The American Spectator

Yosef Solomon| 7.23.09 @ 1:13PM

Sometimes racism isn't so black and white (no pun intended). Barack Obama understands what Gates went through that night because he himself lived as a black man in Mass. No he wasn't there. Neither was I and neither were you, but when a police officer comes into you're house questioning if you broke in and you show them your id saying you live there thats it! People say he shouldn't have acted disorderly, but they forget he's on his own property not harming anyone. I think his yelling was justified.

You have to understand, black people don't just yell racism at the drop of a hat. There are many times we let it go, for the simple fact that if we did say anything, many people would accuse us of using the race card (case in point).

Check out this video Dave Chappelle did. He almost predicted what happened to Henry Louis Gates... http://www.thedailybeast.com/video/item/dave-chappelle-on-calling-police-2/

Sean| 7.23.09 @ 1:15PM

If the police officer doesn’t check his ID and verity that he lives there, he is accused of not doing his job and not protecting the guy’s house. As I tell my colleagues, it’s not easy being a white male.

Tim| 7.23.09 @ 1:36PM

The whole sorry affair is just pathetic.

Grzmlyk| 7.23.09 @ 1:49PM

"black people don't just yell racism at the drop of a hat."

I'm sure that's true in come cases. However, someone ought to tell Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and the army of race hustlers they have spawned out there.

Something tells me if they didn't cry "racism" at the drop of a hat, they woudn't be living nearly as large as they do.

While we're at it, tell the critics of those who are opposed to Sonia Sotomayor's elevation to the Supreme Court (and she IS an admitted racist) that THEY can stop crying racism at the drop of a hat.

Racism is bad. But because it is the third rail of our society - an accusation of racism against a white person is worse than an accusation of rape, worse than an accusation of pedophilia, worse than an accusation of serial murder - it is exploited by many, many people both black and white.

There shouldn't be an NAACP any more; there shouldn't be a black caucus; there shouldn't be a BET - is there a WAACP? A white caucus? A WET?

We accept this because of white guilt about the past - a past I wasn't here for, by the way, so many white people bend over backward to demonstrate they're not racists - often by excusing otherwise intolerable behavior - and it still doesn't satisfy the race hustlers.

I seem to recall so many doe-eyed liberals crowing that, finally, the election of Obama would indicate that we are, at long last, a post-racial society. Wonder why Gates didn't get THAT memo?

The truth is, the race business has been very, very lucrative and it isn't going anywhere anytime soon. At some point, blacks have to drop the victim act and we all have to live up to MLK's dream: Content of character matters, color does not.

Some courageous blacks are moving in that direction - like head of the Black Chamber of Commerce (sorry it exists), Harry Alford, who reamed Barbara Boxer for making his support for cap-and-trade legislation about race. She was disgusting and he was a hero. But I'll bet there are many in the "black community" who think the guy's a traitor.

Now, how do I know that this posting of mine will be charged as "racist?" Which makes my point. When it comes to the public forum, white people have to excuse EVERYTHING, otherwise we are racists. MLK is turning over in his grave.

NFrank| 7.23.09 @ 2:02PM

The President needs to grow up and start acking like a leader and not like a first grader that just took over the principal's office. We as blacks need to live up to what MLK was fighting for. OMG! We have the Whitehouse, AG, had Sec of State, Joint Chief of Staff, Supreme Court Justice, and much more. Now we need to stop looking for racist out there and point out the ones we see in the mirror. Being under 50 gives me the luxury of not having gone thorough what others suffered but I must say that we are not suffering any more than those firefighters in Connecticut. Non-blacks are afraid of minorities calling them racist. We need to call spades spades. I have NEVER had a problem with a cop even when it seemed to have started off wrong. With all those degrees and smarts, Gates should have risen to the occasion and thanked the cops for looking after his house. I can't see him in handcuffs for thanking the officer for doing his job. When will we learn? To have MLK's future, we must live it not whine about it not being here. I will never get here by making new racist through the process of blaming innocent civil servants of things they are not guilty of.

