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PJM Poll: How Should Obama, Crowley, and Gates Break the Ice?

Once the trio hit the White House and crack open their beer, the silence may be awkward. What should Obama say in order to make the Harvard prof and the Cambridge cop kiss and make up?

by

Bio

July 29, 2009 - 8:18 am

Leave your ideas in the comments. PJM’s editors will award a prize to the best opening line suggestion. (Extra credit for those who guess what brand of beer they will be drinking.)

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141 Comments, 141 Threads, 1 Trackbacks

  1. 1. e

    A nice burger and beer can fix a lot of problems. The worst that can happen is somebody pretends like they’ve never made a mistake.

    Oh and who would pass up an opportunity to have a personal luncheon with the President? That’s something you get to brag to your grandchildren about.

  2. 2. Vaughn

    Shoot first and drink second!

  3. 3. David P

    In unison they should open with an a cappella version of Woody Guthrie’s, “This Land is Your Land”

  4. 4. Aaron Byrnes

    Inviting Crowley over for a beer with Gates and Obama is like a wolf and a hyena inviting a sheep over for dinner.

    Gates personally knows the president and tried to organize a national two minute hate against Crowley through Sharpton and a congressional investigation (before those got shut down). But we’re to believe that Gates is the un-empowered victim rather than the oppressor.

    There is a historical context for this. It is really an example of how powerful aristocrats tried to make examples of working class people who became inconvenient.

    Now that Gates and Obama were called out on this, they have to make Crowley perform in a Stalinesque dog and pony show where Crowley is expected to blame himself and sincerely demonstrate how much he really likes the two people who earlier tried to ruin his life through lies.

  5. 5. Stepan

    They should switch to crack cocaine–Obama’s drug of choice. Maybe the three of them could come up with a coherent economic plan that will save the country.

  6. 6. Melissa

    I love history and the air will be so thick with it. Folks can put this effort down if they wish BUT even if I do not agree with the president I would still relish the invite and the opportunity to walk where so much history has happened. I’ve only seen the White House from the iron fence, never been inside.
    That said I heard Obama was a Bud man…and Crowley likes the micro brews that Boston is famous for. Don’t know what Gates enjoys. Maybe he will drink ice tea who knows. Detente is GOOD…life’s too uncertain.

  7. 7. crazynut

    I would not have lunch with this Presidnt I don’t think that would be something to brag about in the years ahead. I look to what he has done to the future of this country. I would hang my head in shame.

  8. 8. Войска ПВО

    Attending this smarmy soiree does nothing for Crowley and will only prop up the affirmative-action prez and affirmative-action prof, to extricate their collective tits from the wringers they’re in.

    I am on my knees every night to the supreme deity in the fervent hopes Crowley will take a pass.

    Other than that, this matter is becoming beyond tedious.

  9. 9. Cannon6

    Not no, but hell no.

  10. 10. Anon

    No doubt, Black Label should be the beer of choice.

    The opening lines should be:

    Crowley: You are Mr. Barack Obama, The President of The United States?

    Crowley: You are The Honorable Mr. Henry Gates?

    President: Why yes.

    Gates: Why yes I am.

    Crowley should then extend his hand with papers in hand, and say: Thank You Gentlmen, You have now both been served in accordance with the rules of civil procedures in this the United States of America.

    Crowley should then leave, and let the Attys handle it.

    …….. now back to reality. A emergency will arise and the meeting will never take place.

  11. 11. Rich Poorman

    If Crowley has any sense, he will show up with a lawyer and a tape recorder. After all, Gates has HIS lawyer there, and they will spin whatever is discussed in their favor. I hope Crowley refuses to shake hands with either party until they both apologize without reservation. Somehow, I doubt that will occur. (BTW, “Crowley” is derived from the Gaelic “stalwart warrior.”)

  12. 12. Stephen in Afghanistan

    The three should sit down and look over papers of FBI statistics regarding race and crime. The astronomical differences may just shock Mr. Gates, but I’m sure he will find some form of excuse to make.

