Gates has played the "race card" his whole life.

[Al Doggity]

You're hilarious!!

That was a pretty good one. The rest of his act could use a little work.

[JOCKTHEGLIDE]

Normally I disregard your posts, but in this case, gates putting out a book on racism wouldn't surprise me one bit.

YOU CAN ONLY IGNORE THE TRUTH SO LONG MY FRIEND,,,,then it hurts then you accept it

[Cap]

You're hilarious!!

Do you hear or read about Jews filing lawsuits against PDs, companies, etc because they are Jewish.  Do you see the Jewish equivalent to Jesse Jackson telling a certain person they are racist or need to step down from their position because they don't like Jews?  Granted I am young so I can't say that I've watched television programs from 40-50 years ago, but in my lifetime the most I hear about them is corruption probes or that they are secretly controlling the US.  Every time I hear about prejudice involving blacks we hear the whole litany of slavery, Jim Crow laws, etc.  Overall I'd say the chosen people have had a far worse history.

YOU CAN ONLY IGNORE THE TRUTH SO LONG MY FRIEND,,,,then it hurts then you accept it

What truth?  Maybe Gates should let some stuff go like other races do.  Rosie O'Donnell made fun of Asians, in a blatant manner.  Did they care?  If they did you never heard about it.  Back to my point, you aren't racist unless you make fun of blacks.

[headhuntersix]

Well when the majority of ur people work hard, go to school and don't suck off the state, its easy to ignore racism. I think there must be something in the government cheese that promotes victimhood. Instead of embracing the gifts of hard work like men like Gates have enjoyed (I guess) or better yet Powell and others, they fall back on whitey/cracker bullshit. Gates is another example of education meaning absolutely nothing.

[24KT]

Its always funny when libs bring up Rosa Parks or some other civil rights even from 50 YEARS AGO!!!!Jesus,you people act as though blacks are still getting water hosed in the street.

I wouldn't go so far as to say Blacks are still getting hosed in the streets, ...but here we are 50 YEARS LATER,
...and they are being turned away from private swim clubs, ...even with a paid for membership.

The vast majority of people go to work,try to raise their families and dont give a flying fuck about race untill some little sawed off runt like Gates or Wright throws it up in our face.

Of course we do. but that's because the vast majority are not as egregiously negatively impacted.
The vast majority of us are not starving or dying from famine either, ...but that doesn't mean famine & starvation are not realities on this planet. Would you be pissed off at someone who shows you pictures of dying children, and tries to raise awareness of child hunger & starvation? If not, ...why do you react so violently and take such offense at those who point out the reality of life for many. Is it because you perhaps are aware that the social construct which is being highlighted provides you with certain privileges? Please examine your offense, and the true motivational root of it.

[tonymctones]

I wouldn't go so far as to say Blacks are still getting hosed in the streets, ...but here we are 50 YEARS LATER,
...and they are being turned away from private swim clubs, ...even with a paid for membership.

Individual instances will always happen jag youve simply pointed out the exception that proves the rule...

yet blacks are allowed to have stations such as BET and produce magazines specifically for blacks etc...

Alot of african americans are like a lot of women they want their cake and want to eat it too sorry you ppl dont have it any worse then others white black male or female by and large yet when shit happens you for some reason think that its simply b/c your black or a women...sorry jagalicious i think youre a cool person but what I say is the truth for a lot of ppl Im not saying white ppl and others dont have their faults either as ive noted in this very thread.

[24KT]

Well when the majority of ur people work hard, go to school and don't suck off the state, its easy to ignore racism. I think there must be something in the government cheese that promotes victimhood. Instead of embracing the gifts of hard work like men like Gates have enjoyed (I guess) or better yet Powell and others, they fall back on whitey/cracker bullshit. Gates is another example of education meaning absolutely nothing.

In the racist mind, ...that is absolutely correct, his education means nothing, ...he's just another "black guy"

It is so blatantly obvious, ...I don't see how anyone can miss it except those who want to.
For those who want to understand it, ...I'll lay it out for you very succinctly. Try to put yourself in the same situation.