Peter| 7.23.09 @ 2:05PM

the fact that they dropped the charges proves the cop was wrong.

Grzmlyk| 7.23.09 @ 2:08PM

No, Pete, it proves that PR trumps justice every time.

Which is one reason this country's in such a sorry mess.

Grzmlyk| 7.23.09 @ 2:12PM

THANK YOU NFrank.

We should judge people based on their values and their characters - just as MLK said. I am pessimistic that the race hustlers will ever let go of that bone, but to the extent people like you and many others do, you have my undying admiration - and I have your back, should you ever need it.

We need more of you.

Damien| 7.23.09 @ 2:18PM

Anyone who voted for Obama and expected him not to be a black racist, and push hard for the blacks, was a fool. White liberal americans allowed this abomination to exist and now they will have to endure it.

NFrank| 7.23.09 @ 2:23PM

Grzmlyk,
There are far too many people that died on shores and in sands of other countries that gave us the freedom to live as Americans. There is no color, race, or creed that is greater than free person of America. We have each other's backs and we need to keep this country from falling apart. The baiters will die off and the new guard needs to model the right way to get along. Rise up to the bright future and not stoop down to the ugly past.

Peter| 7.23.09 @ 2:24PM

well, if a DA has a case they typically don't decide to embarass the arresting officer by dropping it after 2 days. also, since when was it a crime to talk back or even yell at a police officer? i don't think this is a race issue, but a case of abuse of power by a cop.

Grzmlyk| 7.23.09 @ 2:32PM

Peter: Glad you don't think it's a race issue, but read a little about the cop - he seems to be a stand-up guy. I wasn't there, but many of Gates's neighbors were, and they back up the cop's story. Gates's life is devoted to stirring up racial animosity.

I used to live in Cambridge, BTW - the cops there are pretty hands-off & laid-back, particularly around the Harvard area.

NFrank - thank you again - you brought a tear to my eye. YOU are made of the stuff that is the very, very best of this country. When I read stuff like what you wrote, I am proud of this country - and have some hope!

Smitty| 7.23.09 @ 2:36PM

There's nothing TYPICAL about this case, Peter; Gates just has friends in high places. Next time, the cops should ignore the neighbor's call; I would.

Gates is a well known race-baiter--and so is Obama.

Grzmlyk| 7.23.09 @ 2:40PM

Smitty, that's the dirty little secret about Obama. He's not part of the "post-racial" solution - he's part of the "race hustling" problem.

Guys like NFrank above and Thomas Sowell and maybe Harry Alford and Shelby Steele and Clarence Thomas and many, many others: Those guys are post-racial. God bless them all.

J. R.| 7.23.09 @ 2:43PM

I wonder if this wasn't a setup, for several possible purposes. One, maybe, to cause a racial issue to stir the (stinking) pot, which has to be done ever so often, don't you know, to keep the race hustlers in business. Two, maybe to get the media focus off the health care and energy issues debates, for the remainder of this summer season.
I expect this thing could go so far as to turn the tide of white generosity against Obama, when "guilty" whites finally see him as NOT the well meaning, race-healing black president he was predicted to be, able to speak truth and motivate his own race much as Bill Cosby has done. Once they (whites) lose hope that he will use his office to motivate the minorities out of their "pity-me" mentality, I think his popularity will be gone and this experiment will be over. Bad-mouthing fire (Ricci) and now police public servants is not good politics. This incident could be huge.

Ellen| 7.23.09 @ 3:03PM

NFrank:
You flatter the man. I've been thinking of him as a 2-year-old in the middle of a temper tantrum.

Damien| 7.23.09 @ 3:34PM

My ancestors did not die in foriegn lands to hand this country over to modern black culture, that is poisoning us more every day. We are now being held hostage to a black extremist president who happens to be an excellent salesman. The Obama experiment will have a horrible outcome if he continues with the white bashing. Millions of people are patiently waiting to see what will happen, and they certainly beleive in the right to bear arms. Did you know that in Texas over EIGHTY PERCENT of concealed handgun licensees are white, yes this is a true statistic. Does Obama really think people will just stand by and do nothing?

