• If you are having problems logging in please use the Contact Us in the lower right hand corner of the forum page for assistance.

Since Beer Summit, American Has Seen 'Two Good People'

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
Let's read the point of view from someone who was actually there. Have any opinions been passed along to the "next" Generation?

The Daily Beast’s Elizabeth Gates joined her father, Skip, Sgt. Crowley, and the president to raise a beer and bury the hatchet. An inside report from the peace talks.

What I Saw at the Beer Summit

by Elizabeth Gates

In a world in which the conversation on race has traditionally taken a back seat to both logic and reason, it’s no wonder that yesterday’s so-called “Beer Summit” at the White House seemed to make little sense at all. It wasn’t because the president was wrong in offering up a few cold ones to my father, Henry Louis Gates, and the now infamous Sgt. James Crowley in an attempt to tame the media blitz around my father’s arrest—it was because like most issues that make their way to TMZ, the reference point had shifted. The debate over Red Stripe and Blue Moon had somehow overshadowed the fact that this story began with a black Harvard professor and a white cop from Natick, Mass.—and as CNN’s countdown clock to the event taunted viewers like a time bomb, it was clear that this day wasn’t going to be the beginning of a serious discussion on human relations but rather a circus-like ending of a misunderstanding between a couple of very decent men.

I can’t say that I was shocked.

As our family rounded the corner to the White House library and I first caught sight of Sgt. Crowley’s lovely daughter; she was wearing an appropriately heavy and charmingly untrained amount of green eyeliner on her lower lashes, and I saw my former self in her. We were instantly transported from the post-racial myth of America in 2008 to the reality of 2009. There they stood, a pleasant family of five, listening patiently to the overzealous tour guide boast about the fully functioning fireplace to the left of the doorframe.

As soon as my father’s foot crossed the threshold of the room, the storm of mediators immediately rushed to introduce us, but true to form, my father cut right through the thick tension of hurried salutations and offered the Sergeant his hand and joked, “You looked bigger the last time I saw you.” Crowley’s cheeks flushed red as a smile dashed across his lips, and his young son, whose cheeks had long since flushed the same muted crimson, looked up at his father and smiled. This wasn’t a family raised on hate. At that moment, right there in the library, they were just like us: a young family groomed to perfection, waiting to learn how to get those damn cameramen off their lawn and to put this sensationalized hell behind them. “I read an article where they called my father, ‘sexy cop.’ It was embarrassing,” his daughter said as we sat down for cookies and Coke. “Yeah,” I replied. He’s pretty cute.” We laughed, as Crowley’s wife rubbed her daughter’s back and reminded her son to mind the gift they had brought for the president. It was a grey Boston jersey, a fitting gift from a young boy to our commander-in-chief.

Moments later, the Sgt. and my father were escorted to the Rose Garden where the press sat waiting “at least 40 feet away” while the rest of us continued on with our tour. As we walked by a set of French doors that gave a clear view of this highly anticipated talk, I saw Mr. Obama’s lean body coolly draped over a lawn chair I wondered what these four men—President Obama, Vice President Biden, Sergeant Crowley and my father—could possibly say to heal this situation and what the press was actually waiting for. Would my father and Sergeant Crowley be reduced to who they were on that fateful day in my father’s house on Ware Street and give us all a glimpse of what really happened? Or could it be that this small collection of men were actually devising some master plan to rid the world of all racist tendencies right there in the presidential Rose Garden over a few brewskis? No. That would have been impossible to achieve—even on Obama’s best day and even if my father had actually finished his Sam Adams.

The vice president made a swift exit, saying that he would have worked late that night but instead had to rush home to Delaware to tend to his wife who had dislocated her shoulder. And as his car swooped away, another came in its place to carry us back to Dulles International Airport, where we snaked our way to Gate B—now devoid of photographers, news reporters and the invasive camera crews. I asked my father what the President had said during their chat and as he slipped off his shoes and reclined his chair, he said: “The president and the vice president are great men, Liza. They did the right thing to invite us there to talk, but it's up to us now to extend this conversation. We have plans to meet in private and discuss things. You know, Crowley’s not a bad guy. He’s not a Joe the Plumber who wants to represent the Right. He would be horrified to be considered a racist.”

Discrimination is the single greatest wound in American history and could never be solved over a beer. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. There are more black men in prison than in college and literally thousands of black men are arrested across this country each day. And while I might agree with the president’s initial statement that the “Cambridge Police Department acted stupidly,” my father is not the first nor will he be the last black man to be arrested for no reason—in his own home or elsewhere—and Sergeant Crowley isn’t the first officer to fudge a police report. They are simply pawns in the rebirth of unfashionable intolerance in a world that likes to think our dashing brown-skinned 44th president has emerged to make nice with the past, present, and future. It’s an impossible task for the president and speaks more to our nation’s vulnerable value system than the unfortunately common situation my father and the Cambridge police found themselves embroiled in. As my father said on the plane yesterday morning on our way to the White House, “there are approximately 800,000 black men in prison and on July 16, 2009, I simply became one of them.”