You are in your home, ...you turn around, and there is a police Officer standing in your house, asking you to identify yourself.  Are you with me so far? You're standing in your own home, ...turn around and there is a police officer standing in your house!

By what authority does he enter your home? Whether he got a call of a potential breakin is irrelevant. The fact remains, the caller made it clear, the person could very well be the occupant, but still, when Crowley arrived, he did not see Gates trying to enter, he did not see broken glass, or other signs of forced or unlawful entry. He did not hear cries for help, ...he looked through the glass and saw a man inside the premises. He had no probable cause to enter the home. He should have knocked on the door, not enter and demand identification.

When questioned as to who he was (inside his own home) Professor Gates told him "I live here, and I'm a professor at Harvard." He then provided Crowley with his Massachusetts driver's license, to which Crowley responded "Can you prove you're a professor at Harvard?. Did you catch that?

I would be incensed and enraged as well. First the cop entered his home without a warrant, and proceeded to question him? But then after showing his driver's license which presumably has his address on it, he wants further proof that he is a professor at Harvard? What does his profession have to do with anything. at that point, Gates, demanded the police officer's name & badge number, and made clear he was pissed off and he wouldn't be seeing the end of this. Had Crowley simply provided him with his name & badge # as he requested, Gates probably wouldn't have gotten so agitated.

The fact of the matter was Gates was lawfully in the premises, ...the police officer was not.
A testosterone induced dick swinging contest ensued, and Crowley chose to make the arrest.
It was a stupid decision on the cops part. He should have apologized for inconveniencing Gates, and left.

Gates rights were violated the second Crowley entered his residence uninvited.

Why did the officer find it so easy to simply walk into the house to question the man he saw?
Why did he believe he could take such a liberty? That's why Gates was pissed off & incensed.
His conduct by all accounts wasn't the most socially acceptable, and his rhetoric not the most respectful,
...but those were not arrestable offences. Crowley made a stupid decision, and it got more attention than anyone wanted, ...except maybe Gates. 

Despite that however, ...it doesn't negate the fact that there are those who suffer all sorts of indignities daily in America due to race. The days of the fire hoses & attack dogs are gone, but racism is still alive & well in the USA. It may not take the overtly bigotted forms it once did, but it still exists, and as long as people's lives are negatively impacted by it, controversies like these will continue.

If you want to rid the world of the "race pimps", ...you need to rid the world of racism. It was an institution that took 400 years to construct. It's not going to disappear in a few years. It is too deeply ingrained within the fabric of society, and while it may not impact each & every one of us, the same way, on a day to day basis, it still impacts us, either negatively or positively. And for those who are impacted negatively, ...I don't think they are going to be shutting up about it any time soon.

[24KT]

Individual instances will always happen jag youve simply pointed out the exception that proves the rule...

yet blacks are allowed to have stations such as BET and produce magazines specifically for blacks etc...

Alot of african americans are like a lot of women they want their cake and want to eat it too sorry you ppl dont have it any worse then others white black male or female by and large yet when shit happens you for some reason think that its simply b/c your black or a women...sorry jagalicious i think youre a cool person but what I say is the truth for a lot of ppl Im not saying white ppl and others dont have their faults either as ive noted in this very thread.

Gee thanks Tony, ...I'm so happy white people allow us to have stations such as BET which btw is owned by Viacom.

I wonder if sports fans like Body88 is grateful someone allows him to have stations like TSN. 

I'm sorry, but I have a different perspective. I'm afraid you are unable to see it simply because you are in the belly of the beast so-to-speak. I have a different perspective. I'm a Canadian. I'm on the outside looking in on your society. I have lived in the USA for a bit, and when I occasionally do visit your country, I do see the stark racism in comparison. It is very markedly there. I'm not saying this to bash the USA, just as a person who sees what is so blatantly obvious for those who must live it every day of their lives.

[OzmO]

There are good people and scumbags in every race. 

We need to focus on the individual, not the race. 

People need to be accountable for their individual actions and results, not the collectrive of the race they were born to. 

