer involved in the incident and labeling him as a WITNESS as if anyone who works for the Cambridge police department could give a fair an unbiased account of a situation that they were apart of.
The comments in the above article that when white officers arrest a person of color it's assumed there is racial profiling is ridiculous! When people of color are arrested it is more often assumed that they have done something to warrant the arrest.
I do think the Gates incident if not profiling was an abuse of power as there was no reason for him to be arrested. Either reason should not be tolerated in a democratic society.

At best Crowley filed an "inaccurate" report. At worst, he lied.
I hope this cop admits he did not speak with the witness as indicated in his report and he made up the part about "two black males". I wonder what else in the report needs "correction"? When a police officer files an "inaccurate" and/or false report – HE PROFILES HIMSELF and brings dishonor to cops everywhere!

I think there is a possibility that the professor made the 'racial profiling' happen. There is likely little doubt Professor Gates was already exasperated by having to deal with his jammed door to begin with, but then the police show up.

It seems to me quite possible that as soon as the thought struck Gates that this caucasain police officer was only doing what he was doing because Gates is African American, then Gates may have just pushed it to the point where it would appear that way.

Bravo, it seems the lost lesson here is that officer Crowley was falsley accused as being a racist just because he was a white officer. That false assumption led to everything else that followed.

Are police officers public servants or are they there to exert their authority in every situation? If police officers consider themselves as public servants then they should approach every situation with rendering assistance; particularly, when some house is suspected to be burgalerized. The main question then becomes what officer Crowley offered in the way of assistance after it was established that Professor Gates was indeed the legal resident in that house? The police officers go through lots of training for public safety. Why Dr. gates was arrested if public safety was not threatened? What was the state of mind of the officer Crowley when he entered Dr. Gates’ house? The behaviour of officer Crowley is troubling for the safety of the public at large. Why do they not have public service in mind?
Why officer is not being investigated for civil rights violation of Dr. Gates? Is it a "police state" that a police officer can arrest any body from his own house? I believe the whole police dept needs to investigated if they are operating it like a police state.

"his was a particularly stunning conclusion considering the exemplary career of Sergeant James Crowley. For five years Sgt. Crowley taught a class on racial profiling at the Lowell Police Academy. He was hand-picked for that assignment by former Police Commissioner Ron Watson, who is African-American. "

Are your thoughts still the same since it has been revealed that Sgt Crowley deliberately mislead (lied) on his police report?

.....just wondering

The sucker law - Disorderly Conduct - is the issue here. Police seems to apply this law as if it is "Contempt of Cop" law. This law should be defined and specified more narrowly - or else in its present form, it will continue to be interpreted by cops as "people as servants to the cop" law instead of the other way around.

Finally, somebody that is willing to see that not everything is related to race. The police were there to protect the home and its owner. The lesson we should really learn is to cooperate with the police instead of giving them a bunch of garbage about your race.

My very simple question is "Has professor Gates ever taken a racial sensitivity class? it appeared he was very beligerent because a white cop questioned him; would he have reacted differently if a black cop questioned him?

Everyone keeps saying he does not have all the facts yet everyone rushes to form an opinion. I am of Asian origin and like to keep an open mind until I have known more tangible facts about the case. As of now, Walter Cronkite would not have reached any conclusion, would he?

The biggest problem I have with this issue is this.....When Professor Gates provided his driver's license to Crowley that included his address. Why didn't Crowley accept the fact that Professor Gates lived at the resident? And why did he continue to call for back up after he received this information. We all still wonder was it because he was Black, probable so.

Robert once again you are right on.

The suggestion of a meeting appears to be a winner for the President and the Professor; however, it makes the rule of law and police officers in general out as dishonest and distrustful.

To have a meeting is an acknowledgement by the Police that there is room to compromise on the actions done. If there is to be an acknowledgement that the police did some wrong in this case, there should be legal action taken against them so it does not happen again. If there was no wrong, then does it not become like an Officer meeting with someone he cited with a speeding ticket and tries to see common ground with someone breaking the law of speeding or reckless driving?

It appears the Police Officer followed his procedures by responding to a 911 call. The deck is now stacked against him if he meets with the Professor and his friend, The President, in a meeting that causes the Officer to reach some kind of middle ground on what he thought was a lawful action.

There should be no meeting, but an apology by the Professor in how he dealt with some basic questions from his local police force. And an apology by the President for making this a huge deal – and a situation about race when it had nothing to do with race.

I was about ready to say that Gates was crazy, then it turns out that Crowley lied on his police report and never talked to the neighbor, or was told by the neighbor it was 2 black men. He made up that part apparently, and he was the one that put "black men" in the neighbor's mouth who he never talked to or ever said it. Now I wonder how much more is made up by the officer.

It doesn't take a commentary or some fancy degree to figure out that this cop is a racist, and should be the one arrested. Now it appears he will get off with little more than a 'lesson learned", while another dignified African American is shamed. Welcome to America.

So, what about that "exemplary career of Sergeant James Crowley"? Do you get extra points for making things up in your police report to fix your set of facts? Who told Crowley about the two black men on the porch?

I agree with your comments that racial profiling has a dual side and there seems to now be an automatic assumption that it occurs with regularity. President Obama was guilty of practicing racial profiling when he raised the issue and how terrible the police practice was, even when he admitted that he did not have all the facts at hand. He automatically profiled the white police officer as being racially intolerant and made comments based on his own history not the actual facts.

Missing is the discussion about the attitudes Police departments have taken on since the passing of the Patriot Act. By law and action, citizens are subservant to them reguardless of race.

Bob! Why isn't your title 'Democratic Political Analyst'? That you're with CNN is a given.

I really don't think the problem was race. I think that it was testestrone.
I bet Hillary Clinton, Sonia Sotomayor and Sarah Palin could tell you about that being the major dirty little secret in this country. We are addressing race and still have a long way to go. We haven't even started to address sexism.

I give Robert Zimmerman a lot of credit as a democrat and a liberal for standing up for the police officer.
Thanks Robert, you are always so insightful!

The whole Professor Gates issue has caused an uproar in America. I am personally appalled by it because I feel that the Cambridge Police Dept. acted very "stupidly" also. They promptly responded to the call which is in their job description; however, the arrest is what has struck a nerve with many people. After Professor Gates showed proper documentation, that should have been the end of it. However, Sgt. Crowley was taken aback by the fact that Gates was an educated black man; which was the sole reason for the arrest. You know so many people are tired of America making it seem as if racism doesn't exist, when we all know it does. To be honest, that is what hurts the most because not just America but people all over the world seem to be blinded by this reality.

This doesn't look like a racial issue, but more like the Police vs. the common man.

Officers always have the option to "put people in their place." They enjoy exercising this power. Most people are smart enough not to report a police officer using the Boston PD's complaint process because the second you put your name and address on that form they know they are going to be harassed.

The only mistake Crowley made was picking the wrong person to take his anger out on. I'm sure hundreds of other days he's been able to freely take his anger out on people and instead of fighting it most people take a plea bargain rather then fight the up hill battle.

In the future expect LEOs from Cambridge to be a little more careful on who they exercise their police powers on.

The professor was quick to shout racism. He did this because cop was white and that makes the professor racist himself. The President and the Mayor were also quick to assume that because the officer was white the act was racist. Reverse racism is still racism and should be not be considered acceptable.

If you say "your mamma" to a police officer you are probably going to get a ride downtown, no matter what color you are.

Yes, racial profiling – in reverse. Prof. Gates looked at Sargeant Crowley as a white man, not as a police officer who was doing his duty and who might have had a good reason for doing and saying what he was trying to do and say.

Sargeant Crowley was vigilant in trying to protect Prof. Gates from an intruder who might be hiding in his home. I've had intruders hiding in my home, unbeknownst to me.

Seems to me that Prof. Gates is arrogant and racist in telling the Sargeant how to do HIS job; the Sargeant wouldn't try teaching the Prof.'s class, would he.

Where did this professor go to school? He needs an attitude adjustment and should go to sensitivity training. Its obvious he had contempt for the white officer. Its also shameful how many blacks came to his aid just like with the murderer, OJ Simpson.

Good article...but another thing that I have not seen addressed that could be used as a real "teaching point" for those outside of law enforcement is to provide the minimum standards or articulable facts necessary for police officers to effect the arrest of a person for disorderly conduct.

How refreshing: someone is willing to recognize that racial profiling works both ways – white AND black!!

Yesterday two police officers were murdered in Oklahoma as they answered a call. An assailant unexpectedly opened fire on them.

Earlier this year five Oakland police officers were killed in one day.

These attacks occur far to often.

The officer has every right to defend himself and error on the side of safety. Eventually the situation would have been resolved factually, but at that moment the homeowner, white or black, should have followed precisely the instructions of the police officer.

We need to respect their authority and support them.

The thing that I have not seen discussed is that 2 men were seen forcing their way into the house. The officers had a responsibility to account for both of them before leaving. How much different would this story have been if Gates persuaded the cops to leave and the other guy was hiding in the housse with a gun?

Where's Obama's apology?

Exactly why is it as I white woman I should have to take race sensitivity classes but no Black woman does...this is racism to me....I am not going to be ran through the ringer for "the sins of my father". I treat all people regardless of race, religion or culture will respect as long as I am given that respect in return. There are no "freebees" in my moral compass. The professor was the beligerent one and drew the race card. The white cop called for back up because the "suspect" was disorderly and being obnoxious. Seems to me the professor should have enough brains to know better this is not the way to act scared to say he is teaching our future........I am really over this whole story and very disappointed in our President to allign himself with his friend over the law without knowing the facts. The learning lesson from this to me is .....if you are white be prepared to be called a racist if you dare stick up against a black.....

Seems to me that racial profling was done but not by the police officer but by /Gates.

As far as I know the protocol for answering a "burglary in progress," call, is for the Polie to go with their guns drawn. No-body has brought this up. Obviously I was not there, but even President Obama would get upset if he is confronted in his own house by a Policeman with his guns drawn. I feel the Police are not being transparent and are not putting all the facts out there. By not doing this, they are dividing the country.

I think because of the possibility of a law-suit, they would rather make Mr. Gates look like an out of control idiot, wiping away all his accomplishments and his character, then make the Police look bad. They even made the president of the united States back-peddle and swallow his own words. This would have never have happened if Mr. Gates was white. Just imagine how common black folks suffer everyday in the hands of the Police.

I'M JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO WAS THIS PERSON THAT CALLED 911 ABOUT A BREAK-IN. WAS IT A HATEFUL NEIGHBOR?I KNOW WHO MY NEIGHBORS ARE AND WOULD NEVER CALL 911 BECAUSE THEY ARE TRYING TO GET INTO THEIR OWN HOME

I was raised to respect and cooperate with law officers. I was also taught years later by a family friend who was a 15 year veteran of the Philadelphia police force that officers are trained to watch for certain signs of a situation escalating to a point that could be threatening to the first responders and or bystanders. He told me that it is not uncommon for a person being questioned by a policeman to be come rude or loud but they are trained that if the subject starts to back away and refuse to make eye contact or gestures wildly it is a sign that the person may run or become violent. He told me that at this point any officer has the right to restrain said person to prevent harm to themselves, the officer and bystanders.

Professor Gates probably did all of the above as well as slander a decorated officer.

Angela – the officer didn't leave right after Gates showed his license because there was a disturbance going on where Gates was acting like a fool, causing a disturbance, yelling, mouthing off, and causing a scene which is disorderly conduct. It doesn't matter that Gates was on his front porch. If you are causing a scene in the view of the public so as to create on-lookers to notice by yelling and cursing, that is disorderly conduct, which is against the law. Unfortunately, this law exists because there are people out there who still think that you don't have to do what a police officer orders you to do. There would have been NO problem had Gates acted like a normal person and let the officer do his job. Gates was the one who was being racial.

If a black police officer had arrested a white man under the same circumstances would all the pundits and "experts" even be talking about it. I doubt it-that is policie profiling

You said it!! And anyone who does not realize that Officer Crowley did not call for back-up because he did not accept that Professor Gates lived at the house - like Angela - does not understand the chain of events that transpired. Gates brought this upon himself.

It's true that not all police interactions with minorities stem from racial profiling, but I do agree with Angela – once Professor Gates provided evidence that it was in fact his home, the entire situation should've ended there.

Enuff already.

@ Angela – If you listen to the 911 tapes Gates can be heard screaming "keep the cars coming". As a white male even I know it's a bad idea to test the cops. If you push them, nine times out of ten they will more then likely arrest you just to keep order at the scene. I think the real issue here that no one wants to mention is the fact that just because Gates is black, that doesn't give him license or authority to mouth off to a cop of any color. I've known since I was 16, mouth off to the cops and you're asking for it. Clearly the cop just wanted to protect himself and his fellow officers (HELLO?! Why the charges were dropped!). No one, of any color, should be surprised at the fact that when they mouth of to the cops they will likely get arrested.

****(Why did the police DROP the CHARGES?)*****

All you people that say GATES was wrong. Then if GATES was so guilty, then WHY did the police DROP the CHARGES? Because the charges would NOT hold up in COURT.

****(The REAL question to ask is. WHY did the police **(DROP)** the CHARGES? The only 2 reason the COPS drop charges are. Either the cops did NOT have a good enough case or good enough evidence to win the case. Or the COPS made a MISTAKE with the arrest and decided to DROPPED the case. The COPS **(DID)** DROP the LOUIS GATES case. And for whatever reason the police DROPPED the LOUIS GATES case, makes the cops look **(GUILTY)**! But people don't bring this up. Gee, I wonder why?)******

Crowley is not a racist. Gates clearly overreacted. Crowley then overreacted by arresting Gates for disorderly conduct. And that's that.

What I find most frustrating about this situation is that no one has taken the time to LISTEN to what officer Crowley had to say in his explanation of the situation. He gets a call about a possible break-in, and when he arrives at the house, he finds an older gentleman with a cane. The driver for Mr. Gates has already left. So at this point, Crowley needs to determine if there are two men hiding in the house who have just broken in unbeknownst to Mr. Gates. That is why he asked him to step outside. Crowley wanted to ensure Mr. Gates safety. In other words, he was TRYING to do his job. If officer Crowley left after checking Mr. Gates's ID, and Gates was then murdered by thieves, then what? Is everyone going to scream bloody murder, that if Gates was white, then Crowley would have taken the time to ensure his safety?

This "professor" needs to go back to school on life lessons. If anyone, regardless of color, height, smell, sexual gender, etc... was seen breaking into a house whether it was theirs or not they should expect that the police will come and question them at length.

I want the police in my neighborhood to act in this manner. To keep my family and friends safe and to quell criminal activity.

If you can't deal with the consequences of your actions then don't just break out the race card everytime you get called on them.

King of all Blacks

I strongly believe this has nothing to do with race .It more had to do with 2 grown men behaving like kids. You see it everyday no one wants to admit they are wrong .The cop was wrong for refusing to identify himself when asked and the professor is also wrong to no immediately identify himself when ask before strting to argue and the cops was wrong to argue with the person after he recieved the id verfying the person and the address

Apparently the ID he provided first did not have the address and according to the police statement he did not offer his ID but did offer that this was being done because of his race. I went to college for 12 years and the "profile" now showing about Gates is consistent with the profile on the campus I went to. I generally cooperate with the police and if I don't I expect there to be trouble regardless of my race.

The problem is that the Professor wants and expects "respect". Yet he failed to give that himself to the officer. Professor Gates let his bias and disrepect for police in general affect his response when the officer first made contact.

The professor still believes he deserved respect. That his race should have no factor in the incident, and based on his position, and accomplishments. And yes, he deserves respect.

But so does the officer. Since January 1st of 2000, in the good old USA, on average, 13.9 peace officers have died in the line of duty each and every MONTH. Two more were killed in the line of duty yesterday trying to serve a warrant. (http://odmp.org/year.php)

Not sure on where to find the stats of professors who have died in the line of teaching in the US ... but don't think it's close to peace officers.

Everyone deserves respect ... and maybe one day, Professor Gates will realize that and start giving instead of just demanding it for himself.

The only teachable "moment" of this whole sorry incident is to cooperate with the police especially when they are trying to protect you and your property which was what Crowley and Fuegieroa were trying to do.
That Gates failed to do in spades.

This issue of race, as it pertains to this incident, is a lot of huey. The folks who are injecting race into it are doing so for their own agenda(s).

Did Gates show proof of residency? He showed a Harvard ID, but not a license. Work IDs don't generally include one's home address.

Good piece, though. Most Causasians know what it's like to be accused of racism merely for Existing While White, but it's always been taboo to mention it. Perhaps the silver lining of this entire affair is that we can all now acknowledge that racism is a two-way street.

It seems to me like next time you see a group of police officers responding/investigating a scene of a crime or that on an accident one should start waving harms up in the air and snapping fingers.. Start cursing at them.. Basically become belligerent and impede their further progress in whatever they are chasing or investigating.. Never mind being collaborative and considerate to the police officers for the good cause. And if they cuff you, sue them.. Especially after all this...I think it would be a sure win in court. But let’s get rid of the Doctor/Medical Malpractice suits because Obama doesn’t like them for some explanation of his.

Racial profiling is just as healthy today with the police population in America as it has ever been and this case proves it. American police still cant grasp the fact that there are successful blacks in this country, even though we have a black president. The point is not whether or not the caller identifed the possible suspects of any race, the point is the way the homeowner was treated when the police arrived. He had an ID, and he was not believed. You put up with it being an affluent black person but you never get used to it. It happens to me pretty often.

Chuck is correct about the Disorderly Conduct charge which is another way of saying that Gates didn't submit completely and kiss officer Crowleys behind enough. Police are servants of the people. We should never have to say "yes master" when within the law to a policeman. This is obviously a case where the officer wasn't satisfied with the level of respect being shown. Unfortunately that is enough to arrest someone for being "black while home." Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

My only queston in all of the discusions of this issue is - when did being a police officer become a "race"?

Thank you so much for daring as you say, to bring this to the attention to all who have been pontificating on this issue. You are dead on accurate in your assessment. It's about time someone had the stuff to mention the dangers of police profiling, as Mr. Gates clearly did when in his statement following the incident he mentioned that he "knew what was in (the officer's) head". Thank you thank you thank you!

The media's portrayal of this officer is just another example of how police officers are the most disrespected men and women in uniform that serve our country.

That the problem with CNN they are using most of the time people who are not expert in the the subject they are presenting

One thing i hate is when people of race accuse the white officers of racism when there was nothing to suggest that. The simple fact is that people of race throw around the race card when ever they dont get there way. That in itself creates bigetry and creates the problems we face today. Who knows.... maybe the professor didnt have a current drivers license?! And when did he show his license ... after he ran off with the mouth and refused to cooperate with the officer? Probably so. Most well to do blacks act like this and then throw the race card around just to give them an excuse to say " see race is stilla problem" even tho it isnt. And shame on our president for feeding into this kind of behavior.. He is no better and should resign.

Prima facie obvious?

I'll disagree with your interpretation. I got pulled over once in Texas and asked if I had recently "crossed the river". I'm Asian and probably got mistaken by the state trooper as a Hispanic as I drove by. I just don't think that white people are pulled over an a whim of color. I'm going to assume that Robert Zimmerman is white (and frankly, it's amusing to see the lengths that white people will go to in explaining how a black man got arrested on his own front porch for disorderly conduct).

Thank you. After all this, being a police officer must be the most thankless job in the country!

If I have a problem, I want to know I can call the police for help. After all the racial profiling, stereotyping by Gates and Obama, and commentators, they should not even bother to show up unless they check ahead of time that they won't be attacked by the President of the United States!

I know the police are better than that and that I can count on them. I don't know that I can count on Obama and his judgment of situations. More's the pity!

Chuck hit the nail right on the head. The real issue here is the "contempt of cop" law. In no other profession is there a legal avenue for someone to just completely screw over anyone they have an issue with. Cops aren't the only people that have to deal with upset jerks on a daily basis. That call center employee and that ER nurse have to deal with just as many angry and belligerent people as cops do but they don't have the legal recourse to just screw anyone over that gives them a hard time. Anyone outside of law enforcement would get thrown to wolves for that kind of vengeful behavior.

There may be plenty of blame to go around but we have a President who states that he doesn't have all the facts, but the officer was wrong. The charges are dropped through some unstated political move and then the President appoliges. Hmmmm-not very Presidential. What if the race card was reversed and Bush would have taken the Presidents position? The media would not have been so forgiving.

My real problem here is the arrest itself. It's not a racial question though the media likes to treat it that way. Does the arrest for disorderly conduct in one's own home constitute an abuse of power on the part of the police? If the police seem to agree that this was a legitimate course of action but the general public does not then there needs to be a much bigger dialogue than a simple discussion of racial police. What are the rights and powers of police? What are the rights and powers of property owners? These issues have come up before with more tragic results (Ruby Ridge for example.) What amazes me is the complete flip-flopping of the conservative echo chamber on this issue.