Elizabeth Gates is a graduate of The New School University, where she cultivated her love for fashion and writing.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-07-31/what-i-saw-at-the-beer-summit/?cid=hp:blogunit1
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
"It is incumbent upon Sergeant Crowley and me to utilize the great opportunity that fate has given us to foster greater sympathy among the American public for the daily perils of policing on the one hand, and for the genuine fears of racial profiling on the other hand."

Other than what Gates did himself, where was the racial profiling?

It's time for him to apologize for crying "wolf" and for Obama to do the same. THAT is the teachable moment here.
 

burnt

Well-known member
I guess because there was no shortage of those who wanted to keep Crowley's supposed misdemeanor on the front page for so long . . . :roll:
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
reader (the Second) said:
Again there are two questions re Crowley --

why did he take the path of arresting Gates?

why did his report say the 911 caller indicated two black men with backpacks breaking in?

I personally only care about the first question. I figure they both overreacted.

He arrested Gates because that is what protocol is. BLACK officers backed him on this.
 

Sandhusker

Well-known member
reader (the Second) said:
Listen bud, do you think professional officers always follow protocol when common sense overrules it?

When an aging black man with a cane in his own home is being obnoxious and you choose to follow protocol instead of trying to take the situation down a few notches -- since after all it is his house that he was locked out of and it is not B&E -- don't you think you also have not made the wisest choice?

Who had the gun? Who was younger? Who was bigger?

Listen Missy, I'm not an expert on protocol or training, but Officer Gates is getting the support of not only officers of all races in his own department, but from officers from departments all across the country. That tells me that the same thing would of happened if it was any other officer. Just because you're an old fart doesn't excuse you from having to follow an officer's orders. Corwley DID try to take it down, but Mr. Wolf wouldn't have any of it and got excactly what he had coming.
 

Steve

Well-known member
There are more black men in prison than in college and literally thousands of black men are arrested across this country each day. And while I might agree with the president’s initial statement that the “Cambridge Police Department acted stupidly,” my father is not the first nor will he be the last black man to be arrested for no reason—in his own home or elsewhere—and Sergeant Crowley isn’t the first officer to fudge a police report.

I read the story.. and just couldn't understand how a bright young person from a privileged educated background could be so stupid...

even after all the facts came out... she still blames sergeant Crowley... and calls him a lier...

I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...
 

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
reader (the Second) said:
One blogger said it best

Gates' daughter has some more learning to do. She will realize that one must accept the opportunities that are offered when they are offered.

She's the spoiled young daughter of a Harvard professor. She got her 15 minutes of fame. I'm not sure why you give her any more minutes of fame or why you give her special credence. :roll: :roll:

so now you are quoting bloggers, great news, you've finally realixed that he MSm is not reporting the news, but covering for "the one"
 

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
reader (the Second) said:
Gates showed Crowley his ID in the kitchen. Crowley still arrested him.

Gates overreacted. Crowley's arrest did not stick. The charges were dropped. How were they going to win a case citing making a public scene against a man in his own kitchen.

It's hilarious that you guys yell about how a man's home is his castle but then cite "protocol" in this case, instead of admitting that both parties in this unfortunate situation overreacted, including the younger, bigger guy with the gun who should have known how to keep the peace.

Sergeant Crowley said that he arrested Professor Gates because the professor got angry after being asked for identification and proof of his address, and continued his "tirade after being warned multiple times." The sergeant said that the professor had berated him, and was adamant that he was following police procedures in making the arrest. Charges were later dropped.

you are making excuses for the law, be proud, very proud, what's your agenda?
 

alice

Well-known member
hypocritexposer said:
reader (the Second) said:
One blogger said it best

Gates' daughter has some more learning to do. She will realize that one must accept the opportunities that are offered when they are offered.

She's the spoiled young daughter of a Harvard professor. She got her 15 minutes of fame. I'm not sure why you give her any more minutes of fame or why you give her special credence. :roll: :roll:

so now you are quoting bloggers, great news, you've finally realixed that he MSm is not reporting the news, but covering for "the one"

You've quoted neocon, WND readin', Orly lovin' bloggers 9 ways from Sunday...you opened the door...

Alice
 

alice

Well-known member
hypocritexposer said:
an open door gives you the opportunity to prove the facts wrong, do so.

or don't you care?

I only asked you to PROVE you'd read the books. Is that so hard?

Alice
 

hypocritexposer

Well-known member
nope, I read the books.

If you trust me, you believe me, if not, you won't.

If I didn't read the books, how is that going to affect your life?

If I did read the books, and I am correct, that Obama hates white people, how is that going to affect your life?

Intentions: consquences and benefits

What was his intention of writing the books? How will believing/discrediting them affect your life?

Same as the BC, or Natural Born Citizen.

What are my intentions? What are the benefits/gained by lying?

What are Obama's intentions? What are the benefits/gained by lying?

Who should you be investigating?, me, a chinese/korean operative, or those that have more influence on your life?

If I'm wrong, it won't have any affect on your life or future, if I'm correct, it will have a great influence on your life and future.

Which should you so quickly write off? Which should you further investigate?

and please, attack this original thought, with your own original thoughts.
 

Tam

Well-known member
reader (the Second) said:
Gates showed Crowley his ID in the kitchen. Crowley still arrested him.

