I don't think it's about racism. I think it's about two guys with big egos. The cop had the upper hand to arrest.

That's my take, too Janet.

How can you say that Tenaj? Gates' own words prove otherwise. Gates specifically made known to the cop that it was because of racism. All the while, the cop is reiterating to gates that he is only responding to a call of a break in.

I wish folks would stop making excuses and reversing the blame on a cop. It was Gates who was unruly from the getgo, and provocative.

The cop stated that he was willing to go outside to talk about it because the acoustics in the kitchen was not allowing him to convey his communications with other cops thru the radio. But gates just kept on ranting as the cop was exiting the premises.

I guess life for some folks gets boring, and the same old routine warrants excitement and attention.

This was such a no brainer....

Although I agree that arresting a man in his own home sounds a bit silly, the Prez should never have commented on it or called the act of the cop stupid. He is Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces and he is wandering into local government, which is dangerous territory for a national leader.   He should have stopped at "I don't know all the facts."   My support for him is slipping.

By the way, the police officer is the same man who gave CPR to a Black basketball star named Reggie Lewis. Although Lewis died, his mother praised Sgt Crowley for his effort and said he was deeply distressed that he couldn't save her son.   I guess the people who are calling him a racist failed to mention that. One of the officers who was at the scene during the arrest is Black.   I wonder how Crowley's young daughter who is serving in Iraq feels about her Dad being called a racist because he was doing his job. Crowley also teaches a class to other officers on sensitivity training and racial relations.

It is my personal belief that stories like this one will only divide us not help race relations. I've been hearing on TV about how prominent & distinguished Gates is. So what? To me, that's showing discrimination against other Blacks. I mean, if he was young & had dreadlocks & tattoos, should the cops treated him any differently? Just because a man is from Harvard, he is not above reproach. Ted Kaczynski graduated from Harvard. Black or White, rich or poor, young or old, we all need to be treated with fairness & respect. That includes police officers who are doing their jobs to protect us.

What if the police walked away and it turned out that there was a burglar hiding in the home? What would the headlines say then? Sgt Crowley explains in this interview:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/07/23/2009-07-23_sgt_james_crowley_cop_who_arrested_henry_louis_gates_denies_hes_a_racist.html

Although I don't think a man should be arrested just because he is a jerk, the professor admits to everything that was in the police report (I read it) and he was rude and insulting to the police officer. If you listen to this interview, you will hear why Crowley needed to ask Gates to walk outside or to show ID.   

It's been over 20 years, but I spent time with the Cambridge police because I was attacked in Harvard Square. I wish someone like Lucia Whalen heard me screaming and called the police. But maybe next time she'll think twice after being labeled a racist by columnists & bloggers for calling the Cambridge police. Or perhaps if a cop gets a call about a house break-in or disturbance by 2 men, he'll hesitate to answer it and a woman will be raped or murdered.

There were 3 officers, black, tan, and white at the scene. The professor guy has anger control issues.

The Prez. just spoke, he blames the media for getting worked up over his statements.   He takes no responsibilty....... it is everyone else's fault, true to form, pathetic. We have a racist man child as POTUS.

Backing away looking at the bigger picture it appears the president's comments were used as a detractor from other current hotly debated issues .... supreme court nominee, healthcare bill, global warming bill. Common strategy.

Obama is nothing but an Imoral Liberal, and will ruin the US..... Mark my words............ Can we all say SOCIALISM............

We all are aware that Racial Profiling and racism is a problem in the U.S. and until YOU have been arrested for driving a luxury vehicle and stopped by the police, for not apparent reason other than to be asked, "Is this your car?" don't say with certainty it doesn't happen.
But to me the more disturbing matter is the lack of awareness on how we live in a Police State(s) where on a daily basis, citizens rights are being circumvented in the name of Terrorism/Safety/Crime and whatever other names are assigned.
I would rather not have to hear the "Gorilla Glue", "Acted Stupidly", "Changed the complexion of the pool" or any other gaffes, ignorant/emotionally charged comments that don't do anything but divide and conquer. Let's work together and leave the BS to the animals. We're civilized people who need to look at ourselves first before we insult others. Why won't we just get back to taking this country where we really won't to go instead of to hell and back!!
I agree with konane on the "detractor from hotly debated issues", but it happens from all sides and that's what seems to happen year in and year out no matter who gets elected......I guess it's a sign of the times!!

:-(