Like it or not folks...

[JANdad]

President Obama had no right to publicly state during a televised prime time news conference that the police acted stupidly while ADMITTING that his opinion was biased and that he did not have ALL the facts. He admonished a police department of a town within the United States (and indirectly ONE person) in front of the ENTIRE world (admittedly without ALL the facts).

The proper response would have been no comment due to his personal friendship with Professor Gates.

Now looking at this from another standpoint. Those that think that ALL cops are "ROGUE"...I would ask that the next time that you need assistance because you have been the victim of a crime, just go out and take care of justice yourself...don't call the cops...



Edit fo sp...oops

Further edit:

Ok...I admit "No Right" is the wrong term...perhaps I should state that it was very foolish of him to....

[BlooInBloo]

1. "President Obama had no right" - Yes, he did.

[scheming daemons]

2. All cops are ROUGE? No wonder they hate blacks

It's a bigger checkers game, and it's the reds versus the blacks!

[MADem]

10. Mais non, mon ami, they're bleu, blanc et rouge, which means they're PATRIOTIC!!

And everyone else? Why, they're muslims!!! With no birth certificates!

[Tangerine LaBamba]

3. Until the facts are in,

the President of the United States, of all people, should be keeping his own counsel.

Imagine if he'd uttered a comment about a defendant in a criminal trial. How about that for contaminating the jury pool?

[JuniperLea]

6. Bing Fucking O!

Taht is the bottom line.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

13. Isn't that a rather mundane,

common sense approach?

If so, why are we in such a vast minority here, do you think?

[JuniperLea]

21. Absolutely...

It is PR 101! When in doubt, STFU!

I don't know why some are whipped to a froth about this, and others see it as we do. It is worthy of some contemplation I think.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

24. A long time ago,

a college professor of mine - this was the sixties, the best of times - said to me, a lowly student, "You watch. These hippies will turn out to be the biggest Puritans."

I think Mr. Webster was right.

The kind of lockstep groupthink I've witnessed here on occasion - remember the Duke lacrosse team rape incident? - makes me think that some self-styled "progressives" or "liberals" have a lot more in common with freepers than they'd ever care to admit............................

[Fumesucker]

28. If there were "lockstep groupthink" here then there would be no arguments..

Instead arguments have been raging ever since this incident was reported.

Not lockstep groupthink.. Quod Erat Demonstrandum.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

30. Wanna bet?

Go tell people that the facts aren't all in, and no one knows what happened, and see what happens.

Quod that......................

[Fumesucker]

37. You haven't read any arguments here about this subject?

I have by no means clicked on every thread and I've read nothing but arguments..

[JuniperLea]

36. I think you missed the gist here...

There is a huge group think, to which a smaller percentage of DUers appear to be immune.

[Fumesucker]

43. If not everyone is thinking the same then it is not "groupthink"..

And clearly not everyone on DU is thinking the same, else there would be no arguments.

From my point of view it doesn't matter whether Gates was an ass or acting arrogantly, the cop was in the wrong for not leaving as soon as he ascertained that Gates was the legal resident of the home, all else is simply sound and fury, signifying nothing except the cop acted in an unprofessional manner.

I do not know whether Gates acted like a jerk, I've had cops act in both very professional and exceedingly unprofessional manner towards my family, I don't automatically either believe or disbelieve either side of this story.

But it seems quite clear to me, from the police report itself, that the officer reacted emotionally to Gates, something the officer should not have done.

[JuniperLea]

48. It's clear to me you missed the point again...

Groupthink isn't just masses following, it's mass following erroneous assumptions.

Can I ask you something? What can you tell me, without using The Google, what you remember about the Duke lacrosse team rape case?

And you also missed Obama saying what I've said since the beginning... looks like they BOTH overreacted. And Obama should have said nothing. The transcript is all over DU, if you haven't seen it already.

[Fumesucker]

49. The Lacrosse team were innocent..

And did not rape the "victim"..

[Tangerine LaBamba]

61. You're confusing "total groupthink"

with "groupthink."

