Desire Grover posted this really well-done editorial video on the Gates debacle. I like what she has to say.
For me, the issue is not as much about race — although it has overwhelmingly become so, thanks to the ranting of Dr. Gates — as it is about the constant negative portrayal of law enforcement in the media. Sure, I’m biased, but it makes me mad that everyone complains about cops until they have an emergency and then they are only to happy to call 911 and ask for help.
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July 24, 2009 at 11:02 pm
Katherine
You make a really good point. I have had many traffic tickets, and I’ve dealt with more jerk cops than good ones, but oh well. Life goes on. I don’t think people realize, truly, how hard it is to be a cop. The public has no idea the kind of crap LEOs have to deal with on a daily basis. They interact with the worst of society *every day.* Let’s cut them some slack, people.
*steps off soap box*
July 25, 2009 at 2:43 am
Mr. Roach
Here’s an issue: even if it’s your house, without running your license and talking to you outside cops don’t know (a) if you’re being held hostage or someone in your family is (b) if you’re subject to a restraining order or have warrants and (c) whether you’re up to no good in your own home, by, for example, having hurt a family member. SOP dictates ID, running for warrants, and taking things to the safety of the neutral ground outside to figure out what really happened.
Gates lost his mind in this episode, made casual accusations of racism, kept disrespecting officers and screaming, and deserved to be arrested and deserves to be ridiculed until he apologizes. Obama made a big moral and political mistake in weighing in on this local issue when he’s biased (by his own admission) and wrong and confirming the stereotypes of black politicians: They stand up for blacks and are negative to law enforcement even when blacks misbehave.
July 25, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Jess
All good points. And there are so many small details to this particular incident that people conveniently forget. Like, the neighbor reported “two big black guys” were breaking into the house, so when Sgt. Crowley arrived, and was finally able to positively ID Gates as the homeowner, how was he to know that two suspects weren’t hiding somewhere inside, without Gates’ knowledge? Every LEO has the same primary directive: to go home safely at the end of the shift. So if it sometimes seems like they’re being overbearing or, in some cases, assholes, it’s probably because they’re being safe.
I was disappointed in Obama’s initial comments about the situation, because I’ve been a big supporter. At least he’s trying to ameliorate the situation, by calling Sgt. Crowley to apologize.
July 28, 2009 at 2:07 am
David C. Garcia
I agree. Too tired to elaborate further at this point, but I agree with Jess.
Bye!
- David