Prof. Gates, Cambridge and Racial Politics

Marc Ambinder Writes About What He Learned First-Hand As a Police Reporter at Harvard

(CBS)  The "On The Marc" column is written by The Atlantic's Marc Ambinder, CBS News' chief political consultant.

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In college, some of my friends majored in history. Others braved the pre-med gauntlet. My eventual partner in life decided that applied mathematics was right for him. I graduated in 2001 with a degree in something or other, but my concentration was really in what you might call police scanner science.

For three years, I covered the police beat for the Harvard Crimson, which was -- is -- the city of Cambridge's only breakfast table daily. When my friends would be out studying or dating, I'd be chasing cops. If the crime happened to be near Harvard's campus, I'd get there before they would, which occasionally proved disconcerting.

During my four years at Harvard, I got to know quite a few Cambridge police officers -- black officers, white officers, Hispanic officers, and I became intimately familiar with the tinder box that is racial politics in Cambridge.

In essence, take wealthy white patricians affiliated with Harvard, add very liberal activists (not always so rich) who were attracted to the city because of its progressive legacy; add diversity that mirrors the composition of the United States; add blue collar, mostly ethnic white cops who were lifers in the police department -- and it's not hard to see how racial sensitivities could be so acute.

What happened to Prof. Henry Louis "Skip" Gates, Jr., has actually happened fairly often. And often, it involved young white students being strung out by overaggressive cops on generally bogus "disorderly conduct" charges, which was the Cambridge police officer's catch-all charge for "generally just pissing me off and acting holier than thou."

Indeed, college kids in Cambridge often showed disrespect for the cops, so it's not surprising that the cops felt disrespected by the students.

I remember listening one night to a report of a loud party in the Kendall Square neighborhood by MIT. A single-cop car arrived. He was white. The partygoers, about a dozen of them, were black.

It's sensible in 1 on 12 situations -- even for something as relatively minor as a quality of life complaint -- for the cop to call for back-up. The cop did. At some point before the back-up arrived, a scuffle began.

Who touched whom was unclear, at least over the police radio. Within 5 minutes, more than a dozen Cambridge officers were at the scene -- most of the entire city's night shift deployment. 12 on 12. The cops are thinking that one of their guys is in trouble, and the partygoers are thinking that the cops have shown up because they are black. More scuffling. People are arrested. Lawsuits are filed.

Cambridge cops go through arduous training and reams of sensitivity classes. The force is very diverse now and black police chiefs are common. The city's standard operating practices are now in the national spotlight.

I don't know what happened that night -- everyone seems to assume that the white officer who first responded made a conscious or unconscious mental linkage between "black man" and "fancy home" and concluded "break in."

Gates was understandably angry that he was being harassed in his house, mouthed off to the police officer (legal, but never, ever a good idea), and was hauled away in cuffs for being too loud, apparently.

The officer defends himself; a neighbor reported a break-in; the officer went to the house expecting to see someone breaking into a house; indeed, when he arrived, Gates was breaking into a house.

The officer will go his grave being convinced that he was following police procedure, and Gates will probably never be convinced that his race was not the prime factor in his brief detention.

I'd bet that most police officers across the country, even non-racist officers, are sympathetic to the officer. President Obama, meanwhile, has weighed in on the side of Professor Gates, calling the department itself "stupid."

That's a harsh conclusion based on what we know -- Gates has always had a flair for the media, and his side of the story has been embraced by liberals looking for evidence that racial animus remains an enormous problem in this country.

Maybe they're right. But I'm betting that the president will walk back on his remarks a bit. He has shown a unique ability to understand how different points of view often lead to unnecessary conflicts like this one.

[GMSILVA602]

Daugther is just another black women with a chip on her shoulder and just cant get that ghetto or militant mentality of her blood! Oh, blood...maybe thats the problem with these militants! Speaking of terrorism - Gates and his daughter along with their president - are instill hate in America - form of terrorism! BO & Gatehates - stop your hating mentality - get over it. Sad that Sargeant Crowley will visit the WH for more propoganda and media attention that BO wants - trying to fix up his major big mouth blunder (what else is new!) By putting an end to this political big mouth blunder - BO and Gatehate should just shut up and let it go and MOVE on. Invitation to get drunk at the WH is not the way to do it - actually this was improper as well - come to the WH to have a beer - wasup wit tha!

