Gates versus the Cambridge Police Department (CPD) reminds me of the Tupac and Biggie spat of the early 90s. This eventually pit the entire East Coast against the entire West Coast.
While I support Obama and occasionally sip the kool-aid, I really wished he hadn't weighed in on the issue. He basically fell into a big trap. Being a Cantabrigian since birth, and a resident for over two decades, AND having been pulled over by Cambridge Police for DWB (driving while black), I can say with authority that the dispute is more likely about class than race. In 1989, I could believe the arrest could be race related, but in 2009, hardly.
You see 02138, where Gates lives, is one of the most wealthiest and most liberal zip codes in the country. It's also the kind of place where you could panhandle for a day and make enough for a trip to Florida.
Anyway, my point is that there was no mistake. No oversight. No mistaken identity. Two grown men unfortunately decided to get into a Richard swinging contest through the point of no return. I suspect Gates got a case of "do you know who I am?" And the CPD responded in kind. Neither had the good sense of descalating the situation. I believe both parties acted poorly and should apologize to each other...after being sent to their rooms without dessert.
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