Live Blog from the Anchor Desk 07/23/09
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Tonight, we have breaking news on the Michael Jackson death investigation. 360's Randi Kaye has uncovered what authorities took from Jackson's doctor's office in Houston. We also have new insight on Jackson's last days.
Want to know what else we're covering? Read EVENING BUZZ
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No cop will ever admit profiling. This kind of profiling is often done unconsciously.
This is the sad part. Racism is often subtle. We still have a long way to go… this debate is a good example.
Didn't the nanny say that his food was laced with meds?
Maybe he didn't want the meds in his food and they were doing it to him?
The Chief of the Cambridge PD said that his officers are feeling “deflated,” because Pres. Obama said they acted stupidly – TOO BAD. What … the President of the United States is NOT entitled to Freedom of Speech? Wait ... Okay, so Prof. Gates' can be deprived of his 4th Amendment rights and the President is not entitled to his 1st Amendment rights? ... ONLY IN AMERICA.
Dick Gregory is very credible.
I believe that the media is taking the arrest of the Professor to a place that they need not go. Race in my mind does not play a role in this , he seems to have been acting in a manner for which arrest was needed. Everything does not always go to race,we do have a black president and we as black people did not elect him alone.
The Gates/Crowley issue is simple to me. If a man is in his home and a police officer asked for identification. Gates produces the proper data and establishes himself as the home owner; case should be closed. Instead I see a police officer exercising his ability to mess with this Black Man and remind him of his social pecking order. Black men are venerable even under the law. This proves it. That is why Black men don't trust police officers. It is a learned experience.
The Gates incident is not a black or white issue, it's an American issue. This clearly shows the out of control power the police have amassed in recent years. Every American, white, black, Hispanic, etc ... should be outraged! Yes ... most cops are good people, but even good people do stupid things when given too much power. It's time ALL Americans speak out and demand greater accountability and much tighter controls on ALL law enforcement officers.
My goodness, MJ's story gets sadder and sadder! Paranoia is no joke.
Yes, Obama's comment was a political challenge for his press secretary, but it makes Obama look like he has an opinion, which is good. I do not think it was off the cuff. Regardless, he used the hubbub as cover to announce the healthcae bill will not be ready by August 7.
Michael Jackson was paranoid? Well he could have taken the "safer" medicine Ambian and get the same effects....teh sigh...
Anderson,
We all don't know the facts. However racial profiling is still eminent in this country. It is strange how an African-american male who resides in an affluent all white neighborhood, is perceived as a perpetrator in his own community. In the eyes and perception of most black folk race will continue to play a factor. I agree with President Obama, the way the police handled things was very inappropriate, insensitive, and stupid.
Michael Jackson sounds like the Howard Hughes of the new Millenium.
Obviously Mr. Gates neighbors have no idea who resides near them. I have to wonder why that is so. I would like to know if Mr Gates was a white man in his own home would he thennbe treated in the same manner- Arrested for disorderly conduct. Racial profiling??? I'm not sure BUT obviously testosterone was high in that house!
We are becoming two countries and it is a scary thing. We must not allow anger and past hurt coupled with fear win out.
Come on America let's turn this corner with peace and equal justice.
Morris
Houston
Hi everyone,
Great job Anderson.
My thoughts on the Gates issue; did the cop clarify why he came to the house? After the altercation did he find out if the criminals were still on the property or did he get overwhelmed by Gates standing up to him and forget the initial purpose of going to the house?
Black in Americ was excellent. It was a motivating, positive experience.! Good Job CNN.
President Obama responded pasionately to Gates arrest. I wonder if he has personal experiences with racial profiling.
this issue is not so much about race as it about rogue cops. I know black, latino and white people who've had run-ins with 'nasty' officers. Too many officers see their badge as a symbol of false pride.
Indeed Anderson, its fascinating how the two stories are suppose to be the same yet they're in a parallel line but told completely differently.
Hey Anderson
Sleepless in Germany,good reason to watch your show.
Last time wtched your show in N.Y.
Evening AC360, fellow bloggers,
@Anna,360 Soledad's special on Black in America last night was great and I only saw the last 30min tonight which is also excellent reporting; will catch the repeat after 360.
Sad, yet true, that racial profiling does exist in America; we have so far to go. We all have freedom of speech, including Pres O'Bama. Education is so important for all of America.
and also the police officer had an issued uniform with a badge number and name plate
In my 60+ years I have been stopped in my car maybe 6 times and I always am very respectful, say 'sir' and offer very little agrument whether the officer is black or white. . I don't think that was the case here. Gates was indignant and it escalated from there.
When two highly intelligent, powerful and strong willed men are put in a potentially confrontational position it does not matter whether they are black or white or purple. The issue became who will win, not who is right.
Might we spend our time on health care, the economy and the things that cross all lines – racial, economic and age related?
Professor Gates is entitled to his fourth amendment rights just as we all are. Righteous indignation is warranted. A man is supposed to be safe in his home.
what if it would have been a black officer and white man?? then what stop going on tv and accept theseeee
There is no evidence that the officer did anything wrong. The police commissioner said he followed procedure. Witnesses agree with the cops. Gates is all alone with no evidence to back up his claim.