  13. 13. Nancy

    So, hey, what do you think of this Hops and Change?

  14. 14. Jimpres

    Sounds like ‘Beer Gate” to me.

  15. 15. Drew

    I have to admit that the behavior of the imperious Professor Gates since the incident has so angered me that my advice to officer Crowley would be “Do not go anywhere near that lion’s den! You will not emerge intact.”

  16. 16. arhooley

    Hmmm, this isn’t a poll; it’s a contest. Nevertheless:

    Never let a teachable moment go to waste! Play this ice-breaking parlor game. The host (Obama) distributes little slips of paper on which he, Gates, and Crowley write down what they understand to be the definition of “stupidly.” Then they put the papers into a hat that already contains a little piece of paper that has the dictionary definition of “stupidly” printed on it. They shake up the hat, each draw out a paper, and read the definition of “stupidly” out loud. All try to guess who wrote it.

    What’s nice about this ice-breaker is that the merry trio can continue teaching themselves if they want. As they drink, they can play more rounds with other words, such as “momma,” “cooperate,” “authority,” and “elite.”

  17. 17. Janice

    If Crowley is still planning on attending this event, he lends creedance to the argument that he did something wrong. Clearly, after the release of the audio tape, Crowley has been proven to have not done anything racist or wrong. The fact that one of the back up cops was a black woman, and confirmed that Gates was beligerent and gave disparaging remarks about Crowley and his “momma”, is simply icing on the cake. In order to give Obama and Gates their own “teachable moment”, I would respectfully decline the invitation. That will send a loud message to all of the other “race baiters” like Obama and Gates, that people are sick and tired of it and we are not going to take it anymore!

  18. 18. Phred

    You have the right to remain silent,
    You have the right to an attorney,
    and anything you say may and will be held against you…
    Now, Officer Crowley, how’s about a Miller Lite?

  19. 19. Realist

    RACIST President and RACIST Professor and insignificant White Cop whats to talk about?

  20. 20. john m e

    Gibbs,the central character in NCIS, frequently says,” never apologize -it’s
    a sign of weakness. I say,” right on dude, it’s best to recalibrate.” of
    course it sounds an awful lot like a line from ” Amos and Andy “, not very presidential….not nearly as profound as ..” what the meaning of is…is”.

  21. 21. Anon.

    Nut brown ale would be appropriate.

  22. 22. Anon

    …..on a side note. If the meeting does take place, I would almost wager that a (gag order) is placed on what takes within the meeting for……… National Security Reasons.

  23. 23. Janice

    (Crowley entering the White House where Obama and Gates are seated)

    Crowley: “So . . .I hear humble pie goes great with beer?”

  24. 24. incomitatus

    Tell Obama you want to check his ID -preferably his birth certificate.

  25. 25. Drew

    How about a deal? Crowley will go to the meeting if Obama and Gates attend one of his courses on how to avoid racial profiling. It would be a teachable moment.

  26. 26. bnjohanson

    Keep it very constructive and real amongst fellow reactionary extremist anti-Americans as Sgt. Crowley should not show-up and really ought not to waste his time and invite Rev. Jeremiah Wright instead….

  27. 27. theo

    OBAMA : guys, this is not about you, it’s about me. My ratings are down. If you kiss each other they will go up again…

  28. 28. ~Paules

    Anon to Anon. That was weird. Two different Anons posting within a minute of each other.

  29. 29. Thomas L......

    Try, sorry officer. However, I have to defend the right to be totally stupid in your own home even while I wouldn’t try it myself. The term “dead right” comes to mind. Maybe next time taser him a couple of times and we’ll really have something to talk about. Mr. Gates, next time co-operate, complain later and phone your buddy O for back up afterward.

  30. I’d tell Obama and Gates to both take their beers and stuff them.

  31. 31. maverick

    Not sure yet what the opening line should be, but there’s no doubt that Colt 45 should be the beverage.

