Prof. Gates: Black Man in America..Give Me A Break!

[demerc]

Brother, my brother, I disagree with you on so many levels. Yet, somehow, it isn't important, as your spirit is true and comes from a beautiful place. May the most high continue blessing you as he has clearly done until now, and may you continue growing as clearly, it is your nature to do.

[londondog1989]

Gate's is not a black man in america.He is an over-priviledged upper-middle class man with a fantasy about being nailed to a cross.Their are working people and the wealthy and powerful, everything else is an illusion.

[tmotofga]

@londondog1989

No argument from me.

[dune1976]

haha! Right on!

[bklynnight]

who is this dick head???????????

[tmotofga]

Take a look in the mirror and it will be clear.

[bloozeman1969]

well spoken!!!!!!!!

[miznatacha]

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Although racism does exist, Professor Gates was out of line in this instance. I hate that President Obama got involved so quickly by commenting without completely knowing all the facts.

[betteroffshred]

TMOT. Love your vids man. I get so disheartened when I hear a black person, or a white person for that matter, yell racism when racism didn't occur. Prof. Gates, from what I've heard on the news, was the only one being a racist when he said to the cop, "I'll talk to your Momma outside" and then said the cop was being racist for arresting him for not complying and being disruptive. I get tired of being called a racist if I disagree with the President. Racist? What? Anyway, all we can do is pray.

[EyeJelly]

There's some truth to what your saying. He could have moved into an all white neighborhood where black people aren't often seen or he could have moved into that neighborhood upon the suggestion of a black friend who lived nearby. What occurred is neither hear nor there because truthfully we don't know what happened but truthfully its more fitting to say African American in America instead of Black in America, there's a economic and societal difference, Gates is clearly an African American.

[tmotofga]

You need to see my vid on the Bogus AA Term.

[tmotofga]

I understand what yo are saying. However, There are MANY affluent Black hoods out there so there is no shortage (at least in the ATL) of safe neighborhoods.

[KendraEMoyer]

Though at home, Gates was acting like a nigga and got treated like one. As usual, someone black has to apologize for the police. He did show his id, he asked for the officer's id. It's now a police state, face it. Some people like the new SS tone. We live in a facist state, you can't finess BS. This is a police state. Martial law, just undeclared. For everyone who thinks this is ok there is someone like me who will fight against it. Ma'at will balance the scales in the end. Peace.

[QuartuvLarry]

baxterfat, I would recommend using fewer expletives in the comments section. We share the same sentiments regarding the likes of Sharpton and his ilk, but tmot himself only uses strong language where needs be, and never more than that.

[toxicshock87]

I can't stand when some black people pretend to be militant, but think they are above other blacks themselves. They move into all white neighborhoods, marry white women, and send their children to all white schools, but want to be considered a black man in America when it's convenient for them. I'm not saying that it's wrong to surround yourself with white people, but just don't be a hypocrite. He took attention away from real racial profiling, and it's a shame.

[JSharmaine]

They're not making a fuss about it because they agree with Gates, and plus they are too busy getting in Michael Jackson's family business. Lots of exposure there!

[VaniNY]

I disagree with your position. The professor felt the discomfort of not having what he will never have- that deference that comes to white men who've truly arrived. Moreover, we're passing thru a very difficult time in American history. Security concerns take presidence & police play a role in society which they have never played before. The tone of your video is demeaning and cruel. You show no compassion or humanity to the professor. You leap to accuse & insult..Thumbs down.

[billy9punk]

I agree with you.Any rational person would have showed i.d. The cop didn't know gates from a hole in the wall.

[myjrpics]

The cop was doing his job.

If the cops are called to a scene they are still required to stick around for 10 minutes or so and ask questions to be on the safe side. Just because you have an ID with an address doesnt mean you still live there. There have been cases where disgruntle old roommates, ex boyfriends or girl friends, will break into a home with the intent of doing harm, robbing, or damaging property. The cop needs to make sure this is not the case.

[myjrpics]

Continue.

There have been cases were a neighbor reports a break in. The cops are greeted at the door by the resident. Little does the resident know that a robber or rapist has slipped in a back window without them even knowing it. The cop needs to make sure he didnt just leave an innocent victim alone in a house with a perp.

