tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post1736008710837849406..comments2024-03-25T20:06:39.794-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Officers behaved "stupidly" but may have been trained that wayGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-80109165306050927432009-10-06T11:26:35.492-05:002009-10-06T11:26:35.492-05:00"Um, what law does that fall under again? The..."Um, what law does that fall under again? The man was in his OWN home, and police knew it. Nothing more than another card carrying KKK cop deciding he wanted to harass a black man. Pathetic."<br /><br />Disorderly Conduct. Look it up. Gates repeatedly refused to identify himself and never gave a state ID through the incident. Why is it a growing trend for people to refuse to cooperate calmly with the police. Gates was a complete jerk right from the get go and Crowley did maintain professionalism throughout. Gates was arrested because he chose to follow the officers out of his house yelling at them for being racist rather than letting Crowley alert dispatch that the call was under control, and that the units coming code 3 no longer needed to do so. Gates was warned three times to calm down before he was arrested for disorderly conduct...which was completely within rights.<br /><br />This country's growing trend to assume that the folks who risk their lives everyday to protect this nation, both in law enforcement and military, is simply disgusting to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-85857459432006810932009-08-02T20:32:48.507-05:002009-08-02T20:32:48.507-05:00Here's what really happened at the beer summit...Here's what really happened at the beer summit..........<br /><br />http://www.americanthinker.com/blog<br />/2009/07/obamas_revealing_body_language.html<br /><br />Now come on Grits, stay on top of the story and report it all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-5772642242541786312009-07-30T21:45:08.663-05:002009-07-30T21:45:08.663-05:00That last was a pretty nasty comment. Old SaltyThat last was a pretty nasty comment. Old SaltyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-6333924180654532072009-07-29T23:26:14.240-05:002009-07-29T23:26:14.240-05:00Grits, its people like you that make neighborhoods...Grits, its people like you that make neighborhoods like the "Projects."<br /><br />Don't call the police if you see two men breaking into a house.<br /><br />If the police show up, act like the biggest ass, don't cooperate and then use racial language against an officer that just happens to be white until all of the neighbors come out of their houses in observance.<br /><br />Heck, these days a black man publicly calling a white cop a "racist" is paramount to pointing out some poor guy walking by and shouting "child molester!"<br /><br />Obviously Mr. Gates was attempting to cause a problem where none existed. The police needed to identify him so that they could confirm that he lived there. He provided the police with a Harvard ID card with no address. Obviously people from Harvard cannot commit crime so the police officer was acting "stupidly" for not having that prejudice.<br /><br />I sincerely pray that if your house gets broken into Grits, that the perpetrator is a black man, but the police are too afraid to identify him because the president might call them stupid.<br /><br />Why should the police even protect people like you? If it were the old days, I think you would be outlawed and held out of the protection of the state.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-1457256751739800802009-07-29T12:44:45.881-05:002009-07-29T12:44:45.881-05:00"Bottom line: If this were a legit arrest the..."Bottom line: If this were a legit arrest the local DA would be prosecuting. It wasn't so they dismissed. When the local prosecutor disagrees with the officer a crime was committed"<br /><br />Don't you mean prosecutorial discretion. Texas DA's often do not prosecute cases for various reasons, including poltically motivated decisions. By the way, once an arrest is made, it is not for a prosecutor to determine whether probable cause is evident, that is for a magistrate to determine. At least in Texas it is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-76447989437631037812009-07-28T10:46:06.544-05:002009-07-28T10:46:06.544-05:00I am offended that the President would demean the ...I am offended that the President would demean the health care issue with his personal remarks. <br /><br />Keep personal for personal and professional for professional. If he can't learn to separate the two then he needs a better speech writer or a different job.