The President, professor & police officer: A teachable moment

Professor Gates would have found the experience to be far more enjoyable had he done as he was asked without taking on the "just because I'm black" attitude. He has no one to blame but himself.

When a police officer asks a question, answer it. If he does something wrong, handle it in the appropriate manner... The Professor acted like an idiot, and Obama let his emotion (personal bias) run his mouth. Maybe the teachable moment was for him (learning to keep his mouth shut)?

i think its stupid the cop was just protecting this guys house cause something looked fishy and now hes in trouble 4 it??!!!!

I wanted to see the VP start playing some quarters...

I think they are sending the wrong message to young people that problems can be solved by talking it over with an alcoholic drink.
What was the President thinking?

I think that it is wonderful that we have a president that will take a little time out of his busy schedual to have a beer with a couple of guys to try to settle a descrepancy that has been a problem in our country since the begining of our country. It may not be what the initial problem was, but it does tend to look racial.

Obama had ABSOLUTELY no business in making this issue a national event. He showed partiality, racism and poor judgemnt as a leader of our great nation. The summit was a joke. He should just have announced to the nation I used poor judgement in my answer to the press concerning the incident and be done with it.

I Think it's time for President Obama to admit he "Acted Stupidly" about commenting on the Professor's arrest and the Officer who arrested him.
The President's "Teachable Moment" should be about "Jumping to Conclusions without all the Facts"!

Brent Shirts, Charleston, SC

I think it is great that the president can invite both of them to sit down for a Cold One and discuss the events of yesterday.
Hats off to both the officer and the professor, putting all things aside and sitting down like true gentlemen discussing things over a nice frosty bubbly.

Its amazing the way things like this work. people jump at the possibility of racial conflict almost to the point that the actual story doesnt matter. the truth is, the story Doesn't matter Unless there IS a racial undertone.

between you and me, there isnt one.

This situation has gotten completely out of hand. Everyone wants to blame President Obama. Have we forgotten that this man puts his pants on one leg at a time? President Obama made a personal statement about his friend being treated poorly.

This is most certainly a race issue, whether or not people want to admit to it. I feel the media has blown this particular event out of proportion. Where is the news coverage on race discrimination when people of color are stopped for being dark skinned or followed in a store for being black? How about this, not receiving service at a furniture store or car dealership for that matter. The "media" and the "people" will never let him live it down.

Why not focus on the bigger problems in our backyard; Fuel costs, the safety of our country, healthcare, employment and the welfare of children, etc.

Before the President puts his foot in his mouth and comments on a potential votiale situation, he needs to have all the facts from both sides of the situation. It is best he stay neutral regardless of which side he believes is right. He should remember he represents all races. When he takes sides, he shows he has not progressed like the rest of America.

Whoa Whoa Whoa!! This isn't a race issue. This isn't about centuries of race relations. This isn't a teachable moment - except for how to respectfully deal with a police officer called by a concerned citizen, trying to look out for a neighbors house. The President spoke out of turn. Robin's mentioning race repeatedly is also way out of line.

I have an idea, how about the President of the United States drinking an American beer. Drinking a foreigned owned beer was, in his words, stupid. If he wanted a union beer there were many to chose from. Cudos to Gates for having an American made beer from and American brewer.

My wife and I just had a disagreement at home; can we expect an invitation from Michelle and President Obama for dinner?

I see Joe Biden smiling from ear to ear. I can image that he just said "Hey boss. You gotta watch what you say!"

I am curious as to why the driver who also was inside the house was not arrested. Looks to me like the professor copped a attitude with the police officer and caused his own problem.

The only people "Acting Stupidly" in this case are Gates and Obama!!!
Obama needs to keep his mouth shut when he does not know the entire situation. Just ike when he was asked about a health reform question and he said he wasn't familiar with that part of the bill.

I have never submitted to a public blog before, but this matter must be addressed....Obama said that a policeman acted stupidly when speaking about the matter with the Harvard professor. When in the world is America going to say to Obama, you are out of line when you speak about a policeman in that way. That policeman should not have wasted his time by sitting at a table with Obama, the Harvard professor, and V.P. Joe Biden....why was he even there eating peanuts with those men? Where is the apology to American Policeman from Obama? Why don't we all stand up and say, Where Is The Apology To American Policeman from the president of the U.S.A.? Why doesn't Obama show respect for our American Police for doing their job !

I think an apology is in order. Not from the President, Policeman or the Professor-I want the media to apologize to the public for whipping this dead horse. Back in the day, a newspaper might have a story on front page on the day it happened. It would be on another page, if at all, on the next day. Then it would be "yesterday's news" and we could move on to more interesting current news. Please, please drop this old and not interesting non-news item and apologize to all of us and lets move on.