[bmatt820]

I dont think most blacks move to suburban areas just because the area is more white.. I believe its because the area is better,but just happens to be predominately white.. I live where i live not because most of my neighbors are white, but because the area is safe.. Personally, i would much rather have more diversitiy in my neighborhood, but unfortunately, that just is not the case.. I dont choose to live among mostly white folks, they just happen to live where i am at..

[tmotofga]

I live where all of my neighbors are Blacks and it is very safe. Go figure. I think you missed the point.

[JSharmaine]

It's just like when blacks create a business. Depending on the business, they move them to majority white neighborhoods or areas. As far as I know, most black criminals would most likely rob a black-owned store than a white one.

[QuartuvLarry]

bmatt, not to say diversity is BAD, but I would point out that diversity also brings no GOOD either. It's not a virtue of society, but a facet; nothing more.

[G0dspelronin]

True that. I'd rather live in a neighborhood full of good people than a bunch of Idiots all of my own race. (and these neighborhoods do exist with all white people, been there, bought the t shirt and left) Diversity would really have nothing to do with it as you said. A moot point. Good people are good, bad people are bad. All shapes and sizes and shades.

[QuartuvLarry]

Me, I live in a mixed neighborhood. Not too well off, but not shabby either. We get along.

[FoxFire45]

I dont think I have a bad attitude, I merely stated where I broke with TMOT and layed out my differences and why I came to my conclusion.  Part of being an adult is being able to "agree to disagree", if you have a difference of opinion, feel free to state it but talking down to me doesnt serve you or your arguement very well.

Cheers,

FoxFire

[RestrainedNoMore]

you are so right.."ensnare you when you decide to step out of line" so true when you are a woman as well. if you don't toe that line, you get thrown under the bus

[tidewater12]

Gates is a punk and should be jailed for starting this shit. that jungle monkey. LOL

[darkwestern]

tMOT, you are so REAL!! ]

I know these things!

Right on!

[Preecey22]

Im English I have no idea what this is about.

[vierra01]

u sippion on that hater ade T...lol

[ezekielthemack]

"All racists should live in the artic" - Is the Artic big enough to hold all those white people? *laughing* White people are the architects of racisma-fact. You are clearly too ignorant to see this, like most white people. You pitiful individual. *still laughing*

[AJSensei]

Racism is as old as mankind.

[lillydot]

i agree with you 100%!!!! why didn't he just show his id? he was basically asking for trouble. he thought because of his accomplishments, he was above it all. that cop wasn't racist. he was just doing his job.

[ezekielthemack]

You are another person, who does NOT know the full facts. Professor Gates showed TWO forms of ID, at which point the officer should have left his home. There's nothing worse than a person commenting on something they know very little about. You are one such person. In future pay attention.

[Damonbcool]

Moving to a better neighborhood, not a big deal. Showing his college I.D. Not a good Idea, so I agree with you on that. Being arrested on your own "property" becouse you talk a little trash, not good. This is not Communist China or N. Korea. So I diasgree with you on this one. Take Care, Keep up the good work....

[zedo0]

I'm glad i checked what u had 2 say on the matter. I don't live in America so i really didn't know what really happened. What u said made sense though. In England, class is way more important than race but Americans tend 2 lean 2wards race more. This was a case of a man who couldn't believe a cop had the gall 2 approach him. If i'm in that kind of situation i'd just show my ID & be off.

[mpenny226]

I always knew that it was more to the story and I can understand the prof being mad but he just jumped out of order. I wondered why he did not pull out his drivers lisc.  I think both parties overreated in this case. TMOT..I have been in my house for 7 years and I don't know my nieghbors either. This whole situation made me think about how strange that is but people just aren't neiborghly anymore.

[FoxFire45]

You make sense most of the time, but you are dead wrong on this one. Sgt. Crowley overracted to being challenged and made an arrest that was wrong, Professor Gates didnt commit a crime and i highly doubt if Larry Summers, Bill Kristol or any other major scholar at Harvard was in the same situation they would wonder why the hell the were being interrogated in there own home and i bet u they wouldnt be arrested. It isnt a conicidence that Abner Louima, Sean Bell & Amidou Diallo were all black.

[usgop]

RIGHT ON!! Tmot....you make so much sense..thanks.