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05061890553377070403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-70430632727233750312009-07-28T00:04:53.324-05:002009-07-28T00:04:53.324-05:00This was NOT a normal arrest. The institutions of ...This was NOT a normal arrest. The institutions of justice are scared to death so of course the DA would drop the charges.<br /><br />Sorry Scott and the rest, the cops were right this time. They just were. Obama was wrong (he admitted it) and the honorable professor? Give me a Texas size break and I am not a fan of the cops on a routine basis.Hook Em Hornshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660612847019528535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-81747515953329397992009-07-27T22:28:29.877-05:002009-07-27T22:28:29.877-05:001. As a matter of fact, the mikes used have noise-...1. As a matter of fact, the mikes used have noise-cancelling features in order to make the voice of the user distinct from background noise. There was noise in the background, but it could not conclusively be shown to be Dr. Gates' voice. <br />2. Contrary to much speculation about racial profiling on the part of the 911 caller, it turns out she is Portuguese and, when questioned by the dispatcher, said she did not know the race of the two men, but speculated that one of them might be Hispanic.<br />3. Dr. Gates followed the officers out unto his porch and was screaming at them as a crowd gathered. He was warned several times to calm down before he was arrested. <br />4. In academic communities there is always tension between the academics, who are seen by locals as being 'elite' and who often see themselves that way, and the locals -even the police. Many academics routinely demonstrate distain for, and even hostility towards the police. <br /><br />So, who was wrong here? Maybe both, but certainly the president. (Especially when you consider the power differential). Old SaltyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-57550007274749471422009-07-27T22:27:04.640-05:002009-07-27T22:27:04.640-05:008:28, I haven't heard whether there was any da...8:28, I haven't heard whether there was any dash cam audio and was only commenting on what was released today, pointing out that the new information trickling out so far bolstered the conclusion that the officer overreacted.<br /><br />Bottom line: If this were a legit arrest the local DA would be prosecuting. It wasn't so they dismissed. When the local prosecutor disagrees with the officer a crime was committed, I don't know why I'm considered some flaming, cop-hating liberal for agreeing with them.Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-45752195047433465732009-07-27T20:28:47.431-05:002009-07-27T20:28:47.431-05:00"For example, they've produced recordings..."For example, they've produced recordings of the 911 call and from officers who were mic'ed at the scene, but according to the Boston Globe, "One thing the tapes didn't show: any obvious background sound that indicated Gates was shouting during the incident." (That direct documentary evidence contradicts Crowley's police report.)"<br /><br />Cambridge police on Monday released the 911 recording and radio transmissions from the scene which are far different from dash cam video/audio.<br /><br />Surely you don't expect radio transmissions compared to dash cam audio to accurately record everything that was said.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-23701976298449569312009-07-27T19:43:10.140-05:002009-07-27T19:43:10.140-05:00I'm so glad you are a lowly blogger and do not...I'm so glad you are a lowly blogger and do not hold any position of substance in this state or national government.<br /><br />And a sad sack like you would be doing the loudest crying if a cop was 1 second late when you call them.<br /><br />Your kind should be on a no call list for cops. When was the last time you gave blood for an injured cop or sent money to a fund for a dead cop's family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-87113170740296471932009-07-27T16:39:00.884-05:002009-07-27T16:39:00.884-05:00While I disagree with you, there is one thing I th...While I disagree with you, there is one thing I think we will both agree on. If the officer or other officers on scene were not miked up with video on, this is another example of how it would refute or prove the claims made by both parties.<br /><br />And it's interesting to note there has not been any inquiry made as to whether there is dash cam audio/video recordings.<br /><br />Have a good evening.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-35537588403564841562009-07-27T16:22:18.634-05:002009-07-27T16:22:18.634-05:002:35, I've got a LOT more information already ...2:35, I've got a LOT more information already than did the Massachusetts prosecutor who looked at Crowley's police report the day it happened and immediately dismissed charges as unfounded. I do however, agree with that prosecutor's assessment.