  32. 32. Guila Jackson

    Opening statements could be–”We are going to have to stop meeting this way.”

    or

    “Imagine meeting you here.”

    Crowley should wear a T-Shirt that says “The Unteachables.” or “Where’s the Birth Certificate?”

  33. 33. DanRampage

    I think they should arm wrestle to see who should apologize.

  34. 34. Jay Lee

    The smartest thing would be for Crowley to keep his mouth shut, let the two idiots talk, drink his beer, and get out of there as soon as possible.

  35. 35. arhooley

    e:

    You’re a hard-working cop who’s unfairly branded a racist and called “stupid” by the Prez. Next thing you know, the Prez has egg on his face and needs to use you for damage control by establishing equivalence between you and the shameless race-mongerer. You turn him down flat. Now that’s “something you get to brag to your grandchildren about.”

  36. 36. Amy

    Crowley: Can you sign my birth certificate? I’ll be happy to sign yours?

  37. 37. Anon

    ~Paules:

    “Anon to Anon. That was weird. Two different Anons posting within a minute of each other.”

    Same person, no edit button :)

  38. 38. B

    Crowley can’t ‘take a pass’, it’s an invitation from The President Of The United States. The fact that he also happens to be an empty suit who intends to use this to further his personal agenda doesn’t matter, it’s still Crowley’s civic duty to attend. It does actually matter who you elect as President.

  39. 39. Annie

    Obama is disgracing the office, and Crowley is disgracing himself.

    I find it disgusting that this would go forward. obama is trying to make light of the situation and it is a photo op…Ads to Gates resume of crappy situations.

    Crowley has allowed himself to get caught up in the undertow. Next we’ll have belly dancers on the front lawn with Iran, a lamb (USA) on the spit..

  40. 40. abi

    “Smile guys!!, the world is watching ME”

    “hey gates, hug whitey for the cameras”

    All bad, not as bad as the situation.

  41. 41. vincent m. cooney

    Since all claim Irish heritage:Guinness of course)
    Pres. Obama: Gentlemen, a toast: “Erin go Bragh

    Prof. Gates: Hear! Hear!
    Sgt. Crowley: Shall we start with Danny Boy or
    When Irish Eyes are Smiling.

    Pres Obama: Let’s not and say we did.
    Prof. Gates: I suppose by now you all know I
    am descended from Nial of the Nine Hostages.
    Sgt. Crowley: I am told that I am too

    Pres. Obama: Great; let’s all call each other
    Bro and then go on about our business.
    All together: Good night Gracie, Good night
    Mrs Calabash whereever you are. SLANTA

  42. 42. Charles

    I’m sorry but, this chance beerfest can only lead to one outcome. Given the history of Obama’s connections to community organizers and the absolute necessity to be in the driving seat regarding this race issue, that outcome is most certainly WIN-LOSE. Guess who wins? Gates has repeatedly taken the position that he’s right and he was approached by a racist cop. The words change but, the message is the same. In a word, “You can put lipstick on a pig but, it’s still a pig.” I would never refer to a cop as a pig but,I can’t say that’s the case for Obama and Gates (behind closed doors of course, with a beer!).

  43. 43. biscuiteater

    Obama will mull over a Happy Ending Imperial Stout.
    Prof. Gates will sip Mickey’s Big Mouth.
    Sgt. Crowley will chug a Donkey Punch Ale.

  44. 44. Greg

    They should wire him before sending him into that meeting.

  45. 45. Ted

    HEADLINE:
    DRUNK COP PUNCHES OBAMA’S LIGHTS OUT
    Pansy Professor Bitch-Slapped by POTUS During Fracas

    That would do it for me.