Your problem with understanding what we're saying is now solved, OK?

[Fumesucker]

102. So if more than one person thinks alike then it is "groupthink"?

I'm sorry, but there are a great many people who do think similarly and it most certainly isn't always called "groupthink" when they do.

Only in certain situations is the "g" word used, situations like this one here.

[JuniperLea]

35. Interesting you should mention the Duke rape incident...

I just returned from a very long lunch meeting (started at 11) with one of the founders of the PR firm for whom I currently do my thing. We talked about The Primacy Principle... which is the fact that whatever you hear first is what most people will remember. Pay no attention to the fact that the charges were false and that those who propagated the entire lying fiasco are now doing time for their sins, if you ask the "man on the street" to tell you what they know about the Duke Rape Incident, you will invariably be told that the lacrosse team is a bunch of rapists. The school and the team has suffered irreparable damage through no fault of their own. They can't even recruit good players anymore.

It was a very enlightening meeting. We covered a lot of social media issues. I feel blessed to be working for so many braniacs, I tell you what.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

62. The Primacy Principle -

that's an absolute, for sure.

People don't even recall - if they ever found out - that the DA lost his job, his law license, and went to the slammer.

The details don't matter.

You work with some interesting people, that's for sure, and I feel lucky that you're here, contributing.................

[JuniperLea]

72. Aw shucks...

Thanks for the kind words.

You already know how I appreciate your perspective:)

I think one of the points that can be made about you and I, is that we don't really have our own agendas here, in most issues anyway. We both tend to hate lies, and misrepresentation, and omissions that lead to assumptions. As progressive as I like to think I am, that is part of old school thought that is worthy of pushing.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

76. Well, I just can't get into the "group" thing -

and it is part of my makeup to want to know what happened. To take it all in before I land on anyone's side.

That's just fair, isn't it? Wouldn't you want your side heard in a dispute before people started tagging you as something you know you're not?

Seems like basic common sense to me, and if that makes us partial dinosaurs, I say, join me in nibbling on the top of this tree, my friend.........................

[JuniperLea]

81. I'm exactly the same way...

I want the whole story before I commit to an opinion. Too many form an opinion then break their backs twisting around to defend it.

There are usually three sides to every story... what guy one says, what guy two says, and what actually happened. It takes some digging before you get a full picture. Perspective is everything. That's why I feel it was wrong for Obama to say anything, that, and the fact that at this point we STILL don't know if one of these hot heads is going to press charges. Just because the department pulled back doesn't mean the cop is satisfied. And just because Gate's lawyer is saying no suit will be brought, doesn't mean Gates won't get a hair up his butt at a later date.

The fat lady hasn't even looked at her sheet music on this one yet.

Nibble... num!

[dgibby]

40. It's a health problem.

Times are bad, nobody can afford gym memberships, so the only exercise available is jumping to conclusions.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

63. That's IT!!!

By Jove!!!

dgibby NAILED IT!

But, what if they think it's the high-jump, but it turns out to have been a trampoline?

Let's watch as they discover, shall we?

[BlooInBloo]

11. "Imagine if..." - But, um, he didn't.

[JuniperLea]

38. It looked like it was going to be a huge mess and could have ended up in court...

It was an arrest. Right or wrong, arrests by their nature have a huge chance of ending up in a court.

[Bluerthanblue]

26. he was asked for his OPINION- he has EVERY right to

express it, and did so very well.
This wasn't about a 'defendant in a criminal tril' and had it been, I'm certain he would have answered that question appropriately. You are doing the Rupublican smear machines work for them when you condemn him for having the audacity to have an opinion, and the guts to speak it aloud.

:shrug:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

32. Well,

if I have to go to something as basic as explaining what the meaning of the Presidency is in terms of the media, I'm already playing with my food.

Rudimentary education is of no interest to me...........

[Bluerthanblue]

41. then you are a victim of

the media my friend.

and that's sad. Allowing them to dictate how you live and respond is why they wield the power they do.

I wish you luck.

