Our President Says That Police Acted Stupidly

In a story that broke just this past Wednesday, President Obama told the nation that a certain police for "acted stupidly" in a recent arrest. (see video here)

So what could be so horrible to justify the President condemning the police? Why would the supposedly "post-racial" President get involved in an arrest that he falsely identified as a racist incident? Let find out:

First of all, what exactly happened? A few nights ago in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a possible robbery was called in a few minutes after midnight. The report said that two black men with backpacks on were seen forcing their way into a home. When the first officer arrived (white), he confronted Professor Henry Louis Gates who was in the foyer of the home. The officer did not know that the Professor had left his keys inside earlier and had to force into his own home. Instead of thanking the Officer for checking in and properly identifying himself, Gates began screaming when asked for identification. "NO WILL NOT!" and "THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO A BLACK MAN IN AMERICA!!" and "You don't know who you are messing with!"

The Professor (Harvard) continued to scream and yell, doing a fairly decent Reverend Wright impression. As Gates ranted and raved, the Officer was joined by another officer (Hispanic) and yet another (black) officer. At this point, Gates finally produced a Harvard I.D. card. The officer was attempting to contact dispatch via radio, but could not be heard over the yelling. At this point, the Professor was asked to step outside (standard procedure). There were onlookers gathering outside and Gates continued to yell "THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS TO A BLACK MAN IN AMERICA!!"

After quite a bit of commotion, the decision was made to arrest Professor Gates for disorderly conduct. He refused to cooperate, saying that he was handicapped and could not talk without a cane. The officers moved his arms to the front and cuffed them there while another officer retrieved a cane from the house. (read the full report here)

A few observations:

-Protocol was followed (or attempted, without cooperation). As with an possible break-in, cops are supposed the clear (search) the house, even if the home-owner is present, in case a burglar is still in the house.

-Of the three officers present, one was white, one was black, and one was Hispanic.

-The officers showed Professor Gates every courtesy as they cuffed him and even brought him a cane.

So why did the President get involved? Apparently he knew Professor Gates at some point. Even though it was extremely irresponsible, Obama could not resist making a few public comments. (see video above) During the comments, Obama admitted that he did not know the whole story, and still insisted that the Cambridge Police "acted stupidly".

The aftermath:

-The President's comments "deeply pained" the Police Force, as per the police commissioner. (see article here)

-The arresting Officer refused to apologize, stating that he did nothing wrong. (see video here)

-The comments by the President were irresponsible and harmed race relations between citizens and cops nationwide.

-The supposedly "racist" (white) Police Officer on scene just happened to be the Officer who attempted to save Reggie Lewis' life (a black man) 16 years ago, via CPR. If this Officer was indeed racist or even harbored any negative feelings towards blacks, why would he then put his mouth over the mouth of black man, when he could have simply waited for paramedics to show up? Hmm... (see article here) Hmmm... (see video account of Officer Crowley trying to save Reggie's life here)

So what did Obama do once he heard the whole story? He apologized publicly, right? NOPE! He stated that "I could have calibrated those words differently" and a few other comments, but he did not apologize to the Police Force, or to the Officer.

So again I ask, why did the President decide to get involved in a small incident that should have been handled at a local level? Apparently, he could just not resist commenting on a seemingly race-involved scenario without knowing the facts. "Post-racial" President my rear! What would he have done if he started another Rodney King style riot? Would he have apologized? Or just use that as another excuse to bash our Country and call us a of bunch racists...