  46. 46. Bohemian Hops

    Obama: “Officer Crowley, Skip, I just got off the phone with Oprah, and she has this great idea: you guys should go on her show, around N’awlins carnival time, and show the people how police and teachers use role playing to educate young people to imagine the plight of the Other. Skip, you are going to play the honky liberal Cambridge cop who has to go to the home of a renowned Muslim professor, famous for his work in free-market economics who is being investigated for dangerous driving (on the testimony of his students) who just happens to have a lot of unpaid parking tickets, which kind of clouds the issues… Crowley, you’re the prof., of course; you get to explain that you are being falsely accused just because you made a small donation to a Republican candidate in 1992 and wrote an article condemning the Nation of Islam as not real Islam, and doing a DNA study that shows the only real descendants of the tribe of Mohammed are in Kenya (you know, that whole Arab racism thing)… but no one is going to buy it because Oprah is playing the media and I’m sending in Gibbs to play me for the show.

    It’s going to be great, heh, but enough of this, let me tell you guys about looking into Chavez’s eyes, those Latinos always so buddy buddy eh?… yeah Michelle hates me drinking beer but sometimes I just have to remind her that it’s not really her house, yet, heh heh…

    Crowley ….:)

    Gates …..:)

  47. 47. Jack Olson

    “Sergeant Crowley, why doesn’t Professor Gates entitled to make phony accusations of racism to the press? Michelle and I do that all the time but no one arrests us for it. No one even questions it. Why can’t my friend Skip do the same?”

  48. 48. Kay

    Guila Jackson:

    Opening statements could be–”We are going to have to stop meeting this way.”

    or

    “Imagine meeting you here.”

    Crowley should wear a T-Shirt that says “The Unteachables.” or “Where’s the Birth Certificate?”

    Actually, the infamous 3 color Hitler-esque pose on a t-shirt with ‘NOPE’ under it would work nicely. Personally I think Crowley is an idiot for taking the offer.

  49. 49. Roque Nuevo

    Beer: Some yuppie-type boutique brew.

    What should Obama say? I won!

  50. 50. Linda A in LA

    It’s insane to have President Obama continue use his position to get himself out of this public relations disaster.
    Obama said what he felt, and we all heard him loud and clear. The sensible way for Crowley and Gates to speak is in a coffee shop in Cambridge where they both live, not in Washington, D.C. As a representative for Cambridge police and an instructor of racial sensitivity, Crowley gets the picture.

    For those who understand the point of view Professor Gates brings to his writing and the classroom and for those who understand how he reacted, he definitly can benefit from racial sensitivity dialogue. However, it is unlikely that this President, whose first reaction without knowing the facts was to say that the Cambridge Police acted “stupidly”, is the correct moderator for this forum. Both Gates and Obama displayed racially charged behavior and used racially insensitive words; Crowley did not.

    Perhaps the best use of time is for Obama (on his day off and with his own money) to attend one of Crowley’s police department seminars. And if Gates wants to come as well, I’m sure the Cambridge Police can teach him a thing or two.

  51. 51. Ernie Ziffle

    The scene is thus: The Emminent Professor, The Chosen One, and some “stupidly acting racist” cop are served glasses of cold beer while the White House press corps are gathered around with cameras readied for this historic “teachable moment”. There is a hushed silence in the room as the 3 figures stand with beer in hand as a frozen moment of history is about to unveil a tryst that will bridge the racial divide that so plagues America. Cherishing the spotlight, Obama,….without any teleprompter….seizes the glorious moment that will forever herald his name, and says in a loud clear voice, “Sgt. Crowley, let me the first to propose a toast…..TO YOUR MOTHER!”

    The next day, race riots break out across the USA, which MSNBC immediately blame on Dick Cheney.

    Obama is unavailable for comment; spending the week with his family and a guest, (only referred to as “Skip”) at a $50,000 rental on Martha`s Vineyard.

    To paraphrase comedian Ron White, there just is no fixing stupid.

  52. 52. Sebastian Shaw

    I would get to the White House & right at the photo op tell President Obama, “I don’t drink beer, wine, or any other alcoholic beverage.” I would then ask Obama why did he stick his foot in his mouth about a local matter he knew nothing about. Simply thinking he’s a know-it-all makes Obama a worse human being.