[JuniperLea]

46. Methinks you miss the point

We all know how horrible the media is. If you don't think it wise to measure your comments to the press, knowing how egregious the outcome should you give them ammo, well, it's just dumb. Yes, it shouldn't be that way, and in a perfect world it wouldn't be. But to just blurt out whatever you please, right or wrong, is sheer stupidity.

I work in PR... what you have just said would get me fired if I were to say it to a client.

[Bluerthanblue]

73. if you work in PR then I'd expect you to

be a bit more accurate in your statements.

Pres.O didn't "blurt out" anything. He weighed his words carefully. Watch him as clearly chooses the word 'stupid' to refer to the ACTIONS that the Police took. He can't help it that the American public doesn't make the effort to really listen to what is said, but instead relies on the media to spoon feed them little sound bites.

You claimed in another post " but even he admits it was foolish to exert his right" when he did NO SUCH THING. If telling the truth to a client would get you fired from your job, and putting words in Obama's mouth is ok by you- are you sure you aren't selling yourself out for the money?

:shrug:

I'd like to believe I'm "missing the point"- that would be better than believing what you say and thinking it's ...ok...

Are you for real?

[JuniperLea]

78. Why then did Obama backpedal on this?

I'm actually quite confused by your straw man arguments here, and quite frankly, they aren't worth my time to try and explain further. If you don't get it at this point, I don't think you will. That makes me sad. I've always thought we had more parallel lines than that. :shrug:

For the record, I don't listen to "sound bites." My comments were based on transcriptions. When we listen to something we are already vested in, we as humans tend to hear what we want to hear. When we read it, we have to slow down and get it. If Obama weighed his words carefully, then why did he say he regretted saying them? And by virtue of his backpedaling, he is admitting he did it wrong the first time.

The truth is the media is fucked up. My job is to make sure clients understand that, and to assist them in putting their best foot forward. To say that a client shouldn't be wary of the media, or to advise them to just say what they feel, even if what they feel is correct, is sheer stupidity.

I've said too much. You don't get it, and any further explanation will only serve to confuse further, unfortunately.

This makes me sad.

[Bluerthanblue]

83. read my reply to you below- i even bolded and italicized the

relevant passages.

You didn't say "a client should be wary of the media" you said you could get fired for saying what I said in my post. Say what you MEAN Juniperlea- don't parse words.

Obama didn't "back-pedal"- He didn't even really express regret for the words he used, but rather for the reaction that was generated by people (like you are doing in your attack on him) to what he said.

You may think yourself far superior to me- I've got nothing more than a HS diploma, but wisdom isn't only measured by how much schooling a person has. You work in Public Relations. Isn't it your job to communicate effectivly with others? Are you sure you are being honest? Do you really think i "don't understand" or are you using that as a way to dismiss my disagreement with your perspective, and trying to infer that i'm just not able to wrap my little brain around your superior logic? You and T LB seem to find it easier to dis me, than discuss to really discuss the issue.

I'm disapointed... I thought you were someone .... different perhaps i am stupid.

i wish you peace.

[JuniperLea]

90. I was replying to this...

"Allowing them to dictate how you live and respond is why they wield the power they do." It's naive to think this is going to change anytime soon, or that the POTUS somehow has the magic to make it stop just because he doesn't want to play that game.

Now, please do not take my refusal to respond further to in any way make you think you won an argument here. I'm just going to sign off for the weekend. I try to live life fully and IRL on the weekends.

Ciao... best of luck to you.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

85. What was it Confucius,

that old Italian sage, said about educating the ones who aren't interested in education?

We go on, in hope that our words will fall on fertile ground.

Well done, but, still, we're dining on treetops here.....................

[JuniperLea]

88. Yep... thanks for the reminder...

I'm so hopeful... it's frustrating... I need to learn to walk away.