Just my opinion, but it appears to me that not only is Crowley innocent of racial profiling, but Gates is guilty of it. Would Gates have made such a baseless accusation if the arresting officer had been black- I think not.

Angela,

Did it occur to you that once Sgt Crowley discovered that Gates was the homeowner that he wanted him to step out of the house because the burglars may still be in the house? Police work is not rocket science, but it does require a bit of common sense.

The officer explained that he was trying to ensure no one was in the house. He was called because of a Break and Enter – IT WAS HIS JOB to ensure the building was safe. Can you imagine if the officer left and there was someone in the house and Gates was injured – what would people say about the officer then????

Interesting enough the poor woman who called the police has been under heavy fire for racial profiling. She is of Portuguese descent and the 911 tapes prove she NEVER used the word black to describe the men.

Sad state of affairs when people do the right thing and everyone rushes to judgment. I have lost a lot of respect for Obama for his reaction. He added fuel to this terrible event instead of being impartial and allowing the facts to speak for themselves.

The policing is biased because reality is biased.

Blacks are disproportionately represented among violent criminals, so it's only reasonable that police take that into account.

Of course, It's not permitted to take this into account, so it's no surprise that a professional like Bratton toes the accepted line. He'd be out of a job if he didn't.

Im glad the president realized he should retrack his statement, , certainly wasnt the time and place to discuss it durning what everyone calls a rough time for his health reform. Who knows maybe he used this to distract himself and the public since his own party can not come to terms with what he wants. Dont get me wrong there is a fine line on racial profiling, but this is not it. We all no how professors can make any situation all about them , thats why are kids are even more troubled then any other time, so im glad the president did the right thing , there will be rougher times ahead.

Teachable moment.

This appears to be the new catch phrase. So what have we learned.
1. It is ok to jump to conclusions without knowing all of the facts. (obama)
2. It is ok to be as beligerant as we want with the police as long as we don't take a swing at them.

I am saddened by this whole ordeal, because the lessons learned are the complete opposite of what they should be. Understandably a significant majority of the african american population have a disdain for the police and react negatively to the presence of any white officer.
However, not every situation is an attempt to squash the black man.

police profiling??? nice try mr zimmerman

Professor Gates came of age surrounded by the tragic legacy of the treatment of American blacks as far less than full and equal citizens. Sergeant Crowley's legacy is a different one, that of police officers having been viewed as "pigs" and as abusers of government authority.

We are collectively far better as a nation than both of those legacies now.
We can rise above and trust.

President Obama's teachable moment is about how we transcend the weaknesses of our past and forge together our common future. This is a very fine public moment for a new point of departure.

I don't think is illegal t be rude,yell, call a police officer name. So what was the reason for the arrest?
Also, people keep talking about the race when the real issue here is about our right to be able to speak our mind in OUR own house.

Angela,
First of all, according to Crowley's description of events, Gates did not provide him with a "photo ID" (i.e., a drivers liscence, but with a Harvard ID with no photo). Keep in mind that he (Crowley) was there to investigate a possible burglary, so how was he to know that the ID was not just something that the burglar found in the house and was attempting to pass off as his own? Secondly, even if Gates had adequately identified himself as the homeowner, how was Crowley to know that there was not some sort of restraing order baring him from the house, or, again, since he was originally called to the scene for to investigate a possible burglary, how was Crowley to know that the burglar wasn't hiding behind the door saying "you better get rid of that cop"? The answer is that he didn't, and it was his job to ascertain these facts – a function that was made more difficult by Gates being uncooperative and yelling at him the entire time. Gates himself said something to the effect that "Crowley appeared confused while he was trying to review the ID, talk on the radio to his dispatcher, and deal with an irrate Gates all at the same time". Finally, after Crowley did satisfy himself that it was Gates' home and he belonged there, he was trying to leave, but Gates followed him outside and continued to berate him and make a public scene. According to Crowley. he warned Gates twice that he was making a disturbance and should stop, but Gates kept on, at which time he was arrested. So, for those who contend that Crowley should have left, he was attempting to do just that, but Gates' would allow him. Do you really think that Crowley should have still just gotten in his car and driven away and left a raging lunatic behind to continue to make a scene in front of the crowd that had gathered?

Although I wasn't in Cambridge as an African-American(Black) I can say that this wasn't a case of profiling. This was simply an officer doing his job or as they say in the profession good police. I believe this was a perfect example of an overblown urinating contest between two proud men. One fella a noted celebrity in his culture and the other a highly regarded Officer of the Law well respected in his profession. I'm trying not to take sides but as all police have told me you control the situation.
I believe Gates may have went to far and flapped his gums a little to much. Gates crossed a proverbial line of questioning the officers authority and Crowley had to save face in front of his colleagues or else face some serious backlash by his other fellow officers. Simply put this was a case of two men with Jupiter sized ego's. I would love for we Americans to have an honest discussion on race. Let's put it on the table get it out in the open so we can move this great republic forward. We can learn from but I believe now that it's political nothing good will come out of this.

Can someone please explain why this was racial profiling? The police were called to a residence on a suspected break-in attempt. The officer was just doing his job and trying to determine the occupant's reason for being in the house. A simple misunderstanding turned into an ugly incident because Mr. Gates chose to be uncooperative and confrontational with the police. If you fight with the police, they are going to fight back.

"The sucker law — Disorderly Conduct — is the issue here. Police seems to apply this law as if it is “Contempt of Cop” law. This law should be defined and specified more narrowly — or else in its present form, it will continue to be interpreted by cops as “people as servants to the cop” law instead of the other way around."

Eloquently worded and I agree emphatically.

I think the police were correct, they responded to the report of a breakin. Even after Evedence of residence was established, the search the residence to make sure it is clear.

I am speaking from experience here, about 15 years ago my grandmothers house was broken into while she was in her backyard. The police showed up, took our ID, then asked us to stay in the yard until they swept the house just incase someone was still in there hiding.

they swept the house and let us in, then we went room by room with them letting them know is anything was missing or out of place. If out of place it was dusted for finger prints.

I have Great respect for these offices who risk their life everytime they put thier uniform on. What can we ALL learn form this, cooperate with officers, and recognize that 99+% are good honest men and women willing to put themselves in danger to protect YOU and your Property.

Hasn't anyone considerd the posibility that the racial profiling involved was that of Prof. Gates on the officer?
What would have been his reaction if the same scenrio occured excepting that he was lecturing at the time and how could the officer know the difference when he walked to the door?

Chuck is right. The race issue is a canard that Gates was silly to bring up. However, this in no way exonerates Crowley. The REAL issue here is the all-too-common attitude among cops that if they don't like the way someone is acting, they arrest them with a BS Disorderly Conduct charge (aka "Contempt of Cop"). That's the real issue. A true professional officer would have realized the situation was escalating, and after seeing Gates had an ID that indicated he resided at the home, apologized and left. Unfortunately, Sgt. Crowley blew this chance to act professionally and fulfilled the unfortunate stereotype of power-tripping jerk cop. It's too bad that all the race-baiting will bury this equally serious problem with police behavior.

The one thing that no one has talked about is the fact that Mr. Gates probably just thought the police drove by and saw him breaking into his own home. He probably never thought that someone called in the alleged break-in. Therefore he thought that he was targeted and started in on the one thing that has been on his mind for most of his adult career – race relations. He probably puts every encounter in his life in context of this lifes work of race relations. But I think he missed the ball on this one. The chip on his shoulder got the best of him on this day and it is clear to me now after reading everything possible about this day that Gates was in the wrong for not following immediate orders from this cop. This cop had a series of rehearsed possibilites to exclude in order to secure the area for the safety of him and Mr. Gates. Mr. Gates made a mockery of the cops training and therefore made a mockery of himself, especially when the racial profiling allegations started spewing. He has accused the wrong cop. He has cried wolf. He was dead wrong. Plenty of people are arrested in their homes everyday. I.D. or not, if you are belligerent with the cops, you are impeding an investigation and you should go to jail. It would be great to have a conversation about relations between white and black. When do you think blacks will be ready to have a conversation about blacks and gays. We all know that as a group they are hostile towards gays. Seventy percent of eligible black voters in California voted against proposition 8 in California. Now lets all talk about our biases. All of them.

This is true but not in this case. The tapes speak for itself. The nice neighbor just saw one unknown person going in and was unable to id the first person who entered. She never said Black but it later turned into they were Black. He said Gates didnt want give ID but called in on radio with ID.

More than having the police take racial sensitivity classes, they really need to learn how to control their tempers. Arresting someone for "disorderly conduct" seems to mean you got under the cops skin.

Once again, a predominent factor in this issue is the media hype and sensationlism that generate various levels of responses, including that from the President. Millions of people are commentingn on an incident in which only a handful of persons were present at. First and foremost, this was not racial profiling. Sgt. Crowley was not driving down the street and approached Mr. Gates for the heck of it. He was dispatched to the house due to a 911 call from a neighbor. How unfortunate the neighbor did not recognize who was entering the house. A stereotypical socially structured response is, while police officer, african american subject, thats it, has to be profiling. The fact that Sgt. Crowley did not know Mr. Gates, and Mr. Gates did not know Sgt. Crowley, is crucial in this analysis, as Mr. Gates was dressed in plain clothes and Sgt. Crowley arrived in a marked police car and in uniform. It was easier for Mr. Gates to identify a police officer than Sgt. Crowley to automatically " know " who he was dealing with. So many people have been conditioned and trained to respond negatively to authority, that the mere question of residency becomes a matter of contentious debate. Had Sgt. Crowley not verified the identity of Mr. Gates, and it was NOT Mr. Gates, then he would have been criticized for being incompetent and departing the scene leaving behind burglar number one. Also, if Mr. Gates was belligerent, it may have alerted an experienced police officer that something else may be occuring in the house that the resident does not want discovered, the police officer has to be inquisitive even if for no other reason his safety and the safety of others. When Mr. Gates launched personal attacks on Sgt. Crowley's mother, only because he was called to the scene and doing his job, it becomes obvious that he is much less of a pillar of the community, than Sgt. Crowly is a pillar in the law enforcement community. To demand police protection, and then resent it when you encounter it, is grossly counter productive to civility and sets a poor example for others. And this, from a Harvard Professor? Along with the President, Mr. Gates should apologize to Sgt. Crowley, and thank his neighbors for being observant and alerting the police to what they believed was an intrusion to Mr. Gates home. If that is all it takes for Mr. Gates to criticize the Police dept., then the next time someone observed a person breaking into his home, Do Not Call the Police and let the criminals have their way. I'm sure Sgt. Crowley will have other 911 calls to go on, and won't miss going to his house. This is a deplorable situation caused by an out of control media and an attention seeking Professor who will no doubt revel in the shadows of publicity he gets, and will probably write a book. But I'll be he will be the first one to scream for help from the police if and when he is the victim of a real crime, and according to his reaction to the police, any suspects should not be challenged or identified. Perfect. You will live in the society you create. This was not racial profiling. This is exploitation at its finest, at the expense of race relatioins from a professional educator that should know better. He must be proud of himself, very few others are. Nice going Mr. Gates.

Does it worry anyone else besides myself that now in this country if you are caucasion and report a crime or what is thought to be a crime being perpetrated by someone other than another caucasion there is a good chance you could be labeled a racist. I am sure this will cross my mind the next time I report something to the police and they ask me to describe the individual.

According to this cnn report today (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/07/27/gates.arrest/index.html), it is obvious that Sgt. Crowley lied in his report about his non-existing dialog with the caller. He lost his credibility and I have every reason to believe he also lied in stating that Gates yelled repeatedly because he needed to make a reason to arrest this man who has doctor's writing evidence that he could not possibally yell due to his branchitis.

When you make your living on race baiting or victimhood mentality, Gates hit a goldmine. Whether or not it's your home, and a neighbor is looking out for the homeowner's best interests and see's a potential burglary; you thank the responding police officer. You don't question him when he's in uniform or say "yo mama." Is this what a middle age professional man says to a police officer. Why would Gates ask for his name when its on a name tage? Why yell profanities to get other's attention? During a police investigation you don't have civil rights, you have miranda rights. These race baiting slicksters (gangstas, thugs) lose ALL creditability when they disrespect a uniformed police officer that only responded to a potential crime in progress. Thank them for their underpaid service to the community; they don't do it for the pay because it's not enough to support their families. Most police officers and fire fighters are forced to have 2nd or 3rd jobs to make a living. Look at the percentage of minorities in prison and then tell me about racial profiling. Respect is earned not given.

And now we're discovering that Crowley NEVER had the conversation with Whalen (the caller) that he claims to have had. Crowley, in his police report, claimed to have spoken with Whalen. Crowley states that Whalen said there were two black men with backpacks shouldering their way into the Cambridge home. If you check out CNN.com, you'll see that Whalen said that conversation NEVER took place. She and Crowley NEVER exchanged a single word. In the end, I have no reason to doubt Whalen since a portion of the phone call made to the Cambridge police was released. She never mentioned black males, so why did Whalen put that in his report??? That's the million dollar question.

Now, I would never argue that police always make these terrible mistakes. But I would really love to see the police admit when they do. That would be the first step to healing this problem. Admition!!

This is and will always be a "unfortunate" incident were I believe, emotion became the key ielement............Gates as well as Crowley let the best of emotion become the culprit..........this could have been a laughable moment, or a good service to the community, and reviewed as such....but it did not. nobody took a step back here, two educated ,professional people jumped to conclusion and abated a situation way out of hand................................maybe these three (President Obama, Crowley and Gates) should have more than a few beers together., sit down, hash it out, and come out and admit all three overreacted as humans do. and tell the nation as well................................................

What's wrong with police profiling. They are the ones with the badge and the gun. We have no power over the police, so it does not matter if we think a police is gay, racist, Catholic, Jew, sadist, or from Mars.

They are the ones with the power and have a higher code to which they should conduct themselves. The surface-thinking should stop.

Chuck, you are 100% correct. We should be able to express anger, joy or disgust at a police in our own yard without being arrested, as long as we're not threatening to hurt the police or another person.

Come on, Chuck.... Really? You just unconsciously made this article's point. Thanks for the chuckle
Reread it and try again.

The above note by chuck about "disorderly conduct" is the issue, too many policers use their unwise discretion to arrest someone they belive to challenge their authority or stand up to police officers acting outisde their positions. Its about time we really define this law. Too many police oficers have a "higher then thou" attitude and at their discretion use this law to instill fear, and it needs to stop. I am not black but I have seen this happen time and time again. We as the people need to back society from the criminals wether they have mask over their face or wear a blue uniform with a badge.

I understood that Gates didn't show his license. Even if he did, he made a point to follow the officer out of his house and continually berate him for just being there doing his job. The encounter should have gone like this. Crowley: "Sir, we had a report of a break in, can I see some identification." Gates: "Certainly. Thank you for responding." Crowley: "Well if everything is ok Mr. Gates, I'll be on my way, sorry to disturb you" Gates: "thanks again for all you guys do". Its that simple, show some respect and be nice, get respect and nice treatment. Automatically go into some "you're a racist white cop and just harassing me" rage and you end up in the city jail.

Everyone should remember the countless videos we have all seen of cops being rude and applying unjustified force against citizens whether they are white, black or any other race. Cops act as if the average citizen is supposed to be subservient to them. In this case the officer should have dropped the argument once he was shown identification that person in question actually lived there and left it at that. I believe the officer felt disrespected because the person may have talked back to him. Big deal.

Gates v. Cambridge police.

One question that I have regarding the "so called" mishandling of Professor Gates by the Cambridge Police is, has anyone interviewed the african-american police officer that was on the scene when Mr. Gates was arrested? From various photos and videos in the media, it is clear that the all of the arresting officers were not caucasion. I wonder if the African-American officer that was present felt that the actions by Sgt. Crowley were out-of-line and inappropriate? Let's hear his side of the story.

He did accept that Gates lived there. He called for back up because Gates was acting irrational and assumed the officer was out to get him.

Angela,
Professor Gates didn't provide a license, he provided a Harvard ID that didn't show his photo or address, which didn't prove that he lived there. The lost lesson here is that "minorities" still think it's fine to yell racism for bad behavior. And yahoos like Al Sharpton feed the fire.

Why didn't Professor Gates, a very successful man who is best buddies with our black president, stand up in front of his room full of young black men and say, "Look at us; work hard and be whatever you want to be." But no, he lectured about black people being vulnerable in America. Feeding the fire. Shameful. And I used to be a fan of Professor Gates.

Those that think the police officer was racially biased also think that OJ was innocent. I can guarantee that one.

Angela – the first ID Professor Gates provided was his Harvard University ID, which does not include a home address. Officer Crowley called for the Harvard University police to identify Professor Gates as he refused to provide anything else to show he legally resided there at that point. The Harvard University police told Officer Crowley it was in fact him. That is when Officer Crowley headed toward his vehicle (outside) and Professor Gates followed him out there.

Considering there were multiple break-ins in that very neighborhood recently, one would think Professor Gates would appreciate the fact the officer was just trying to do his job. The simple thing to do would've been to just show the officer an ID with an address first. Something most of us would do without hesitation.

I look forward to hearing the tapes, which I'm sure will tell more of both sides of the story.

I agree with this column but as a 60 yr old black woman I cannot dismiss, out of hand, when someone of color perceives racism. I would like to ask any cop out there, I already have an answer from my brother-in-law who is one, why shouldn't my son get upset when he is profiled? When he is asked for ID 2 doors down from the home he and his wife owns and have owned for over 10 yrs or even when he would back out of his drive. It's easy to tell people what to do. if you never walked in their shoes, you cannot make an informed decision. As for 'so called mouthing off', the one thing everyone seems to forget, the Supreme Court ruled it as freedom of speech. I can't remember what year but this very issue was taken up by the Supreme Court.

Angela – Or was it because the officer recoginized that someone else might also be in the house? Perhaps professor Gates arrived home to interrupt a burglary in-progress and the burglar was hiding in his house? It seems prudent to me to ask the man who appeared to be the legal resident to step outside so that the officer could do his job of ensuring everything was in order. Imagine the headlines if the police simply left with no further questions and professor Gates was attacked and injured or killed by a person who broke into his home. Then the headlines would that the police failed to do due diligence because of race! This is simply maddening.

Obama is the racist. He didn't know the facts but publically opined that the officers actions were stupid. Seems he was racially profiling the policeman. He still hasn't apologized. He's just trying to make it go away because he can offer beer at the White House. He shouldn't get away with it so easily.

The picture has 1000 of words. Without this picture, I don't know where prof. Gates could have been.
Hand cuff someone because of so called VERBAL misconduct...? Do you want to tell me that the policeman didn't know prof.Gates? If so, about the black and happy policeman who wants to be promoted. He, also, didn't know prof. Gates? Let's forget about prof. Gates. Can you knock prof. Henry Kissenger's door, hand cuff him because he asked you the reason why you are there?

The only person that used racial profiling was Professor Gates. He saw a white police officer and assumed they were there to harass him. There wasn't a problem until Professor Gates created a problem. Sgt. Crowley was just doing his job, but now will be branded as a racist for life for nothing.

For those who wonder why after an ID was presented did the officer still ask professor Gates to step outside: The answer is simple. The officer wanted to act in a manner that was the safest for both himself, his partner and Professor Gates.

911 call said 2 men forcing entry. He was in the home and didn't see the 2nd person. This is a security issue for him. Prof. Gates was so busy being angry that some facts were not clear. The caller said there were 2 men who forced themselves into the home. How is this officer to know if the homeowner is or is not aware of 2 other individuals? He isn't answering questions that could have cleared it up and all the officer wanted to do was to remove the element of surprise attack from hidden parts of the home by getting outside to talk where his partner was.

Although Gates showed an ID, that does not mean to the officer that he knows who the 2 men mentioned in the 911 call are. It only shows that this man lives there.

Bottom line: Policemen like to go home at night safely to their own homes once the job is done. If they aren't sure that all avenues of potential danger have been explored, they should not relax their guard just to make some angry man feel better.

As a citizen if an officer asks us to present an ID and move to a different location we should do it. Its very simple request and although we may not be aware of all the times things can go wrong and someone get hurt ... the officers are. They put their lives on the line to take care of us and our property. The least we can do for them and their families is not make it harder or possibly increase the chances they can't get home after their shift is to cooperate. What if there had been someone else there Professor Gates wasn't aware of? I know in this instance we now know that wasn't the case but the officers driving onto the scene had no idea.

I would venture to say more times than not, color of skin is the last thing on a policeman's mind when he is trying to make sure a situation is or is not safe.