<br /><br />Besides, none of the new information that's come out since I wrote this post would change my opinion and mostly reinforces it. For example, they've produced recordings of the 911 call and from officers who were mic'ed at the scene, but <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/07/cambridge_polic_4.html" rel="nofollow">according to the Boston Globe</a>, "One thing the tapes didn't show: any obvious background sound that indicated Gates was shouting during the incident." (That direct documentary evidence contradicts Crowley's police report.)<br /><br />Bottom line: The arrest was simply not justified. Period. And while both mem acted badly out of ego, only one of them abused the authority of the state in the process.Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-81996465378591852622009-07-27T15:25:23.011-05:002009-07-27T15:25:23.011-05:00Word coming out today the 911 caller never mention...Word coming out today the 911 caller never mentioned the race of the two men.<br /><br />"I've got to say, I find the ardent defenses of Officer Crowley saying he did nothing wrong not just silly but deserving of a hearty belly laugh!"<br /><br />So is your opinion which is clouded by your dislike and prejudice of law enforcement officers. Course you and the President acted in the same manner by judging without having all of the facts.<br /><br />You still don't have all of the facts, cause they are still coming in, do you?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-79010087913005999872009-07-26T21:13:48.771-05:002009-07-26T21:13:48.771-05:00Thanks Grits!! I think Crowley learned from his mi...Thanks Grits!! I think Crowley learned from his mistake though. He "bit off more than he could chew" on this issue. He picked on the wrong man this time whether black or white. The next time he goes out on a call he'll remember to keep his BIG, BAD BOY attitude in check.....andyAndres Morin IIInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-49281103421591725202009-07-26T14:08:28.500-05:002009-07-26T14:08:28.500-05:00I've got to say, I find the ardent defenses of...I've got to say, I find the ardent defenses of Officer Crowley saying he did nothing wrong not just silly but deserving of a hearty belly laugh!<br /><br />Yes, Gates behaved poorly, but he's a civilian; the officer is supposed to be a professional who does this for a living.<br /><br />The charges Officer Crowley said should be filed were 100% spurious and rightly, immediately dropped as soon as they were reviewed by the prosecutors' office. Filing false charges against someone out of anger and retaliation unrelated to any lawbreaking is tantamount to official oppression. What's more, Crowley's police department and the mayor both issued an apology, demonstrating the town fathers don't support such tactics. Besides the union (who in this case is acting as Crowley's attorney), nobody in officialdom is willing to justify Crowley's actions. Given that he arrested Gates with no legal basis when NOBODY believed he was a danger to himself or others, "stupidly" seems like a tame description of the bad decisions the officer made.<br /><br />Also the commenter was right who mentioned that Crowley and Gates may have both been in the wrong, but <i>only Gates left the scene in handcuffs.</i> Assigning blame without also examining the relevant power relations and disparity in outcomes inevitably leads to a skewed and disingenuous analysis.Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-72385266610272195312009-07-25T15:09:34.604-05:002009-07-25T15:09:34.604-05:00GRITS, where's the information on the Federal ...GRITS, where's the information on the Federal Lawsuit against Bexar County CSCD chief Bill Fitzgerald by his former assistant chief Paul Kozerowski. Also the state lawsuit for Sexual Harassment by Fitzgerals against probation officer Michelle Garza as well. Someone told me you have the info. I understand the chief settled his Federal lawsuit by probation officer Steve Lara. Also, is there anything new on the other federal retaliation/wrongful termination lawsuits? Please post these for us if you can, as that chief seems to be totally out of control and those Bexar County Judges don't seem to care. <br />Thanks for your blogs, I really enjoy them and the knowledge I gain from reading them and the posts by "INFORMED and KNOWLEDGEABLE" individuals. I ignore the uninformed morons! <br />Old as MosesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-38765213920792641592009-07-25T14:42:18.455-05:002009-07-25T14:42:18.455-05:00Unfortunately NONE of us were there! Therefore, to...Unfortunately NONE of us were there! Therefore, to make any factual(?) statement regarding this incident would be acting "STUPIDLY". <br />Bush had the "Strategery" comment and now Obama has his dumb comment!!