An Arrest in Cambridge

The unfortunate episode that unfolded in Cambridge, MA has, sadly, fanned the flames of racial animosity in America. I get the feeling that each man is massaging the facts to fit his account of what happened and that the truth is in a place where most of America refuses to stand, somewhere in the middle. Based upon what I have read, it appears that two men with titles (Sgt. & Prof.) who were accustomed to being shown deference were thrown into a situation in which each felt that he was not treated with the proper degree of respect. The person who called the police reported two men with backpacks were trying to break into the residence. The officer saw only one man, with no backpack. If I had been in his place I would have wondered if there might have been someone threatening this elderly man or even lying in wait for him. So I would have asked him to exit the house in order to be sure he was safe. I believe that Sgt. Crowley probably did exactly this, which in my non-expert opinion would be proper.

At this point, Prof. Gates made a mistake in judgment and assumed the worst of Sgt. Crowley and became angry. Both men seem to agree that at some point after that Prof. Gates asked for Sgt. Crowley's badge number. Now I am no expert, but I would guess that when you demand, "I want your badge!" you are saying in an indirect way, "I am about to try to make trouble for you and your livelihood." This, in my opinion was also a poor choice. Even if you do want his badge number and plan to complain, why not simply ask, "By the way, will I get a copy of your police report?" The officers name and badge number are both on the report.

Once Prof. Gates made his errors in judgment, Sgt. Crowley took his turn at displaying a regrettable lack of good judgment or restraint. I offer you this YouTube video featuring Trooper Stephen Murray as he deals quite admirably with a truly irate motorist (click here).

If Sgt. Crowley had been predisposed to be similarly patient and understanding, he would have been able to avoid the entire explosion of publicity, which I assume he feels that he could do without. Is Sgt. Crowley racist? I don't know. My instinct tells me no based upon some things that I heard him say on his widely publicized radio interview. What I do think that he is (along with Prof. Gates) is too stubborn and too proud.

Each man had the opportunity to step back, put himself in the place of the other and show a bit of understanding. Neither man did that. Both were too busy showing the other that ... "You can't treat me like that!" Sadly, this is a mindset and a problem that is running rampant across America. Everyone is far too willing to stand and fight. Ironically, each man teaches, in some way, about racial profiling and yet neither was willing to be that cooler head that was ready to diffuse the situation.

Next always comes this division of America around these issues. We have quickly chosen up sides and run to the local bars, the water coolers and the news shows to debate why the other side is wrong and our side is right. Yes, we love to polarize and fight in America. This is why people fight on our roads, shoot up our schools and workplaces and divorce in record numbers. And the media loves it just as they love anything that sells ad space. I continually wish against my better knowledge, that one day some news outlet might say, "Don't run that, America does not need that scab pulled off again." Sadly, no one in this shameful nation has the judgment to take a step back, and let cooler heads prevail. Well, almost no one. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my admiration and appreciation to Trooper Stephen Murray for his exemplary restraint.