When people pay for advice, they don't listen much better either;)

Maybe some seed will fall from the tree and be found tasty by those noshing on the grass below;)

[Tangerine LaBamba]

95. The absolutely most profound and correct

bit of information I got in law school was from - of all people, a Jesuit priest - my Constitutional Law professor (he's quoted in my profile), who told me "Never give away anything you've learned for free. People do not value what they don't pay for."

I've seen it true over and over, and here, at DU, I get sucked in over and over - looking for that "teachable moment." And I've had a number of folks who were delighted that I could explain something to them.

But, those instances are few and far between.

The clients who listened - and they listened, believe me - had a lot to lose if they didn't listen.

We can hope for the treedrops, indeed, and that's always possible.

Not, though, at the expense of our energy level. Real life is tiring enough, my friend......

[JuniperLea]

97. That tree looks psychedelic!

But I know you got my back should I freak a little after nibbling at it:)

It's amazing what people will pay for common sense, and to be told to abandon their knee jerk reactions and to do the right thing instead.

The sky is blue... that will be $475 an hour... and if I have to work through lunch, I'm going to add 12% to that Spago ticket. :p

[Tangerine LaBamba]

98. Spago!!!

Oh, the memories, the memories!!!!

I always got yer back, toots............

[JuniperLea]

42. OH SNAP!

You just reminded me of one of my favorite Confucianisms:

Not to enlighten one who can be enlightened is to waste a man; to endeavor to enlighten one who cannot be enlightened is to waste words. The intelligent man wastes neither his man nor his words. - CONFUCIUS

[Tangerine LaBamba]

50. "Kewl!"

That's not from Confucius, I don't think. Thank you, though.

But, exactly HOW MANY TIMES can you do ninth grade Civics without getting worn down?

There's an old Italian saying: "If you argue with a fool, there are two fools arguing."

[JuniperLea]

58. I'm finding it attributed to Confucius all over the place...

http://www.pep-web.org/document.php?id=CPS.018.0327A

I didn't know Confucius was Italian! LOL! :rofl:

I've gone nutty today... this is funny shit!

[Tangerine LaBamba]

66. I got home late,

and there's all this stuff.

It IS funny.

EVERYONE smart is Italian, didn't you know that?

[Bluerthanblue]

54. a wise man Confucius,

he also said:

“When you meet a worthy person, seek to become his equal…when you meet a fool look within and examine yourself…”

:hi:

[JuniperLea]

39. Yes, Obama had the "right" but even he admits it was foolish to exert his right

And there was an arrest... in all likelihood, someone who is arrested, for right or wrong, end up in court.

[Bluerthanblue]

45. no indeed he didn't-

I just saw him respond to the issue of whether he should have withheld his "opinion" on the issue, and he said NO.
The "arrest" was not one which would stand up in court, and charges had already been dropped when Pres.O made his statement.

[JuniperLea]

52. .

And because this has been ratcheting up -- and I obviously helped to contribute ratcheting it up -- I want to make clear that in my choice of words I think I unfortunately gave an impression that I was maligning the Cambridge Police Department or Sergeant Crowley specifically -- and I could have calibrated those words differently. And I told this to Sergeant Crowley.

I continue to believe, based on what I have heard, that there was an overreaction in pulling Professor Gates out of his home to the station. I also continue to believe, based on what I heard, that Professor Gates probably overreacted as well. My sense is you've got two good people in a circumstance in which neither of them were able to resolve the incident in the way that it should have been resolved and the way they would have liked it to be resolved.

The fact that it has garnered so much attention I think is a testimony to the fact that these are issues that are still very sensitive here in America. So to the extent that my choice of words didn't illuminate, but rather contributed to more media frenzy, I think that was unfortunate.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8551216

[Bluerthanblue]

69. you either didn't read it all, or listen to it all-

from the transcript of the comment today:

....There are some who say that as President I shouldn't have stepped into this at all because it's a local issue. I have to tell you that that part of it I disagree with. The fact that this has become such a big issue I think is indicative of the fact that race is still a troubling aspect of our society. Whether I were black or white, I think that me commenting on this and hopefully contributing to constructive -- as opposed to negative -- understandings about the issue, is part of my portfolio.