[handsome11]

Well both parties overreacted to the situation TMOT. But all the stuff you said about him being a professor and living the American dream is irrelevant because it does not make one free from racial profiling. Remember, Gates DID show his ID but the officer still asked him to step outside as if he were suspicious, even after Gates showed proof of residence. That's why Gates got even angrier. But I'm not making any excuses, just an explanation. As I said before, BOTH parties overreacted.

[Jabbaro123]

Lol tell it like it is.

[manweller1]

tmotofa thank you again for speaking sense.

[Envertabrate]

This brings up a good topic Tmot. Respect for authority (or lack of). Whether its teachers, police, pastors, parents. our elders etc...

Gates knew that he had to force open (break into) his home. There should have been no problem when the police arrived.

[bertly71]

Gates may be one of those people that will do anything to get attention. It worked. Obama was the fool in this deal because he spoke when he should nave listened. God gives us two ears and one mouth for a reason.

[ezekielthemack]

The Officer was the fool in this scenario. He didn't exude the professionalism and competence that an officer should exhibit when he arrives at such a scene. Has this fool never been taught about people skills and how do deal with people of disparate temperaments?

[bertly71]

Ok whatever you say. I respectfully disagree.

[G0dspelronin]

The outburst was the only real problem. Cause and effect. When the white kids start acting the fool in my neighborhood, the same exact thing happens. Are the cops racist in my neighborhood too for doing the same with little tantrum throwing white teens? Doubt it. I wasn't there, but I know regardless of attitude of the cops I'd still show my DL without trying to trump them by my special merits.

[bertly71]

It was an easy solution for Gates, show proper ID and get it over with. This plays into the victimology disease that some in this country have bought into." Victim of this victim of that, get over it." The Eagles. I agree life is not fair, it is what we make of it, nothing less and nothing more. Eating of sour grapes leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

[blkconservativ]

mr tmot, you're right oon the money with this one.(as usual) plus with obama interjecting his two cents (without knowing the facts) into this local matter we may never have even heard about this situation or it may have never even escalated into the debacle it is now. gates is no better than al sharpton/jesse jackson, the only difference is, gates has a real job. gates has clips on this site talking about how his mother hated white people and him using the n-word several times at a conference.

[JSharmaine]

So true!

[ezekielthemack]

I totally DISAGREE on this one. Crowley was totally incompetent. Facts: Crowley a)Contravened the 1st amendment when

charging Gates for being disorderly (in his home) - he was not b)Stated in his report that the lady said she saw 2 black men - she said no such thing c)Did not read mr gates his rights before arresting him. Crowley is the embodiment of incompetence and should apologise firstly for lying and secondly, for not exhibiting the right people skills when dealing with said situation.

[mpenny226]

very good point.

[Fockersnextdoor]

Agree with you T, wisdom in your truth that will save us all.

[Pentazoid111]

yeah but the cop did write in the police report that the two suspects were black even though the 9/11 caller did not mentioned the race of either of the two men. So racial profiling did play a role in this case since the cops might have stopped any black people walking on the street in that neighborhood

[USoSilly2Me]

Common Sense wins every time.

5*'s..!! Great Video..!!

[buttaluv10]

Well,I'm not so sure if I agree w/this one Tmot...

1)Prof.Gates stated himself that by the time the officer(s) had arrived at his home that he was already IN his home(What burglar opens the front door to greet the po-pos?)

2)He refused to step outside his door because he had already provided two forms of ID on showing he actually WAS supposed to be in that home provided by the university and the other had his ADDRESS which should have been all that was needed.

[buttaluv10]

pt2-

3)He stated that his door was 'jammed' and he DID have someone w/him to be able to still get in his home w/out calling a neighbor and based on how the front porch is set depending on which neighbor they may not have been able to tell WHO it was trying to get into the home

4)If I were to live in a poor neighborhood or home and had the opportunity to move elsewhere why wouldn't I leave?Maybe it just so happens that the few Americans who ARE living "the dream" just happen to be mainly white...

[tmotofga]

All that may be true to some degree. Show your ID and close the door. Don't follow them out of the house and curse them. That gets you locked up. Let them act the fool and then get a lawyer. End of story.

[buttaluv10]

He stated in an interview that after showing the ID after refusing to step out that the officer refused to give his badge number(or something) and then proceeded to imply that the officer hadn't answered because he was a black man then walked out to say to the other officers that had gathered that he refused to give simple info as an officer..thats when the officer arrested him.I do think that was a bad move and thus he was arrested.He should've kept cool.