Gates overreacted. Crowley's arrest did not stick. The charges were dropped. How were they going to win a case citing making a public scene against a man in his own kitchen.

It's hilarious that you guys yell about how a man's home is his castle but then cite "protocol" in this case, instead of admitting that both parties in this unfortunate situation overreacted, including the younger, bigger guy with the gun who should have known how to keep the peace.

Sergeant Crowley said that he arrested Professor Gates because the professor got angry after being asked for identification and proof of his address, and continued his "tirade after being warned multiple times." The sergeant said that the professor had berated him, and was adamant that he was following police procedures in making the arrest. Charges were later dropped.

Crowley said Gates eventually provided him with a Harvard University identification card and that the officer was "led to believe that Gates was lawfully in the residence." But the tense verbal exchange continued, with Gates following Crowley to the front porch where, according to the report, the professor "continued to yell at me, accusing me of racial bias."
Crowley said Gates was arrested after ignoring the officer's warning that he was "becoming disorderly."


FACTS READER Crowley didn't arrest Gates in the Kitchen he arrested him when he followed him out of the house and he continued to yell at him on the porch where neighbors were gathering to see what all the noise was about. If Gates would have shut his racist mouth inside the house when Crowley left he would not have been arrested. But he had to get in a few more mouthy comments and Crowley did his job pure and simple. Obama added fuel to the flames with his own racist comments. If Obama would have just said no comment this would have been over before it started but no. Obama knew the question was coming and he had his comment all planned but he didn't expect the firestorm that resulted. Obama was the biggest idiot in this and second was Gates when he followed Crowley out to the porch. Crowley did his job and he didn't deserve to be call racist, stupid and any other name.
 

hopalong

Well-known member
reader (the Second) said:
Guess Gates would feel right at home here Tam among others who don't know enough to shut their damned mouths. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Kinda like you huh reader???? :D :D :D Have a peek in the mirror if yoiu can sneak up on it to look :wink: :wink: :wink:
 

Steve

Well-known member
reader (the Second) said:
Steve said:
There are more black men in prison than in college and literally thousands of black men are arrested across this country each day. And while I might agree with the president’s initial statement that the “Cambridge Police Department acted stupidly,” my father is not the first nor will he be the last black man to be arrested for no reason—in his own home or elsewhere—and Sergeant Crowley isn’t the first officer to fudge a police report.

I read the story.. and just couldn't understand how a bright young person from a privileged educated background could be so stupid...

even after all the facts came out... she still blames sergeant Crowley... and calls him a liar...

I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

I guess your worldview biases you and her worldview biases her.

"liar" is not a big word to learn to spell correctly given that you rightwingers love throwing this word around so much, you might learn how to spell it...

sorry.. I guess I could blame it on, that darn piss poor public education, or say, at least I'm not a rude elitist who seldom debates but often personally attacks the other posters she disagrees with..

or I could be as nasty and ignorant as you are.. but I won't,...

I'll just say thank you for pointing out the minor spelling error and let it go at that..
 

alice

Well-known member
Steve said:
reader (the Second) said:
Steve said:
I read the story.. and just couldn't understand how a bright young person from a privileged educated background could be so stupid...

even after all the facts came out... she still blames sergeant Crowley... and calls him a liar...

I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

I guess your worldview biases you and her worldview biases her.

"liar" is not a big word to learn to spell correctly given that you rightwingers love throwing this word around so much, you might learn how to spell it...

sorry.. I guess I could blame it on, that darn p*** poor public education, or say, at least I'm not a rude elitist who seldom debates but often personally attacks the other posters she disagrees with..

or I could be as nasty and ignorant as you are.. but I won't,...

I'll just say thank you for pointing out the minor spelling error and let it go at that..

or I could be as nasty and ignorant as you are.. but I won't,...

GAWD, I love how you couch that insult...you just called R2 nasty and ignorant all the while saying you would never say anything like that.

So much for you!

Alice
 

burnt

Well-known member
alice said:
Steve said:
reader (the Second) said:
I guess your worldview biases you and her worldview biases her.

"liar" is not a big word to learn to spell correctly given that you rightwingers love throwing this word around so much, you might learn how to spell it...

sorry.. I guess I could blame it on, that darn p*** poor public education, or say, at least I'm not a rude elitist who seldom debates but often personally attacks the other posters she disagrees with..

or I could be as nasty and ignorant as you are.. but I won't,...

I'll just say thank you for pointing out the minor spelling error and let it go at that..

or I could be as nasty and ignorant as you are.. but I won't,...

GAWD, I love how you couch that insult...you just called R2 nasty and ignorant all the while saying you would never say anything like that.

So much for you!

Alice

Alice, I agree. I think he was overstepping his bounds, for sure.

I just can't see steve being that nasty and ignorant.
 

Tam

Well-known member
reader (the Second) said:
Guess Gates would feel right at home here Tam among others who don't know enough to shut their damned mouths. :lol: :lol: :lol:

And you should know about not knowing when to shut up as I just proved you didn't know the facts of the case but yet like Obama you spoke up anyway. :wink: :lol:
 
Top