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[Obama says police acted 'stupidly' in arrest
WASHINGTON President Barack Obama said Wednesday that police acted "stupidly" in the arrest of prominent black scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. and that despite racial progress blacks and Hispanics are still singled out unfairly for arrest.
"This still haunts us," Obama said.
Obama called Gates a friend, and said he doesn't know all the facts of the case. Nonetheless, Obama said, anyone would have been angry if treated the way Gates claims police in Cambridge, Mass., treated him. Gates, a Harvard University professor, claims he was arrested in his home after showing ID to police who responded to a report of a possible burglary.
"Cambridge police acted stupidly in arresting somebody when there was already proof he was in own home," Obama said during a prime-time news conference that otherwise focused on the health care debate.
Gates' arrest followed a report of a possible burglary. A woman apparently saw Gates force the front door and called police. Police came and demanded that Gates show identification. Gates was arrested shortly afterward for alleged disorderly conduct, a charge that was dropped Tuesday.
"What I think we know separate and apart from this incident is that there's a long history in this country of African-Americans and Latinos being stopped by law enforcement disproportionately," Obama said. "That's just a fact."
That disparity is a reminder that "race remains a factor in the society," Obama said.
Obama says police acted 'stupidly' in arrest - Yahoo! News
Gov. Deval Patrick, who is black, said he was troubled and upset over the incident. Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons, who also is black, has said she spoke with Gates and apologized on behalf of the city, and a statement from the city called the July 16 incident "regrettable and unfortunate."
Obama 'stupidly' comment disappoints Mass. cop - Yahoo! News
The officer doesn't need to apologize for being a racist.
He should be reprimanded for making a totally unnecessary arrest all because his widdle feewings were hurt by being called a racist.
Where do I say the officer is a racist?The officer doesn't need to apologize for being a racist.
He should be reprimanded for making a totally unnecessary arrest all because his widdle feewings were hurt by being called a racist.
Explain to me how the officer is a racist. As I understand it, the officer responded to a call about a possible break in and was greeted with accusations of racism. So please tell me what legitmate purpose did Gates have for making such an outragious accusation?
It's my opinion that Gates is the racist as most blacks are.
I think he should have pepper sprayed him. Why carry that stuff around if you aren't going to use it?
I think he should have pepper sprayed him. Why carry that stuff around if you aren't going to use it?
Where do I say the officer is a racist?The officer doesn't need to apologize for being a racist.
He should be reprimanded for making a totally unnecessary arrest all because his widdle feewings were hurt by being called a racist.
Explain to me how the officer is a racist. As I understand it, the officer responded to a call about a possible break in and was greeted with accusations of racism. So please tell me what legitmate purpose did Gates have for making such an outragious accusation?
It's my opinion that Gates is the racist as most blacks are.
What he is is an officer that can't handle being called names.
I think he should have pepper sprayed him. Why carry that stuff around if you aren't going to use it?
Incredible restraint he showed in NOT using it don't you think!!
Sounds like you agree with me then.Where do I say the officer is a racist?Explain to me how the officer is a racist. As I understand it, the officer responded to a call about a possible break in and was greeted with accusations of racism. So please tell me what legitmate purpose did Gates have for making such an outragious accusation?
It's my opinion that Gates is the racist as most blacks are.
What he is is an officer that can't handle being called names.
"The officer doesn't need to apologize for being a racist."
That would be like me saying you don't need to apologize for being an idiot.
Ya gotta wonder. Does a person get more mad at being called a racist when he really is one or when he really isn't one?I think he should have pepper sprayed him. Why carry that stuff around if you aren't going to use it?
Incredible restraint he showed in NOT using it don't you think!!
Further proof that the officer in question is not a racist?
Sounds like you agree with me then.Where do I say the officer is a racist?
What he is is an officer that can't handle being called names.
"The officer doesn't need to apologize for being a racist."
That would be like me saying you don't need to apologize for being an idiot.
So you think the officer is a racist?Sounds like you agree with me then."The officer doesn't need to apologize for being a racist."
That would be like me saying you don't need to apologize for being an idiot.
I agree that you're an idiot and you need not have to apologize for it.
You want cops to go around bitch slapping racists? What kind of un-American asshole are you?I think he should have pepper sprayed him. Why carry that stuff around if you aren't going to use it?
I would have bitch slapped the racist Gates.
A police report of the incident written by Officer Carlos Figueroa, who responded to the call with Crowley, says Crowley was already in the house when he walked in. The report says Crowley had asked Gates for some identification and Gates shouted that he would not give any information and called the sergeant a racist.
I'm sure it's somehow proper police procedure.You want cops to go around bitch slapping racists? What kind of un-American asshole are you?I think he should have pepper sprayed him. Why carry that stuff around if you aren't going to use it?
I would have bitch slapped the racist Gates.