I think the biggest problem we have here is that Gates shouldnt have been beligerent to the office in the first place. And then to involve the president because they are friends. Come On People!!!!! I would think the president if he was the doing the job he promised to do would be to busy to get involved with something so ridiculous to begin with. There are some who are quick to use the racial game when they know they are wrong in the first place. I dont care if you are a friend of the pope, or queen of England. Act like a human being and quick playing mind games with race etc.

Seems to me that asking a black man for his ID in his own house and not accepting it as proof that he belongs there is parallel to asking the President Of the United States for his birth certificate.

Quote from Gates’ Yale U application:

“As always, whitey now sits in judgment of me, preparing to cast my fate. It is your decision either to let me blow with the wind as a nonentity or to encourage the development of self. Allow me to prove myself.”

What's wrong with profiling the police. We profile polilticians all the time. Police are the ones with the badge and the gun. We have no power over them. They are the ones who should be held to a higher standard. They volunteered for the job.

I was a US soldier. One thinig I remember is no matter how good of a soldier a person was, you still had to answer for bad decisions. Your butt was chewed or even worse, at the slighest of screw-ups.
Police need to be held to a similar standard rather than just always being given the benefit of the doubt just because they are police.

Chuck, you are 100% correct.

You missed the point, it is not racial, but police duty, it is to protect people, not to demonstrate that police officers are always right, no matter they are wrong sometimes, like in this case. Yesterday I found in The Miami Herald a quote that summarized this case:
" If Gates was loud and agitated, common sense says Crowley should've simply removed the source of the agitation -himself. Problem solved."

Then he should have left. Period. Per my brother-in-law to whom this has happened any number of time but from his alarm going off. Guess what, he is a cop. He told me, verify address, leave. Nothing else is warranted.

I agree with commenter 'Chuck' above (3:25pm). The issue is "Disorderly Conduct as a sucker law." On July 16, 2009 a man in Cambridge, MA was arrested in his own home, without a warrant .

To me, the 'teachable moment' here is "do American citizens understand what the 4th amendment says, what means, and why it was such an important matter that is in our 'Bill of Rights?"

The 4th Amendment guarantees that we citizens have the right to be secure in our homes, and that we cannot be arrested without cause. Since Pres Obama was once a lecturer in "the Constitution' you would think he would have noticed this right away. Race discrimination is just a red-herring issue in this matter.

What you have is the perfect example of a black man with a typically low IQ getting all uppity.

Why did the police officer argue, I have see a video of white man yell and screaming at a cop who pulled him for speeding on the highway, the officer in that case maintained professionalism and gave him a ticket and let him go. I am sure many of you have seen this, its been widely shown in the media.

In this case the officer should have shown professionalism instead of getting into ego tuscle with the professor. We just should wonder how things would have played out if this professor was a white guy who would have reacted in the same way. I think the officer was trying to teach a lesson to the professor which is clearly not professional behavior. I yell and scream in my house too, its no ones businness unless I am disturbing my neighbours and they complain.

Trace, the man just came from a trip, his door is jammed the police questioned him, he shows his id...Ok gates could be nice but it didn't have to..and once again being rude to a policeman in your own house when u show u lived there is not a reason to be arrested..

Yeah Gates is the racist everybody go tell his white wife this and his white parent that he hates part of himself and secretly hates his wife.

I appreciate the authors point of view here. Let's calm down and give these police officers a break. There have been more than a small number of "outraged citizens" (black, white, young, old) who have erupted, pulled out a weapon or otherwise gone off the deep end.

How would the Professor have felt if he had been robbed blind or mugged in his yard and a white police officer had driven past, afraid to stop and interfere because he was hesitant to be cast as a "racial profiler"?

More restraint from the finger pointing would be great. Let's use some common sense here!

I wonder Sgt.James would carry on his further investigation after IDs been provided by a well dressed middle age caucasian female?
In any case, it is better off to treat a law enforcement officer (any race)with respect rather than yelling and arguing to save yourself from further trouible as it is a two way street. Of course, if you are big on principal; which appears to be in this case, the outcome could be spectacular! (most of us cannot afford this type of hassle)
Eric from Canada

I do think that everyone here is missing the point. The fact is Officer Crowley wrote in his report that the perpertratorswere Black. The neighbor said she never said that, so it remains why did the Officer write that. If he wrote that in his report was that in his mind when he answered the call. HMN I guess we will never know that. It also is troubling why the officer did not try to de-escalate the situation instead of inflaming it. Police should be respected by all citizens but I believe they both should have searched for understanding. Mr. Gates as to the procedure for Mr Crowley when answering a possilbe break in progress and Mr. Crowley in calming the situation and explaining his responsibility and the law.

I think Mr. President should appologize the police because of saying "Act stupidly). The President should not open mouth with such words especially with duty people. When he proposes the Healthcare and tax on the Rich to help the Healcare bill or take care the bil or what so ever, this is called "stupid plan" from people's point of view, but no one speak out that way, they just don't agree because it is clearly unfair...So, to me, being President, every single word out of the mouth should be considered very careful, don't just throw words without thinking.

My brother used to be a cop. I cannot tell you the number of times he escaped a "routine" call without being killed or seriously injured. His partner was not so lucky and lost his life over a "routine" traffic stop. ANY call a policeman goes on has the potential to be life-threatening . Here are some possible scenarios: How did the police know that Gates wasn't breaking into the house to hurt his wife? Was he a woman-beater? Just because his drivers' license has that address on it, doesn't mean squat. There are millions of people driving with licenses with old addresses. And, in my opinion, if Gates was confident in his stature and success, and comfortable in his own skin (regardless of what color it is), there wouldn't be a story. So talk all you want about skin color, hair color, gender, big people, short people, but I can tell you based on my brother's experiences the police don't give a rat's ass what color the skin is - just that there is the potential for human tragedy. They are very cautious at the slightest provocation and they should be. There are definitely bad cops, but a vast majority are genuine and put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. So next time a policeman asks you for your driver's license, just give it to him and safe yourself a lot of grief.

I really wonder how many more changes are coming. Now the woman who called, not a white woman says she never mentioned race. She also said she never spoke with the officer before he went into the home. I don't know about that one. That's a new one on me. That it was reported she was on the scene. Unless you were there, inside, outside on the roof what ever. Everything is hear say. We will probably never know what actually happened.

Robert,
Your last line says it all. Gates was the one who assumed it was racial profiling. There was a black officer at the scene in the photos. It was not racial profiling.

Angela – Gates never produced his driver's license. He only showed a school ID, which is not a valid ID with address. But, that misses the point. Gates instigated the scene. Gates was not arrested for breaking and entering. Gates was arrested for Disorderly Conduct.
Next time, Gates should thank the officer for looking after his property instead of pulling out the race card. Or, maybe Gates orchestrated the whole thing just to sell more books.

Get your facts straight Angela. Read the police report. After being presented ID Crowley had to go outside because Gates was being so loud to relay information back. Gates followed him outside and continued his tirade gathering a crowd of neighbors. Crowley warned him multiple times to calmo down and he didn't. This had nothing to do with race but with Gates being an idiot and racist himself. How easy is it to keep our calm and present id.

Professor Gates expects to be treated innocent until proven guilty.
shouldn't Officer Crowley receive the same treatment.

We have two versions of the same event, depending which version
(if either) is completely true. one or both of these men over-reacted to the situation.

until people know the facts they shouldn't rush to judgement but officer Crowley seems to be getting labeled as a racist by the public before he has a chance to present his side of the story.

To adress Angela's specific comment...the reason Mr. Gates arrested is because he continued to be confrontational after he was established as the resident. His arrest had less to do with the color of his skin than it did with his conduct. Hopefully he learned something from this.

A portion of the 911 call was just released–we can hear that the woman who called 911 doesn't say anything about the race of the two men until the 911 operator asks the caller about their race. If the 911 operator is going to ask the "race question"–why would it be wrong for the caller, if she had a good view of the men, to say at the beginning of her call that she believed they are 2 black men or 2 white men or 1 black man and 1 white man? If the caller doesn't offer this information-the 911 operator will ask. Why was there a big fuss about what the neighbor may or may not have said about their race?

Give the insight on the 911 call, I think Crowley covered up somethings once he found out who he arrested. It amazing how a report will all of a sudden fit the situation. So, now the questioin is who do you believe?

Let's get the story straight. Gate's showed an I.D. with no picture at first. So what was the officer to do? Just take his word? What if it wasn't Gates, and he was robbed? Whose fault would that have been?

One also has to keep in mind that this neighborhood had experienced over 20 home invasions this year. I think that also has contributed to the heightened awareness of the police. And dare we even speculate on the race of the people perpetrating the majority of these crimes in Cambridge? Not knowing any statistics myself, I won't comment. But this may be the 800 pound gorilla in the room. No one wants to talk about it, but a lot of people are thinking it.... guaranteed.

Valerie. Again read the police report (which all accounts back up).

Crowley warned Gates multiple times (in the front yard) to calm down. A crowd gathered and Crowley finally arrested him. I think he showed a lot of restraint considering he had to walk outside to use the radio because Gates was yelling so loud and Gates talks about his mother. Gates went off for no reason and suffered the consequences.

Everyone does understand the police were there to protect his property right? I mean give me a break they did not ask for ID because he was black they ask for ID because there was a report of a break-in and he was standing IN the house. How do you get racial profiling out of that? I'm just about burnt out on the racial profile comments. I have one word for all of you who want sympathy, DUKE!

It shocks me that people refuse to believe that racial profiling exists of minorities exists. To keep repeating that Crowley "teaches this course," means nothing. I have been teaching school for 45 years. I know for a fact that "teaching" something is not the same as having the experience. Is it possible that Crowley needs a sensitivity class?

Angela they did accept the fact that is was his house. He followed them out the door screaming at them and was warned twice OUTSIDE the house. Get the facts right!

My hat is off to Robert Zimmerman! What a bold and daring action to take given the air of "political correctness," even when those throwing stones against the law enforcement community (including our President) were wrong. With over 31 yrs as a Police Officer, I was so very proud to see my African American Sister and Brother Officers step forward to decry a wrongful condemation of Sergeant Crowley and his agency. Years and years of a horribly infectious desease called "racism" has shown us terrible side effects that people of all races can learn from. What is in the past doesn't mean today that every action taken by Officers of a different ethnic background is based upon racism. There is so much hope AGAIN that our country can get past years of judging people by the color of their skin. That same respect has to be shown not only by White Offiicers in the performance of their duties, but by the Black Community who demands that same respect. Congratulations to Robert as this piece of work may have done more good for OUR nation than you'll ever know.

Like Angela, I have only one question about this issue: Why didn't the police just say the equivalent of "Oops, sorry about that" and leave the house after they saw Gates's ID?

Regardless of what Gates was reportedly shouting at them and in the absence of any threatening words or behavior, they should not have arrested him. Obama can say that he could have used different words, but, to me, the police did act STUPIDLY - or worse. If the arrest had been legitimate, the charges should not and would not have been dropped.

I really don't think or care that race was a motive in the officers' behavior; I think that it's just a case of these specific police officers - not necessarily all police officers, Anderson!! - thinking that a person is committing a crime because that person dares to confront or question them, whether he/she does so quietly or loudly or whatever.

So far, I don't think that that is considered a crime in the USA.

Bottom line is cops cannot believe that their egos and pride are more important than that of us "citizens". If a cop feels that he is being insulted, by virtue of being yelled at by a citizen, then professionalism must take precedence. if on the other hand Gates did not provide the necessary identification, then understandably so, he should have been picked up. Identity was established, but the cop still wanted to teach a lesson, an emotional response from someone trained to handle such situations logically. Then again, we all know our cops are not true professionals.

I was not there, but I strongly suspect that Gates wrongly jumped to the conclusion that he was being questioned because of his race, as opposed to because there was a reported crime at his address.

As far as the DC charge goes:

Justice Brennan wrote, in in "City of Houston vs. Hill":
“Contrary to the city’s contention, the First Amendment protects a significant amount of verbal criticism and challenge directed at police officers,”
-and-
“The freedom of individuals verbally to oppose or challenge police action without thereby risking arrest is one of the principal characteristics by which we distinguish a free nation from a police state,”

On the other hand, there are numerous decisions that followed after the original Chaplinsky vs. New Hampshire ruling that indicate that freedom of speech is *not* absolute.

So ... what it comes down to, is "how far did Gates go in his conduct towards the arresting officer?"

Gates may have been abusive towards the officer, though he may have been within his rights to have done so.

Many of the relevant lower court decisions on this topic are vague or contradictory. I would have a hard time faulting the officer for making a judgement call on the DC charge.

We don't want a society where "contempt of cop" is an offense ... on the other hand, there must be limits on how far one can go in heaping abuse on a peace officer before "enough is enough" and the offender can be hauled off to cool off.

I was not there, you were not there ... but in my opinion, Gates made this a racial issue, not the arresting officer. The officer, on the other hand, could have walked away without arresting Gates, but chose not to ... so ... how far did Gates push, and was the officer's decision to arrest reasonable under the circumstances?

OK, I've not read where he gave the officer a drivers license. I thought he had given a harvard ID. Would that have given an address?
Has it come out now that he gave the officer his drivers license BEFORE all this other stuff went down? If that's the case, that would change it somewhat, but still, there wasnt any reason to become enraged with an officer that's responding to a call that he had no idea what was going on. And as far as disorderly conduct being a 'catch all', well it can easily be dropped, as this was, and I would almost bet that it would have been dropped even if this didnt no national. I feel there should be something that an officer can apply if they feel an incident is getting a little too 'exciting'. Again, it can be dropped and taken off of the persons record when it's over. I just really think that folks forget that an officer going into a call where there is a possible break-in or any call for that matter, they HAVE to be in cop mode, and that will mean reacting to certain situations. If they dont question things, they could easily wind up dead. Everyone seems to forget there were TWO people 'breaking into' the house, not just an older person. No one really asks the 'what if' these 2 were actual breaking in, lured the officer in, and the officer believed their story, put his guard down, and they attacked or killed him?

White people get arrested for disorderly conduct every day!!! It's not a race law and he does not get a free pass because he is black and the officer was white. Does anyone remember the stripper who accused the Duke players of rape? She was found to have lied. She ruined lives with that lie.I would say if the stripper was white they would have arrested her! People marched up and down the streets holding signs yelling Rapist and yet no one apologized to them!

Why did the POLICE DROP the CHARGES??? Because they did not have a CASE!

Are police officers public servants or are they there to exert their authority in every situation? If police officers consider themselves as public servants then they should approach every situation with a mindset of rendering assistance; particularly, when some house is suspected to be burgalerized. The main question then becomes what officer Crowley offered in the way of assistance after it was established that Professor Gates was indeed the legal resident in that house? The police officers go through lots of training for public safety. Why Dr. gates was arrested if public safety was not threatened? What was the state of mind of the officer Crowley when he entered Dr. Gates’ house? The behaviour of officer Crowley is troubling for the safety of the public at large. Why do they not have public service in mind?

Why officer Crowley is not being investigated for civil rights violations of Dr. Gates? Is it (USA) a “police state” that a police officer can arrest any body from his own house? I believe the whole police dept needs to be investigated if they are operating it like a police state.

Unless you are there and have training in dealing with criminal
behavior a bloger in not going to make a correct and safe comment to fit the fact that a man is screeming if all is really OK. There is a book with rules that dictates what an officer must do. Mr. Gates was removed for his own safety, his mental condition was the issue. Take a look at the picture of him on the cover of lots of media pages, Mr. Gates was out of control. If he was a professor of animal behavior giving a demo of mate call he could be excused

The lesson here is how quick blacks jumped to the defense of Mr. Gates with limited information (including Barak Obama) and how fast the rest of us jumped to the defense of the man with the badge.

I wish Crowley would make Obama apologize before he comes for this "beer". It was completely insane that Obama voiced an opinion before knowing the facts. He embarrasses our country with this nonsense. Gates is a racist moron that is using this moment to get his name in the spotlight.

I would suggest that the professor and everyone else that might be inclined to scream "Racial profiling",,,,,perhaps if they spent a few nights riding with police officers, both white and black,,,,then they might better understand what types of situations they encounter on a daily basis. Being a police officer now days,,,whether black or white has got to be an extremely dangerous profession. I doubt if there are any police officers who are mind readers, and can tell immediately what type of person they are encountering at any given moment. If that were the case,,,,the daily news would not be telling about your neighbor police officer who died the night before while investigating a possible break in.

Seems to me that Gates saw the policeman and that he was white and assumed that all white policemen are racist and acted accordingly. Racism is a two way street.

To Angela:

"When Professor Gates provided his driver’s license to Crowley that included his address. Why didn’t Crowley accept the fact that Professor Gates lived at the resident? And why did he continue to call for back up after he received this information. We all still wonder was it because he was Black, probable so."

Maybe not because Professor Gates was black, but because he was being an A**hole, Angela.

The fact that Gates was quick to whip put the race card shows who the REAL racist is, and that he doesn't have just a chip on his shoulder, but a massive boulder.

Suz you are kidding right? You were there right? You know for a fact that Officer Crowley entered the home and was a jerk right? WRONG. He was faced with yelling the minute he ask for ID. He never raised his voice not one time. He was followed out of the house being screamed at. I mean come on his fellow officers that are black backed him up to this fact! Why can't you all just admit sometimes the white guy is not always the bad guy?

"... a shameful and tragic act..."? Profiling, as the author continues to say in the article that exists in many places throughout society – has probably been around for as long as most living things. Don't animals "profile" other animals they recognize as predators? Didn't you "profile" your spouse" Don't most companies "profile" when they're spending millions on sales and marketing campaigns? Call it what you will, but if it helps law enforcement agencies to reduce crime and make our streets (and their own lives) safer, I'm all for it. And also, what ever happened to showing our law enforcement personnel respect? Be belligerent to the same person who's going to be patrolling your streets protecting you? That's wrong.

Mr. Zimmerman misses the point. For black men, racial profiling happens from police officers of all ethnic backgrounds. In 1978, I was stopped by a white and black officer while driving my father’s new Mercury Marquis. After providing the officers all the paperwork, I asked what traffic offense I had committed. They both responded that I had not committed any offense but they felt no 17 year old should be driving around in a fancy new car. My real crime was driving while black. The black officer provided more harassment than the white officer in that situation.
One other point Mr. Zimmerman misses is in the actions of Sgt. Crowley. Too much of the commentary has been focused on the initial report of a burglary in process. Upon entering the home and verifying the identification of Dr. Gates, Sgt. Crowley did absolutely nothing wrong. It is in his handling of the events subsequent to that point that is the real crux of the issue. By all accounts, Sgt. Crowley is an outstanding officer. This cannot be the first time he has dealt with an irate citizen. Isn’t he trained to handle such situations? Couldn’t he have simply walked away? If in retrospect Dr. Gates did some things wrong, I would argue the same is true for Sgt. Crowley.

This is the president of whom you speak. He can say what he wants, when he wants just like all the white ones did. The ones who vilified black people. Denigrated anyone not like them. They had that right. Where do you get off denying that same freedom of speech to this president. Even if he mis-spoke, you don't shut him up. That opens another keg of worms. Maybe you should look at the history of this country when it came to black men speaking against whites. It ain't pretty.

Angela, I questioned that also but then I did see a pundit on TV who did have the good idea to speak with police contacts. He said that their are frequent situations where the address on the ID match but the person definitely shouldn't be there, e.g., a divorcing spouse, or a stalker ex-boyfriend. Also, I would expect the officer should make sure that the house is safe. There is only one gentleman there and yet two were reported breaking in. Where is the other guy? Or could someone have already broken in and be hiding in the bedroom? I really don't know all of the scenarios. I do question arresting someone for popping off though. The poor professor just flew in from China (exhausted), found a broken door (angry and frustrated), and then someone questions him. No wonder he pops off. But then maybe he should back off now.

Looks like President Obama's true colors came through with his comments made before even knowing the facts.

Good comments here. Maybe the more we talk about it, the closer we get to understanding what all happened. Regardless of what happened INside the house, the arrest was for what happened OUTside the house. When it's nighttime and someone is shouting outside their door and the lights start coming on in the neighborhood and neighbors start gathering at the scene, that is by any definition disturbing the peace. It doesn't matter what the shouter is shouting. To stop the disturbance, the police remove the shouter...and often drop the charges later, when he/she calms down.

Zimmerman has an uncanny ability to see both sides of an issue, no matter how politically charged the topic. It seems that this unfortunate situation continues to grab the media spotlight.

In spite of the giant steps we have made towards racial equality we do not live in a perfect world. This seems to be a situation where no one is without fault. It was an odd situation and the good Samaritan who called the police certainly opened Pandora's box!

Compare the salaries of the professor and the police officer; does it make sense?

