CNN stirring racial pot again.

[apropos]

Here is the full police report.

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

 

[Brian4Liberty]

Gates eventually did show the officer his identification that included his home address.

Even if Gates was being a dick the cop should have just walked away after seeing the ID rather than arrest him.

I agree.

It seems that there was a bit of belligerence from both sides in this case, which usually is required for a case to go that far.

And yes, CNN has been stirring the pot for many years, and quite actively.

 

[jmdrake]

It's interesting you point to the police report as proof of police wrongdoing. A policeman responds to a report of forced entry. The man in the house grows combative and refuses to identify himself. He refuses to cooperate with the questioning officer. Seems like the police did the rational, expected thing.

Let's consider the alternative. You are the police officer on scene. A man you don't know has been reported with forcing entry into the house. He refuses to cooperate or identify himself. Would you gamble your job and the possibility of lawsuit and just leave this combative stranger in the house?

All the guy had to do was show the address on his license and laugh at the misunderstanding, which would be indication of a rational, law-abiding citizen.

According to the report YOU posted, the arrest happened after the officer had the identification in hand and was prepared to leave. So there was no risk of a lawsuit if the officer had simply left. Really this is no different from the 72 year old white grandma who got tazed after refusing to sign a ticket. But I didn't see anyone here defending the police action in that case. And to be fair I haven't seen anyone defend that cop who assaulted the black EMT. I think the fact that Gates mentioned race is coloring the issue for some. (No pun intended).

 

[Brian4Liberty]

Misunderstanding that they arrested a guy for being in his own house?

This is an issue regardless of whether CNN wants to make it one or not.

An issue of standard Police interactions, or something more?

Things are different when you are a white guy. When the Police pull you over, they usually ask for your drivers license. In response, you say "kiss my ass you nazi scum!". The Police then laugh and say, "oh, sorry, we didn't know you were a white guy!". Then they usually offer your choice of Mrs. Fields cookies or an ice cold beer. I usually ask for the beer, and a couple of extra for the road! We all get a big laugh out of that! If we have the time, we'll put out some road flares to stop traffic, and polish off a quick 6 pack together...maybe set up a dui checkpoint to meet chicks.

 

[catdd]

"Really this is no different from the 72 year old white grandma who got tazed after refusing to sign a ticket. But I didn't see anyone here defending the police action in that case. And to be fair I haven't seen anyone defend that cop who assaulted the black EMT. I think the fact that Gates mentioned race is coloring the issue for some. (No pun intended)."

It should never have been turned into a race issue. If it had stayed as another example of police overstepping their boundaries and abusing American citizens then more people would be in agreement. But whites are getting a little sick of hearing about the race card - especially when they are being treated in exactly the same way.
The guy should have never claimed it was racism. He is probably a democrat and can't think outside the box.

 

[acptulsa]

The police were called to a break-in. There was no break in. They weren't called to the scene of 'disorderly conduct', and there was no 'disorderly conduct' except in reaction to their presence. And the only reason he was acting that way in a 'public place' (if you can call his front porch that) is because the officer asked him to step out.

No wonder they dropped the charges. This is simply a cop who thinks everyone who stands up to him ever should wear bracelets.

 

[Danke]

I wonder if he had been drinking on that flight in from China.

Who would be yelling constantly like that and not remembering that the cop already gave his name two times.

If he was sober, it almost seems like he was looking to get arrested. Lawsuit?


(assuming the Cops' and the other witnesses stories are correct and coincide).

 

[apropos]

According to the report YOU posted, the arrest happened after the officer had the identification in hand and was prepared to leave. So there was no risk of a lawsuit if the officer had simply left. Really this is no different from the 72 year old white grandma who got tazed after refusing to sign a ticket. But I didn't see anyone here defending the police action in that case. And to be fair I haven't seen anyone defend that cop who assaulted the black EMT. I think the fact that Gates mentioned race is coloring the issue for some. (No pun intended).

Thank you for the bold lettering. Note that my post mentioning the lawsuit came before I was able to locate and share the full police report with the board. I guess assuming that people realize time is linear is too much sometimes.

You are correct, however...your irate response does imply that Gates' mention of race is coloring the issue for some.