In all the controversy, one person has been forgotten. The one person whose actions were not questionable, the lady who called 911.
It appears she is not only forgotten, but, verbally abused, by the ignorant. Some have called her a racist, even though, per the 911 recording, she didn't bring up race, the 911 operator did.
Those whose behavior was questionable, were rewarded witha trip to the White House. The person who was a good citizen and member of the community, is accused of racism. What's wrong with this picture – reward bad or questionable behavior and dump on the person who does the right thing.

This meeting, to me, emphasizes the fact that the connection between the races begins on a one-to-one level. I think our President should be commended for bringing together two men and introducing them to each other face to face. The more we recognize another race as people, not stereotypes, the more we will relate to each other as fellow humans.

Good Morning Robin..

This was NEVER about race... Professer Gates made it a bigotry issue when he declared to the police officer (Crowley) investigating an official reported call from a neighber, that the only reason he was questioning him was because he was black. The charge was for disorderly conduct, and obviously from the photos, there were other police officers there, one who was African American. We never heard from him if there was anything less than professional from Crowley during the arrest.

I believe the country has been in an Racial Issue uproar over something that never existed in the first place, Only because Gates issued the racial comment.

Love the show Robin!

tom

I'd rather see the gesture of Barack sitting down to have a beer and talking it over, than Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson fueling the racial tension with their usual responses. If we could all have those kinds of talks, eventually the problem
would diffuse.

Its unlikely that these two men would have ever sat down together had it not been for President Obama's intervention. As a result, any co operative discussion that arose out of this conflict could be considered a step in the right direction. "Solution''s have to start somewhere and as far as I am concerened this was as good a place as any to begin.

It's great the president sat everyone down to discuss the issue. It stops this from escalating to lawsuits and more craziness. A teachable moment? I think what we take from this is to do what the police say and hold your tongue.

I applaud our President for doing his best to put the situation in perspective and trying to get everyone to talk about things and cool it. He's right that this is what brings about change.

Really, though, a cop and a prof. who drew all this attention to himself? There was a little too much ego at that table to expect much. I wish they had settled the matter for themselves as adults rather than take up our time like this.

I suggest the prof. get himself one of those little hide-a-key rocks from Wal-Mart and save the boys in blue the trouble of protecting his house from himself.

I do not believe this is a "teachable moment" at all. I believe it is simply a case of two men, both indignant in their personal views on their respective positions, owing each other a personal, non-public apology. For the President to get involved is reprehensible, creating a national story out of a local non-event. "Beer Summit?"" This borders on the ludicrous.

the only thing this "non-summit" has taught my teenage grandsons is that it is ok to drink beer.
great message for a President to impart to the youth of our nation????

I understand the intention of the White House meeting, however I believe it was a bit too "Hollywood," obviously done for appearance sake. In watching the video footage of the get together, their body language clearly shows the only two attendees who were relaxed and enjoying themselves were the President and Joe Biden.

I cannot believe that this professor still has a job. When a white person says or does something stupid racially he gets fired. Howard Cosell, Jimmy the Greek and Don Imus come to mind. Until it works both ways we will have problems.

I did learn something from the beer "non-summit". VP Biden really has his nose to the grindstone when it comes to helping out with the drinking jobs. Cheers to him for it and I hope he never changes.

First I don't believe it is right for the President of the United States to put his nose into local issues. Other then that, the beer summit was a great idea. It shows that real men should be able to sit down and hash out their differences. Wouldn't be nice if world leaders could do this as opposed to wars?

Teachable moment, YES, for Skip Gates: Not every action, or every word is simply because you're Black - it might have something to do with you being an idiot.

President Obama is a regular citizen just like ourselves. Everyone makes mistakes and speaks with their emotions in regard. This teachable moment shows how great of a mentor Obama is. It also shows how great the professor and police officer are to come together to try and make amends with one another. The public needs to acknowledge that human error does occur and everyone is not so innocent themselves. Obama spoke out and said that the police officer "ACTED stupidly" not that he was a stupid individual. Mistakes happen, learn to forgive,

Who paid for these two guys to sit down like most reasonable men and disscuss their problem, but at my tax dollars expense? It happens all the time but because we had a Harvad professor and a police officer close to Washington and SOMEONE contacted the news media and the President who spoke off the cuff.....My question is: Will there be any follow up from the news media other than whats already happened ?