Some questions on the issue:

1) Was the neighbour that called the police identified? Why has he/she done that? Isn't Gates know by his neighbours? Is that a dangerous neighbourhood that keeps everyone at the edge?

2) Gates was angry. Well, I think I would be angry as well if the police showed at my door demanding proof of residence. And that based on what? A call from an interested neighbour? I've seen that in totalitarian states where neighbours watch neighbours, but things should be different in a free country.

3) Was the arrest lawful? If yes, why the charges were dropped? Pressure from the media, from the White House?

It's very difficult to be a Police Officer in our society and make decisions in a second....I think the officer made his best call and I also think that Professor Gates must have been terrified it certainly was not a good day for either and the weekend talk has not moved us forward but just opened old wounds.

If Sgt Crowley is such an expert on racial profiling he should also have known that the situation was volatile; and once he had determined that the prof had all rights to be there in his own home, he should have taken all necessary steps to defuse the situation. Instead he decided to show power by arresting him because the prof who was probably cranky from a long trip and a fight with his front door was protesting his perceived treatment. Since when has it become a crime to protest in your own home? Did he physically threaten the office? I agree when the president said the arrest was stupid. When is the police going to learn that once they determine that you are not the bad guy they should switch into the SERVE AND PROTECT mode irrespective of color? This issue is more than racial profiling. It has a lot to do with the general treatment of minorities by police regardless of their social status. I have seen too many whites mouth-off to police without getting arrested. It is a different code of conduct for minorities.

Francisco,

The neighbor never got a good view of who was forcing the front toor. She couldn't even tell their race.

His house had been broken in to recently along with many in that neighborhood.

Like ML stated the police removed the disturbance. Gates followed Crowley outside screaming, Crowley warned him twice, a crowd started gathering, Gates was arrested.

Obama can say anything; to his groupies everything he says is like it came from the lips og GOD.

I am with you all the way...least of all, I believe that the prez showed a bias when he took Gates side, rather than wait to find out the facts. It was merely an unfortunate incident and had the prez not got involved and helped fan the fire, it would have simmered down and cooler heads would have prevailed.

Just because anyone is scholared and honored does not make everything they do or say gospel. Any police officer that puts his life on the line everyday, should have received the prez's support ,,,yes, I know there are exceptions, but again..it makes my point...that the PREZ also assumed. It was a local matter...not a federal case.

Police around the country fabricate their reports especially when they have a co-worker that will back–up their report being placed to a DA and many innocent people get chagred because it's the officer that carries creditbility and the one being charged has no say to his defense... many police call each other up to see how many they have stopped and see who has the most citations given. especially when it comes to DUIs... they compete with each other many just pull people over with no probable cause but on their reports they make all these claims the driver was doing while driving, when in fact the driver was driving normal breaking no laws...

Angela makes everyone’s point that Obama didn’t have all the facts before he spoke and unfortunately many have been preconditioned to believe that racism has occurred when a person of color yells, “racial profiling.” The fact is a very liberal Afro-American professor was collecting cannon fodder for his documentary/book and more than likely wanted to create a “stink.” Gates gave Officer Crowley his Harvard ID and not his drivers license, the ID didn’t have Gates’ address on it. This is why Officer Crowley had to call Harvard’s campus Police Department to confirm his address. Gates just finished an international trip so he must have had his drivers license with his current address but more importantly a United States Passport within easy access. But no, Gates gives the officer his Harvard ID with no address and bunch of lip about the officer’s mother (before and after he was identified) and ironically that’s when Gates met the officer’s original request and came out on the front porch so he could continue to use Crowley as a verbal “punching bag.”

Jesse A. Rodriguez –

I would like to recommend that you step outside the sphere of your own experiences, if you can, and realize what's ACTUALLY at issue here. You're obviously commenting on what you've seen and heard SO FAR, which seems to have prompted opinions divided sharply along racial lines. Many of us who are of African descent, once hearing about what happened, were initially concerned about exactly WHY he was arrested.....Did he hit the cop with his cane???....Was he drunk and/or possibly arguing with or assaulting a neighbor when the police arrived???....To hear that he was mouthing off to the officer, which many of us have seen OTHER people do, in his OWN HOME, in a case where the police were called to investigate a possible burglary AT THAT HOME, made many people of all persuasions VERY upset...Nowhere in that state is this a valid reason for an arrest.

Now, I really don't know what planet the Cambridge police department and whoever supports their position are on, but if an officer arrested someone in my precinct for THAT reason, then had the charges DROPPED with 24 hours, I doubt that the arresting officer's superiors would say "Great job....you did the SMART thing by arresting him in his OWN HOME for yelling at you, but we have no choice now but to drop all charges...but don't worry, you're good!!".............No, I think that words like STUPID, IDIOTIC and UNNECESSARY just might have been used instead! Which speaks to what the President said....It was a STUPID thing to do.

And now it gets even better.......now the 911 tapes show NO MENTION of any "big, black men with backpacks", nor did the neighbor EVER speak to him....So what's it doing in HIS police report???!!!! HE LIED ON HIS OWN POLICE REPORT!!!!....In the same way that ALL racist cops do to cover their a$$es!! THAT'S THE RACIAL PROFILING!!!

So, folks should really try to let whatever negative views they have of black people not cloud your common sense, since the obvious liar here is Sgt. Crowley in his own report.

Here is a short story that might shed some light as to why the police officer continued to ask questions to include calling for backup. One summer evening a guy tried to steal the battery out of my brother’s car. My brother startled him and he took off running with my brother in chase. The guy jumped over the fence into a yard some distance from our house. At this point my brother called the police and they showed up at the house. The family inside were not very cooperative stating they knew nothing about a battery being stolen and they had been in the house all evening. The police cleared the house just the same and guess what they found. They found this guy hiding in the back room closet. The family was now very appreciative of the police.

Based off this experience I can see that the officer might have thought someone else was in the house. That is why he continued to ask questions.

hopefully this will defused police officers from abusing the power given to them... They must learn to protect and serve not draw their weapon to get someone to stop and/or obey their command sometimes they may just need to scuffle a little bit with-out hurting or fatally wounding someone or themselves... a bruise here or there won't hurt anyone...

Why does everyone seem to be missing the point of what the issue is. It's not the arrest situation that happened. that is a non issue. just a local cop doing his job. The issue is when you have a president of a country coming out and starting a statement with how he dont have all the facts and dont know what all happened and yet says things just after that like the cops acted stupidly. He has no reason other than emotion to say that. He has to understand as a president you just dont say things like that without having all the facts. It shows a lack of leadership ability to do so. Thats what the real issue is, not the local issue that should have stayed local.

@ Francisco.... Kudos! Well said!

As a Latina, I have looked at this story from another point of view. Where is the common sense people???

IF you are in your OWN home, and show I.D. why does the cop, not say "okay, have a nice day"? The professor was NOT armed, he has FREEDOM of Speech or are we now living in a Police State?! IF the arrest was lawful, WHY were the charges dropped??

Also, I read the 911 call, posted here by CNN. Another question: the neighbor, Ms. Whalen, did not recognize her OWN neighbor?? I know my neighbors, even IF its only from waving hello.

And WHY did the 911 operator ask Ms. Whalen for the RACE of the "suspected intruders" aren't we all ....... HUMAN?

The far-right wants to keep harping on this issue, they want to deny racism exists, that's fine. You go ahead and live in denial.

I for one, believe that common sense was not involved that Prof. Gates mouthed off, Segt. Crowley overreacted. Two wrongs.

Bravo to President Obama for inviting Gates & Crowley in for a beer.

Cops continue to abuse their power. My husband says all the time that the job is not for a human. I really wonder if cops wouldn't abuse their power if they were paid better.

The article says police forces are trained to look out for biased employees. Come on are you really going to tell me that some small town in the south isn't going to overlook someone who is racist.

Also white police chiefs love hiring racist black beat cops ...who make it even harder for black civilians.

I believe if there was a higher age requirement and/or more education required before someone is allowed to be a cop we would be better off.

The way it is now most cops come in out of highschool with something to prove.

Cops are no longer out their protecting and building their community. They are out their for the business of locking folks up, fining people, and filling up the jails.

The President never says the cop was a racist he just said he acted stupidly referring to the fact that after viewing Gates 's id , he still arrested him.

This happened to me too.. and I am an African American Woman. The Baltimore County, MD police came to my house by mistake supposedly and bust into my bedroom…where I was on my bed unclothed. They had scared my 12 year old daughter into letting them in. When I asked what were they there for…they said they had received a call for domestic violance. I told them that they could see they had the wrong house..the only people in my house was me and my 12 yr old child…my husband was at work. It was about 7 officers…all white. The Officer Frick..said he wasn’t going anywhere and for me to get up off the bed. I told him I was going to call the Commanding Officer at the station..he said go ahead. I called and spoke with the Commanding Officer. I explained they had the wrong house. He told me to put Officer Frick on the phone..and he told them to leave. I put on my robe and was escorting them downstairs..and Officer Frick continued to run his mouth to me…I told him to just get the Hell out of my house. All the other officers were out the door…when Officer Frick went out the door…I went to shut the door..and he put his foot back in the door…he then said I assaulted him. He told me I was under arrest for assaulting a police officer. One of the other officers tried to talk him out of it..but he told me to put my hands behind my back. My 12 year old child was screaming and crying. I told them no one was home with her..but he continued to arrest me. I told my daughter to call my husband at work and tell him what happened. I was taken from my home in handcuffs and my child was lefe alone at home. When I got to the station…I asked to speak to the Commanding Officer…I had spoken with on the phone…I was told he was gone. I was held there for several hours until I saw a Commissioner..and was released to myself. The next day I went to the station and spoke with the Commanding Officer..who said the charges were dropped..for not enough evidence…I told him I still wanted to go to court…because I wanted the Officer brought to justice for what was done to me…he said there was nothing I could do..he said if I wanted to write a letter..it would be put in the Officers file..and would stop him from getting promotions. I wrote the letter thinking that was the end of this all. Over the next years, everytime I have applied for anything..Real Estate License, Life Insurance License, or any job..that requires a Criminal Background Check…this has haunted me..I have had to be humilitated time and time again, because this shows up on my record…so I wrote this to say it happens to ALL African Americans…not just the men…if you can do anything to get this off my record…please let me know.

A lot of commentors are acting as though Gates' initial reaction to being arrested in his own home is completely irrational – why wouldn't an African American man feel some unease when being confronted with a police officer? There is a history of tension between blacks and the police that is well documented – it really shouldn't be suprising to anyone that Gates' would feel trepidation and perhaps feel that he's being unfairly targeted.

Some of you folks on here are really acting stupidly with your comments. Stick to this story not all cops everywhere are a part of this story. Get the facts before you comment. Everyone of you would have screamed the same racist crap if the cop would have taken his word left and a robber was in the house with a gun.

John said the following:

"John July 27th, 2009 3:54 pm ET

Angela – the officer didn’t leave right after Gates showed his license because there was a disturbance going on where Gates was acting like a fool, causing a disturbance, yelling, mouthing off, and causing a scene which is disorderly conduct. It doesn’t matter that Gates was on his front porch. If you are causing a scene in the view of the public so as to create on-lookers to notice by yelling and cursing, that is disorderly conduct, which is against the law. ..."

John - what you are saying sounds to me like, Prof.Gates broke (non-existent) "Contempt of Cop" law. John, if you say 'f-k u' to me in public (with 7-8 people looking on) , can I arrest you? You can sware at people and you are ok, but you say the same to a cop and u get arrested? Your law of 'Disorderly conduct' sounds like 'do not mess with cop' law. Is the 'disorderly conduct' law a declaration that cop is the master of people?

How can one profile.....someone they dont know? Just not right...now matter what color you are

The liar Crowley is getting caught today. He can run but he can't hide. There are too many holes in his story and I'm glad because he was in the wrong. Everyone knew it and now everyone is SEEING it.

1) Yes Gates’ house had been previously broken into; was Gates’ the resident at that time, I don’t know. Yes there is a current list of home burglaries in Gates’ neighborhood.

2) If I told my neighbors (or not) that I was going to be out of town and showed up in clothing and a car that they didn’t recognize I would hope they would call the Police. When the officer arrived I would respectfully and gladly give my drivers license to them and thank them for their prompt response in protecting my property and my well being.

3) The charges were dropped because Gates’ self serving disrespectful tantrum was a misdemeanor. The Cambridge Police Department and Prosecuting Attorney chose to drop the charges to save tax dollars and time given the offense wasn’t that serious and there were no priors on Gates‘; this is not an admission that the charges were not legitimate. If you follow the news this is done all the time.

@Mari The police ask callers for all kinds of ways to identify the suspects - race is one, gender is another, height is another, color of shirt is another, length of hair is another, etc. That's how police catch the criminals.

Why is the fact that there were two (2) suspected persons not explained? The police went to the address based upon expecting to encounter two(2) intruders, possibly armed.

Robert Zimmerman hits the nail on the head.

One thing that really caught my attention about what has been reported that the officer apparently refused to give the professor his badge number or name, even after the professor provided his ID to the officer. I'm sorry if I have this wrong but aren't police officer REQUIRED to identify themselves AS police and not just someone who has a uniform? Until they do so, they are just another person and have NO authority at all. Disorderly conduct, in your own home, is a tough one to claim unless you can prove that someone disobeyed the instructions of an identified police officer. However until identified I would never voluntarily give up my freedom to defend my own home from intruders dressed as police, firefighters or costumed hero-look-alikes. Seriously, if I show up with some friends and we are dressed to LOOK like authority figures, are you all gonna be sheep and let us cuff you and haul you away without positively identifying ourselves as people empowered to use restraint on citizens? You should demand that police provide proof that they have the authority they claim to be, and to prevent escalation of issues, the police should demand it of themselves as well because officers that don't stir up the trouble like this for ALL the other cops.

@ Francisco and Mari

Please try walking in an Officer’s shoes with your stomach in your throat every time you get that 911 call. The reason dispatch asked Ms. Whalen for the race of the potential perpetrator was to help the first on the scene to identify and sum up the situation as quickly as possible. Sure beats, “The suspect has one head, two arms, two legs and oh yea is wearing jeans.” Freedom of speech, would you yell, “Fire” in a crowded movie theater if there wasn’t a fire? Gates is playing that card only with race, please read my other posts. And if this young country we call America isn’t to your liking please…please follow Alec Baldwin’s grand proclamation and move to France! Oh hmmm…he’s still here.

Professor Gates should not have been arrested because he identied himself by providing his photo I.D. This man just returned from a long trip,over 20 hours, looking forwardto resting in his own home, only to be arrested?.I believe if the officer had approached him in a calm way,he would have responded in a respectful manner knowing full well that the officer is only trying to protect his interest. I really don't want to be biased, but i really feel the act of the police man is an irresponsible one, it doen't matter how good he may be in the sight of his colleauges,this has shown that he's deficient in some areas, so this will be a teachable moment for all. I am sure the president knows prof. Gate very well before he made that statement. If Pro Gate was known to be rude, i'm sure the president would not have made that statement. The conclusion of the matter is, let us respect one another, and get over racism, God is love.Blacks are human being as well.fayegb@msn.com

There is nothing teachable from this incident! The only thing I've learnt is that if I am of color, I will cry 'racism' whenever confronted by the law, regardless of what I have done, and if I am white, I will still cry foul. Perhaps the President will come to my aid and have all the pundits take sides. What is teacheable here? Both sides will teach their kids and grandkids that everything that happens is because of racism. Because of what was said, race relations have fallen back a couple of decades, and so much for us wanting to move ahead. Our President bears major responsibility for this setback.

I am white and i truly believe that if Professor Gates was white and the situation was exactly the same that there would have been no arrest.

Just another example of pulling the "race card." There is fault that can be assigned to both parties. If the police officer is to be coined a racist, then so too is Mr. Gates. We all know Mr. Gates would not have cried racism had the results been the same with an African-American police officer. And why is this news anyhow... In San Diego, a Border Patrol agent was shot and killed by Mexican drug smugglers/ human smugglers and there is little mention of this, CNN. Seems to me that we should talking more about protecting our borders rather wasting out time on this "promoting" this none issue. Thanks for providing Obama the smoke screen CNN.

you have to put yourself in a cops shoes before you open your mouth. Cops everyday put their lives on the line and hear just about every story out there. If a person was breaking into your home would you want the police to catch him? The cops have no idea who actually lives in the house. Gates could show his id and say he lives there. How do you know he actually does? He didn't show is drivers license with his address on it. No he showed his Harvard Id that does not show your address on it. That's why the cop called the harvard pd to found out what was going on. Confirmation. There was no reason for the good professor to go on a verbal rampage. What does the cops mother have to do with this incident? Sounds to me like he is picking a fight. If he had an issue with the cop then there are legal ways to address them. He is a HARVARD PROFESSOR. This goes to show you what are we actually teaching kids now a days.

There seems to be a recurring theme here that "mouthing off" or being "obnoxious" to a police office is a crime.

Perhaps on the street. Perhaps in a public place where you don't want a situation escalating. Perhaps if someone is drunk and there is a possibility they might hurt someone, even themselves. Maybe. But mouthing off is not a crime, and in the America I grew up in a man's home was his castle.

Professor Gates is a bigot and was caught in the act of bigotry. He should be required to take one of officer Crowley's classes. Gates should have been thankful that a police officer of any color was willing to enter into a potentially dangerous situation to protect Gate's house. Gates is a snob. When he realized he couldn't get his way, he threw a temper tantrum. How dare some lousy cop tell him what to do. If it had been some poor slob on the street – of any color – he would have been arrested, charged and fined. You've made it Gates. You're now a Massa!

As we get more information, this looks, as the Wall Street Journal suggested like a case of bad town-gown relations. When asked for his ID, Professor Gates presented first his Harvard University ID without an address. He was communicating that he was someone special and superior to the policeman. This was not a smart idea in Cambridge where some people think they are better than everyone else. In other cities persons who are stopped say they are buddy-buddy with the mayor or the gov.and start pushing the policeman's buttons. A policeman is like an umpire. He will let you exercise free speech. Beyond a certain point he perceives it as abuse and action is taken. A cop is trained first to maintain public safety. He's not there to give psychotherapy.
If the professor then called the cop a racist, he escalated the situation needlessly. There is no denying that there are many cases of racial slights and many cases of racial profiling. As more facts come out it
appears this is not one of them.
If Professor Gates had been diligent and learned a little more of Sgt. Crowley's background, he would not have called him a rogue cop. This was patently unfair.

....oh and by-the-way....how did the officer manage to hear...and
no-less write in his report.....the words "black" and "backpack"...when in fact the words were never spoken....by ANYONE...and oh yes...
I almost forogt...how did Officer Crowley find his way to be interviewed by one of greater Boston's most conservative talk stations WEEI by radio personalities that made fun of developmentaly disabled students....research their faux-pas at WEEI and you'd be amazed at thier mis-representations.

yeah was there 1 guy or 2? the ladying calling in said there was two men but there was one? i am a bit confused... aren't we all

I am a police officer of hispanic descent and have been for 26 years. I too have listened to the comments of the analysts, politicians, pr personnel and just about an expert from every field except law enforcement. In no was this case an issue of racial profiling, rather a Harvard Professor who somehow felt he was above the law. It seems that all of those people who personally know Professor Gates seem surprised that he was capable of being discourteous and rude to a law enforcement officer. He had been arrested in my city, not only would he have faced a charge of disorderly conduct, he most certainly would have also faced charges of Obstructing Official Business and Resisting Arrest. In listening to the tapes there is no indication that Sgt. Crowley ever "overreacted." His demeanor was calm througout the situation. My curiosity lies in the dropping of the charge of Disorderly Conduct by the local prosecutor. I feel that an investigation should be initiated against the local prosecutor to determine if he was presurred or persuaded to drop the charges because of interference from the Mayor of Cambridge or the Governor of Massachussetts or perhaps even from the U.S. Justice Department or the Office of the POTUS. Such an instrusion would constitute a charge of Obstructing Justice. I also feel that both the Mayor and Governor need to apologize to Sgt. Crowley.

The next time Mr. Gates leaves for China or Europe or some other destination and asks his neighbors or the local police to "keep an eye on his house"; I wonder what their response will be?
Be a good neighbor. Pick up the mail and newspaper if needed.
Watch over their home as you would like them to look after your own place.
Mr. Gates could have walked to his neighbors house and asked for his house key, explaining the loss, instead of shouldering the door.
I'm a lucky guy. I'm tight with the neighbors and we look after each other.

IF CNN will post my comment (they usually don't), I would like to point out to Pete that the prosecutor's office didn't proceed with the charges because of politics and the media.

