Yeah, I'm sure cops never hear people try to talk their way out of stuff with complex excuses.

Yes, but I think there's not much disagreement over whether Gates was being an ass; just whether he should have been arrested.

I'm talking about the arrest, not the cops coming 'round in the first place.

Wow! look at the racial bias...

http://www.timesunion.com/Shared/Gra...13aec51_TN.jpg

Shaw123 - you Rock!

Arresting the man was a mistake. I dont like the thought that I could have my liberty so easily taken away from me.

I may have been wrong about that. I don't remember now where I saw the thing about the back door.

It's common sense and a life-lesson not to mouth off to cops! Duh.

Unless it's really essential, which I don't think this was.

Seriously. The trouble I've avoided just by being NICE?! Priceless. Yet, no cost to me.

Plus I show due respect unless I really have a reason to do otherwise.

Asshats do the opposite.

Any of you ever had to bust into your own house? I have.

What would I have done if the cops showed up to arrest me?

First of all, I've lived here five years. People around here know me (and I'm so far off the beaten track that there are no strangers), so the odds of being reported are zero, but let's say it happens. What would I do?

My first inclination would be to assume the cop was at the wrong address (again, I'm in the woods at the end of a gravel road that's at the end of a gravel road - convoluted road schematics and damned few road signs). If he insisted that I identify myself, I'd show him my ID, then go into my office and whip out my mortgage papers.

What's so hard about that?

Oh yeah, I don't have a male ego. :rolleyes:

I've broken into every place I've lived, at one time or another. I'm forgetful. :blush:

:eyebrow:

As per the transcript linked above, Crowley called the wagon after verifying Gates' identity. He should have been gone at that point.

Then Crowley's ego/attitude is at fault, here.

Right-o. Time to give that cop the boot.

http://obeygiant.com/images/2008/08/...oot-poster.jpg

They were probably both a little wrong. Police once upon a scene need to be in charge to maintain order - period. Gates acted like an ass and got treated accordingly. Race was/is inconsequential except to those who want to see it. Watch COPS or any of those shows - People of all races act like this and get treated the same way - no matter who/what they are.