For Robin Meade:

The President stepped in it with his comment–politically–not good–but it showed him to be a real person with a real opinion. I respect that. Yes, the Prez stepped in it but you media folks stirredd till this controversy was good and tender. Some of you media folks leave me wondering why is it so important to make news at the expense of the whole country. For example– I never laid "Katrina" squarely on George Bush's shoulders– others more closely associated with the city of New Orleans was more responsible for that for its mismanagement. We can't look to the Prez to do something we refuse to do ourselves– and thats having frank discussions about how we treat each other. This thing was not about race– it was about class. You guys along with your proffessionals ( speaking for everybody ) hyped it up. Ms Robin Meade I am compelled to send this because of something you said. At your introduction to talk about the proffessor, the cop, and the Prez, you said: " a Black proffessor and the cop". What race is the cop? Should it matter if the proffessor was Black or White? You see how you guys ( media folks) stir this up? Listen this was a class issue– I know– because I'm a Black man– in the low end of the middle class–I would know. There was a whole lot of things that could have been better– by the proffessor, the cop, and the Prez. This was a teachable moment for me– how about the media. Please promote the good out of these situations–still love and support you and CNN– Lou Dobbs too/ LOL.

I once heard Joe Biden say that he has learned not to question his colleagues motives but rather their judgement. Just yesterday the Vice President, the President, a professor, and a policeman sat down together outside. What a humbling experience to be a part of.

How about the reverse discrimination that is going on now? Why can’t that be looked into. There will be no forward movement on this issue until all people can put this aside. Blacks need to move forward, not everything is a race issue. As a country we elected a black president. Move on, get over it, and stop blaming everyone else for your problems.

It is a teachable moment That may provide peace in the hearts for people that may have experience racism it shows how far we've come has a nation were not a perfect nation but each were striving to be better

Mr. Obama has learned to either get his facts straight or remain neutral. Professor Gates has learned that police officers have a job to do. Officer Crowley has been reminded that he is a well-trained officer of the law, just doing his job.

"Teaching moments" only work with those open minds who are willing or desiring to learn new concepts, like talking calmly about mistakes before they go from 'foolish' to 'feverish'. Unfortunately, many in our great country, have neither will nor desire to do this. It's simply easier to be passionately bitter and narrow-minded. To those, I have pity. To Obama, I raise my mug, "Kudos!"

I like the idea of sitting face to face with those you diagree with and having a conversation, but over beer? I think of all the people with alcohol issues and all the children out there watching and feel the President of the United States should be careful what he promotes.

Enough already. The issue of Gates and the police officer has got completely out of hand. Have the media, nothing else to talk about then this incident.
Why does everything have to be disected in absolute little bits, in any event of a mishap.
Get over it.

As for President Obama. Leave him alone. He is human, and is reaching out as a humanatrian, not as a politically robot.Again we have go out there, and ask the public what they think of his actions, percentage wise. WHY?

PS. I do hope you post this, but maybe not, as you are media, and might not like it.

This was not a teachable moment for anyone except Obama. Obama commented on something he didn't know the details about on national TV and turned it into an issue involving racism.

Who cares if the caller, the cop, anyone said that the people entering the house were white, hispanic or black? Who cares? The point is that there were people pushing through a door so the police were contacted to check it out.

The police put their lives on the line every time they approach a situation. Crowley had no idea who Gates was when he approached the house. He had no idea if Crowley was one who broke in or if he lived there and was unaware of people who broke in to the house. The police were trying to figure out the situation, and perhaps protect Gates from people who broke into his home.

This was Gates doing & Obama's escalation.

If you look around the country, you'll see blacks, hispanics, whites...all interacting as friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, etc. JUST FINE. There will always be race issue that go both ways, but they are few and far between. There are a lot of imagined issues from people who keep living in the past.

Experience Is valued in every profession except for Law Enforcement.

Because departments starting using statistics to help them in their work some one felt the numbers where in error and did a news article and called it racial profiling. Even though the facts and figures show that "profiling" is accurate in 99% of the cases.

Why doesn't CNN , FOX CBS ABC do a report on the FBI numbers by any region of choice to see if this is not real? Maybe because they will fnd out that it is not racial prejudging and just the use of REAL statistics and that does not make good news. But making it a race issue is better news.

I lecked myself out of my home. I called a locksmith.

In any type of conflict, there has to be some agreement. All parties involved must first admit that they either said ir did something wrong. This is the first step to healing. We all make mistakes, nobody's perfect. However, the teachable moment here I think should be about forgiveness and having compassion for one another. We, as a people, of the United States of America do not need to be divided.

So if I try to break into my own house, then cause an inappropriate ruckus when the police come to stop me, I get to have a beer with the president?

Dear Robin,

Regarding the "Beer Summit', all was fine and going well...till Joe Biden brought out the beer bong...and started singing, "Paradise by the Dashboard Light"...

WALK...WALK...SPLAT !!! DOGYPILE WAS HERE...!!!!