BTW, anyone notice that the chain of "power" and the "elites" in this situation are all black people (i.e., Cambridge Mayor, Massachussetts Governor and President of the United States are all black). All of who appeared to jump to the conclusion that the cops were wrong. Enough already! There's always going to be some people, of all colors, who are racist . The world is NEVER going to be completely non racist – grow up and learn how to deal with it! (this coming from an American Indian so no crap about how I'm white and don't know what I'm talking about!).

I totally agree. The discrimination here is against the police officer.

I am most concerned about our President jumping in without facts and making a judgment that the officer acted stupidly. I hope he takes a little more time before casting judgment on other topics in which he has no facts. And why is this dialogue about racial profiling? It could also be a dialogue about a bias against white police officers or arrogant college professors.

I am not sure what role, if any, that race played in the arrest of Prof. Gates. However, based on what I read I do believe that his arrest was improper. There is nothing illegal about being rude to an officer (though I wouldn't recommend it). Especially, if you are on your own property...you are free to talk. Officers are given badges, guns, and salaries to put up with other people's crap, its part of the job. I believe that Officer Crowley was offended and upset by comments that Prof. Gates made and decide to "teach" him a lesson- you maybe a big shot professor but I can arrest you. Disorderly conduct charges are almost always left up to the officers discretion. Once Officer Crowley determined that it was Prof. Gates home his investigation was over, he should have simply left the premises.

The scary part of what we are learning is that race relations in Cambridge and across the nation have regressed.

Today’s release of 2 carefully produced tapes with carefully selected sliced and diced sound bites that was represented to be the 911 call.

What the public needs to hear is the full real-time audio transcription of KEF716 Cambridge Police Primary Channel 1 Simulcast on 470.31250 MHz, unedited with ALL radio traffic 15 minutes before and continuous until 15 minutes after the last responding unit cleared the run after completing paperwork.

Additionally the public should be provided with all radio transmissions on Police channel 2 to hear the entire verbal car to car and car to data and records operator communication. I am also curious why the media is not aggressively seeking the MDT police car laptop computer message transcripts.

In my opinion will be a learning experience of what not to do in a controversial case where credibility is king.

I don't know how it is in your town but we have had numerous home invasions where the owners and even their children have been tied up and robbed in broad daylight. Cops around here want proof your suppose to be in a home. The robber could be answering the door and lying. Robbers lie!

I am so sick of the race card. In the past 2 years we have fallen backwards 10 years. If you don't agree with someone or something they do you are a racist! Martin Luther King wanted us to be judged by the content of our character not the color of our skin or what sex we are. Judge the person!

Instead of being better safe then sorry what we will learn from the Gates/Obama is that the police may wait till they see someone carrying TV's and small appliances out of a persons house just to make sure they don't get called racist.

Dr. Gates is probably more sensitive due to the fact that is teaches and lectures every day on how horrible the white man has been to the black man. President Obama spent 20 years listening to Rev Wright giving the white man hell in his "church." So here we are. Old wounds are now fresh again. 10 steps backward.

This article brings up many points that have not been addressed by the so called experts on TV. If Mr. Gates' house was broken into while he was on vacation and this incident was indeed an attempted burglary the police department would be praised. Instead because some one, of any race, creed or nationality, had to be questioned by an authority figure it becomes a national scandal. Sure, with 20/20 hindsight this affair could have been handled in a different manner without an arrest. It is not, however, an isolated incident. People are asked for identification for their safety in countless places across the country. As you enter military establishments, airports, etc you are asked for appropriate identification even if you know the security forces. The authority figures here are not chastised, instead they are praised for conviction to provide safety to the masses. The real question is about the constant call to seek out racism and our lack of national pride. Racism will never die in this country until we as a group can unite as one. Why must we identify ourselves as "Jewish" Americans, "Latin" Americans, "African" Americans. Despite our supposed desire to stand as one, we daily seperate ourselves from one another. Yes, I voted for President Obama as one to make a change, but even he disappoints me in this endeavor. I voted for Mr. Obama because he is an "American." Even Professor Gates, a distinguished scholar, continues to diservice us by always putting a qualification on himself. He is not the teacher of "American" studies, but of "African-American" studies. Nowhere else in the world do we see this. We do not hear of the Black Irish or the Latin German or the Jewish English person.

As long as cops use this "Disorderly conduct" as a catch-all law whenever they feel slighted, it is going to happen again and again. This is not racial issue but a police misconduct issue under the cloak of "Disorderly conduct". The police officer didn't have one ounce of reason to arrest the guy except for being a "jerk". If cops can do that, there are plenty to go around.

Okay as one whom has been both rightfully and wrongfully detained by the police i know that as often as not there are mistakes made. HOWEVER, I also know that lately more and more people want to make race issues even when there isn't. Honestly, i think both people probably had an improper attitude and this situation more then likely resulted from someone irritated after a long trip to find he couldn't get into his house and more then likey acted in an irritated way toward the police. This probably irritated the policmen and one thing most people don't know is that the police can take someone into custody on suspcison in these circumstances even if you have valid ID. People are looking for a reason to call race lately which is sad. If you start seeing racisim everywhere, even where it isn't your going to make something an issue that alot of progress has been made on.

When people are beligerent with the police the results are predicable, regardless of race, color or creed. Better to cooperate and things will go much better. To resist because you feel you have been wronged, places officers in a position requiring an arrest so that you can explain your case to the court.

I was disgusted that our President got involved in this. He needs to stay at his office and do what we are paying him to, which is, running our country, and not police officers.

As for the arrest, I can't say if it was racial profiling. I do know, however, that where I live, the police will always get your attention when you're found breaking into a house.

I've seen many news reports where a white police officer has arrested a black suspect, and automatically the black suspect yells racism. Automatically, the black suspect claims that he has been profiled before as the reason for not cooperating with the police officer. That is really sickening. Oh, the cop is white so I will yell racial profiling. I seriously doubt the posting earlier that ALL African Americans have been racially profiled. If so, prove it. Just saying it happened to hopefully evoke some sort of emotion within the community and maybe get the charges dropped is just not believable.

I am a Male Hispanic who has lived in USA 3/4 of my life. Never been on welfare, never been arrested for any crimes. Maybe a driving ticket here and theres. In the few situations (traffic stops) that I have dealt with Police officer – I have really been DISrespected as a human being. I use to tell myself – Once they get thru a few questions – The officer will realize I am just another law abiding citizen (yes – Citizen). 30 yrs later – I am still waiting for that one Police officer that treats me with respect. The Majority put me thru the ringer. I resist myself and take the approach of " kill them with Kindness". Knowing he can say anything to try to justify an arrest. They will more often than not receive the benefit of the doubt. Turn the page to 2009. Its hard to believe this Police officer could not have verified the validity of Mr. Gates ID without having to humilate him by arresting him Now a days most Squads carry workstation that give you up to date info on subject within minutes. He could have also have contacted his dispatcher to check ID. I know this things because I was 911 dispatcher for 3 yrs.

If u an I come into the station and falsify a police report. We are breaking the Law. So if the officer brought Mr. Gates in to the station under the pretense of an offense and this offense did not stick – Should Officer suffer consequences for not knowing when a true offense has taken place and not one his EGO felt necessary to show Mr. Gates who he was dealing with ? Ummm

FINALLY!

I was wondering when someone was going to point that out.

Don't make assumptions about a white police officer just cuz' he's white!

Could it be possible there are two wrongs here?

People of color! Why don't you recall the O.J.'s trial where a murderer get off through the accusation that white police officer falcified the evidence. Majority of African Americans applauded theat shameful decision. That clearly proves that they are racists themselves. Truce does not matter to them, what matters is that one of them seem to have been offended.

Last year I had set off the alarm in my house, while I was turning the alarm off ADT called my cell phone to check on the house. I didn't have my cell phone with me so within ten minutes a Chicago Police Officer was at my front door.
The officer explained to me why she was at my house and asked me to step outside to show her some ID. I did, however the address on my license was from my prior address. She asked me for some further proof as well as some other basic questions. I was able to prove to her that yes, this was my house, I thanked her and that was it.
By and large a MAJORITY of police officers are doing a great job. The lesson to be learned here is that if you cooperate with police and if you're not doing anything wrong you shouldn't have a problem. If you choose not to cooperate then you risk being arrested. What bothers me about Professor Gates is he was unwilling to cooperate on a very basic level. I hope he will eventually understand his wrong doing.

There are problems with both party's stories. However, teasing a cop and testing his authority is never wise. Yes, the professor was in his house, he knew it was his house. However, the cop was not presented with proper ID and kept questioning the guy. The professor was irritated and instead of falling back on his education he resorted to street ranting and raving.

I believe the professor caused this entire national discussion...good or bad. There was an undertone of racism, but it was on Mr. Gates side. I'm not stating he is a racist, just that his distrust of authority, especially of a Caucasian, put him into a less than intelligent state of mind to deal with the situation.

I'm am broken-hearted that the President I voted for chose to weigh in on this situation before having all the facts. Now he's having some beersummit to smooth things over...not cool. I've lost some respect because this has an overtone of "it's because he's black."

Not the case...it's because he was belligerent towards the cop and reckless in the situation. Tossing that card out there was reckless on the Presidents part and was poorly worded response to the situation at best.

2 cents...nothing more...nothing less

Here the real story line
Gates= owes an apology
Obama= owes an apology
Until Gates + Obama happens the issue will live to be his down fall as president ,the poll numbers will be in a death spiral. We all know the next step , lets see who mans up.

Facts

Officer responds to possible burgarly

Gentleman at residence becomes unrully since he thinks he being profilled.(doesn't matter if he just got off a trip you can control what you say and how you act)

Arrested for unrully conduct.

Gentleman says it was cause he was black.

Fact is that officer acted within his duties nuff said, take you punishment like a man.

I read the piece twice and nowhere is the "racial profiling" issue as it relates to the actual incident revealed. The police we now know responded to a woman reporting what she thought was a break-in by two men. She never mentioned of what race until pressed by the dispacher. She then said she thought one might be an Hispanic. Where is the profiling? Are we redefining the term,now, to deal with actual racial profiling that does indeed occur? The columnist failed in his job of presenting the truth and using an irrelevant event to cover a very relevant problem: racial profiling. But racism or rather an extreme reaction to another race was more clearly seen in the rediculously over the top reaction by Gates to being asked toshow some identification. His belligerance was exhibited at the onset of the event. The just needed to shut the F... up and cooperate without all the attitude.

Keep in mind that police are killed every day when they let their guard down. They are there to serve but they serve in the most difficult of situations where to defuse possible violent situations the must take control. People seem to forget that police are called to situations of uncertain nature and that for every call there is risk.

Two men, one old, wandering around in a house who won't provide proof of residence and begin yelling about racist cops while causing a public disturbance is one of rising tension. Couple that with the fact that Gates continued to rant as he left the house posed a risk of a greater public distrubance and rising risk.

Crowleys fellow officers backed his choice 100%, one of which is black.

What I am reading in these posts is a whole lot of people not actually interested in the facts but choosing sides up by preference. Blacks automatically assuming that the white officer would not have done what he did with a white person and only over reacted because Gates was black.

That is in fact racist stereotyping no less destructive than whites believing all blacks are criminals.

The point of the article was simple – BOTH sides need to address their deeply seated racist beliefs if anything is going to change.

I just don't see why blacks expect "special treatment" when they choose not to follow the law. If a cop, black, white, hispanic, asian or whatever race, came to my door, you can bet i would keep my mouth shut, right or wrong.

Gates asked for what he got, he should have kept his stupid mouth shut. That's the problem now, we have a mutt for a president and now blacks think they can do whatever they want including disrespecting law enforcement.

The lack of respect is black people's problem and they are the ones who need to change their attitudes toward ALL authority figures or go to Africa where you don't have to.

people of all races and creeds need to check their attitudes at the door
when dealing with police of any racial background, regardless of the
situation. Most police are very respectful when they are treated with
respect.

I fail to understand why the police officer arrested the professor.

It seemed that it was because the professor called him racist and was loud. Don't we all have freedom of speech? Why should the professor be arrested because he voiced his opinion?

Do we have laws and constitutions? The professor might be wrong in categorizing this as racially biased. However, as a citizen, he has his right to express his opinion. The police officer should respect that basic human right. But instead, he put handcuffs around the professors' arms.

There are a lot of generalizations being thrown around on this board as well. People assume that all blacks and all minorities use the "race card" at inappropriate times, but we don't. Most people can recognize racism because it is usually more obvious than something as ridiculous as this. There is no way to know really what was going on in either of these men's minds, but both have quite a temper it appears. I don't tend to minimize unless I can verify, because I have had some f- upped stuff happen between cops and myself (never any arrests) and I am pretty sure it wasn't race related, perhaps just a normally good cop having a bad day. Some of the stuff was out of hand, and no matter how compliant I was it kept going down hill until usually another officer stepped in. Cops have stressful jobs, but they have a habit of making enemies within the community as well sometimes. I don't see police as friendly. I don't see them as a bad either, but I am wary of them because of past encounters.

Jon – Dr .Gates wasn't arrested for disorderly conduct in his own home. According to the officer's own report he told Gates that if he wanted to continue their conversation then he would have to come outside. And then once Gates goes outside and continues the conversation he arrests him because now he is out in public.

I'm not a lawyer but I do wonder if this was a case of entrapment. The officer can't arrest him for anything in his house so he convinces the person to go outside where it could be considered a crime.

This was never a racial issue. The press made it a racial issue. I am caucasian. If the police continued to question me after I clearly presented the evidence that I was the home owner, I would considered this additional questioning to be harassment. Secondly, some of us believe that homeowners have the right to get angry in their own homes, particularly with intruders. The second Professor Gates established his identity, the police became unwanted intruders and should have gracefully left the premises. Arresting Professor Gates for disorderly conduct in his own home is charge that most likely would have not been upheld by jury in a trial, because most people believe a home is their castle. Thus, this was a stupid arrest.

I find the 'profiler' to be the professor. Mike in Montana

Lots of you are forgetting his I.D. didn't have his address on it. Why didn't he just show a driver's license or whatever? The author of this piece makes a good point. When one assumes they know what another person might say, think, or do, based on a generalization, that is called 'profiling' ... and I read so many of you claiming to 'know' Crowley based on his profession. You have in your mind an image associated with 'policeman' as much as you claim he had one in his mind associated with 'black people'.
And at any rate a policemen once asked me what I was doing when I was trying to get in my locked car. The very 1st thing I did was show him I.D. and told him I'd show him the registration as soon as we got in the thing.
It was perfectly normal for him to ask me and if I'd shown him my student I.D., for instance, with no address on it, then berated the man for failing to believe my story ... especially when my claim that he should simply leave me alone and be on his way was based on the pretty thin reason that our skins were different colors ... I'd probably get arrested too, by a cop of any color.

I am an educated black man (in my late 40's) and a police officer for 22 years. I think Professor Gate's disrespectful mouth leading to his rowdy public behavior, is what got him arrested. His insensitivity toward the white officer and his lack of respect for authority was his choice and his mistake resulting in him "acting stupidly". The lesson to be learned here is when a police officer asks you for information in the course of investigating a dispatched call to a felony in process you should be polite and answer the questions, not rant and rave and spurt racial remarks toward the officer. Professor Gates acted like a criminal and was treated accordingly.

just comply with law enforcement, and all matters will be resolved quickly and efficiently.

I think Gates got a little over excited and started ranting and raving immediatley that the cops were racist, when all they were doing was their jobs and couldn't have cared less if he was white, black or alien.

He was was uncooperative and unruly and deserved to be led away in handcuffs, He thinks he's above the law, afterall he's a noted professor and a good friend of the President.

To bad they dropped the charges. I believe he was guilty as charged.

What a pathetic example set by Professor Gates. He had a bad moment after 20 hours of travel. He acted disorderly and was arrested. Instead of accepting responsiblity for his actions, he played the race (excuse) card. Clearly, with all of the witnesses, including a black officer stating that the arrest was warranted, how does Professor Gates look in the mirror? Easy, he doesn't. He hides behind the race card, which was not applicable in THIS case but is in many, and refuses to accept responsibility for his actions. Harvard should be proud that this pathetic individual can teach his doctrine of hate!

Racial profiling in this case is nonsense-the officer didn't choose his" victim", he was summoned to the site. What's interesting is Mr. Gates' way to deal with those below him, socially. A gentleman would'b be especially polite toward someone who is way below him on the achievement ladder. I'd understand if the good professor referred to the mama of his peer, not in good taste, but acceptable among the boys. In terms of manners Mr. Gates was way below reproach. One can expect more civility from a Harward professor, can't one? Maybe a teachable moment is there?

I am in total agreement with Mr. Zimmerman's commentary. I have a hypothetical situation for those who don't think that this unfortunate situation contains some element of racial profiling.
Imagine this exact same situation, the hyperbolic reaction, the world-wide attention unchanged except for one circumstance. That circumstance being that the renowned and respected Harvard professor was white and the arresting officer was black.
Would those who defended the officer's actions be so adamant that he was justified? Would those who feel so strongly that the professor was totally right be so sure?
Everyone needs to take a step back and look into their own hearts. Ask themselves honestly if their opinions are so right.
For me, this is the teachable moment the President alluded to.

WHEN CROWLEY ARRIVED AT THE HOUSE & saw Gates on the phone and with a cane – DID GATES TRY TO ESCAPE AS SOON AS HE SAW THE COP? (real burglars do unless they're stupid) – if it was in fact "the" alleged burglar as reported ...the cop should KNOW! unfortunately Crowley didn't get a chance to THINK, ASSESS & realize the situation because Gates already blurted out 'racial profiling' innuendos! thus, Crowley equally got defensive of being accused of committing it when in fact he even teaches about the subject. Both ignited each other's egos. I'd still say it was Crowley's job to be the peace maker. Gates is old, pretty grumpy after a 24 hour trip from China, plus couldn't get into his own house. (what luck) I'm glad the president stepped in to keep the peace. I hope they can just both laugh about it and move on. This incident happened for a reason. To teach and to heal us.

I suspect Gates is a reprobate lowlife making hay out of being a jerk to a police officer. You screw with the cops, you act like an idiot – chances are you're getting arrested. Academic accolades or not, presidential friendship or not. That's what it means to be American in America, not just black.

The problem as I see it with black people who say, "You just don't know what it's like to be black in America," is simply this: black people don't know what it's like to be not-black in America. So what?

Most of us non-blacks in America (we are all, by default, "white" by virtue of not being black, apparently) are exhausted with the barrage of poor-me attitudes from Black America, and are fed-up with the "protected class" status of American blacks while every other ethnic group (and their history) is overlooked.

Slavery was a problem? Compared to what the Jews suffered throughout history, the history of black slavery in America is but a vanishingly brief moment in time. Are the Jews knocking on Egypt's door demanding reparations?

Here's a hint: GET OVER IT

The rest of us have.

And if that's racism, so be it – we've been desensitized by decades of endless haranguing and it's lost its gas.

Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton: How about getting real jobs? Non-Black (default white) America pretty much hates you guys – not because you're black, but because you've managed to keep the flames of hate alive long after Dr. King would have extinguished them.

Chuck – Keep in mind that police need the respect of the public to keep you and your family safe. If they are to maintain that respect they can not recieve public abuse and ridicule. If it happens in a location without the public being around police will have more patience.

But when it happens in public that insults the police and reduces their respect. If they allow that to happen they are more of a target, more at risk. So for their long term safety actions like Gates took must be quickly solved.

I am SO sick of black people pulling the race card when confronted. Gates refused to give him ID. Therefore acting as if he had something to hide. And since the cop was there on a burglary charge, he starts to think maybe he doesn't belong there. Gates was clearly out of line. And how dare Obama get involved because he's black. He is dividing the world into color. Would he have gotten involved if the races/roles were switched. I think not. I'm sure this has happened before, and I didn't see Bush, or Clinton or any other president get involved with a simple arrest. This is rediculous, African-Americans need to really get over themselves. It's 2009, that's a long time to hold a grudge, against DEAD ancestors of white people. If Gates is as good as everyone says he is, then this should not put "shame" on him, so get over it. If anything this should let people know, everyone is human and subject to the same rules as everyone else. Get lippy with an officer, make a race scene, get hauled away. What gives Gates the right to bring the cops mother into the situation. What if the cop would have said that to him? He probably would have been fired, reprimanded, or even retaliated against. Gates doesn't seem the least bit affected by his actions, and thats the worse part of it all, he's a professor.