    I would ask Gates why he is a racist bigot slandering innocent police officers doing their jobs…

    Everything else should fall into place.

  53. 53. Roben B Taglienti

    Sgt. Crowley should bring a copy of “How Not To Get Your Ass Kicked By The Police” by CHris Rock.

  54. 54. Nancy

    Is Crowley’s mother invited, too?

  55. 55. Ranger Roach

    The good Sergeant James Crowley as a matter of duty, while the Professor and President are there with a very different and less friendly agenda. I think it would be very fitting for Sergeant Crowley to present the President with a photograph of a policeman killed in recent years while responding to reported home break in… with the over printed words “Be careful and Pay Attention” and ask the President to autograph the photo to be displayed in the Cambridge Police Department. This presentation would best be done at the ‘photo op’ that will occur probably at the end of their meeting… Under the glare of media lights maybe even the Professor would also be willing to sign the photograph. ;-)

  56. 56. Rignerd

    Crowley should go, drink his favorite beverage, smile for the cameras, be gracious in everything he says and does. In short be himself and maintain his professional demeanor.

    Proverbs 25:
    21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;
    if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.

    22 In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,
    and the LORD will reward you.

    Obama= Bud light
    Gates= Red Stripe
    Crowley= Sam Adams Boston lager

  57. 57. Jshub

    I think that all three should do tequila shooters until one of them keels over. The remaining two should then start ordering stuff from the home shopping channels on his credit card.

  58. 58. Anon

    Let us not forget the other innocent victim of this racially motivated attack.

    Mrs.Whalen

    http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=14808410&ch=4226713&src=news

  59. 59. Professor Guvinoff

    This meeting is a bad, bad, bad deal. If the president has any human sense, he will cancel it. He has already blundered during the original presser, made it worse the next day by expounding his lexicographic calibration theory. Please somebody explain how he will put the cat back in the bag by virtue of the soothing suds?

    At the minimum, it’s very unfair towards the Sergeant. Honest workers should never be asked to smile and joke with blowhards. What kind of photo op is that? If any picture was taken, I expect to see the policeman, fully realizing that the polite thing would be to smile, finding himself unable to meet this impossible standard.

    That would be poetic justice, by the way: Can you visualize the officer voting “present” in the face of the guy who invented the gambit?

    So much for the picture; How about the sound track?
    Somebody tries to break the ice with “Come on, , etc…”. Do you expect the challenge to come from the cop? If it comes from anyone else, how do you make it un-condescending?

    On the other hand, maybe the officer has a really hot attorney (I understand Boston is a rich field for that), and he negociated a million bucks from BHO and another million bucks from the Prof for the stereophonic smile, who knows?

    Is there anything smart for the policeman to say? Yes, there is: Say absolutely nothing!

  60. 60. Now and Then

    “kiss and make up” . . . isn’t that kind of gay? Is this a gay site?

  61. 61. toker53

    54 and 55,
    very funny,
    really!
    I have plenty to say but no way to post it without being banned.

    I will say that I wouldn’t want to be Henry Gates trying to traverse the streets of Cambridge, when the guy you railroaded drives an unmarked cruiser and carries a gun.
    I’m just sayin’

  62. 62. KRB

    It’s so said to see the president trying to use this officer to save his diminishing standing. The truth of this whole incident is that is a teachable moment about the elite v. the blue collar rather than one of racial profiling.

  63. 63. toker53

    If I were in the good seargents shoes.
    I’m at my favorite watering hole sipping my favorite suds. My Blackberry rings, I reluctantly answer it because itbay be another call about a Break and Enter. I realize that BHO is inviting me ot aLove Fest on the lawn of the White House. My response’ Yo Obama, do the letters FO mean anything to you? Disconnect, continue drinking, now I need a Double Maker’s Mark.