So at the end of the conversation there was a discussion about -- my conversation with Sergeant Crowley, there was discussion about he and I and Professor Gates having a beer here in the White House. We don't know if that's scheduled yet -- (laughter) -- but we may put that together.

He also did say he wanted to find out if there was a way of getting the press off his lawn. (Laughter.) I informed him that I can't get the press off my lawn. (Laughter.) He pointed out that my lawn is bigger than his lawn. (Laughter.) But if anybody has any connections to the Boston press, as well as national press, Sergeant Crowley would be happy for you to stop trampling his grass.

All right. Thank you, guys.

END

He does NOT regret speaking up. Some media outlets are putting that thought into peoples minds by saying "the President regrets speaking out" - he doesn't and hasn't said that.

What exactly is your goal in posting your angle?

[Bluerthanblue]

79. even if you don't reply, I hope you at least

read the FACTS.

Your claim was incorrect. And your citation doesn't support your statement.

honesty matters.

[JuniperLea]

80. Did you even read the first sentence I posted from his comments?

My goal is to state my opinion. I have no agenda except that I hate it when things get twisted.

I bet Obama never does anything even remotely close to this again.

[Bluerthanblue]

93. I not only read your entire post, I went and got the

full transcript and read it and re-read it.

You still say you bet Obama never does anything even remotely close to this again. What is "this"? Offer his opinion? He said very VERY clearly that he does NOT agree with those who say he shouldn't have spoken up. I take that to mean that he will NOT hold back from questions posed to him that could be 'prickly'. He didn't say anything wrong. He didn't admit to saying anything wrong. If you can show that in actual quotes, - please do. Would he have chosen the exact same words? Probably not, but it doesn't matter what words he used- people are going to bitch about any words he speaks- and any silence he chooses to keep. There are VERY few people who speak with the cautious, respectful, and measured grace that Pres. Obama demonstrates.

I don't think it was his choice of words that really incited such a response- I think it is the discomfort people have facing the reality that race is still very much a factor in our society. And even if it wasn't in Crowley's mind- the fact that Prof. Gates is an African American, and the history of Racial Profiling in this country- made it impossible for race NOT to be a 'factor'. That reality is what Obama so carefully discussed. Up to the point where Crowley arrested Gates- he had really done nothing terribly wrong. He blew it when he chose to exploit his position of power. - and he is supposedly an expert who trains police officers about Racial Profiling. So he should have known better.

:shrug:

[Joe Fields]

47. A president should never comment on things such as this.

The standard reply is "The proper authorities are looking into this matter. I think we should let them do their job."

[omega minimo]

51. Understood. Is it too much of a laypersons' view to think that after charges are dropped

for false arrest, it's fair to say the police "acted stupidly"?

[JuniperLea]

60. Yes...

One party dropping charges does not the end of an issue make.

[rvablue]

71. Does that analogy apply, though. Hadn't the charges already been dropped when Obama commented? n/t

[Tangerine LaBamba]

87. The charges, dropped or not,

don't enter into my thinking.

There are still sides to the story that haven't been disclosed.

Just like Duke.

Remember the local DA? Who was so anxious to hang those players?

Remember what happened to him?

[JuniperLea]

100. Dropped charges do not indicate a clean slate...

Either side could decide to press charges later. It's been a scant 48 hours... the dust hasn't settled... Gates hasn't even unpacked from his travels yet.

[Marr]

101. I agree. At the same time, I don't much care about right-wing

complaints on the issue. I mean, Peter King was on video just a few short weeks ago accusing Michael Jackson of being a child molester-- and the tape was meant specifically as a friendly shout-out to Conservatives. If that kind of thing doesn't bother them, I don't see why this should.

[Buzz Clik]

4. Uh, yeah he did. You can question his judgment, but saying he had no right is totally misguided.

[JuniperLea]

5. He had every right...

It was a foolish thing to do, given that the media is like a hungry dog looking for any bone that will detract from the important things Obama is doing. But he had every right.