Is this a case of reverse discrimination? Minority can get away with anything in the name of claiming to be racism that majority needs to prove not be the case. I am not a white nor a black by color. However, I feel that when President Obama got picked, he should have very well known that he could not have been there without the support of majority. He clearly lost his mind. Still, I feel like that it is in his heart and mind that racism is there whenever something goes wrong with African American. I say that because he mentioned the following day explaining that he could have calibrated his words better! I thought this was the begining for President to bridge the gap. However, it seems like that the deep roots within his own mind are too deep to kill. Racism does exist but not every case one should jump to conclusion without facts. This president has some serious work to do on this front. I think that is more important for the unity of this country than any other issue including health care!

Okay, so the good professor just flew in from China, right? Perhaps he was a bit tired and agitated. Crowley? Who knows? Maybe the same? End of shift? Worked a private detail in his off hours? Maybe, just maybe these two guys were tired and irritable – things just didn't go right... Two grown men that just crossed paths at the wrong time.. No racism on either side; just stress, exhaustion and bad timing.

Professor Gates. Now this is the guy who, as a teenager applying for admission to college, wrote on his application "now once again, whitey controls my future."

The man has been an unrepennent racist all his life. Makes no apology for finding something racial in EVERY situation involving himself and white people.

Meanwhile, Sgt. Crowley, who WAS trying to leave, was followed out on the porch by an out of control racist, screaming at him, demanding his name, even though the Sgt. had already provided it, twice.

One man's freedom ends where another one's begins. By creating a disturbance in public, scaring the passers by, even after being warned TWICE by police to calm down, finally got himself arrested. Same thing if he had been blasting a stereo from within his house. If it disturbs the neighbors, and he won't turn it down, he can be arrested for disturbing the peace, even though the noise originates in his house. It's when it disturbs others, unreasonably, that his "rights" cease.

Why were the charges dropped?? Same reason the black female mayor called Gates personally to apologize. Pure Politics. Same reason the black Governor weighed in to support Gates. Pure Politics, and racism by the black racists.

Angela,

You are totally off are your assumptions. Before you place the race cards get the facts straight. Professor Gates never provided proper ID. He only showed the officer his Harvard ID card. Not a drivers license or other appropriate form of identification. Officer Gate called the Harvard police department to come and verify that Gates was who he was and the legal reisident of the house that he rents from Harvard univerisity. Back up is automatic in a 911 call until it is called off. It was not called off because Gates continued to be non compliant. These are facts backed up by multiple police reports, eye witnesses and radio transmissions.

Only two things happened here: 1) Gates ran his mouth, 2) Crowley let it get to him.

So, it was Officer Crowley who inserted race all the while. It was Officer Crowley who lied in his official report. What else did he make up. Better yet, how many of his supporters will admit that they have supported a person who's embellished (lied) to anyone with a microphone? In my opinion, Professor Gates and President O'bama are owed apologies from the Cambridge PD.

The lesson here, whether you are black, white or green, is NEVER mouth off to a cop.

Apparently the driver, whom I believe is the second person seen entering the home with Gates, didn't get belligerent and cry "racial profiling" because it hasn't been mentioned that he was taken away in cuffs. Thanks for bringing up the fact that all of the media is speculating on what a law enforcement person's job duties are without asking law enforcement. I was wondering what that was all about and why it is happening. They keep pulling things out of the air...

I had the Police show up at my door one day. It seems the very last number a very cheap wireless phone dials is 911. This is what happened in my case. The Police Officer told me the law required him to come in the house and look around. I cooperated. If I had tried to act stupidly, with a bad attitude or emotion, then other laws would have come into play. See how simple it is.

As disclosure, I'm not black or Hispanic; and I'm not associated with Harvard!

It took me a good 30 minutes to read all of the interesting opinions about this situation. My guess is Mr Gates didn't wake up that morning and think how he would mess with the police today or Mr Crowley didn't decide to anger a prominent professor when he woke up. Personally, I think we should stop talking about it and start talking about our economy, or the jobless rate, or any one of a million more important things we could be focusing on. I think there is blame on all sides as there usually is. And how about the media driving another topic into the ground till we can't stand it.

Is the black men with the backpack, the misinformation of the day? If the armchair cops listen to the audio, there are two women. Since the names were blacked out how do you know he wasn't talking to the other woman?

I'm a Democrat and I think the vicious attacks on this cop is disgusting. I'm glad common sense and not emotion prevailed in this situation.

I'd love to know what coverage you were watching. There were plenty of articles and interviews with police and former police on this issue.

The problem with this instance as with most other news coverage is in a rush to judgment, the press and the country usually gets it wrong. How many times do we hear about a black person being killed by a white cop and the black community is screaming for his arrest and removal. Being black doesn't make one automatically innocent any more than it makes them automatically guilty.

On the flip side I believe this arrests highlights how police (using this "disorderly conduct" charge) have way to much power to harass people. There is no way someone should be arrested for protesting abuse (or even perceived abuse) on their own property.

This cop may have been a great cop, but that doesn't make him perfect. How often have we heard people say "I can't believe he would do that" when someone is convicted of murder or theft.

What I find most appalling in this situation is the quick reaction the statements that Gates was wrong, or Crowely was wrong (not probably wrong or possibly wrong) when there is still information coming out daily.

Profiling and racism is not just a one way street.

also...Professor gates might want to write a new book about his recent trip in China entitled: "My Most Unforgettable Trip BACK FROM China", hopefully with a happy ending.

i would think that if what is being reported by the news, of the possibillty of fasification of a police report signed by the arresting officer turns out to be true, (the beer date may be off!)

If the current 911 call, and follow up has been heard/seen, we have several embarrasing comments and takes on the situation. The supposed victim was definitely not cooperative. The 911 call was not made by a resident in the area. The 911 call did not mention black, african-american, but made a comment as to may be hispanic and did not clearly see but was worried about entry. How would anyone expect police officers to respond to such a call, and a non-cooperative response from the person in question? I am even embarrassed at the remark from the President, that I voted for, which I still am proud of, without obviously knowing the exact details before the comment. Hopefully his staff will remind him to hold off before verification.

Can't we all just get along???!!! So how is the Health Care issue??

For more then two years I did diversity training for law enforcement officers and as such have had considerable contact with many, many police officers.

A few years ago I had an occasion to chat with a retiring veteran police officer. He was bemoaning how different today's cops are then those of his generation. He related how "back in the day" the police motto was "protect and serve", but he believed that motto had been abandoned in recent years if favor of a new motto "protect your ass".

He also comment to me how law enforcement in the past decade has become quasi-militaristic and that among the casualties of that change was a abandonment of cops using good judgement and common sense. He said these days everything is by the book and these rookies just can't wait to taze someone.

OH, and BTW, I want someone to claim racism against Dr. Murray for killing that poor white boy, Michael Jackson. This is a perfect example of reverse discrimination and racism when a black doctor gets away with killing a white boy with drugs and NOBODY is up in arms about it! Why not?
Oh, that's right... MJ isn't a white boy... only sorta.

It's painfully obvious that their was a racist in that house making judgments based on skin color..That person was Gates...plain and simple..Racists come in all colors and creeds and it's time we stop pretending they only come in one shade...

Racial profiling is a crime? It is fundamental human survival instinct. What should be a crime is using racial profiling to discriminate and violate ones right. We all do racial profiling in order to avoid trouble. Whenever we go to the big cities, we were told to avoid certain areas of the city because there are a lot of criminal activities. White parents told their kids to do this, so do black parents telling their kids to avoid white thugs. So the racial profiling goes two way. The professor obviously profiled the white policeman to be "bad" and came to get him. So racial profiling he did. No questions about. So why are we all accusing the police doing the racial profiling in this case? Because it is politically correct to say so. Until and unless we are honest about this, there is no peace between the black and the white. To this Asian, I see no race issue involve here. At best, it is whether or not the police handle the situation properly. The professor certainly did his part to aggravate the policy. For that, he deserved to be taught a lesson. The worst that came out of this is that this highly regarded professor allowed the use of race card by himself and by those who are more than happy to jump to the bandwagon and use the race card to further inflame and divide the country. He has degraded himself and ruined his life long reputation as a race healer. Sue the police if he misbehaved. But don't use the race card like that, for by using it, you admitted that you are a racist in the first place.

I'm a bit fed up with the whole argument, and think that our black friends often use the race card for whatever they perceive as a slight, imaginary or real.

It's impossible to criticize a black for any lack or tardiness (buses for example: impossible to find one in the Bay Area that runs on time), as you're immediately "racist". It's a lame excuse for work poorly done. Then too, this argument I've often heard, that "blacks have to be twice as good as whites to succeed". I've heard this from blacks innumerable times, but have never in my entire life heard it said by anyone from any other ethnic group, referring to blacks. I think it's their perception, period. As I said, I'm a bit tired of the whole shee-bang, and often ask myself why hispanics and asians don't likewise complain. I guess the hispanics are too busy working and the asians too busy studying.

Race, in this case, was NOT factor. However, it is sad that this situation occurs more often than not. As a fellow police officer, I, too, would have arrested Gates. It doesn't matter where you are, if you're going to make a fool of yourself and not cooperate with my investigation, I'd take your butt to jail too, regardless if it was your house, or in a church, or a local restaurant. Disorderly conduct is a legitimate charge, and I believe it's unfortunate Gates' charges were dropped by the police department, as if they were scared of being sued because he was using the race card. It's just plain ridiculous. Gates is obviously the one who is racial profiling. Wake up America, blacks have all the rights everyone else does, so stop complaining and quit making excuses for your inability to live the way you want.

Wow! It's racial to call someone black but it's ok to call someone white racist. It's racist to assume a minority of crime when they are found at the crime scene and fit the description of a suspect but it's perfectly normal to assume the white officer racist without having the details!!!! Where does constitution give right to people to abuse other persons? Isn't it a disorderly conduct to abuse a police officer? Why should someone work in the police force for a petty salart, risk their lives investigating a potential burglary and then expect to take abuse from someone who thinks he is above the law because he has been writing documentaries on racial relationship.

This is getting ridiculous! Why did the 911 dispatcher only ask if they were Black, White,or Hispanic? Aren’t there Asian males in Cambridge? What about people of mixed race like Obama? How do we define them in 911 calls? Like they did in the late 19th century United States?

My suggestion to all who involved in this Gate_Crowly incident:

1)Plociement should always be calm and paying respect to any citizen including any suspects including criminal suspects.

2) Professor should always be calm ___No Yelling__and acting in the professional ways.

3) President should not have been involved in this local stupid matter. US Citizen are deeply regreted by voting for a racist President-Obama

This so called professor knew what he was doing. And what was he doing? Well, I will tell you what he will do. He will do Ophra, he will probably do some reality show, he will make a lot of money off of this case. He's already in Hollywood!
People like him, keep racism alive.
In fact, African-Americans don't want racism to go away, because they will loose an excuse for things that happen to them.

Tola, people aren't mind readers. If they were, maybe Gates would have known someone had reported a break in in progress and been as respectful as you claim he would have been.These are the professor's own words from his interview with the Washington Post:
Gates's home is owned by Harvard so he picked up the phone to call the university's real estate maintenance office. Before he could finish the conversation, a police officer was standing on his porch and asking him to come out of the house. "Instinctively, I knew I was not to step outside," Gates said, describing the officer's tone as threatening. Gates said the policeman, who was in his 30s and several inches taller than him, followed him into his kitchen where Gates retrieved his identification. "I was thinking, this is ridiculous, but I'm going to show him my ID, and this guy is going to get out of my house," Gates said. "This guy had this whole narrative in his head. Black guy breaking and entering." After handing the officer both his Harvard and Massachusetts state identification, which included his address, Gates said he began to ask the officer this question, repeatedly. "I said 'Who are you? I want your name and badge number.' I got angry."

What photo id did Professor Gates provide to prove that he was the current tenant of the premises on lease from Harvard University?
Did the police question him about the 2nd suspect?

The police represents authority. If Crowley has backed off after Gates said, "You don't know who you're dealing with", then he's no better than a solder who threw down his rifle and ran after being fired on by the enemy. The bottom line is, right or wrong, if you are smart, you don't threaten a police office. It becomes more apparent Gates got his job at Harvard because he's black; he sure doesn't have the brain.

I think there is no evidence of racial bias here. I do think the officer was ticked off with the demeanor of Gates, who did nothing to cooperate with the officers basic requests.

Where do people see race as a factor? Nowhere. Some people WANT to see it, or assume it must be there simply because the officer is white.

Maybe Gates just ticket off the officer and the officer decided to "stretch" his authority by having Gates cool off downtown for bit.

Race issues are not helped, and are set back, when leaders in a community cant conduct themselves like civilized members of society.

Gates should simply have complied with the basic request for ID, as I (a white male) would have gladly done. Cop shows up at my door for the same reason and I'm showing ID, and thanking him for looking in on my house, not giving him a ration of grief he doesn't deserve, and then cry about it, go to the media with it, write a book about it, milk it all the way to the slaughter house.

Racial balance will never be achieved if the minority doesn't want it to, or wont let it happen. Gates WANTED this to be about racial profiling, only he chose the wrong cop to accuse, and its going to discredit him going forward.

As my prior post demonstrates, Gates had his own narrative in his head "the police are racially profiling me", and acted upon it. The police are responding to a report of two men breaking in. The first officer sees one through the open door and asks him to come outside. Gates does not, and retreats to the kitchen instead. To get his ID, sure, but the officer asked him to come out... not to go deeper inside the residence. Gates admits harboring anger and resentment of the officer at his first appearance... hardly reasonable under the circumstances.

How many times we come to know about lies told by cops, tempering evidence, wrong accusations, made up stories, wrongful arrests,
serious crimes commited by police and all wrong doings are supported and covered by their superior and unions. Power corrupts and absolute
power is the wrost form of humanity.

What I have not noticed is anyone discussing the good professor and what he was doing prior to returning to his home. I have heard on various news reports that he was returning from a trip to China. I don't know about anyone else, but if I just got off of a plane after close to 20 hours of flying, I would be extremely tired and suffering from jet lag. My tolerance for any interaction with someone I did not know would be minimal to say the least. This is simply being a human being regardless of what ethnicity you are. It is my OPINION that the good professor was not as civil as he attempted to portray a few days later.

As in most cases the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

The way I look at this is that Gates was treated exactly like a white
man would have been treated. Prove to the officer who you are and
what you are doing. Just because Gates was extremely frustrated
by the fact that he was unable to open his door. He was rude and
would not cooperate with the officer. Black or white if your actions
are suspicious it is your place to convience the officer that is investigating a 911 call of a suspected burglary to proof that they are
innocent. Just because you are innocent does not give you the right
to be uncooperative. The officer should have recieve an explanation
and apoligy for the unncessry call. They had other things to be doing

The problem is not race. Police in a whole have a tendency to think they are above evryone else. They treat people no matter what race as if they are better than them. Thats why I show them lots of respect until they disrespect me.

I'm a white, middle-aged woman and Mom. I've never even had a traffic ticket. But if I didn't say, "yes, sir" and "no, sir" and show respect for the police...I would be in trouble.

If I acted up and said, "your momma", or yelled ANYTHING at the officer....I guarantee you I'd be in handcuffs on my way to jail! Why does the "esteemed" professor think he is any different than any other citizen?! It sounds like he acted like an elderly Alzheimer's patient (like my grandmother...believe me, I know what Alzheimer's pts are like...God bless them).

And yes, I voted for Obama...but he did America, himself, badly needed healthcare reform and race relations a bad turn by getting emotional and "defending" his friend. It's degrading to the Office of the President to call police officers "stupid" at a national press conference....with or without the facts. He's supposed to be a Uniter.....but right now, he's definitely shown his stripes as a Divider. I really thought he was smarter than that....

One more thing...I've lived 50 some years and have run into good and bad cops. They didn't care about my race or gender or age. The good cops showed respect and professionalism. The bad cops did their best to bully me and intimidate me...unprofessional, rude and in the wrong line of work! Unfortunately, the gun and the badge and the power attract certain types of people who aren't suited to the job. Police work
also attracts heroes.....of all faiths, colors and gender. We all need to get along and treat others well in order to get through this horrible recession/depression. America is full of too much suffering, stress and violence right now~~~ We need to help each other...one person at a time. Peace.

Mr. Gates' ego couldn't handle the fact that he was being ordered to show his ID and prove he was the legal resident of the house. Add to that the fact that it was a younger "white boy" (officer) who he felt was "disrespecting" him.

Initial reports indicate that Mr. Gates first provided his Harvard ID when asked for identification. This would not have his home address on it. The only conclussion I can take from this is that Mr. Gates felt the need to prove to this white cop what a big shot he was dealing with. Add to this Mr. Gates' comments such as "do you know who you're messing with", etc.

Mr. Gates would love to think he's opened up a national dialogue with this ridiculous eposide. The truth is, all it does is reaffirm what so many believe to be the truth – not just here, but all over the world: that blacks in America will scream racism at the drop of a hat when it stands to benefit them; that they refuse to take responsibility for their actions, and that they demand an inflated level of respect even when none is warranted. And even worse, when they outright refuse to show respect to themselves or to others.

Don't believe me? Take a trip to Africa some day. Any country. You'll find most believe "African-Americans" to be a pathetic lot.

While far from pathetic, the black community has to find ways to accept the horrible hand they've been dealt through history and stop making enemies of those who would otherwise be more than happy to help mend fences. Instead we help through guilt, fear of lawsuits, or extortion by the likes of Sharpton and Jackson.

Racial profiling will always exist and does exist with or without some form of ANTI-PROFILING attempt. Law enforcement attracts one type of individual. The power hungry. Judges don't have the final ruling in the court room. The police do. It's our word versus theirs. There is no way to prove racial profiling. He may have had an excellent track record, but that proves nothing. Obama apologizes for speaking his mind. He should have let his feelings stand true. He probably experienced the same form of profiling in the past himself and was enraged. No matter what, Crowley should have remained professional. He did not do so. Crowley, regardless of how Gates was acting should be held responsible. Crowley forgot he was on the job. Boot camp is far too short for policing agencies. They should be introduced to psychology and be required to take the courses. I had excelled and won awards in the courses I took in order to be a cop but I chose not to continue on as a police officer due to the propaganda they were flooding my brain with. We were trained to profile people. I know cops who use the 'N' word and are racist toward various races. Cops do not save or help. Firefighters do. They take an hour and a half just to arrive at my home and expect us to depend on them. "Yes, let me just sit around as I am stabbed repeatedly because I am not allowed to defend myself."

obviously, most of you have not heard the tape of the neighbor calling 911 which did not show Prof. Gates being not unruly. Prof. Gates came be heard in the background but he was not being unruly. The neighbor also said to the dispatcher that they may live there because she saw 2 pieces of luggage on the porch. They are chosing not to investigate what really happened tells you something. It appears that Prof. Gates did nothing wrong. He was a tired man who had just come home from a long trip but aggravated that he was having a problem opening his front door. Then he looks up and a police is asking him to come outside. Anyone would be upset but the tape does not show him as unruly.

I agree with you Eric! The caller never said anything about two black men. Why did Crowley modify the report? Crowley lied. The police department did act stupidly. This crap happens all the time.

Wow! Must be a really exclusive neighbourhood. The neighbours don't recognise each other. They probably don't talk to one another too.
I don't like living in such places where your neighbour won't speak to you or recognise you.

If the honourable police officer feels venerated because he followed procedures – then let us inform him the unfortunate news: the procedures failed. The procedures smell of rotten eggs. Like hydrogen-sulphide, the procedures kill all surrounding life and incentives towards having a cooperative neighbourhood.

Gates and Obama have shown their true racist nature.

Obama should never gotten involved. He's dumber than Biden (IF THATS POSSIBLE).

I do not understand this controversy. Prof. Gates should be happy to be alive.

Based on the recording of the 911 call placed describing the concern of two men trying to gain access to the home, the caller offers the possibility that it could be a person gaining access to their own home. She does not state that the men she sees are black as Mr. Crowley states in his report. As well, she denies speaking with any police officer at the scene.–two inconsistencies with Mr. Crowley's report. The 911 call is proof to back one of her statements. Procedure should be that: when the officers arrived and were given proof of residency, the officers could ask Mr. Gates politely to wait on the porch while they run a routine check to ensure no restraining orders (for domestic violence, etc.) against that address existed and let him go unless there was further probable cause. An arrest would have been unnecessary.

Officer comes to the house to investigate possible break in.
He finds a person who acts suspiciously and refuses to identify himself.
All Gates had to do is cooperate and show ID.
Should Crawley leave Gates alone? No, he was probably thinking since the person behaves irrationally:
a. he's an intruder
b. there's an intruder in the house and there might be a hostage situation
If he had left and there was an intruder (or Gates was one) and something would get stolen or someone got killed, Gates's family would sue police for improper handling of the situation.
It was a loose/loose situation for Crawley.
When police asks you to cooperate, COOPERATE, they are doing their job, they are here to protect us, if you behave irrationally, it means you have something to hide.
You people should watch Cops from time to time and you would see what police has to deal with everyday.