<br />What I would like to know is WHY did the President of the United States even get involved? AND why, given the economy, is this even newsworthy. Please don't give me the "racial" excuse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-27338410978413449442009-07-25T14:35:26.695-05:002009-07-25T14:35:26.695-05:00I think you are on point. Not so long ago I had a ...I think you are on point. Not so long ago I had a conversation with the former Commisssioner of Public in my state. He stated that law enforcement in this country are trained for control and that aggression is part of that and that the fundamentals of approaching the public need to be changed. We probably have all encountered some example of that. <br /><br />When race enters the equation in a high profile case such as this one, it opens pandora's box with all of the struggle and pain of the past. Maybe a few beers and good conversation can bring calm waters to what should have never been a big deal to start with. <br /><br />You might find my blog on the 'prison nation' of interest. Cheers. <br /><br />about the middle of the page:<br />http://ruminationsbydesign.blogspot.com/Stevenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-27645906183954990282009-07-25T12:08:44.899-05:002009-07-25T12:08:44.899-05:00Well, Gritsy, it seems that the amount of effort t...Well, Gritsy, it seems that the amount of effort the White House put into responding to O's original remarks suggests that his administration had a far worse day than that police department. But thanks for the attempted spin.4 Borders Punditnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-20455225198657414122009-07-24T20:40:50.598-05:002009-07-24T20:40:50.598-05:00Anonymous said...
Oh well, I guess obama'...Anonymous said...<br /><br /> Oh well, I guess obama's apology today pretty much makes your post sorta stupid.<br /><br /> 7/24/2009 08:13:00 PM<br />---------------------------------<br />No it does not and let me clarify it for you since you are obviously an idiot. Mr. Obama should learn when TO KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT! Then we could have avoided this unnecessary racial back and forth and he could concentrate on healthcare. MORON!Hook Em Hornshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660612847019528535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-85600936996417869372009-07-24T20:25:49.200-05:002009-07-24T20:25:49.200-05:00Obama apologized because his words probobly ruined...Obama apologized because his words probobly ruined this cop's career. If I were him, I wouldn't have apologized. I'd have crucified him!! But, I'm not Obama; I'm a mean SOB!!Andres Morin IIInoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-88847023447464033642009-07-24T20:13:20.390-05:002009-07-24T20:13:20.390-05:00Oh well, I guess obama's apology today pretty ...Oh well, I guess obama's apology today pretty much makes your post sorta stupid.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-79630823506891843342009-07-24T19:54:25.206-05:002009-07-24T19:54:25.206-05:00I like Obama but he needs to learn when to mind hi...I like Obama but he needs to learn when to mind his own business.Hook Em Hornshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04660612847019528535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-84461504211121607412009-07-24T19:35:00.700-05:002009-07-24T19:35:00.700-05:00In response to anonymous 7/24/2009 3:12pm:
I apolo...In response to anonymous 7/24/2009 3:12pm:<br />I apologize for lumping you together with all the other anonymous'. The ones I'm speaking to know full well who they are! Let me clarify something though......when you tell the truth you shouldn't have to hide behind pseudonyms.....because it makes your post lack credibility. As far as the prison issue goes, that is what I do on a daily basis. If you go to prisontalk.com, you can read all my posts! Aside from my screen name, achapinguy, I sign all my posts with my real name......all 180 of them. <br /><br />The anonymous posters that I was 'calling out' in my earlier post today were the right- wing hatemongers!! It seems like their world just keeps getting smaller so lash out more vigorously day by day!<br /><br />One posted that he/ she is having some ridiculous t- shirts printed. It's funny because I bought one the other day at the local mall that says: REPUBLICAN MOTTO: I HATE; THEREFORE, I AM. I really do like this t- shirt and I'll probobly wear it often. I was thinking of having one printed myself. It'll probobly say something like: STOP THE HATE MONGERS!! DEATH TO THE RIGHT WING, REPUBLICANS, AND CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE EVANGELICALS!!...andyAndres Morin IIInoreply@blogger.com