  64. 64. John "birther" Samford

    EVERY citizens first duty is to support Law and Order. When a Policeman tells you to do something, you do it. No dialogue, nothing but compliance. Let your lawyer deal with the police, that is what they are for.
    People have the silly idea that they can talk the police out of an arrest. They can’t. The Cops don’t want to hear your story. They don’t get paid to hear your story. They get paid to put cuffs on and take you downtown. Once there, after they take the cuffs off, you will find all sorts of people willing to listen to your story. Then they tell you their’s. After a while, your lawyer shows up and eventually, you will stand in front of a Judge, who gets paid to hear your story. Any interaction with the arresting officer will just make this process worse.
    Does anyone really think the Officer being black would have changed the process? Or the Perp being white?

  65. 65. lucy

    Does Crowley want the ice broken? Like a schoolboy, he’s being dragged into the principal’s office to make nice with the bully who just humiliated him in front of the entire school. Crowley’ll be lucky to be able to choke the damn beer down and paste a tense smile on his face while President Clueless thinks he’s brokered yet another peace accord. What an idiot Harvard graduated to so much fanfare.

  66. 66. Anon

    toker53:

    54 and 55,
    very funny,
    really!
    I have plenty to say but no way to post it without being banned.

    Jul 29, 2009 – 3:12 pm

    Toker, the comments are moderated, I don’t think you will get banned.

  67. 67. Anon

    To plug his pitiful movie/tv drama, no doubt one of the guilty will say something to the extent of…..

    …see, you dont understand what its like to be

    Black in America

  68. 68. Now and Then

    How ’bout some Colt 45 . . . LMAO!

  69. 69. homero

    the best Crowley can do is not be screwed over again. it is a no win for Crowley, PR for the Obuma.

    it is hard for him to refuse and it apparently is in his nature to go the extra step unlike the professor or the president.

    Hieneken

  70. 70. KevinS

    Maybe they can get Billy Dee to serve the Colt .45′s.lol

  71. 71. John Primmer

    Why should they kiss and make up? Crowley should say that he thought he was invited 1) because of his experience in teaching racial profiling, and 2) the obvious fact than neither Gates nor Obama have the foggiest notion of what it is. Then he should patiently look on as Gates screams in his face that he is a racist and Obama smugly asserts that he is stupid. That should pretty much take care of the first, and hopefully the last, beer.

  72. 72. Kriska

    #70 homero

    I agree that it is a no win situation for Crowley, especially since he is out numbered. I would like to see him show up with all the officers “that acted stupidly” just to even things out. I think this meeting would take on a completely different tone and not the photo op Obama had planed.

  73. 73. LennyB

    To break the ice, the President should say: “Considering that white people raised the two blackest folks in this room, I don’t know who should apologize to whom here. Perhaps we should just give up and view each other as Americans first. To that end, here’s a Sam Adams. And hurry up, because I’m jonesing for a smoke, and if I’m going to develop a lung condition, I want it to happen before my health care plan gets enacted.”

  74. 74. toker53

    46,
    Ted, That is a headline I would have painted on the side of my car!

  75. 75. grampa guy

    Crowley: “Why are we having this gathering on the porch, Mr. President?”

  76. 76. misanthropicus

    Will you step on the curb, sir – now I need your birth certificate, sir – keep all other papers.

  77. 77. toker53

    Gates should have followed the advice of someone other than Barack Obama.

    “When you’re faced with an officer trying to do his job and get to the bottom of something, this is not the time to get in an argument with him. I was taught that as a child, You don’t argue with a police officer” General Colin Powell U.S. Army(Ret) 28 July 2009.

  78. 78. Dick

    Obama is just grandstanding — something he does well. The only issue here is that a Black Harvard Professor behaved inappropriately and then accused the officer who arrested him for disorderly conduct of being a racist. I think America is getting tired of racism being an unsubstantiated excuse. Perhaps that’s a contributing factor to Obama’s decline in the popularity polls. Playing a bogus race card is divisive and dangerous to our society, and Obama is relying on it almost as commonly as he invokes the “Bush Did It” theme.