I think its kind of funny actually. Not sure about a "teachable moment" though. So what do I have to do have get a beer with the President?

How long do we have to talk about race? Gates and Obama were the only individuals present at that meeting who seemed to be fixated on race from the beginning of this incident. Perhaps they both should attend some sensitivity training. The daily and seemingly constant attention to race only serves to agitate the situation. Let it go. Its 2009. I, for one, am frankly tired of hearing it.

WOW I asked for a photo op and an autograph from the President when he cam to town and then the Secret Service called my boss to see if I need to be put on the watch list, maybe I should have broke into my own house and I could have had a beer with the President! We would have had Southern Pecan beer brewed locally to help stimulate our local economy.

i dont think it was a teachable moment and the officer should have been held more accountable.

Another waste of time. We have seen too much of Obama on TV, he is acting more like a movie star than a president. Last nights meeting didn't do anything towards changing peoples minds regarding race as long as the news is continually filled with minorities of all races performing criminal acts against the public.

This is not a race issue people! Two humans had a misunderstanding, they were both probably a little right and a little wrong. The media is the largest rasicst in the country....next to the government.

I dont agree with the president asking to meet over beers. What kind of message is that saying, is that beer will solve our problem? With someone like the president, that people look up to, he should be setting a better example. Beer is not the answer

I think that everyone should read the Official Police Reports (which are public record) before they make a comment about this situation, since we were not there when it occurred. President Obama in my opinion should not have had a press release on a personal matter since the professor is his friend.

The only "teachable moment" here is that Pres. Obama learned he needs to keep his mouth shut if he doesn't have the facts. I find it extremely unpresidential that he inserted himself into what was a local matter and made it worse by "yucking to up" over beer!

This is not a teachable moment. This is a very poor example to our youth on how to deal with issues. It is teaching our children, that sitting down and having a beer together will help solve our problems. The President should have stayed out of this completely.
JB

The teaching moment, I think, is when the president speaks everyone listens and that one adjective can have a tremendous impact on what should be an insignificant event. The biggest learner is Mr. Pres.

What I learned from this is that Pres. Obama is as arrogant as usual. He will not admit mistakes and just passes the buck. He is not fooling me.

The only thing "teachable" about this moment is that it is a reminder that anything, no matter how trivial, can be blown out of proportion once the race card is played. This has been talked to death for days by people who want to make it an issue. It isn't an issue. The officer was just doing his job. Let's move on people. Isn't there anything else to talk about? How about the fact that the NFL is becoming an organization for convicts and criminals? I'd rather discuss that!

I blame the news media for the whole mess. First of all, the news reporter who asked the question aparently was oblivious to what the issues the President was talking about...."Healthcare". Her boss should take another look at her, let her do the mail or something like that. And because of her stupidity President Obama was put on the spot and commented on something than an answer was not necessary. He should have reminded her of what his issue was that he was talking about, or better yet looked at her with a blank look and said, "No comment".

Finally, you all "the news media" have run with it and the real issue of health care has been over looked again while millions of americans go without healthcare. I'm beginning to think that you all feel to keep your jobs is to keep a black story alive. We have war, famine, NO HEALTH CARE (once again), drug issues, teen pregnancy, high school dropouts, teens who can't read......you see where I'm going...but you all have to keep reporting a black mans high tempered reaction to a policeman, where when I grew up, I was taught to respect a man in uniform. Just let me ask this, can any of you tell me what the president said about health care in his speach????? I doubt it.

Start telling the news, you all have an opportunity to make a real difference in this country, use it. By the way, let me make one more statement, I am not a racists. I love all people.
Paul McDaris

Teachable moment? For what? How to stiffly sit around a table pretending to be four good old boys sharing a brewski?

I've never seen a more staged, uncomfortable-looking photo op.

Was this beer meeting charged to the American taxpayers? If flying to D.C. for a brew with the President is cheap, put us on the list!!! I'll even bring the beer!!

greg

I just watched the 1993 movie "Amos and Andrew" last night with Samuel Jackson and Nicolas Cage. The movie is about this same theme of a black man being mistaken as a burglar. The similarities are incredible!

However I feel the police officer should apologize first. Once he knew that was Gates' own home, he should have realized Gate would be upset. The officer could have helped Gates by empathizing with him, not arresting him.