I would also add in agreement to your points that there will always be racism.  The difference is what you do with your life and how you overcome your individual challenges.   I see way too many people playing the blame game who are lazy good for nothing losers. 

[Cap]

Wrong again Jag.  He had reasonable suspicion to enter the house.  He had a report of a possible break-in and needed to check it out.  It happened to my buddy's brother at his house and he was put in cuffs because he was was acting in the same manner as Gates.  This guy was white by the way.

Gates' behavior was not warranted and is an arrestable offense.  Again, some people on here need to read up on police procedure.  

Nobody is saying that Gates needs to head back to the cotton fields but he obviously didn't show his intellect or professionalism.

I would also add in agreement to your points that there will always be racism.  The difference is what you do with your life and how you overcome your individual challenges.   I see way too many people playing the blame game who are lazy good for nothing losers. 

Bingo, but in this country the only victims are black and the main oppressor is white.  I hate to break it to you but I have heard Hispanics hating blacks, blacks hating Hispanics, whites hating Asians, etc.  Deal with it.

[tonymctones]

Gee thanks Tony, ...I'm so happy white people allow us to have stations such as BET which btw is owned by Viacom.

I wonder if sports fans like Body88 is grateful someone allows him to have stations like TSN. 

I'm sorry, but I have a different perspective. I'm afraid you are unable to see it simply because you are in the belly of the beast so-to-speak. I have a different perspective. I'm a Canadian. I'm on the outside looking in on your society. I have lived in the USA for a bit, and when I occasionally do visit your country, I do see the stark racism in comparison. It is very markedly there. I'm not saying this to bash the USA, just as a person who sees what is so blatantly obvious for those who must live it every day of their lives.

when did i say whites allow you? you see youre proving my point jag...society allows it

my dear as ive stated im half japanese and half white Ive been called chink and cracker by different ppl at different times I certainly know racism exists in this country more so then I would guess the majority of ppl in this country. The racism goes every direction as well jag ive known plenty of blacks that performed racist acts as well. That however doesnt justify the blatent backlash and oversensitivity that only appears with the black community.

[OzmO]

Wrong again Jag.  He had reasonable suspicion to enter the house.  He had a report of a possible break-in and needed to check it out.  It happened to my buddy's brother at his house and he was put in cuffs because he was was acting in the same manner as Gates.  This guy was white by the way.

Gates' behavior was not warranted and is an arrestable offense.  Again, some people on here need to read up on police procedure.  

Nobody is saying that Gates needs to head back to the cotton fields but he obviously didn't show his intellect or professionalism. Bingo, but in this country the only victims are black and the main oppressor is white.  I hate to break it to you but I have heard Hispanics hating blacks, blacks hating Hispanics, whites hating Asians, etc.  Deal with it.

You are not breaking nothing to me, there are haters everywhere.  I do tend to think it is a bit less here in Cali as i see lots inter mix groups of friends. 

[OzmO]

The racism goes every direction as well jag ive known plenty of blacks that performed racist acts as well. That however doesnt justify the blatent backlash and oversensitivity that only appears with the black community.

Exactly, some people need to get over themselves.

[Cap]

You are not breaking nothing to me, there are haters everywhere.  I do tend to think it is a bit less here in Cali as i see lots inter mix groups of friends. 

I should have used a broader term to include the whole board.  Sorry bro.  

I agree with the CA statement.  

[Al Doggity]

when did i say whites allow you? you see youre proving my point jag...society allows it

You're BET example is just another example of you not really putting a lot of thought into your position.

The entire premise of cable television is about narrow-casting.
There are networks for men, women, teens, children, evangelicals, gays,etc. THERE ARE ACTUALLY TWO JEWISH CABLE TELEVISION STATIONS. Likewise for magazines. Minorities are special interest groups and media properties' primary purpose is to generate ad revenue. Would it be racist if there was a  White Entertainment Network? It already exists- it's called 98% of programming! Realistically, BET may have outlived its usefulness, but it's neither a racial anomaly or proof of reverse racism.

[Cap]

You're BET example is just another example of you not really putting a lot of thought into your position.