Just a form for BO to get people to join him by blaming people for whats happening in America - talking BS is not fixing - get your hands dirty - lead by example - thats how work is done in Amercia! - He always uses race to get people to take his side - poor him, people are picking on him because he is black - BS!) BO was elected as President, and doesn't give him the right to open his mouth without having any concrete - what happen to his education - intelligence, discretion. Get smart and speak only when needed - Say nothing!

Funny we haven't heard from the other two idiots - the Revs!!! Wow, they kept their mouth shut - BO should follow there lead (unless I miss reading or seeing pics of these two racist clowns - blame, blame, blame - any hate marches lately! I've heard people say, if you don't like America go back where you came from! Wow, thats an idea!

Video tapes or recordings need to be released, so the true will come out. As citzens, the evidence is public domain and we must be given that opportunity to use that evidence to show who in fact was wrong - and its obvious who was.

[dalyarnold]

Like all animals -the female is the more dangerous. many people commented on her "Militant Look" She's lucky to be alive after visiting England. 4 year olds know more about respect & Monarchy. Lets hug the Queen-WHAT? ARE YOU CRAZY? EVEN CHARLES DOESN'T HUG THE QUEEN!!!
But what do you expect. Respect comes from within -if you don't respect yourself how can you respect others?

[GMSILVA602]

Simply put BO and his racist well to do buddy were completely wrong. Now the monkey in office wants to sweep it under the carpet by inviting Sargeant Crowley and the old nasty racist, chip on his shoulder black man. If the Sargeant excepts, he will get pulled into the circus, and help cover-coat BO's major "I am President of All Americans." This is not adult like, only a way to continue this sad time in American history. But its not from BO's heart, its from him being ashamed of what did.

Don't these two black men realize that if it weren't for good Americans, that he wouldn't be President, that he would eventually shown his racist side, and might I add his true colors. I even predicted that someone would draw a cartoon character of him as a monkey...and the blacks would cry (typical) racism - he actually does resemble a monkey...we all resemble an animal in some form of another. Look at dog owners - many of them look like their dogs! Same with pig owners! BO has jump on the typical bandwagon of the drawing and having racist idiots and opportunists like JJ and AS speak for him, because he knew that others word jump to that opportunity.

Go back to BO's campaigns...."I am president of all Americans, not just black." Just remember people - alot of white men and women and other true Americans put him there. I am Hispanic, democrat and didn't vote for BO and never will. If people didn't notice back then about what he is really all about, you all better start now. I saw it coming and that is why I didn't vote for him. Hillary - America needs you now!

Don't forgot what his female partner said too "For once in my life, I'm proud to be an American - say what! She is just as much as a racist and has a big chip on her shoulder too - just watch her. Look and watch their arrogants. Just wonder what they say about people behind close doors (especially about whites)?

He loves the camera - and needs to stay off - Americans are getting tire of his antics - much of the same old politics. He like Bush/****** Cheney are dividers - and beside BO is a wanna-be. BO you are not Kennedy and Lincolin! BO knows his so-called programs are failing and is looking for ways to get the public to feel sorry for him and use the blame game.

BO quit trying to back track now. So he is president, he is no better than any American and its obvious. I never had respect for him in the first place, because I knew that he true colors would come out.

"Hope" Yes, hope 4 years and out. Knowing that he will stick his foot in his mouth again, he will continue to divide this country like the other two cronies that left office.

But in closing, no one is perfect except those who are True Americans and are trying to serve and protect every American regardless of creed, color, sex, gender. Sargeant Crowley carry on.

BO own up to it and carry on. Gates retire and go to a retirment home with the caretakes are minorities - there you will be controlled and taken by your caretakers. There you give no answers - you just get taken advantage of - hold on to your crow bar! And get rid of your arrogants - guick milking the college and retire - you've embarass them enough by showing who you really are - you should show alot of gratitude for the Equal Opportunity programs that put you where you are at today.

BO put America first - I will support you - Believe me, like many Americans thoughts and feelings today - race hurts! This will be an issue again in 4 years - remember this past year! Rev...Rev!

BO and Gates - education never ends - you learn something new everyday - say what! Just axe me!

[BlancaJim]

I think Crowley should apologize, at least to show the illusion that cops are NOT above the Law!