[jody]

14. It's difficult to separate a President's right to speak for We the People from a personal right to

speak for him/her self.

When that occurs, IMO silence is the prudent action.

[JuniperLea]

19. I bet we never see him do anything even remotely close to this again...

He is smart as heck.

[jody]

22. Agree. I'm willing to chalk this up as a learning experience and move to important problems. n/t

[JuniperLea]

23. And I'll gladly follow you... eom

[Tangerine LaBamba]

86. I hope

everyone learned something from this.

That would be the "teachable moment" our President reached for.

That people wait to see what actually happened before they decide who's right and who's wrong.

In so many situations, everyone is right, everyone is wrong. It's hard for some to grasp that reality.

But, there are other things, and, right now, Ed is paying attention to them, bless his heart.................

[Tangerine LaBamba]

65. As soon as that question was asked -

and it was a reporter from a Chicago paper, no less, so he should have had his Chicago guard up - I thought, Oh, no.

And when he started to talk, I thought he had skated the issue very nicely, but then he said, "That said, the police acted stupidly," and I flinched, because it was just so wrong.

I think he knew it, too, and his act today of calling the officer personally was a very good way to start making up for his misstep.

But, you bet he'll never do that again. He IS that smart.

And I think he's still learning what it means to be President of the United States.

That damn butterfly effect...............

[jody]

89. Agree "he's still learning what it means to be President of the United States" and every murmur

affects the world.

[Bluerthanblue]

70. I sure as hell hope you are wrong for exactly

the same reason as you give.

Because he IS smart as heck- and shouldn't allow the media and the FARK machine to silence him.

He's a gentleman but he's no coward.

[JuniperLea]

82. So, after all these years of hard ass stupid fucked up reporting...

You think Obama should just act as if the media were responsible and everything will be ok? I'm sorry, but that is just naive. When you can't make things better by talking, you shouldn't talk. Obama said himself that what he said became part of the problem... part of the noise.

[jody]

91. What JuniperLea said.

:thumbsup: and a :toast: to JuniperLea

[Tangerine LaBamba]

96. Amen, JuniperLea!

Take a bow....................

[JuniperLea]

99. Thank you...

I'm more of a curtsy girl:)

[MADem]

7. Someone hasn't read their Constitution of the United States, now, have they? NT

[JANdad]

12. This is not about the situation in and of itself

But rather the President's response...and yes I have read it...you may want to also read the preamble...you know the phrase "Secure Domestic Tranquility"...

[MADem]

16. That's not what that phrase means. nt

[T Wolf]

8. You can defend police brutality and abuse all you want - it does not make it okay.

[JANdad]

15. Where did I defend police brutality?

Where?

[Glorfindel]

9. I just hope that's the worst thing that happens during his first term

or his second, for that matter.

[lexanman]

17. well then Obama

should be tazered and charged for disorderly conduct. Oh, and then the nice police will drop the charges. And all will be well in teh land of stoopid.

[fascisthunter]

18. lol... go away

and take your sockpuppet friends with you.

[Bluerthanblue]

20. how about the first amendment? And he didn't 'admonish' anyone-

he offered his opinion about the actions of a specific action taken by a pair of police officers. That was no "admonishment" and if you can't criticize the actions of a Police Dept or call them into question without being called "anti cop" or told to not expect any help from the Police is fucked up. Sorry for the profanity, but your assertion sucks- and is offensive to ALL legitimate Police officers everywhere.

:shrug:

[graywarrior]

25. You're right....he should never EVER say what he thinks or feels...EVER.

:sarcasm:

[Bluerthanblue]

31. sure glad to

see the sarcasm tag-

:hi:

I was gettin worried.

:hug:

[graywarrior]

34. Not to worry

I torture ducks, remember?

:rofl:

[Bluerthanblue]

75. yeah-

you're a quack. ;)


Lately though, i have to keep fighting the feeling I've fallen down a rabbit hole...

this world keeps getting curiouser and curiouser...

