Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.

The Henry Louis Gates Jr., Saga continues to be felt beyond the city limits of Cambridge. Even President Barack Obama has weighed in on the controversy. Sgt. James Crowley is standing by his actions that took place on July 16. Dr. Gates wants an apology and the chance to educate Sgt. Crowley on Racism in America.

According to the police report posted on thesmokinggun.com, Gates was seen trying to force his way into his own home. Gates was returning home from a trip overseas when he apparently had trouble opening front door.

A neighbor who saw Gates struggling with the door but didn't know who he was, notified the police of an attempted burglary.

At first glance, it looks like someone who was having a bad day. Gates is tired. He is returning home from a long plane ride. He is having trouble opening his door. He is frustrated and just wants to go inside and relax.

Sgt. Crowley answers a call and asks (not "demands" according to the Boston Globe) Dr. Gates to provide identification. According to the police report, Dr. Gates refused to produce identification at first but eventually showed a Harvard ID to Sgt. Crowley.

In my opinion, the situation is merely an unfortunate incident. Police respond to a call. They do not have the luxury of deciding whether or not the call is worth pursuing. Upon arriving at the house, Crowley sees Dr. Gates in the foyer and asks him if he may speak to the Harvard professor. According to the police report, Dr. Gates responds with, "Why? Because I am a black man in America?"
No, Dr. Gates. It's because there was a report of a break-in at your residence and the police want to make sure your house is secure and you are well.
Despite Crowley's attempts to assure Dr. Gates that the police are there to make sure he and his residence are okay, Dr. Gates proceeds to telephone the police department and wants to speak to the chief. Crowley attempted to leave the residence but Gates threatened Sgt. Crowley, telling the policeman that Dr. gates wasn't someone, "he wanted to mess with." Sgt. Crowley, according to the report, attempted to leave the house because it was difficult to hear between the acoustics of the residence and the loud shouting of Dr. Gates. Crowley said he would speak to Dr. Gates outside. Dr. Gates responded, "Ya, I'll speak with your momma outside."
Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. was arrested for disorderly conduct. He was not arrested for being black and it was not because of, "the capricious whim of one disturbed person," as he told the Boston Globe. Throughout the entire incident, Dr. Gates was the one person who was constantly bringing up the subject of race, which makes me wonder who the racist in this story really is.