Missy| 7.23.09 @ 3:37PM

You can take the man out of Chicago's thug politics, but you can't take Chicago's thug politics out of the man.

Our race-baiter in chief.

WendyG| 7.23.09 @ 4:04PM

Even Bill Cosby spanked Obama today over this. Obama is not the smart man he was cracked up to be. He shoots from the lip.

And there goes the law enforcement vote - in addition to the fireman vote, already lost over the Sotomayer nomination.

SSSSSSSSweet.

Richard Baker| 7.23.09 @ 4:12PM

For critics of Sgt. Crowley, I recommend that you READ the report. By the way, Obama has twice, in the last week or so, made comments/statements on issues on which he admits he didn't have all the facts in hand. Seems like a character flaw, doesn't it? Wonder when's the next time he'll do it? This guy couldn't manage a trash detail in the Army.

Yo Landa| 7.23.09 @ 4:25PM

This man is really frightening. I think he will be satisfied when there are race wars in the street. He is the Agitator in Chief.

Yo Landa| 7.23.09 @ 4:31PM

NFrank for president.

Michelle John| 7.23.09 @ 4:32PM

The only person "enslaving" the African Amercian community are themselves.

Many use the color of their skin as a pawn to get what they think they deserve. Are all black Americans that way, absolutely not. And those who I have come in contact and have stated my first comment verbetim. No, I don't know what it's like to be black person. But, they are a lot more blind to what its like to be a white American. The word racism is a one-way street and its gotten out of control!

Tim| 7.23.09 @ 4:37PM

Damien
That's because you were taken in by the BBC! FILTHY BRITISH LIES! But did they ever say a bad word about Winston Churchill? CHURCHILL! BLEUGH! With his cigars, and his brandy, and his ROTTEN paintings! ROTTEN! Hitler - there was a painter! He could paint an entire apartment in one afternoon! Two coats!
Ze Führer wasn't a mousy little mama's boy! Ze Führer was BUTCH! And zat is not how you sing 'Haben Sie gehört das Deutsche band'!

where are you going? Argentina's that way!

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Producers_(2005_film)

Papa Ray| 7.23.09 @ 4:51PM

"You have to understand, black people don't just yell racism at the drop of a hat. "

Oh...BUT- this professor did. The first words out of his [this professor] mouth were racist and demeaning to the officer of the law that responded to the call. He was spoiling for a racist fight and altercation. Well he got arrested for it too.

Everyone needs to read the official records and the records of other witnesses before coming to the defense of this out and out racist professor.

I've seen police racism and police harassment and this incident was not either one.

Papa Ray
West Texas

rdman| 7.23.09 @ 4:56PM

The irony Obami faces is that he will unwittingly bring about what he most fears… REJECTION when his narcissism, exploitativeness, malice, deception, vindictiveness is realized by his worshippers and followers.

Obami, who was so desirous of being affirmed, is now exposed as a liar, a subversive fraud and worse. So much of what his followers admired turns out to be false fronts, thin facades that are now collapsing, revealing Obami’s nothingness and emptiness.

Obami's worshippers and followers realize that they were so seduced by the slick package that they did not realize that there is nothing in it… the package was the message.

Ricardo| 7.23.09 @ 4:57PM

Read the police reports [Smoking Gun]. Gates, the "renowned scholar", is simply another race-baiting jerk like Al, Jesse, and, oh yes, The Messiah.

Steve Seivers| 7.23.09 @ 5:15PM

Hillyur- Evidently you saw a different comment from Obama than I did. You cannot be arrested for disorderly conduct in your residence. Obama made no comment about the racial aspects of the incident. Why is it OK for you to just make up facts to report on. Lets have a little character here.

ArtH| 7.23.09 @ 5:24PM

I know a few men like NFrank, and it's heartening to witness. I would hope that the difficult experience we're going through with the charlatan we have for President will wake up more people to MLK's words elevating character over skin color.