I am sick and tired of "white folks" and the "media" lack of sensitivity on how some black people feel regarding the incident. First lets review the facts, the 911 caller did not identify the men as black,(only the police officer in his report (LIED) that the caller reported the men were black), therefore the officer profiled Mr. Gates and his driver as the alleged intruders. Secondly how would you feel if someone alleged that you were robbing your own house? outraged! Also how can a person act disorderly in their own home or property? Also did you know in most cases police officers charge people with being disorderly when a person asks a question or request their badget number, do your research? Oh I forgot most of the comments are from "white folks" that state we should stop playing the race card, however "those people don't experience racism on a daily basic, so SHOUT UP and respect how we feel from those who might have been thru some experiences such as myself, President Obama, and others. Oh why don't the media, state and federal investigators jump on the story about the police officer lying on a legalized document and keeping his job!

Until those that are born and raised in America consider themselves to be American first, we are always going to have "racial tensions". Who is the real racist here? I am equally proud of my ethnicity, but first and foremost am an American, it does not matter what color of American I am.

As a taxpayer, I'd also like the opportunity to have a drink on the South Lawn, At least I'll be able to directly see my money put to good use as opposed to where it is currently going – some other guy's beer.

Police are trained to secure and gain complete control over the area/situation as quickly and safely as possible. He was doing his job, at least initially. Later on, there were moments where both of these men could have backed off a bit. I call it a wash. Have a beer!

I got the feeling from pictures the net works are showing that the white officer was still excluded. The President and Professor are clicking mugs and the officer is left out. You see the President and Professor both facing the officer and the Professor is very animated. There is no way the officer has a fighting chance. He cannot express exactally how he feels or he is racist. Our President caused this to remain in the news by commenting on National TV BEFORE he had all the facts. And at that time he took HIS FRIEND'S side. For our President to comment wihout all the facts is unforgiveable. The meeting is nothing but a joke. Our President is a racist bigot. I know Dr. Martin Luther King would be appaled. There is no lesson except to show me as a voter there is a LOT of back-peddling from our President. IF our President truely wants our nation to due away with racism HE NEEDS TO PRACTICE WHAT HE PREACHES. PERIOD

it is good that that they sat down had a old one and talked about the problem. i agree with that one blogger if the leaders of the other countrys that go to war with others should set down and have a cold one.

The meeting with a beer was a joke. President Obama is not a counselor, He is the President of the USA. HE is all the peoples President and should not make discrinatory remarks, especially when he does not know the facts. Gates set himself up by not being playing the race card instead of following instructions. Obama needs to stop being a bigot, It is like having George Jefferson as our President.
The only discrination story's ever told are whites discrimating. Discrimination is an attitude, not a race. We all need tobe treated equally & fairly.

This is a teachable moment that provide peace in the hearts of people that may have experience racism it shows how far we have come as a nation we're not a perfect nation but striving to be better each day

Teachable moment. Blah! Why the emphasis on beer being served? Disgrace to the office of the President. Poor role modeling. Don't recall this in my history (I'm 50). Could have been handled better.

This is just a publicity stunt by the President to hide his latent racism. He stuck his nose into something that didn't concern him (It was a local issue), particularly without knowing the facts. He and Gates should apologize to the American people for all of the racist remarks THEY have made in the past.

The meeting was nice, I still have not heard Obama say he was sorry for the (stupidly) comment he made. I have NO respect for him.

I do Hope the Vice President is still "Teachable" but, I fear the lesson President Obama is trying to teach him won't go a long way, when the President was the one who made the bigger mistake of Jumping to the wrong conclusion, and saying the Cambridge Police department "Acted Stupidly"! Oh, when will the President learn to get the Facts First, and Speak Second?

Brent From Charleston, SC

most presidents may like to settle their countries differences over a beer, except george bush, he would rather go to war.

The situation should have never come to this. Once it was established Gates was in his own home, Crowley should have been LEAVING, not continuing, the issue. He had no other reason to be there.

How does a man commit "disorderly conduct" in his own home to the extent that is becomes a reason to arrest him? Gates had reason to be upset.

In my opinion, Crowley decided he could not allow Gates to disrespect him (if that's what he REALLY did) and exercised his "I'm a cop and I can pretty much give you hell" trump card.

Before we can decide whether this was a "teachable moment", don't we first have to answer the following question: If the Harvard professor were white and the police officer were black, would THEY have been invited for beer and a chat with the President at the White House?

Taking the time to console this Professor is maddening.
I think its REDICULOUS this is even a story!
Tell the crybaby to carry his keys or face the police like anyone else.
What a waste of tax payors dollars!

911 calls are supposed to be for EMERGENCYS . I am waiting to here on the news A real Emergency was not able to be taken care of because someones french fies were cold. It is time the people who are abusing 911 should be punished before this gets even more out of hand. Jennifer Johnson

The meeting was just a way for the President to get out of HIS racial comments.

I truly believe Harvard needs to teach people how to say "Yes Sir, or Mam and No Sir or Mam". A little respect goes a long way.