Does anyone here really believe that Prof. Gates actually made a stupid "Yo momma...." comment to the cop?? LOL I mean come on now- that right there is a obvious stereotype.
Give me a break!!! Yes, racism is alive and well. But I don't believe that's what happened in this case. This is nothing but two men being men. One insulted by the other and it just got out of hand. If it had been just another guy and not a cop, they would have been brawling in the front lawn like kids. GET OVER YOURSELVES!!! I've had it with both of them.
Tracye
Chicago
Funny Anderson that you mention perspectives. That's the issue here more than anything. Hard for other races to "see" when "your race" is not typically the victim.
It seems as if whatever the President says, it is magnified in a way that it takes on a different meaning. He wasn't calling the officer stupid he said, "He acted stupidly" and that is a big difference.
I'm glad our president spoke on this issue.There are too many cases of this.If he were white the cops would have said sorry for the misunderstanding and left.I would even understand if he were a young ,and with someone else i would agree with the cop but they could have asked someone else on the block.I do think he was profiled.
So does this mean Gates has a criminal record, even though the charge has been dismissed? Just curious. Shame on the officer for not being mature enough to know when to stop. Everyone should have taken a deep breath and walked away. This would have left each with their dignity. As Rodney King would say" Can't we all just get along."
AC:
Ref: Professor/cop story. Let's interview the woman who called the police and got the ball rolling....see what she saw.....on screen....then get on with something that doesn't separate Americans.
Doug
@ Wayne if Harvard owns the house all the more reason for them to know who lives there because the school should have been contacted..and they would have informed them that Professor Gates lives there................try again
Related to Pres. Obama's comments with the Cambridge incident: once again.......why does it always go back to a racial issue? If this Yale professor "needed assistance" for a robbery in progress and the police did not show quick enough.......are we pointing towards discrimination again? This cop was doing his job and whether the person was pink, purple or brown, it made no difference to him.......he was doing his job!!!
Thank you Boyce Watkins for your incredibly powerful comments on CNN. Instead of jumping to immediate conclusions you did your research first. I don't know any of the parties involved. I just appreciate people who base there opinions on facts.
Rest in piece Michael. If only the media would let this be. Elvis didn't have to go through this, he was just put to rest and adored. See the difference? Black vs White...If only Michael could re-sing that song!
in the case of the officer that arrested the professor, i'm confused. everyone is calling the case racial profiling, but no one is saying why the officer arrested the professor in his own home. why did he arrest him? did the professor provoke him? did he yell at him? did the professor put his hand on the officer? no one has answered these questions. until the ques. are answered, maybe the President is right the officer "acted stupidly".
Travis said...The whole issue brought him down a peg or two. When certain professionals i.e. black professionals, reach a certain level they feel exempt from the lifestyle and disadvantages that normal black people experience. He has just been awakening to where he truly is in America.
Wake me up when Obama Actually says something relevent and new about his Health Reform Plan. Its the same thing every day. How about instead of repeating the obvious you instead read over the hundred page Bills that are being tossed around regarding it so you actually know whats in it.
Amen Boyce Watkins! A fine example of reason all races should learn from. Lets learn and understand the facts before making racial judgements. We will all be better for it.....including you Roland Martin.
I can understand Gates's frustration. Seniors , I am Caucasian, here in The Colony, Texas get hassled frequently by the overly aggressive police. It seems that they have some wild concept, that we will not object to such harassment.
I think that the officer made a bad move arresting professor Gates I think that the officer arrested Mr Gates out of anger because he said something bad about his mom. And for that the officer is wrong . He took it personal and he did not seperate the 2 (business and personal ) However 2 wrongs don't make one right .~Stefani
I think Obama was right to say the officer's actions were stupid. I think we are missing the point here. Lets take race out of the picture. We have a MAN entering into his own home. The officer could have asked for his ID and compared the information based on an official record of the ownership. I have experience the same incident when I entered my home and triggered the home alarm system. The police arrived and asked for my name proof of residence, i.e., mortgage statement. That was it!!!!
It's a shame when African Americans already drive in fear of being stopped by the police and now it’s our own home.
I am an African American born in the deep south. I think that this professor is just going over board with this racist stuff. Like your guest said, just because the officer was white he decided that he could scream racism. Please stop abusing the race card and just act cilvil when dealing with the law.
The he said she said thing always splits people into two groups. Wish we get a clearer picture soon. I so feel the cop is right and the professor is over reacting. Maybe it hurt his ego that cops had to question him (a professor and friend of the president) in his own house and that really pissed him off.
i think in most cases there are different perspectives in the police reoport and the suspect per se. its scary at some point in my opinion, very scary
Yes it is Anderson. I'm just curious as to how you would think the officer would write his report up? If this is happening to black America's brightest scholars do the rest of us stand a chance?
I think that the police officer took things a bit over board because if put in the same situation that cop would have been upset and angry about being arrested after showing I.D. and confirming that he lives at the house. The cop was simply trying to exhibit his authority over a situation with his badge and gun