Cris| 7.23.09 @ 5:51PM

What I have read indicates that the prof did NOT show his ID as requested by the officer until AFTER he (the prof) had mouthed off about the racist issue and created this mess. The police were called to the hosue to investigate a call that two black males were seen breaking in to the residence. So, what does the cop discover - a black male in the entry of the home who refuses to show his identification. Oh how much simpler this could have been if the officer in question happened to be black. Perhaps we should institute a nationwide policy that only black officers can respond to black crime issues. It is self-apparent that all the sensitivity and race relations classes forced down our throats simply cannot prepare us (whites) for the endless scenarios we might encounter that will offend our black citizens.
Perhaps the first words out of the officer's mouth should have (and possibly could have) been, "There is a reported break-in at this residence. In the interest of your security and mine - could you please produce your ID?" The only problem with this scenario is that IF the prof were to have been an intruder, he porbably would have shot the cop or tried to pull the same crap the prof did - which is to say become belligerent. The only racist in this situation is the prof and I am SICK TO DEATH of this reverse, perverse victimzation. The vast majority of so called "racism" today is propagated by those screaming it the loudest.

Phyl| 7.23.09 @ 5:56PM

Thanks to all of you who are beginning to see the light. If we band together, maybe we can keep America like it was meant to be by our Founders. I'm proud to be an American!

Da| 7.23.09 @ 5:59PM

If this were a real case of old fashioned racism I think it would have gone a little differently. Officer alone with black man, who proceeds to make remarks about the officer's mother. Officer executes black man. Department is sickened by tragic case of mistaken identity. No story here, move along folks.
Only racism in this case has been reverse racism injected by Gates and the alledged presiDUHnt.

Shawn| 7.23.09 @ 6:15PM

There is a clear distinction here that is quite important. The police showed up after he DID break in. Granted it was his own house, however if you are breaking into your own house it is not that far out of the realm of impossibility that someone may question what you are doing. It's not that they questioned him without reason. He did break in, and I think he reacted badly to the situation. Not to mention black/white/whatever you don't yell at cops. You just don't do it. He's smart enough to know better however it seems he felt more entitled than wise at that moment.

Glenn Nelson| 7.23.09 @ 6:16PM

Richard Baker said "This guy couldn't manage a trash detail in the Army."

Mr. Baker, I think you are correct, but Mr. "PersonOfColor Barry" could most certainly say "I'm present!" to the people serving in the detail. Obama has tons of experience in being "Present."

Occam's Razor| 7.23.09 @ 6:54PM

Whenever I am pulled over by a cop, or have one come to my home because there's a burglar in the neighborhood and they need to warn me, or have to work with one in my line of work (I'm a State Hospital Psychiatrist), I'm invariably polite. Unlike the Professor or Mr. Obama, these guys put their lives on the line every day for an ungrateful public.

Mr. Gates could have invited the cop in and been polite and decent and THANKED him for making sure his property was secure---Boston does have a crime problem. He could have been a Big Man---what he is is a pipsqueak with a loud mouth.

Good luck getting the cops to come out when you call 911, Professor Gates. When I call, the cops come running.

I hope all the policemen who voted for Obama are happy with their choice.

Rita| 7.23.09 @ 7:16PM

From what I understand there had been a attempted breakin at the residence before. The Professor became beligerent, that is why he was arrested. Case Closed! No racial intent on the cops side. Hispanic, black and white.

black woman here| 7.23.09 @ 9:19PM

This is not a case of racism. This was a cop doing his job. The professor (Gates the black man) was mouthing off at the cop, being uncooperative, following the cop outside the house, yelling and attracting a crowd outside. In addition, the black Harvard professor was warned more than one time. The cop followed 'proper procedure.' The prof was arrested for "disorderly conduct" outside of his home. I have told my son and it is something I follow myself: Never mouth off at a cop! If you have a problem with the cop make sure to report the incident to his or her superior and make a formal complaint. I don't know what's wrong with the professor, but it sounds like Booker T Washington was right about some folks who make their living from 'race baiting.' It's sad... but thank goodness the cop did not react violently, especially after the 'leading black intellectual from Harvard U' referred to the cop's 'mama.' Those are fighting words...[lol]

American Genie| 7.23.09 @ 10:06PM

This whole incident is a result of the empowerment some blacks feel because of the election of the "great unifier."