As a retired police commander, who has trained and supervised hundreds of police officers, I would say that even without racial profiling the bottom line of this whole incident is that Sgt. Crowley made an unnecessary arrest of a man in his own home.

Any decent cop knows that officer often use "disorderly conduct" charges as a means of showing someone who challenges their authority or "angers" them who is boss and who is in charge. This happens when officers are not able to detach themselves from their personal feelings and become "over-invested" or "badge heavy". The "disorderly conduct" arrest is then used as a "contempt of cop" arrest. I have seen this done by officers that were immature and/or unprofessional for other reasons.

That is appears Crowley may have fabricated his report just makes matters worse. Crowley is supposedly a professional but it appears his conduct here has been less than honorable both for the arrest and the subsequent report. Police officers need to be accountable and they need to be able to take verbal abuse without resorting to "contempt of cop" arrests.

It appears Sgt. Crowley was unable to take the high road here. He won't even admit he is the only one responsible for the arrest. No one was holding a gun to his head when he decided to make the arrest. He needs to accept responsibility for his actions and admit he made a mistake given the fact that the charge was dismissed so quickly. He had other options at scene and chose not to take them.

Unfortunately, especially since 9/11 police officers do not admit wrongdoing even when it is evident and have become increasingly adverse to criticism and willing to violate peoples rights. Officers and their unions circle the wagons and defend their members in a knee jerk fashion/ Police Departments, including the one I worked for, have become more opaque and less willing to admit mistakes and truly need more civilian oversight of their conduct.

The real issue is that someone broke into a house and assulted the owner. One was arrested for disorderly conduct. Guess who. I believe that the property owner should have control over their property and the police should respect their privacy. However today the police have the authority to do what they want and will not hesitate to do whatever they feel like. However they do not have the right according to the bill of rights. This is why law enforcement has very few backers. Are the police an assest or liability and do we need to change how our society is protected?

Unfortunaltely I have known many Police officers to profile my son...he is a 25yr old white male..but he likes to dress goth at times and is usually never without his black leather overcoat and stands about 6'1...they assume him to be a druggie or a bum (there are times he does not shave) or any variety of miscreants...what they don't bother to find out is that he has put his own life on the line to help others, that the overcoat is a much prized possession from an uncle who passed away..and that he would give his life to help anyone, including the police officers that wrongly follow him when he walks down the street. Serve and protect? Are there any that really follow that anymore?

For those of you who are misguidedly saying the 911 call and the police report contradict each other...try listening and reading for yourself...You are being misled by those with an agenda to sell on race baiting or are simply not very bright...Their is NO contradiction.

well i will ask u to check the tapes that come out today he should not arrested him i would ask you to go on youtube check the state of oklahoma the polis stoped ambulance the driver was white and the guy inside was black when they where dealing with the white man that was speeding or something he was talking with the black man he was abuseing him pushing him to the ambulance and put his hands on his body that is what the video show and that is why ppl can see what the police do for them self no more lies and me and my husband drive trucks and i have seen it when my husband get in the weigh staion they try to find some thing to give him ticket when i do i push back they let me go, he is black me i am white women and can say what i want and i will tell u i have put camres in the truck so when the police come they dont know they are being filmed and u know what we have taking them to court 3times,2 times they said no belt he did have it on and all the lies all on camrea and we got it clearded in court 3 times and one time when our lawyer told then head off time that all that is on tape they drop the case before going to court , u see they see nice truck and think we can get some money out off him and judge will take my word bec i am the law.u know what i love geting it on camera i tell ppl put camrea in u car or truck... that is one way to teach them when they need to pay for trip lost of income to come to court and our lawyer is happy making money..

Lot of racist people are calling Officer Crowley a liar because the 911 call does not mention two black males. They didn't even read the report. The report never mentioned that the 911 call indicated two black males. It was told to office Crowley outside Dr. Gate's house by the caller. He has called the ECC to ask the caller to meet him so that he can get more details. This is in the record. Sgt. Crowley does not gain anything by falsely involving the caller especially if he was fabricating the charges, This lady is now afraid and pressurized by someone to come and undercut Crowley. I am pretty sure she and Gates are planning to sue the City and they can share the settlement money.

It's really very simple. Don't yell at cops. Bad things often follow.

For those that believe Crowley's version I suggest they listen to the latest news. Officers often engage in "creative writing" to cover their butts after the fact especially when they know they have screwed up!

Both are equally at fault.

Basically the cop lied – I doubt if Gates even said anything stereotypical ghetto like yo mamma- its sounds like the police officer lied..no surprise here..

Maybe the officer should have held Mr. Gates at gunpoint and handcuffed him then searched the house for the second suspect. After clearing the home, he could then question the first suspect (Mr. Gates) and confirm his identity and his right to be at or in the residence. In todays world an officer has to approach every person as if they are a danger or threat. This approach would have protected the officer while he confirmed the situation. This approach works with any sex, race or age. People need to realize that crimes are committed by all races, males and females, and all age ranges. The race, sex and age of the officer or the suspects should not matter.

This is exactly the kind of thing that makes reasonable people want to scream. Why do blacks in this country beleive its impossible for them to be racists or assume that everything that happens to them is based on their color. Anyone with sense knows that looking like you are breaking into a home will bring the police. Everyone should know that they will ask you questions when they arrive. Most importantly, everyone should know if you follow them out of your house screaming at the top of your lungs and refuse to stop that your likely to get arrested. White or black!

All you hear about is racial profiling by the police. What about Mr. Gates having racial emotions in him. Maybe that is why he acted out towards the white cop. You never hear about racist emotions coming from the african american, it is always blamed on the white race for being racist. You can have racist on both sides, so report it that way and don't slant it only towards the white population.

I don't know why people are mad at the president. He was asked for his opinion, and he gave it. He did not call Crowley a racist or say that racism played a hand in the events. He said it was stupid to arrest a man in his own home when you have been called out to investigate a possible burglary. I don't care about 'inconsistencies' in the police report, or belligerence on the part of Dr. Gates. I want to know, what constitutes disorderly conduct, and what gives an officer the right to enter your home?

Isn't it interesting that "law-and-order" right wingers always want to conveniently forget the law when an assertive minority is arrested?

Let's review the facts.....

(1). The 911 recording clearly shows the neighbor who called the police stated that she was calling out of an abundance of caution. She stated - not once, but several times - that the people on the porch had suitcases and may well be the homeowner returning from a trip. She stated that the person may just be having trouble opening the lock on his own door. She did not mention race. So the police had plenty of advance notice Dr. Gates' story could well be true.

(2). The canard that a burglar may have been hiding inside has no factual basis. The same two people reported by the neighbor were in the doorway, when police arrived.

(3). The excuse that Dr. Gates' information was insufficient doesn't wash. If the police had believed Dr. Gates was not the homeowner, he would have been arrested on suspicion of felony burglary, not misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

(4). Once Dr. Gates demonstrated he was the proper homeowner, the police no longer had a legitimate reason to be on his property. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees privacy from police intrusion in one's home. As soon as he showed he was in his own home, Dr. Gates had every right to order the police to immediately leave his property. The police had a duty to obey that order. The law does not require a homeowner to be nice to a cop. It does require a cop to stay off his property without an invitation or probable cause of a felony crime - which the ID eliminated.

Can you imagine how the right-wingers would have howled if this had happened to a white guy whom the police thought was carrying an unlicensed firearm? Most times, if you scratch a right-winger, you'll uncover a bigot.

For everyone's information, I'm white. I grew up in the South. If my car is stopped at night, I turn on the interior lights and keep my hands on the top of the steering wheel. Because I'm white, I do this for the officer's protection. If I were black in Boston, I'd do it for my own.

We have two new facts that have surfaced today as a result of Mrs Whalen coming forward and the 911 tapes that were released. We now know that Sgt Cowley lied at least twice in his report. Why should we trust anything else he says about the incident. In case you missed it at now point was there any report of two black males, the report was specifically only two males and there was also information in the report that they men had suitcases not backpacks. Secondly Mrs Whalen says Sgt Cowley never spoke to her at any time. Now read his report and see how that matches up.

Disorderly conduct simply means someone is out of control and their behavior is potentially dangerous to themselves or others. When a policeman is present, he is responsible for what is happening. That is a BIG responsibility. The report says Gates refused to cooperate with the officer by yelling at him, accusing him of racial bias, and refusing to calm down after the officer demanded Gates show him identification.

Gates does not dispute any of this. If this is not disorderly conduct, what is?

It is my opinion that the average Joe would not have had the charges dropped so fast, and Gates was treated preferentially. Hopefully the esteemed professor has learned that he should follow the law that he pretends to respect, and not act like an idiot when the police come to protect HIS property.

By his own admission, he alone generated this situation by conducting himself in a disorderly manner while the police were trying to uphold their sworn duty. And he was then given preferential treatment because he is a professor, not because he is black, green yellow, purple, or any other color.

I salute the officer for doing his job and I admonish Gates for being lawless and acting like a fool in front of the world.

I am a 39 yr old clean cut professional black man, and a veteren of the US armed forces. I have never been charged with a crime, but have been arrested approaching 10 times in my 39 years.

The first time was when i was a college student. It is an experience that i will never forget!!!! I was the recipient of a six month internship in another city that was about 3 hour away from my home. Because i was away from home and during that time it was hard to get places to take "out of town checks" , So i opened a checking account in the city where i had the internship. At the end of the internship, I closed the checking account and went back home. Several months later back home, there was a knock on the door and there were 2 white police officers that were asking for me. I was told that I had written a bad check for $9.00 to a grocery store and they were there to arrest me. This was the first i had heard about this check so after talking with my parent the officers said that they would allow me time to try and clear up the matter. The next day, I drove back to the city where i had the internship and took care of the bad check. Turns out the check had not been processed at the grocery store for several weeks and by the time it was processed my account was already closed. it cost me more than $200 to clear the matter up. A week later, the same 2 officers show up at my house while my parents weren't at home. I answered the door and they immediately grabbed me and threw me to the ground and handcuffed me. One of the officers said "look 'n-word', we gave you a chance to clear this up, and now we're taking your black ass to jail" . I told then that i had cleared it up, and that i had the paperwork proving that the matter had been resolved in the house, but they would not let me show it to them. I was taken to jail, finger printed, photography, and humiliated!!! I was in jail for several hours until my parents were able to get me out.

These kinds of things happen to law abiding black men every day, and I don't think if you have never experienced this sort of thing you understand what some of us have had to deal with in our lives and what racial profiling does to us as individuals.

Why would the dispatcher take valuable time to ask about the ethnicity of the two men forcibly entering the house? Hmmmm... Assuming Crowley throws down on Gates, the smart play is to get your hands in the air and tell the officer the location of your ID, which upon hearing, the smart play for the officer is to quickly establish the identity of the men by looking at their ID, which upon doing the whole incident might have lasted about 3 minutes.If both these fine men had been at their their very best, they could have probably resolved the matter in quickly and both left smiling. What have I learned from this? Meet the neighbors and have a picture of myself on the living room wall. What would Ghandi have done, Professor Gates? What would Elliot Ness have done, Sergeant Crowley? We all have something to learn from this one, would'nt you say, Mr Obama?

Suz, where in the world are you getting the distorted notion that police officers are here to be "servants" to the public??? For goodness sake – next you'll be expecting them to carry your groceries out to your car for you, wash your windows, and check your oil! They're here to serve and protect. "Serving" the public (a dominant role) and being a "servant" (a submissive role) are two completely different matters. They "serve" by maintaining the peace and enforcing the law. By doing so, we all benefit by getting to live in an all-around safer environment. Prof. Gates was displaying behavior that is largely considered to be "unsafe" (jimmying his way into a house with the help of another man, screaming like a crazy person at a cop, refusing to show proper ID....etc. etc. etc.) which prompted the 911 call and all actions taken against him thereafter. Prof. Gates held the power to keep that situation from getting as ugly as it did simply by obeying the cop's request for an ID right at the onset. Prof. Gates is the servant, in this case, and should have rendered ID when asked. Then he wouldn't have to continually see his mug shot on every news site / paper / program he encounters.

There are a lot of comments pro and con. That's good this is AMERICA. but if you live in this country and don't believe in law enforcement or the American Justice System maybe it's time for a change. Iran, perhaps!

I have heard plenty of pleadings of racial profiling it's an old chant. Anybody ever done a study on who was profiled or were they just not guilty as Mr. Gates claims. There are State Highway Patrols in this country that stopped enforcing narcotic trafficking because of racial profiling "issues". Only to find people were arrested in other states with contraband and went to jail.

Sounds like Crowley is a great guy. When he arressted a citizen for loudness, why did his judgement and training break down.

Why police dropped the charge – because all so called anti-racist liberals started calling the commissioner, the mayor the Governor and even the President. The police decided that it's not worth to spend too much resources on prosecuting Dr. Gates. And I am sure in four hours Dr. Gates would have realized that in USA having the President as your friend does not license you to abuse police officers. I am sure lot of people have no clue how many charges are dropped daily even for the heinous crimes like kidnapping and murder.

I'm glad the president of the United States of America is smack down in the middle. All eyes in every corner of this continent will watch and receive a much needed dose of education from the whole experience. Starting with Dr. Gates and Sgt. Crowley, let this be a lesson that regardless of your education background and accomplishment we need to practice some common sense. Be the bigger person and save each other face. Thus avoiding this ruckus and get on to the more important issue like Health care in America. I'm sick of paying 600.00 dollars a month for insurance and still paying for her deductibles.

The number of racists with computers is alarming. I'm sick of whites always saying the black man should have backed down and kissed the white man's behind. The Constitution gives Mr. gates the rights to act as he did. The Massachusetts law gives Mr. gates the right to act as he did so why do so many whites feel Mr. gates should have backed down. What Mr. gates did was not smart but very legal. What the police officer did was not smart and illegal. Blacks too have rights guaranteed by the Constitution and state laws. This is a case of the police officer getting mad when the black man did not treat him as his master but instead as an equal. Both men acted stupidly in this situation but only one of them broke the law. Check Massachusetts court cases and you will find that the police have been slapped on the hand because of this type of behavior before. This is not an isolated case. It is time to start believing some of the millions of blacks who have claimed illegal arrest, profiling and general denial of their Constitutional rights. Some, not all, of these people were justified in their complaints.

I see alot of people quick to jump on the cop ONLY because he is a cop. Laws are what are enforced not public opinion. YES you can be arrested for Disorderly Conduct in your own home. In all 50 states. Those who say this law doesn't exist get your facts straight. If Mr. Gates did not show proper I.D. when requested he could have been charged with Obstruction also, but he wasn't.
Gates got his charges dropped because he is friends with President Obama. Obama tried to weigh in on something he didn't have the facts on, and it hurt him politicly. He now is backing off his statements.
Gates himself did not contest HIS actions as reported by police. The only thing he contested was he showed his Collage ID when asked for Identification. Police look for an ID with Home address information containing other personal information. Not ID that say he can get into a collage. This way they can run it and verify the ID. Gates is the story book boy who cried wolf.

Jon, I think you are suffering from selective memory loss. The report says that office Crowley identified himself twice and Dr. Gates kept asking him four times. It was Dr. Gates who refused to show an ID and started calling the chief. I am sure that now he understands that it's easier to show your ID and start abusing the police officer who is trying to ensure your safety. Please remember that Office Crowley was still looking for the second person who could well be hiding behind a curtain with a gun in his hand.

No matter how educated and wealthy you are, everyone should know better than to throw a tantrum against a cop. I try to look at it all without any possible skew, from the media or myself. Have wealthy, white politicians/lawyers/etc been arrested before? Yes. A harvard professor should be intelligent enough to make a situation like this run in his favor. However much I disagree with the 'arresting factor' which was the yelling, I'm sure I would like this professor very much and it would be cool to get drunk with both of them at the same time.

Cassie you said "There are two sides to this coin. One is that many african-americans choose not to stay in school and grow up facing trouble with the law. " What gives here? This is racist. This is discriminatory. This is wrong. Dropping out of school and getting into trouble with the law are mutually exclusive. It is not against the law to not finish school so why would that guarantee trouble with the law later. As long as people are allowed to propagate racists thoughts and feelings you express we are in for a lot of trouble. Both men were in the wrong but only one did something illegal. The prosecuter took one look at the case and ordered it dropped. Guess which man acted illegally?

This race issues are getting crazy everyday. Pres. Obama was right the first time and he shouldn't have backed down. It goes to show no matter where we achieve in life we somehow have to bow down no matter what. The professor wasn't wrong.

Whether or not Sgt. Crowley was told that the suspects were black and by whom that was included it in his report is a minor point. The fact is, is that they were indeed black!!
What difference does this make. The caller admitted that she talked to Crowley outside the house but she states it was brief. Maybe it was. But the police officer had talked to many different people (the dispatcher, the lady in the street, the ECC) and he was processing a lot of information from various people while also trying to deal with the yelling hostile uncooperative Prof Gates. The caller apparently did mention suitcases which could be called backpacks. Frankly, people that want to make this a big issue regarding the police report are dwelling on minor points. Prof Gates is denying that he ever referred to Sgt. Crowley's mother so what are we to believe. I think we can believe that Prof Gates lost his cool and got himself arrested, much to surprise and embarrasement. He sounds like an arrogant a** that needed to taken down a notch. Unfortunately, Obama came to his rescue so no reality check there for Prof Gates.

i think prof. Gates. He feels is been violated and disrespectful of his high status in society. So when the police did not give him the respect he wanted. He use race to get the cop in trouble. This time he has calculated wrong that this is high decorated cop with expert in racial profiling. This matter should go away in couple days when the president who have nothing better to do and interfere with local matter. Why can we all just get along and move on....

I believe profiling occurred. In the stress of the moment, Professor Gates profiled the officer as a working class cop he could badger and insult and call a racist - and profiled the cop as someone who would take it, and turn and walk away with his tail between his legs. However, the cop is of a younger generation, who was confident from his experience that he was not a racist... and stood his ground... even against THE HARVARD PROFESSOR. (Harvard is the power in that city).
Racial profiling is a huge problem. But this incident was not racial profiling, other than what the Harvard professor did (under extreme jet lag, surprise and stress).
The CNN coverage has been so bias in favor of Professor Gates. In fact, the panelists on both sides of the issue - supposedly arguing the pro and con - have mostly been personal friends of the professor... calling him "Skip Gates."
A teachable moment? Maybe President Obama can extract a teachable moment... if anyone can... he can. I am glad he is our President now, and not Bush. There are simultaneous realities. One is that many blacks feel so much intense pain and anger... they can not conceive that other realities are possible or justified... other than their pain. Blacks are not to be blamed for this in any way... it is INTENSE PAIN and the legacy of racism. But, if we don't try to understand the subtleties of issues, we will not learn in the teaching. Soledad O'Brien's series on Black In America is a farce of stereotypes.

Why was it necessary for the police to ask the woman living next door to the professor the race or ethnicity of the possible burgulars. A person breaking the law is doing so regardless to their race. Would it really help the police to know if the suspects were black or white. Do they know there are blacks and hispanics who look white. If the police would have speed to the sceen and saw a black man and a white man fleeing the sceen would it be smart to let the white man go and stop the black man. suppose it was a black man but not the one they stopped. And the black man who look white got away. If this sounds loopy it is, but not anymore than the Mass. police departments questions about the suspects color.
I really like you Anderson, but I think issued a bobble head pass to Tuban and the nice woman Lawyer you had on, tonight when someone should have gotten a ticket for not looking at the subject the way a black man walking the streets of America would.

Robert Zimmerman is exactly right. The attitude of the Elites in this country came through lound and clear . The Harvard Elite including Prof Gates and President Obama are the ones that did the profiling here assuming that the officer was engaged in racial profiling if not outright racism, and second that he behaved stupidly because the Harvard Elite thinks that all policeman are stupid. Its a sad day in this country for our police when the Chief Law Enforcement Officer and President of the United States makes it so clear that he mistrusts and despises them.

I am a white, educated, middleclass female, and, I too, have experienced OVERREACTION by a cop. Cops have a certain training, and they have to follow "orders", and they have their "brotherhood" that needs to be protected, and, to a certain extent I can understand it. But, in the case of Professor Gates, I truely believe the cops and their necessary brotherhood, overstepped what was necessary. It sounds like a "pissing match" between a youngish male cop, and a very tired middle-aged man confronted by a hostile person in his own house. Class and Race both play a part in this debacle. Lets try to figure this out and educate ourselves and the professionals that we count on to keep the peace between all of us. Thank you.

This blog has beaten this rightful arrest to death, so all I'm going ot post is that SGT Crowley should be commended. Were I faced with the same situation as Sgt Crowley, Mr Gates would have been provided an immediate opportunity to stare at the wood grain of his porch at very close range in about 4 seconds prior to his arrest.

