Reply #108: We don't have only one side. There was a police report. Bear in mind, too, that when

[No Elephants]

the cop first arrives, Gates has no idea why he is there. The cop tells him. Gates shows him two forms of ID, with photo and address, his driver's license and his Harvard University Id. The cop does not let it end there, but chen calls the Harvard University police. Why? He should have stood down and left once it was obvious that he was dealting with a Harvard University professor who was in his own home.

It's then that Gates starts asking for the badge number and name, which Gates has a right to know, but the cop does not answer him.

And, yes, he is asking him to step out. But the man has done nothing wrong and does not feel comfortable stepping out. No law requires him to do so. In fact, no law required him to answer any questions at all, or show him any ID at all. And when he does step out, he gets cuffed.

We know a lot about Gates, his physical condition, his demeanor, his dealings with thousands and thousands of people all around the world. He is a gentle, respectful soul. He's never had an issue with anyone, except that his wiki says some African American groups think he's too moderate.

And this older, disabled man started this incident by being belligerent for no apparent reason? I doubt it. Calling the Harvard University police was over the top. NOt leaving after being shown two forms of ID was over the top.

Sorry, I have seen cops be jerks, just because they can be. I have also been an up close witness to cops beating a guy for raising his voice, including knneeing his spine and kicking him in the head. So I know cops are brave and often face danger. And I appreciate that, but I know they can be jerks, too.

Did Gates feel unjustly harassed after the Harvard U police were called and raise his voice? In his own home? Maybe, but that is not a reason to arrest anyone.

Was this cop a a jerk? Sure seems like it. Was he a racist jerk, too? I don't know. But I think he was probably a jerk, and more of a jerk than Gates was being.

Om edit: The other information we have is from the Police Department. They did not find the officer blameless, and, as your own post indicates, they are usually on the side of the officer.