The incident itself taught us that the facts of an incident (such as this) do not really matter; the pre-conceptions of people do. Additionally, race, class, entitlement, and fairness remain America’s most prominent issues. In a way, this was the “O.J. incident” of our decade, in terms of everyone having an opinion about multiple issues stemming from one event.

I would like to know how much us tax payer had to pay to get these two guys together for a beer!!! Obama had no buisness getting involved in it.

If the prof. was white and the officer was black this never would have made the headlines. It's almost as if the black majority of this nation wants to keep racism alive. My family came from europe and were never involved with slavery yet I'm looked at as a white racist (just because I'm white) .

I have listened to the many opinions on the subject of the officer and the professor, and have yet to hear "NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH" mentioned. When I see two people trying to break into the side of the house, I don't care what size, shape, sex or color they are, they are doing wrong and yes, I will call 911 and report it EVERY TIME! ! ! ! ! ! The professor was probably tired and upset because of not being able to get into his own home, but that is no excuse to act like a child and abuse the officer. Come on people, lets act like adults and gain our INTEGRITY BACK. Thank You! ! ! ! !

With the technology that the police departments use, they should have been able to find out who owned and lived in Mr. Gates home before they arrived or shortly after they arrived this information should have been available. They have access to DMV records why not use these resources to get the situation correct. This metting was not a metting to get to the truth, it was an attempt to prevent the aactual truth from coming to light. Where did the communication about two black men with back pack originate? Why is Officer Crowley not being pressed on the "keep the car rolling" comment. This commenet came after he was informed by Mr. Gates that he was the home owner. In my opinion this showed a deliberate act of disrespect for Mr. Gates and his rights as a home owner. Why have we not heard from the police unions in support or to distance themselves from athe officer who authored the jungle monkey email? Do they support him? Does Officer Crowley support Officer Email? Why has he not commented about these racial comments by a fellow officer in his defense? Why is the media NOT focusing on Officer Email or doing an investigation on how many white officers embrace Officer Email's views. Hey Media how about you label Officer Email as his comments describe him and not give him a platform to try to save his job? Is there a reporter in your fine organization that will have the guts to get to the bottom of these indescrepencies in the 911 call reporting, the accounts of the events as given by both parties, why Officer Crowley insisted on flexing against a legal citizen in is own home and why exactly were the charges droped? If the arrest was so legit and the chief supported the actions taken then who authorized dismisal of charges and why?

For the African American Officer present during arrest: I understand that you are forced to support Officer Crowley's action due to ecconomic reasons. You would be FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also, if you don't think that if you were the intial responding officer, America would have never heard this issue because it would not have resulted like this. You would have verified and left. Now, if you had approached and arressted a prominate white man, your fellow white officers would have attempted to talk you down. And if you insisted on the arrest you would NOT received the same support as Officer Crowley. You would have been FIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Equallity and Law still DO NOT equate.

Could someone please explain how they can conceive President Obama's comments as racist? What a joke!!!! Officer Crowley did act stupidly for being over zelous. He had an I'll show you attitude and used it. If his actions weren't stupid the charges would not have been dismissed. What is stupid is that closset racist think they have a platform to call the President of the United States of America a racist. I guess if "Jm Crow Law" was good enough for your parents, then it must be good enough for you.

A shame that things has taken so huge a step backwards. Obama promised to attempt to mend the "racial" problem. This was not a positive episode.
I am tired of hearing all the reasons why someone should not be held responsible for their own behavior. Being of this color or that ethnicity is no longer an acceptable excuse. Take charge of your children, stand up for what you do, improve yourself, step up to the plate... together we can make the world a better place for our children and grandchildren... apart, we can drag each other into the ground and wallow in the mud.

I would like to know who paid the bill for both the beer and the trip to Washington. Was it me "Joe the taxpayer"?

"Beer Summit" - what a joke and a serious waste of the President's time. He should have been smart enough to stay out of it in the first place.

Does anyone really care? I think most men can remember a school yard fight and going to have to go to the principal's office until it was felt things had been settled. It normally was not – just postponed.

It's good that they got together but when Mr Gates was taken from his home, there was a Black police officer. What was his take on all of this and why hasn't he spoke up either way.

I often wonder if the cop was black and the profesor was white if the story would of gotten all of the publicity it has received and if the president would of got involved?

I see CNN as Racist network, you blow anything thats black and white out of shape...

I think this whole thing is rediculous. Professor Gates should not have used race as a response to being arrested for disorderly conduct. The officers simply were doing their job nothing more. The meeting yesterday with Obama would never have happened if Gates weren't a friend of his. Obama's childish remark to the officers acting "stupidly" shows exactly what kind of President we have representing the U.S. God help us!!!