[EOTE]

27. You have no right to have written those things you just did.

Your proper response should have been to keep your ill-informed opinion to yourself. No one here is interested in it.

[freddie mertz]

29. ANOTHER ONE!!

Mother of God....

[TorchTheWitch]

33. Thank you - I agree

Obama would have been smart to not comment at all not just because Gates was a friend but because he didn't know the circumstances of the incident.

[Curtland1015]

44. Obama was screwed either way.

He says nothing, and you'd get tons of "Spineless President doesn't say anything!!!!!

He speaks his mind, and he gets "The President should have kept his mouth shut!!!!!

[JuniperLea]

92. Why should he be involved in this at all?

Is he chief of police?

[Tim01]

53. Not very presidential. Not very professional.

Really, this is the kind of mistake middle management makes and gets in trouble for. Getting emotional and just saying stuff.

Drawing conclusions before you have all the facts.

Embarrassing your people in public.

[depakid]

59. The salient facts were in, ace

What more do you need to know?

[Tim01]

67. He handled it badly no matter the facts, sport.

When you are in charge you don't publicly pick sides, it's tacky. It's unprofessional. It is certainly not the mark of a good leader.
Now the people who work under him have to wonder if he will abandon them over some dust-up. It's the kind of thing that breeds mistrust and destroys unit cohesion.

Unless he is just trying to get the point across that he doesn't like cops.

[depakid]

77. He gave an honest, reasonable answer

That dishonest, unreasonable- or fearful and racist people don't like.

Frankly- I found it refreshing for a change.

[Tim01]

94. And in doing so he started a war with the LEOs of this country, sport.

That is called creating a division. He just lost the support of the law enforcement of the country.
They will still support him IN PUBLIC because that is the right thing to do as a team player.
Basic leadership skills are to compliment in public, criticize in private. Leadership 101.

He has sent the message that he will not support cops, he is not on their side. I am positive they are going to give as good as they get.

[fascisthunter]

104. no... the Law Enforcement Leadership started a political war with a Democratic President

most of which are Republicans. Even that dip shit power hungry cop admitted he didn't for Obama. Why do you suppose he even needed to go there? To score points with his right wing friends.

[miyazaki]

55. hell by the time the repugs spin it after the weekend tv talks

their conclusion will be that black folk aren't even hassled by cops that much, so why all this over reaction?

[Chisox08]

56. I thought he did the right thing

When there are abuses of power someone needs to defend the powerless against the powerful.
After that Gates showed that it was his house that cop should have said have a nice day and go on about his business.

[depakid]

57. One of the more ridiculous faux outrage posts I've heard yet

Frankly, it makes one wish that the same sort of thing happened to the writer- as that's usually the only way some folks clue in.

[damntexdem]

64. You have no right to say that.

There, how does it feel to be told that no right exists?

At least Obama was correct in making HIS statement.

[Warren Stupidity]

68. Wrong. But thanks anyway for sharing.

Even without 'all the facts' it was clear that the arrest of Gates was an example of police acting stupidly. Could Obama have used a less caustic description? Sure. Then again lots of people of all colors have run up against 'cops acting stupidly' and know exactly what President Obama was referring to. It is the chattering class, braying in chorus at the bidding of their corporate masters, who are all aghast at the POTUS daring to state the obvious here. We have grown so accustomed to abject militarism, to fawning over the uniform, the flag, to applauding uncritically all use and abuse of force and power, that there is a collective jaw dropping when somebody doesn't play along.

DWB is a fact of life, part of the american experience for people of color, it seems the POTUS really is one of 'them'. Who knew?

[TexasObserver]

74. He was asked, and he responded. He's president. That's his job.

[Fire1]

84. No point in calling them in Detroit. Everybody knows that!

They don't come any fuckin way!! So there!

[seabeyond]

103. ah, i like how the pro cop choses to ignore issues and wrongs that need corrected

bury head in sand as public relations fizzle to nothing for the officers making their jobs so much harder, with the .... wait until you need a cop.

that doesnt cut it. that is not how grown ups solve problems and heal.