[buttaluv10]

pt3-...the idea of embracing the ghetto is an all too familiar idea for alot of our people.I'm not saying its ok to leave and not try to in whatever possible give back but if I can get out of an unfavorable situation or place please believe I'm going to get out of it.Besides that the home he lived in was owned by the university and given to him due to being a professor there.

BUT,I DO think he shouldn't have implied to the officer that he didn't respond back to him due to him being black.

[SpeedingStudent]

So much truth inside one man...amazing.

Rock on, Tmot!

[lunaris19]

Keeping it short and sweet. *****

Good video.

[BRAZEN08]

Both sides could of handled it better but Gates should of known better because he is a "black man in America"!

[wonderful49]

I think you're wrong...

[tmotofga]

"Que sara sara".

All he had to do was show his id and the man would have left. I can't for the life of me understand how anyone can't get that.

Thanks for commenting.

[micjone]

I think this is another example of what happens when two hot heads meet. I think Gates could have handled things differently, but so could the cop. I don't think the cop had race in mind, but took him in as a way to get back at this man who he felt was trying to undermind his authority. Gates was trying to show out because he is a Harvard professor who knows XYZ. They both wrong, but Gates pisses me off more for trying to bring the whole community into his BS.

[magirecords2004]

Lol!!

[CaptainGratiot]

Well said.

[Vernonu9]

Thanks for giving your perspective on this issue. I have to agree with your conclusion. Show the police your driver's license, then if Gates had a problem with the way the Sgt did his job, he should've made a formal complaint to his supervisor.

[NragedXX]

Great video man!!!!!!!

~Rage

[backhomeforgood]

I heard this discussion at work today.

It was divided among racial lines. It is very interesting to hear the view of a conservative black man.

[lakechaney]

I totally agree with you TMOT. He showed his credentials and he showed his ass.

[JSharmaine]

And then Obama had the nerve to show is ass in the health care press conference. So sad.

[MyBlackAmerica]

Where are you getting your info from? He did show his Driver License and College ID. He became upset when numerous officers entered his home. Also, no one knows all their neighbors on a street. This elderly woman wasnt his next door neighbor, she could live 10, 20, 30 houses away from his. How do we even know she lived on his street, maybe she was from the next street over on a walk around the neighbor. Youre assuming way to muchBlack Man In America!

[tmotofga]

We must agree to disagree. Thanks for commenting.

[AJSensei]

Tmont great video. Awsome!

[goppatriots]

Hey that's a very nice blue sky and very nice lake.  You on vacation? Any way man love your videos 5 STARS!!!

[tmotofga]

No, that's my back yard view. Thanks.

[goppatriots]

That's one really nice back yard. Hey say hello to Yogi Bear for me when you see him. LOL

[tmotofga]

I see Daffy and Bambi every now again. The only predators out here are my cats. Mark, Matthew and Rachel.

[QuartuvLarry]

Oh man! You lucky so-n-so!!! That looks like some prime real estate! I could almost be torn away from my Austin and my Barton Springs for that! If you're ever in Austin, though, you MUST let me show you around! Make sure you bring your swim trunks & goggles, because I'll show you Barton Springs surface and below!

[AJSensei]

If that's your back yard and you are not joking I am jealous. My scenery out my back door is a small garden. I happy for ya. I would like to see that more often. Beautiful view! Georgia sweet Georgia.

[Carletta09]

Thank you! This video was sooo on point..coming from a Black Man in America!

[BmyCelph]

I'm sorry TMOT. You're wrong on this one, these cops are asshole and they're going rogue. As easily as you said Gates should've shut up, that cop could've walked off. Do we really need people in jail for talking back? Seriously? I'm sure you've been pissed off after slamming your hand in the door, locking your keys in the car, or even your house. He reacted like any other agitated person would have. Google Justin Barrett, Justin is Crowleys cop peer. Look how Mr. Barrett talks about black people

[tmotofga]

I understand.

I hope that you are never in a situation where you need a cop to come and one is not there.

As far as being rogue, the cop could have dogged him IN his house. He did not. He was leaving and Gates went out after him talking bout "I'll talk to yo momma". What kind of nonsense is that coming from a professor?

Thanks for commenting.