I can not believe what message this is sending to our teens and young poeple . WHAT are they thinking "you can settle your problems over DRiNKING A BEER. How can I tell my teen not to drink when the President of our cuntry settles his problems over a BEER.

SAVE THE WORLD HAVE A BEER?

I believe that this was a waste of taxpayers money and time, with all the issues that the Country is facing today why is the President even wasting time, he should have NEVER got involded. The cost to bring these two men to Wasington could have been used for real problems. I believe all news about this issue keeps the racial statement a stewing and not letting it go as being just what it was, someone getting arrested for being loud and rude and not wanting to show id

I did not vote for Obama but I will say this and that is we have had our first black president now I feel after the first 7 months of his administration we have taken a large step backwards. A CEO in a company has a position just as a teacher in a school. The lawn enforcement office's position is to enforce law's and regulation, in following suit he is to abide by his teachings. Our presidents job is to address the nation about political issues border control and defense tatics after being given advice from civilian leaders under him. It is our job to do our job just as the police officer. Our first black president has failed the white population which voted him into office at 52 percent of the population.

In spite of the predictable behavior and outcome due to the worldwide exposure of this unfortunate incident some good may come from this.Only time will tell.

Maybe when President Obama has the time I would like to invite him to my house to see if he can do something about the out of control speeding in my residential area of town.

I'll buy the beer.

I believe President Obama is setting a bad example for the rest of the country. The American people are told everyday in someway that drinking can kill, So how do you explain to all the people with fines or who are even in prison for being intoxicated that the President a Cop and A Harvard Professor are sitting on the White House Lawn drinking some cold ones.

Definately a racial issue, but why not teach our young people the important issue of settling everything over a beer. What a disgrace to the office of president, knowing this happens all the time behind the scenes, but why make it a public issue. The American people need to wake up and look between the lines as to where this country of ours is headed. But no,everyone will continue to keep their heads buried in the sand so long as there is someone to share a beer with.

I say it was a good idea for the men to sit down and talk, it is hard to take in difference, and these men represent this very well. In the future though let's all watch what we say and do and also don't forget your keys. Jon Phillip Boulton-Paducah, Ky.

something else i would also like to comment on, i also worked in chad, africa for right a year, met some very fine people their. your TRUE African people are very proud and hard working. i greatly enjoyed working with them, and getting to know them. most of them have a very very low opinion of blacks living in the united states, mind you i am only repeating their thoughts and opinions. i worked with a nigerian who was our rig electrician, he exlpained to me that he went to college in the usa, he was sick of how the blacks were always stating that they were being discriminated against and in his own words he said they had it made and life was too easy for them, many times he begged for some of his black class mates to come to his home in nigeria and offered to pay for the round trip ticket . just to see how hard life was. but not one time would any accept his offer. personally i am not in the least racist, i can be opinionated at times but not racist. i get so sick of hearing of people accusing others of being racist or discrimination. your life is what YOU make it. every person has the same chance in our society to become whatever you choose to become. too many people in our society choose to take the easy was out.

I think President Obama did the appropriate thing since he made comments on national TV. Diffusing this issue over a cold beverage seem to work better than what we have done in the past on similar high profile issues. Everybody need to move on!

The racial BS needs to stop. What was that about 200 or 300 yrs. ago its about time for the African americans to get over that crap, really .... Quit crying racial discrimination all the time. I,m sick of it always being the white mans fault. We were not even around then. Anyway, I'm sure the officer treated the black professor with respect. He was just following procedure.

I think your sense of beauty.So I think a beauty.

Good Morning to you too!

I think the president showed his true colors, as did the college professor, and the police officer. First the professor should be thankful that someone called when they thought someone was breaking into his house – and even more so when the police arrived. The police officer should have acknowledge the irritation that the professor already had from being locked out – if the man became even more irritated he has rules governing his actions and had no choice but to follow them. As for the president – please – why is he even answering some silly questions like this – and really confused as to why he would even have stupid in his vocabulary. The beer is probably the only thing that came out of this event "good and clear"!

This thing was stretched way out of proportion and for their acts, the two individuals get to have a beer with the President of the United States. It sounded like an arrogant cop and a snooty professor both taking jabs at the other's pride. Wait for a REAL racial incident fellas...yes I am African American and live in Cambridge, MA.

