The Phoenix Network:
 
 
 
About  |  Advertise
Moonsigns  |  BandGuide  |  Blogs
 
 

Advice for Obama: zip it

 

After you've given this speech, how can you 1) have your spokesman make this statement and 2) think he'll be taken seriously?

Whatever his motivations for weighing in on Gatesgate, Obama's comments earlier this week were a mistake, practically speaking. And now the damage control are making the situation worse, not better. Enough already! 

UPDATE: When I heard Obama spoke with Crowley, I was ready to change my tune--until I read this synopsis at Boston.com:

President Obama said today that he spoke with Cambridge police officer James Crowley, who had arrested Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. last week. Obama said he was left with the impression that Crowley was an outstanding police officer, but added that he believed both men probably overreacted in the situation.

Please, no mas....

  • Peter Porcupine said:

    Adam - ABC is giving Mr. Gibbs a break; via Politico:

    "Obama's comments marked an abrupt shift in tone since Friday morning, when White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs dismissed a suggestion that the backlash from police groups could be distressing to the White House, given that Obama has enjoyed a positive relationship with the law enforcement community.

    "I think the Fraternal Order of Police endorsed McCain," Gibbs fired back at reporters, referring to Obama's Republican opponent in the 2008 election. "If I'm not mistaken."

    Read more: www.politico.com/.../25381.html

    I now eagerly await learning how Palin and Bush are also responsible for this ('We INHERITED this affront...)

    July 24, 2009 3:25 PM
  • Melissa said:

    Alright, but this here: www.alan.com/.../obama-invites-gates-and-crowley-to-wh-for-a-beer

    is worth a watch. It might have taken them a little too long, but this damage control has, I think, really hit the mark.

    July 24, 2009 3:52 PM
  • FJWalker said:

    I understand that you were weaned on old Life Magazine photos of cops hosing Birmingham marchers and such, but come on.

    Crowley's job was to confirm the place was not broken into, yes, but also to find out why a person was shouldering their own door; you never know, domestic situation, etc.

    It's not significant that charges were dropped. It's a breach of the peace. A step up from a parking ticket. $50 fine. It's goal is to get an unruly person off the street (where the arrest took place). Go in the corner until you can play nice. That's it.

    As well, it is not "telling" that he was arrested at his own home. Most people are arrested at their homes. What do you think, they  get bank robbers in a shoot-out? If you're going to write about police practices, look into them. And imagine this, most people are arrested for BOP. So, the man who has built his career "fighting for equality" got the exact treatment a white man would have gotten he'd acted like an a-hole.

    I can tell you, the last thing on Crowley's mind was busting Gates' balls. Cops, particularly in Cambridge, want to get out, grab a beer and get some overtime.

    This may be really hard to accept, and contrary to all you picked up in your fantastic education, but some cops are really decent people. Some read and watch films and go to theater: they believe in social justice, are liberal and are willing to compromise their own safety to provided help (white, black, latino, whatever).

    Sgt. Crowley has given EMT assistance to dozens of minorities. In the end, what have your pieces ever done?

    July 26, 2009 9:02 AM
  • Adam Reilly said:

    FJ, I'm confused. In this post, I don't mention charges being dropped, or use the word "telling" in reference to Gates's in-home arrest. Instead, I say Obama should shut up about the situation. What are you responding to, exactly?

    July 26, 2009 2:33 PM
  • FJWalker said:

      I read your piece in the Phoenix and took from it: 1. You believe Prof. Gates more than you do Crowley, mainly, it seems, because Gates is a black professor and Crowley is a white police officer. At least, that's what I inferred. 2. Your reference to charges being dropped echoed the sentiments of more than a few in the media-"telling." This blog seems to be a follow-up to that piece.

    July 26, 2009 4:05 PM
  • Adam Reilly said:

    Fair enough, FJ. You read the Phoenix piece correctly--when I wrote it, I was more inclined to buy Crowley's version than Gates's. And as I've written in another post, I still don't understand why Crowley had to arrest Gates, no matter how obstreperous he was being. That said, I don't think it's impossible that Gates went overboard, even taking into account whatever natural/appropriate anger he felt at being questioned by police in his own home. And Crowley has become a more sympathetic character as this thing's progressed. So: next time, I'll remember your words and be less quick to assume the worst of the officer in question. Thanks for weighing in.

    July 26, 2009 7:05 PM
  • FJWalker said:

    I am impressed by, and appreciate, your willingness to hear me out.

    You've won a new reader.

    July 26, 2009 8:37 PM

Leave a Comment

Login | Not a member yet? Click here to Join

(required)  
(optional)
(required)  
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Adam Reilly's daily look at the news and how it's created.
SUBSCRIBE




Monday, July 27, 2009  |  Sign In  |  Register
 
thePhoenix.com:
Phoenix Media/Communications Group:
TODAY'S FEATURED ADVERTISERS
Copyright © 2009 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group