How about some peaceful civil disobediance in reaction to the arrest of a person speaking loudly on the porch. Perhaps the neighbors go out on their porches on the same day of the week at the same time of day and quote loudly some appropriate words until as such time as the police are given proper training in the arrest of a person for disorderly conduct. Because of the backing given the arresting officer by superiors, obviously, the training must begin at the top and trickle down.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

What is this – a police state? A senior citizen getting arrested in his own home? This is not China, this is the US. I have two brothers that are cops and they both say the worst thing that can be done is to give a badge and a gun to a bully. Unfortunately for every 20 good cops there's always got to be a bully in the bunch that ruins it for all of them. If a person like Sgt Crowley is teaching a class on racial profiling, no wonder why we have trouble with police. He obviously lied in his report. The 911 caller never identified the person as African American yet that was placed in the report. I suggest any person who thinks that Gates over reacted, think about how you would feel if you came home tired from a trip, couldn't find your keys and then are confronted and arrested by the police. Now think of it happening to your elderly father. I don't think you would be too happy about it either. Unfortunately, there is a long history about this happening disproportionately to Black Men and Latino Men. So there is a reason why a man of color would be defensive.

Since Eric Holder wants us all to be brave, why not address one of the leading problems that lead to perceptions of profiling. Specifically the large numbers of crimes committed by black individuals and the resulting need to investigate those crimes. Let's use homicides as an example. The numbers vary a little from year to year, but in any given year, according to the FBI, black individuals commit anywhere from 52-55% of the homicides in the nation. Blacks as a demographic group only make up about 13-14% of the population. Homicides are committed by black individuals at a rate four times the overall representation of blacks in the population. Out of necessity, investigating these homicides leads to questioning a disproportionately large number of black individuals who had nothing to do with the crime. If one is on the receiving end, this can look like what is often referred to as profiling. What would critics have homicide investigators do, remembering of course that most of the victims of these homicides are themselves black?

Isn't there ANYTHING more important going on besides this ? There is Black in America, Black in America 2, back to Black in America. That seems to be all I see on CNN these days.

Wrong is right and white is wrong. We get it already, move on

Not to change the subject, but what about the politicians that argue against health care reform, and NOBODY dares to ask them on camera if, and how much, campaign contributions they get from the health care lobby. Do you have an agreement that you WON'T ask the questions that PROVE who they really represent ? Do you even need to confront them directly ? Can't you find out another way if they're on the lobby dole ? And if you think it's what you want us to know, you'll tell us right ?

Why is it that everyone is always so quick to yell "racial" issue. Why do we always have to turn to that. First off...none of us were there to know what truly happened. Maybe both were in the wrong. How do we get beyond this racial thing if everyone always brings up the "racial" card. Really...how do we move on??? My husband is a police officer and I'm proud to say he is one of the good guys. Yes, there can be some who make mistakes... But don't forget- they are the people who put their lives on the line. Whether or not this could have been some dangerous situation- you can never understand the position of a police officer unless you are in their shoes. And you'll probably never understand the fear an officer's family feels every time they go out. Sounds like many Americans are now profiling police officers. Let's look at the issues and not the color ...

Because in the end: all real criminals can be defeated by loonie toons.

It is how you can tell the difference between a real citizen and a criminal; with the use of a toon. Releasing toons to this task however would be extremely difficult; so without tigers...

Now where loonie toons dwell, and I might have mentioned this before: but there was this little hen pecked chickenhawk which never got on screen much, but never be blasted if that little varment ain't going to go get a real job; a real toon getting a real job out in the real world. Offering teaching services to kids about the animal kindom, and their domesticated purposes... This a lesson so to avoid the regular abuses animals suffer; when locked in cages or bacements...

So we have mentioned; that a market index switch exists, and that Yakko, Wako, and Dot are the only three who understand it location. This switch of course will flip the economy back over to a different regulated index: a switch which was designed into the market system before the onset of world war one, but which had been operated solely by the accidential remote programmed into a rerun of the original Loonie toons series: of which this program was cancelled; yet the toons kept it alive, setting the economic base from fiat, to housing, to banking, to stocks, or orange juice, and to Acme products, and someone wrote in coyote, but it was scratched out and replaced with carrots... and near the end a lone little digit which had no meaning to anyone... presumably meant stop: but stop was at the other end, and toons do not like the idea of pause... and warming toilet seats...

Now this little chicken hawk, he became more worldly, he ventured out into the world after reaking a havoc of toon breed upon the old tooniverse... but this havoc was just of his character... just while he was still written into toon world, and this was just another reason why he wanted to get out. little hen pecked chickenhawk... just because he had a worm, and could fit and get more... the cameras didn't really care about abit of the things those hens did to that little chickenhawk... the little innocent one...

Now Foghorn is without a leg, the economic switch has yet again been stopped due to the de-animation of yakko, wako, and dot. The Tooniversity is going into debt, and the ink is again becoming too expensive...

Now this adult chickenhawk, he wants out, see he figured out how to get old: he would just watch the re-runs of loonietoones inside tooniverse: and in the process of watching his elders...

Oh sorry, the date for the story above is Nove. 19, 2008 and not 2009 pls.

Thanx

(1) Having Conrad sit in the back seat of the police car until he calms down: acceptable. Actually taking Conrad to the station and booking him: unacceptable and a waste of taxpayer money
(2) Maybe stupid was not the right adjective to describe the testosterone battle between two supposed-to-be "community leaders". However, if I spent my days trying to get support for a healthcare bill because millions of people don't have it and thousands are dying without it; trying to figure out what our role in two wars is/was/should be; trying to get answers on how to improve the economy so Americans can go back to work and have homes again; trying to squeeze in ways to preserve our planet, trying to etc. etc. etc. If I did give this the time of day, I would send both men an email and tell them to get their act together. The country needs real role models not a couple of jerks walking around with their chests poked out.

Mr. Cooper,

In my opinion, the crucial points surrounding the Gates matter, panel discussion, were allowed to be circumvented, even after presenting some evidence. Unfortunately, Sgt. Crowley misrepresented several facts: pursuant to your panel discussion, 27 July 2009.

One is at a lost to understand why the discussion did not stick to the contents of the police report, the 911 call, and TV interviews: cleverly, guests just had to assign some fault to Prof. Gates.

To me stating that "two black men were seen with back packs"–contrary to eyewitness' account–breaking into a house, is like a weapon being placed into the hands of a victim fatally shot, after the fact. And to actually say that the resident produced an ID demonstrates even lesser reason to have allowed the situation to escalate.

This incident was a mistake, but it also appears somewhat egregious. Yes, we should move to a positive outcome, however, to fail to identify the wrong, clearly, only sends us in a backward direction.

Mr. Cooper,

In my opinion, the crucial points surrounding the Gates matter, panel discussion, were allowed to be circumvented, even after presenting some evidence. Unfortunately, Sgt. Crowley misrepresented several facts: pursuant to your panel discussion, 27 July 2009.

One is at a lost to understand why the discussion did not stick to the contents of the police report, the 911 call, and TV interviews: cleverly, guests just had to assign some fault to Prof. Gates.

To me stating that "two black men were seen with back packs"–contrary to eyewitness' account–breaking into a house, is like a weapon being placed into the hands of a victim fatally shot, after the fact. And to actually say that the resident produced an ID demonstrates even lesser reason to have allowed the situation to escalate.

This incident was a mistake, but it also appears somewhat egregious. Yes, we should move to a positive outcome, however, to fail to identify the wrong, clearly, only sends us in a backward direction.

You know, if more men inquired as to the hue of their "private parts", perhaps they would begin to understand that we all are more alike–emanating from a same ancestry–than unalike. Then, and only then, will we be able to distance ourselves from anti-cultural/ethnicity: fact-backed opinion.
One is willing to bet, that that is very unlikely to occur.

The one common thread in most of the comments ( on both sides of the issue) is the difficulty that the commenters have with the facts. I would suggest that, before commenting, you construct a "time-line" of the incident and insert on that "time-line" every verifiable fact in the proper sequence. That alone will shut up over 90% of the commenters.

This whole thing is a joke. We, as a society, need to stop crying wolf. This went way beyond where it should have gone. Who's guilty? Both of them.

In my opinion this situation is less about race than power. Gates clung to his rights and was agitated that he was being hassled in his view. He probably had more cards in the race game than Crowley. But he was agitated nonetheless and after all he was in his own home.

It should not have resulted in an arrest unless he was threatening. Failing to be a submissive Black male to a cop is not a crime. Crowley wanted Gates to toe a line he was not ready to toe in his own home. Many would have acted similarly without a racial element I suppose.

As a black male I can rattle off twenty or more actual instances of being profiled. I have even had a white police officer apologize to me for following instructions on "who to stop." Of course this was after I showed him my alumni card to the huge university in the area.
I have had an officer pull a gun on me while at an ATM after dark. (No arrest,no explanation, no request for ID) I guess he thought i was laying in wait or something. I was stopped for traffic (without citation...simply a routine DWB warrant check) at least 13 times over 3 years in mid and southern Indiana. It may have been even more I only started counting after 4 I think. I worked as an engineer for the power company so I was in a lot of rural white areas. I even once had a non citation traffic stop result in a canine search because I had just purchased a box of arm & hammer baking soda to deodorize my fringe. "surely i'm a crack or heroin or whatever its used for dealer". That was the last straw though I got nothing but a sense of satisfaction from addressing that incident with appropriate civil rights advocates.

In the case at hand I would appreciate someone seeing something suspicious at my home calling the police. I would assume I would not got to jail if I were in the same position as Gates. Neither should Gates have been.

Gates reaction was likely akin to the Stevie Wonder song lyric you might have the cash but can't cash in your face. Look up the lyrics and I can attest to the EXACT renting portion scenario occurring to me once. For ME the key to not letting this be too big a part of MY daily brainwave is realizing things do get better and I don;t have to have chip on MY shoulder. That doesn't mean I accept any of the true crap when it happens but its a better way to live for me that's for sure.

I believe real injustice deserves real attention whereas this incident has gotten way too much. This case is a more of a yawner for me as opposed to real profiling or racism but obviously it has opened easily opened wounds and sentiments in some and "settled up...get over reverse discrimination" sentiments in others.

But for all those that think they would have had their car stopped for no reason and then have dogs running around in the hatch of your vehicle because you plan to deodorize your fridge... I get it. For all those that realize it would never happen to YOU but don't realize it would and did happen to me ...that's not your fault but now you know.

I hope that only helps and doesn't hurt in any way. God bless.

Why is the fact that there were two (2) suspected persons not explained? The police went to the address based upon expecting to encounter two(2) intruders, possibly armed.

Tola, if you listen to the officer's radio call he WAS calm. The only one going berserk was Gates, who could be heard in the background. Crowley was cool and collected requesting back-up. The 911 caller on the street stated that she heard shouting, but only Gates not Crowley. When the President made his statement he admitted he didn't have the facts. So he should have kept his mouth shut.

OK all you white people haters! There were black officers on the scene who felt things were handled by the book and that gates was being an out of control nimrod when they were there to protect his property. SO, should we only have black officers handle black calls and white officers handle white calls and Hispanic officers handle Hispanic calls? I for one want to be the good guy but not if your finger is in my face because you feel entitled to do so.

Me, the Lousy Cop
Well Mr. Citizen, I guess you have figured me out. I seem to fit neatly into the category you place me in. I'm stereotyped, characterized, standardized, classified, grouped, and always typical. I'm the "lousy" cop.

Unfortunately, the reverse isn't true. I can never figure you out.

From birth you teach your children that I am a person to be wary of...and then you're shocked when they identify me with my traditional enemy, the criminal.

You accuse me of coddling juvenile criminals, until I catch your kid doing something.

You may take an hour for lunch and several coffee breaks each day, but point me out as a loafer if you see me having just one cup.

You pride yourself on your polished manners, but think nothing of interrupting my meals with your troubles.

You raise hell about the guy who cuts you off in traffic, but let me catch you doing the same thing and I'm picking on you.

You know all the traffic laws, but never got one ticket you deserved.

You shout "Foul!" if you observe me driving fast enroute to an emergency call, but literally raise hell if I take more than ten seconds responding to your call.

You call it "part of my job" if someone strikes me. But its "police brutality" if I strike back.

You wouldn't think of telling your dentist how to pull a badly decayed tooth, or your doctor how to take out your appendix, but you are always willing to give me pointers on law enforcement.

You talk to me in a manner and use language that would assure a bloody nose from anyone else, but you expect me to stand there and take it without batting an eye.

You cry, "Something has to be done about all the crime!" but you can't be bothered with getting involved.

You've got no use for me at all, but, of course, it's OK if I change a tire for your wife, deliver your baby in the back seat of my patrol car on the way to the hospital, save your son's life with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or work many hours overtime to find your lost daughter.

So, Dear Citizen, you stand there on your soapbox and rant and rave about the way I do my job, calling me every name in the book, but never stop a minute to think that your property, your family, or maybe your life might depend on one thing – me, or one of my buddies.

Yes, me, the lousy cop.

Let me first share a couple of stories. In a dominantly white neighborhood, two police cars escorted a black woman out of the town because they assumed that there was no possibility she could live there, owing to the fact that she is black. A woman.

In another town, a black good samaritan man stopped to help a white woman change her tire on a lonely road. The police got there and the only question they could ask was "Are you okay ma'am, what did he do to you?"

If any black man hears such stories,is it not only natural that he develops anger and resentment towards the police?

On the other hand, think about stereotypes white police officers endure as a result of the resentment blacks (men especially) have towards them.

Race and 'multiculturalism' is Ameria's most powerful asset and yet, it happens to the America's most prevalent liability. Unfortunately it will never go away as long as the country remains multi racial. Maybe we should just learn to use it for our good instead of allowing it to destroy us. Shame on us all, Americans. The world is now watching the most powerful nation struggle with race.

This question is continually raised...

Why were the charges dropped? I'll tell you why, because Professor Gates is a "good friend" of the President of the U.S. Like most times in life, it's all in who you know.

I firmly believe that the President not only owes Officer Crowley an apology, but also America. For him to make a remark as he did without knowing the facts shows me that he... ummm.. ahhh.. in my opinion.... ahhh... acted stupidly.

Cassie, the President didn't involve himself in a local matter it was a question asked to him, when he was talking about HEALTH CARE. Also by making laws to stop racial profiling is still not going to work, because its the police words vs the victims words. An like Cassie says "There are two sides to this coin. One is that many african-americans choose not to stay in school and grow up facing trouble with the law".

Some folks make me sick.....

Anyways is he going to get charged for filing a false report?

I witnessed exchanges between Dr. Boyce Watkins and Attorney Jeff Toobin on AC360, (along with the attorney for Ms. Whalen, who phoned in the 911 call regarding Dr. Gates). I am frankly flabbergasted by the offhand manner in which Mr. Toobin handled the matter – blaming President Obama for getting involved (I say this in spite of the fact that I believe that the President would have been better served to have referred the matter to others. However, this matter is bigger than Professor Gates and Sgt. Crowley).

I am not an attorney. I do happen to be a black college professor who has had a white policeman stop at my house to “make sure the owners were at home” – after seeing me working in the yard. I am frankly concerned about the discrepant facts in the police report and the tape of the 911 call. Policemen are supposed to get it right. People go to jail on their testimony all the time – because they are trained observers and listeners. It is not all right to let the policeman off the hook. Everyone seems to think that he simply did his job. The tape makes it clear that he did not do it well – details are altered; he acted stupidly as stated by President Obama. I understand that yelling at someone in one’s home is not a crime under Massachusetts law. So, what is justification for the policeman to react as he did? Such questions deserve a review and an answer.

Can anyone tell me what the professor might do to a (white) student that treated him the way the professor treated the cop ?

That would be fun to watch...feel free to try it ! Oh yes, and please video it.

Well as I once said "the other side of the story is never heard or if heard nothing is done about it". These are some of the reasons, why the Law enforcers think, they are all above the law. Their reports are finally and many people get the worst because a cop made up a story.

I tell you and I will always say this, if you know God or not, you will be rewarded for whatever you do to others, especially if someone has to suffer because of some false statement (s).

Thanx

Cliff Rockefeller said on July 27th, 2009 3:26 pm ET

"Finally, somebody that is willing to see that not everything is related to race. The police were there to protect the home and its owner. The lesson ..."

Cliff - Although the police were there to protect the home and its owner, the police ended up protecting the home from its owner

Matt, again you are acting stupidly by commenting on a previous situation that has nothing to do with this situation!!!! Can any of you get that?

Nobody should ever be arrested just for being indignant. It happens all the time, and it is an abuse of power.

Forget the panels, with all due respect. It's the three guys in the Oval Office with beer on Thursday that will determine the next spin on this overblown drama. Yes, let's have the boys decide what should happen next over a beer.

While I have no problem with beer or alcohol, I fail to see the example being set for "race relations" by incorporating alcohol or any other substance into the mix. Maybe gangs should just sit down around a hookah or some meth and sort out their differences.

Maybe they'll play spin the bottle and decide who is to "blame".

A "teachable moment"? Give me a break.

Don't compare us to you. The professor will do nothing. Now, a white one, I don't know. My daughter had a white one who fact checked every thing she did because she 'spoke' to well and could put two words together and form a cohesive thought. Something unheard of in the black community, even is her aunt has a masters in English and taught it and french for over 30 yrs. Her mother minored in English. I guess we jes' don no nuthin'!!!!

The police acted stupidly. This was not just a misunderstanding. A man was taken from his home to jail, for being "pissed off" i might add. Sgt. Crowley made things worse by LYING on his police report. (A fact that you seem to want to ignore) In my opinion a law suit is in order. I also beleive Sgt. Crowley should be fired for falsifying a police report. The black officer who supported Crowley, at the very least, needs to be re-trained.

You cannot have your own facts.

You can have your own opinions.

Fact:
Identification of Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr occurred. Whether it was with the Harvard ID or driver license.

I deem facts has highly corroborated pieces of information

At issue: When the id was presented and when.

According to the officer's own police report, and Dr. Gates was arrested after it was determined that the house belonged to him.

Fact: According to the police report he noted no fear of danger and most of the conversation took please inside and on Dr. Gate's property.

Fact: Sgt Crowley's provided information in his report that is not supported by the witness nor is it corroborated by the tape.

Fact: You cannot hear Professor Gates on the tapes. The police said you would be able to. You cannot. The decibel level Professor Gates was speaking was not at a yell.

Fact: Massachusetts law does not allow for the arrest for such offense.

My opinion: This does not have anything to do with race. It is the people here who want a fight about racism to make it about race. This is about professionalism. People want to ignore the facts or cherry pick the talking points that sound good but their is no arrestable offense committed. The two people could have been white I would have thought this was wrong and yes stupid.

Additionally, it is stupid that the witness statements do not match the police reports and the police unions etc continue take their fight forward. You were wrong to make the arrest.

It was a stupid act. But defending it visible when the evidence does not support your version of the events does not fortify the public trust.

KL, I am a black woman and yes, we just always wanted special treatment. We have always received it, too. If I followed your rule, we would be the American version of the third reich. More than Jews would be dead, gays, gypsies, etc. People followed orders in nazi Germany and that turned out peachy keen, didn't it?
The surrounding countries, followed suit and guess what, same out come. One needs to remember the poem, they came for........ You abdicate your freedom of speech, I will not.
It is amazing how white America dumbs down the past reatment of any minority and then blames the victim. I am not now, nor, will I ever be one. This is a euphemistic statement. When you say we blacks want special treatment, remember all we have had that. Lynchings, burnings, bombings. Children blown up in church. Civilrights workers killed. Special laws called 'jim' that you loved to crow about. Sen. Sessions will not not vote for Sotomayor because of her views. White men are whining, saying, if a white man said what she did, what would happen. My dears. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. You legistated your response. From retricted laws that prevented integration to who to marry or with whom to deal socially. I have no intentions of forgetting, any more than a Jewish person who experienced the holocaust will forget, the Sioux who won their case in the Supreme court to get their beloved and sacred Black Hills back because it was determined they were stolen. did they get them back, n-o–o-o-o-!! As usual, white America threw money at the problem and guess what , it still sits in the bank. They won't touch it. They won the case and want back their land. So forget, no. Until you are brave enough, have guts enough to sit down and talk, face to face, about everything and this includes all parties. I'm not forgetting anything. 67 years later you still remember Pearl Harbor. Over 150 years later, Texans remember the Alamo. Yet, we should forget and get over 400 yrs. How about those native Hawaiians? You think they will ever forget how white people took their country after they voted against statehood and had the petitions hidden. They are in an enclosed case in front of the state capital building for the world to see.