[dalyarnold]

Hellooooo. COPS ARE THE LAW. The only apology that should be given by the Cambridge Police department is one for letting down 'assualted Officers by not Throwing Gates under the bus. The message I'm getting is mixed. Either reprisal to the department was threatened by "The Powers That Be" or Crowley is very compassionate for a senile. arrogant racist.

[SpiritSky]

A 911 call was placed at my home when I had teenagers. I was surprised to see the police at my door. He checked who was in the house and looked at each of us for signs of distress. When he was satisfied that all was ok he left.

I often wonder why an officer has to ask twice for a person to stop.
Police reality TV shows that suspicion grows when a possible defendant hesitates, argues, or in anyway is non-compliant.

[dalyarnold]

Guess what. Criminals hesitate, argue, become overly friendly .... in REAL LIFE. In REAL LIFE GATES IS A CRIMINAL.
Criminals truly beleive, in their fantasy world, laws are for other peoiple, NOT Them. They do nothing wrong . They never accept blame or responsibilty for their actions.
They live in a world where THEY are the only ones with rights. THey truly believe this.Where we mess up is by giving any credence to this delusional beliefs.
Gates should be in Jail. END OF STORY!

[cr747]

Gates picture standing on porch seems to be saying, give me some watermelon, and I will spit some seeds on you

[cr747]

I think Gates, and Obama is the racist in this situation. The officer was doing what he is trained to do. Gates and O Bam Bam needs to apoligise to the officer. Obama needs to make sure his ass is in gear before opening his big mouth.

[dalyarnold]

Ps.
Respect omes from within. First you have to respect yourself before you can respect others.
Could that be the real underlying problem? You have no respect for yourself? Get some help but don't put others in harms way because you have a problem- people are willing & wanting to "fight for you" this could turn into a blood bath. Obama is rallying support for you, this is going way to far for a prideful mistake.

[dalyarnold]

What Cracks me up is: No notices the Black Officer in the Forefront of the Picture. The "white" Officer was not alone.
The Professor failed to realize the lowly Cambridge cops do not come equiped with E S P. Gates should have beem wearing his "I am Professor Gates T Shirt with his picture,name & address on it." It would have made things alot easier. All the alzheimer patients I know have some obviuos identity card... in case they are loosed on the public.
And Shame on that public minded spirit who called in a "Break In" Didn't this persom immediately recognize the "world famous Prof Gates'? My Gosh , this well meaning neighbor was just as ignorant as the dutiful responding Police Officers.
This is starting to look staged for racial upheaval in this country. Since when does a President get involved in such trivial things? Who /how many died in this? What countries where involved....??? This is about the "R" word alright. But Not Racism its the RESPECT word.
Gates was wrong to become so beligerant. Police Officers deserve to be respected. Just try to do thier job without getting killed, These men & women put themselves in harm's way everyday for the general public- people they don't know & will probably never meet.
Gates , you are a real loser. Why would you want to set such a bad exmple? Who profits? You are doing a much worse service to this country than all the 'colorless "Bad" officers'.
Step up to the plate man, be the bigger man. AREN'T YOU OLDER & WISER? Don't people look up to you and admire you? Why not set a GOOD example and be known for your mind?
Or continue with this nonsense & be known as:The prideful,arrogant,disrespectful, senile, racist, rabble rouser.
Colin was a product of Affirmative action (according to him) But all of us who know him would never have thought it for a moment. HE TRULY IS WORTHY OF ALL HIS CREDENTIALS.
GATES, think about it , you really are an embarassment to the worthy & deserving community regardless of race, creed, color...
Act Like an American!
Not a Black American, Not a Red, yellow, green, purple... American but an American.
Do you know what an American is? WE set our differences aside , work together for a better country, set a good example for the world and are willing to defend to our death the rights of our fellow Americans/
Being rude & beligerant to an Officer of the Law in the performance of his duty is not a right. Whaaaat, do you want a lawlesss disrecpectful public?
Do the right thing Gates. Apologize. Make us all proud of you.

[kowtipper]

I'm seeing at least 80% of the people commenting on this topic making their comments with only about 10% of the information. I'm just going to wait for the smoke to clear. But, from what I've seen or heard in the small smoke clearings...IMHO Prof. Gates will be apologizing to Sgt Crowley.
BTW: Some of biggest racists on the planet are the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson...oh and add Prof. Gates to that list; he has just set race relations back 20 years.