For decades we have heard white to black racism is unacceptable. Suddenly black to white racism is the new cool acceptable thing. Not only that, but some blacks feel entitled to it.

black woman here is 100% correct in her assessment of the situation.

Being from Alabama I am slightly offended at this statement:
"To be clear, of course I acknowledge that racism still exists. I've written columns about it, putting myself on the line against white racists in Alabama, on several occasions."

I tire of my beautiful state being singled out regarding racists, as if there are no racists in other states in this nation. Please!

God bless the Constitutional Republic of America!

Runcible| 7.23.09 @ 11:30PM

Black or white, you will be arrested if you act like a lunatic and refuse to cooperate when police are trying to determine the accuracy of a reported, serious crime.

white woman| 7.23.09 @ 11:32PM

I also don't mouth off to cops and have taught my children to do likewise-- no good ever comes of it!

I'm not saying that police officers can't be jerks (I've met a few), but when it comes down to it, most cops are decent, hardworking men and women just trying to do their jobs and should be treated with respect.

doctor joe| 7.23.09 @ 11:34PM

President Obama was way out of line with his public commentary on an issue of which he did not have all the facts. This was not an example of racism, except as it can be blamed upon Dr. Gates or the President of the United States of America.
Officer Crowley, God speed and good luck. You are a great American trying to do his job to the best of his abilities. Too bad you are a white male, the only demographic in this country that it is OK to vilify out of hand. What a crock! Dr. Gates and President Obama, how about trying to be part of the solution and not part of the problem? I thought that was the idea behind your election...was I wrong?

SoCon| 7.24.09 @ 1:48AM

doctor joe, white female social conservatives face pretty tough sledding these days, too. Just ask Sarah Palin!

Bonny| 7.24.09 @ 2:42AM

Obama should be ashamed of his comments. He claims the police acted stupidly, but totally ignores all the despicable behavior of Baits. Why is it that some people feel they do not have to take responsibility for their own actions? Baits sat there screaming at the officer, refused to cooperate, prejudged the officer because he was white, and even followed the officer outside to continue his tirade after being warned of a potential arrest. Apparently someone acting this way wasn't acting stupidly in Obama's view and that is sick. I hope one day uncivilized scum that thinks acting this way is alright will come join civil society.

kway| 7.24.09 @ 6:56AM

Mr. Gates reminds me of my crotchety old Uncle Bill - who is white - and who would probably been just as beligerant to the officer -
Lets apply the health care rationing for older citizens to this incident.
1. Mr. Gates is elderly
2. Mr. Gates is crotchety
3. Mr. Gates is self absorbed and continues to ask folks if they "know who he is".
4. His quality of life is low
ergo
no police protection at your house

Quin| 7.24.09 @ 9:48AM

To American Genie: I did not intend to single out Alabama. It's just that that's where I was working and writing. I wrote for the Mobile Register for eight years, and wrote several columns about real, honest-to-goodness racism I encountered. I also wrote in national publications about why Mobile was NOT too racist to elect a black mayor for a white-majority city. In short, my comment was not intended to demean Alabama; it was just a factual recounting of where I was when I wrote the columns.

davod| 7.24.09 @ 10:38AM

"4. His quality of life is low
ergo no police protection at your house "

Gates is a professor at Harvard and was coming back from a trip to China.

Oldefarte| 7.24.09 @ 11:17AM

Bravo, well said, Quin! For a President to scream RACISM in order to defend a black [Harvard] friend is ludicrous. Can anyone imagine former President Bush possibly commenting on say, an arrest of a friend in Crawford??????????