The entire premise of cable television is about narrow-casting.
There are networks for men, women, teens, children, evangelicals, gays,etc. THERE ARE ACTUALLY TWO JEWISH CABLE TELEVISION STATIONS. Likewise for magazines. Minorities are special interest groups and media properties' primary purpose is to generate ad revenue. Would it be racist if there was a  White Entertainment Network? It already exists- it's called 98% of programming! Realistically, BET may have outlived its usefulness, but it's neither a racial anomaly or proof of reverse racism.

By name?  You know that would never happen.  Sounds like people on this board have a real chip on their shoulder.

[tonymctones]

You're BET example is just another example of you not really putting a lot of thought into your position.

The entire premise of cable television is about narrow-casting.
There are networks for men, women, teens, children, evangelicals, gays,etc. THERE ARE ACTUALLY TWO JEWISH CABLE TELEVISION STATIONS. Likewise for magazines. Minorities are special interest groups and media properties' primary purpose is to generate ad revenue. Would it be racist if there was a  White Entertainment Network? It already exists- it's called 98% of programming! Realistically, BET may have outlived its usefulness, but it's neither a racial anomaly or proof of reverse racism.

oh how did i know that little tid bit of ignorance would come out thats the typical response to this issue for ppl who believe it to be ok...These stations advertise to whites only? do they market themselves as a white entertainment network? no they dont and your stance is ignorant and a talking point and nothing more.

While I do understand your point about narrow casting, dont think for one second that ppl wouldnt jump at the chance to call a white entertainment only station racist...

here is a prime example...
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/07/911_caller_in_g.html

"Since then, Whalen has been called a racist and has become a target of scorn by those who suggested she would have never made the call had two white men been seen struggling to open what had been a broken front door. The 40-year-old daughter of Portuguese immigrants said she has even been threatened."

you think this rush to judgement was warrented you think that it had nothing to do with the fact the guy was black? even though she never said black she said hispanic many condemned her before the facts were out...

you dont think the black community is far to sensitive on issues of race far more then any other race?

[Al Doggity]

Gates' behavior was not warranted and is an arrestable offense.  Again, some people on here need to read up on police procedure.

You can't really make this claim. The charges against Gates' were dropped. The DA described the arrest as "unfortunate" and regrettable. That's why this is considered a controversial case.

[Cap]

You can't really make this claim. The charges against Gates' were dropped. The DA described the arrest as "unfortunate" and regrettable. That's why this is considered a controversial case.

The department backed him and his actions.  That says enough to me.  The DA likely didn't want to take on the media problem that would ensue as a result.  The guy acted like a jerk and the officer remained in control.  As a suspect or person of interest, YOUR attitude dictates the BEHAVIOR of the officer.  Get over it.  If Gates would have remained calm the officer would likely have apologized.  I've seen it before.

[tonymctones]

You can't really make this claim. The charges against Gates' were dropped. The DA described the arrest as "unfortunate" and regrettable. That's why this is considered a controversial case.

it was still well within his power as a police officer to arrest gates, simply b/c the charges where dropped doesnt mean the police officer didnt have the power to arrest gates.

[Al Doggity]

For some reason, the getbig is taking too long to respond.

oh how did i know that little tid bit of ignorance would come out thats the typical response to this issue for ppl who believe it to be ok...These stations advertise to whites only? do they market themselves as a white entertainment network? no they dont and your stance is ignorant and a talking point and nothing more.

While I do understand your point about narrow casting, dont think for one second that ppl wouldnt jump at the chance to call a white entertainment only station racist...

