Do people really expect the police to show up at possible crime, see evidence of breaking in, and then simply accept a verbal declaration from someone inside that they are allowed to be there? That Prof. Gates was wearing a nice polo shirt is moot. The police have to determine he has the right to be there before they leave, and they can't just simply take his word for it because he has nice clothes and is articulate.

-- Xanthro

You are undeserving of your liberty. Jefferson would have had you cleaning stalls for your vapid simplicity.

You have no clue at all of which you speak.

Possible crime scene? Why? It is a FRONT door in BROAD DAYLIGHT that has been jimmied by a respectable-looking, older black man.

Yes, in broad daylight a respectable-looking older man might be engaged in crime. Are you daft? Were you dropped on your head and actually think criminality can simply be divined via magic?

It's actually easier to commit crimes in certain areas in broad daylight because there is a lesser amount of suspicion.

How many respectable-looking, older black gentleman go around breaking into FRONT doors in BROAD daylight?!

How quickly your tune would change if instead of being tired and needlessly snapping, Prof. Gates instead was breaking into the home of his estranged wife with intent to kill.

Motive is not determinable by being "respectable looking"

The police expect their word to be divine and unquestioned.

No, most don't. Most expect a basic level of civility when doing their jobs, just like other people.

Why should a resident whose taxes help pay the salaries of these pricks be any different?

It's apparent you just simply hate the police.

I don't expect a solitary shred of common sense out of your empty head but a cop with years of experience could have quickly determined the accuracy of the situation without creating a protracted event wherein he felt the need to assert his authority with an arrest.

Bullshit, utter and complete bullshit. You're an idiot who hasn't a damn clue what goes on.

You are stupid enough to think well dressed people should simply not be questioned. That's your actual stance.

That's why you harp on respectable-looking. All you care about is finding some means of argument to support your groundless attack on the officer in question.

While I've had more than my fair share of unpleasant encounters with officers of the law, unlike you, I'm not prejudice. You are.

I've also had more than my fair share of unpleasant encounters with Black people, it doesn't mean there is something wrong with being Black.

It means you treat individuals as individuals, you prejudge. You're the equal to the KKK, expect you hate the police.