American-Asian| 7.30.09 @ 11:48AM

Many African-Americans are just plain crybabies. As an American of Asian descent, I too have been exposed to racial profiling…from both sides. I was born here and speak perfect English. Meeting someone after speaking to them on the phone, I get, 'You sound like an "American" on the phone.' If I had a nickel for every time I heard that.
I’ve had a white co-worker who wanted me to set him up with a hot Asian chick. I responded, "I may know a couple of Asian girls. How about we double date? You set me up with a hot white chick? He responded with, 'Hey, you don't date "American" girls do you?' WTF?
A black co-worker who wanted me to set him up with a hot Asian chick. I responded, "I may know a couple of Asian girls. How about we double date? You set me up with a hot black chick? He responded with, “Hey, you Asian guys can't handle a black chick in bed.” WTF?
Some people, when you meet them for the first time, the first words out of their mouth is how much they like Chinese food or what their favorite Chinese food order is, as if that is all you have in common.
When my sister applied to Harvard Medical School, she was denied because her scores were too high and was told they had to make room for more blacks even though they scored significantly lower and too many Asians were already accepted. Are Asians not a minority?
Obama stated, "Long history in the United States of blacks and Hispanics being singled out disproportionately by police. That's just a fact." Oh really? How come Asians are not included in his list of being singled out disproportionately by police? Perhaps it’s a fact that Asians are not routinely involved in thug-like street crimes. Perhaps it’s a fact that Asians generally have strong family ties and usually have father figures in the household. Perhaps it’s a fact that Asians rather persevere to make things better for themselves instead of dwelling on injustices?
My neighbor came from Hong Kong 12 years ago. He doesn’t speak a word of English but owns his house, albeit with a mortgage. He works long hours along with his wife and two adult sons. How can an Asian immigrant with barely a dozen years on American soil achieve this? Perseverance.
When some black folks go on and on about black profiling from police, I politely ask if the high incidents of black crime has anything to do with it? Some reply that after what the white man has done to black folk for 400 years, they deserve some payback. So I reply, Err OK, how many Asian men do you think have raped black women in the world's history? How do you explain black on black crime. I live in a large city that is very racially diverse. I can safely say there is practically zero Asian on black crime, while there are more than a few black on Asian crimes, including muggings and rapes.
I held a supervisory position on my job. I had male and female of all races under my supervision. On occasion, when you instruct someone of black or Hispanic race to do something undesirable, I get EEO this, EEO that. WTF? I say, "Do I look white to you?" They get a puzzled look and drop the subject. It's if the racial persecution response is automatic.
What is my point? Asians don't dwell and cry about it. Every time I hear a black person whine about 400 years of slavery, reparations, and entitlements, I remind them that I don't know any Asian person in American history ever owning a black slave. I tell them about Chinese railroad workers in the 1800's, the Boxer Rebellion, and the Japanese internments during WW2. I always get a puzzled look, as the majority of American blacks never heard of these historical events.
It is as if many blacks believe they are the only persecuted race in history. Well the Jewish people had their time with the Holocaust, I guess it's the blacks turn, people of Arab descent will be next. All these bad events in history show the dark side of human nature and that racism is real. I'm not saying to forget, but everyone needs to move on. Life is tough, but it’s a lot tougher if you’re ignorant.
If Obama was serious about American race relations, maybe he should push to eliminate the negative image of the black culture, such as affirmative action, admiration of the thug life, reduce pregnancies by insisting on parental responsibility, socially and financially (especially fathers). You won’t see many Asian “couples” on Maury not knowing who the father is.

hillybilly | 11.2.09 @ 2:31PM

Just wanted to come here and see what the other side is saying ..and just as i thought ..bunch of people talking among themselves about our president making up names and stuff..haha hilarious ..get over it he is president ..and i am sure u wish bush ws back in office then u could all bring out your racist attitude without haveing to hide behind anything..wish there was a debate where u guys could express yourselves..but this is fine u can say what you want the target audience is hearing you ..and the target audience is you ..keep up the good work, your hearing yourself ...hahah