Most mainstream entertainment is predominately white. Intentionally or not, it features mostly white people and is targeted at mostly white people. When a station like BET or TJC pops up, it's selling point is not that it is exclusive, it is that it is inclusive and appeals to a demographic that isn't being served properly elsewhere. If someone started a WET network, it WOULD be racist because there are already plenty of places to see predom white programming. It would be racist because the selling point of the network would be that it was even more EXCLUSIVE than typical mainstream outlets. You dig?

here is a prime example...
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/07/911_caller_in_g.html

"Since then, Whalen has been called a racist and has become a target of scorn by those who suggested she would have never made the call had two white men been seen struggling to open what had been a broken front door. The 40-year-old daughter of Portuguese immigrants said she has even been threatened."

you think this rush to judgement was warrented you think that it had nothing to do with the fact the guy was black? even though she never said black she said hispanic many condemned her before the facts were out...

you dont think the black community is far to sensitive on issues of race far more then any other race?

To be honest with you, I never heard anyone give any sort of opinion on her until her press conference. Most of the accusations of racism were directed at the cop.

[Al Doggity]

The department backed him and his actions.  That says enough to me.  The DA likely didn't want to take on the media problem that would ensue as a result.  The guy acted like a jerk and the officer remained in control.  As a suspect or person of interest, YOUR attitude dictates the BEHAVIOR of the officer.  Get over it.  If Gates would have remained calm the officer would likely have apologized.  I've seen it before.

Right, because police departments rarely back officers.

The events of the case have been hashed out in detail over and over here. You see things one way, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's how they occurred.  As I said, that's why this is considered a controversy. Just because you would like to believe things happened one way doesn't mean they did.

[tonymctones]

For some reason, the getbig is taking too long to respond.

Most mainstream entertainment is predominately white. Intentionally or not, it features mostly white people and is targeted at mostly white people. When a station like BET or TJC pops up, it is selling point is not that it is exclusive, it is that it is inclusive and appeals to a demographic that isn't being served properly elsewhere. If someone started a WET network, it would be racist because there are already plenty of places to see predom whit eprogramming. It would be racist because the selling point of the network would be that it was even more EXCLUSIVE than typical mainstream outlets. You dig?

To be honest with you, I never heard anyone give any sort of opinion on her until her press conference. Most of the accusations of racism were directed at the cop.

completely and totally false, while i understand why and how you came to that opinion youre simply justifying racism. Again do these stations advertise specifically to white ppl? do they market themselves as exclusively for white ppl? no they dont and there is a major difference, if BET was simply a station that happend to have a bunch of shows directed at black ppl that would be one thing but they dont they ADVERTISE TO SPECIFICALLY BLACK PPL, THEY PROMOTE THEMSELVES TO SPECIFICALLY BLACK PPL this nullifies your comparison...you dig?

you dont think affirmative action was a good thing do you?

read the article doggity, she recieved threats was called racist by numerous ppl in several different outlets...

[Cap]

Right, because police departments rarely back officers.

The events of the case have been hashed out in detail over and over here. You see things one way, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's how they occurred.  As I said, that's why this is considered a controversy. Just because you would like to believe things happened one way doesn't mean they did.

Actually they don't these days, especially not in liberal states.  Read up on some major incidents some time.  Command staff will throw their officers under the bus to avoid public outrage or backlash.  Officers are given days without leave for many things that they shouldn't.

I guess my response to your second paragraph would be that you should direct it to yourself as well.  Other officers back the arrest and the officer and so does the department.  I have never seen something so small made so big and I blame Obama and Gates, not the arresting sergeant.

[Al Doggity]

completely and totally false, while i understand why and how you came to that opinion youre simply justifying racism. Again do these stations advertise specifically to white ppl? do they market themselves as exclusively for white ppl? no they dont and there is a major difference, if BET was simply a station that happend to have a bunch of shows directed at black ppl that would be one thing but they dont they ADVERTISE TO SPECIFICALLY BLACK PPL, THEY PROMOTE THEMSELVES TO SPECIFICALLY BLACK PPL this nullifies your comparison...you dig?

I don't agree with this, I've already stated why.

read the article doggity, she recieved threats was called racist by numerous ppl in several different outlets...

I did read the article. As I said, I never heard anyone say anything about her until today and that article didn't mention any specific threats or people who had called her racist. There may have been some lone posts on message boards, but there weren't really any notable mentions about her.

People didn't find it strange that someone would call the police on someone breaking through the front door. The controversy's point of origin is AFTER the cop arrives.