This is out of control and we all feed into it and many stories like it. Again, the media takes this one and makes it into a race issue. The sooner this country can stop putting color, gender, background or any of these type things as a issue the sooner it goes a way. To hell with this issue and what the media has done with it and what it promotes. Shame on Washington for ever getting involved. This is not news! This just keeps the fire of racism going. How sad….

this is so stupid. setting up with a man who accused the other of racism for a beer at the white house.After the president called the officer stupid. Cant they just do a phone call i wouldnt of even went. and we all know in the beer picture on your website the white guy is there so fuzzy doesnt get nervous

Good morning,evening or afternoon,thanks for leaving this space for me.I'm new at this BLOG however not to POLICE, LOCKUP, ABUSE OR A KNIFE drawn in my face, yes, KNIFE I N THE FACE! Now, we have had a lot of commments , this is not RACE or IMPOWERMENT by the officer, well, I've been locked up for 3 days for calling 911 for stolen property from a home, and I was arrested, pulled about, my phone knocked outed of my hand.

Now, I am a PROUD AFRICAN AMERICAN,STRONG AND BELIEVE IN GOD! FOR MANY I WILL SAY A HIGHER POWER.

I think for many we see what a GREAT-PRESIDENT AND V/P. we have, it takes a lot of people to understand, a real man will have a beer with other men, with gardless of COLOR! I appreciate the honest of our President of living his life. MOST Presidents would'nt have spoke of a BEER, with 3 men in His YARD, Yes, OUR President was at HOME!

How many Presidents have you heard, for what ever reasons, had a BLACK MAN FOR ANYTHING unless He was Cleaning his yard, house,car or feeding his dog? OFCURSE, not one, even white men had the dirty jobs. ON another injury, by OFFICERS, WITH guns,sticks, mase and now I tell you , they carry KNIVES! I have filed reports and moved p.o,box.

Good night,evening or morning, have a great day!

since when does it take beer and the president to settle a dumb cop case?

This is total CRAP!!! Doesn't the President have anything better do? What is our county coming to? God help us... And another thing, I regret our fore fathers for even going to Africa!!! 300 years is long enough... For this type of stuff!!!!!

This terrible claim of racism and has truly show how distorted our country’s view of equality is. Professor Gates told the police officer things such as “I’ll talk to your momma outside,” had I (a white man) said such things to a police officer I pretty sure I would have got arrested too. The president spoke without knowing all the facts and helped make this into a major story. Bringing both parties to the White House was a smart move, but it was more to protect himself; rather than solve racial tensions in this country. By meeting with both parties the President gives the appearance of being impartial but having already said Officer Crowley “acted Stupidity” he helped perpetuate the stereotype that ‘white men are racist’, which is completely false. Dr. Martin Luther King said he hoped “people would one day be judged by the quality of their character not the color of their skin” I don’t think stereotyping white males was what he had in mind.

One final note: Mr. President you are the leader of the free world and you drink a Bud Light? Come on, a least drink a good beer

I believe the president should have stayed out of it. He has more important to take care of. Than to settle some dispute between two people that were acting indifferent to one another. Because, they could not handle situation and the pride got the best of them to settle in a more dignified manner.

President Obama showed his intent to deal with race relations in America during his campaign when he gave a speech on the subject. As an African-American, a graduate of Harvard University and a friend of professor Gates, it's safe to say the President had a reasonable interest in this case. I would have been surprised if he hadn't gotten involved. I think the way the President chose to handle it brought a very civil ending to a story that had begun to spin out of control.

I also think that many of the people who have responded with posts to this blog would like for race relations to stay just as they are with no further dialog on the matter whatsoever. Side-stepping this conversation stunts our growth and supports an enviornment that fosters ignorance and hate. I can't imagine why any fair-minded, progressive individual would take a stand against conversations about race relations.

As far as the cop goes, law-enforcement officials have been known to abuse their authority from time to time, particularly where Black men are involved. A judge just threw a Black man in jail for yawning. Are certain people above question or investigation because they are in law-enforcement?

Cates is the one who made this whole thing about race, nobody else. In the U.S., it is against the law to get in the face of an officer and scream and yell at him. It is called VERBAL ABUSE. I applaud the officers for doing their job. If I were the arresting officer, I would tell the whole country: It doesn't matter who it is, if it were Mr. Obama screaming and yelling in my face like that, I would have arrested him too. It has nothing to do with race., until someone makes it about race.

Dont even get me started with this- first of all why in the heck did the President even get involved??? Because the professor was a friend? Well, what if all the former Presidents got involved with their "friends" when they were in trouble..... it seems to me there are much more IMPORTANT things out there that Mr. Obama should be attending to and leave Police stuff to the Police unless it involves him personally. I am so tired of hearing "racial" being shouted.... this is the UNITED STATES and we all should be united and not trying to disassociate ourselves by dividing into races...... If I remember correctly, Caucasian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, etc. are all races and I dont see anybody from these groups hollering racial! Wake up America–we are all in this together!