  79. 79. jackscrow

    What beer should be served?

    … why, LOST NATION PALE ALE, of course.

    The Beer for people who have Lost Their Nation, NOT Their Taste.

    LOST NATION PALE ALE from Willoughby Brewing Company, 4057 Erie Street Willoughby Ohio.

    http://www.willoughbybrewing.com/beer.htm

    The Ethnic Stereotyping Parable of Beer

    So…

    Maybe if we were to consider the whole “beer at the White House” (Breaking and entering) thing from Sgt. Crowley’s (Prof. Gates) point of view?

    You never know, he might feel a little put upon, having someone of another ethnic background automatically assuming he liked to drink (break and enter) because he was Irish (Black)? Maybe even if he is standing in a bar (In the foyer of a house with a broken front door) when he gets the invite?

    I mean, especially if he knows in the depths of his very soul and through the personal experience of generations of his ethnic group that there is a history of societal-wide biased belief that the majority of Irishmen (Blacks) abuse alcohol (Break and enter)?

    What if the invite was really only an innocent one – the kind of invite that someone might extend to a working acquaintance (Perp) or customer (Taxpayer) while in the course of their job?

    But what if then, as Sgt. Crowley (Prof. Gates) has been conditioned to look at such pleasantries as an insult to his heritage and his intelligence, he takes offense at the invitation to “have a beer” (Show some I.D.)?

    Are we to then blame Sgt. Crowley (Prof. Gates)?

    Of course not – blame the inviter, not the invitee.

  80. 80. Juvenal

    I’m told that the White House has ordered Blue Moon for Officer Crowley, Red Stripe for Prof. Gates, and the president will have his usual: A heady brew of hubris, flatulent rhetoric and dangerous naivete.

    OBAMA: “Uh, er, um, listen, fellas. I got a joke. Um, stop me if you’ve already heard it, now. Here goes: An Irish cop, a black professor and a community organizer from Kenya walk into a bar…”

  81. 81. Nick

    The Gates Affair A teaching moment:

    A policeman, certainly braver than I, making what to him is a routine investigation of a possible burglary is met not with gratitude, but with an angry tirade from the home owner. Shortly thereafter, now fashionably dressed, the acclaimed the scholar on network TV lectures the nation, repeats his bogus charges and characterizes the officer as a rogue policeman. Worse yet. our President with no knowledge of the facts, also on camera to be broadcast to the nation, leaps in asserting that the police behaved stupidly. The professor of constitutional law debases his high office to mindlessly condemn one of his loyal citizens.

    In this case however, the breathtaking audacity of the sophomores has run into welcome resistance. The tenured scholar secure in his office holds his ground. The untenured politician steps back little to newly “calibrate” (whatever that means) his language. Still insecure the president invites the boys to the White house to have a guy thing beer together. No brie and white wine here, Bud Lite and pickled egg more likely. That’s what the blue collar clods like. Show comradery and solidarity with the working stiffs. That’s the stuff that will get us over this. Might even nice the cop enough that he agrees on TV that there is some justification for the calumny heaped upon him.

    Would anyone want to meet with the highest officer of the land who accused him of acting stupidly, and then merely “recalibrated” his words? Or the academic who made and repeated his baseless accusations and never modified his language? However what citizen, particularly a public servant could refuse to meet the president no matter how distasteful the situation? This continued thinly disguised hectoring of the policeman is an arrogant abuse of power. Unforgivable.

    This case, is indeed a “teaching” moment, a particularly disgusting reminder of how easy it is today even in the finest and most prestigious of our institutions of higher education to pursue one or more advanced degrees, become an academic or skilled professional, yet remain an ignoramus, a Sophomore, or learned fool. Glibness learned by the sophomores enables them to veil dishonesty. The arrogant and snobbish (genteel bigots) delude themselves as well as others. In positions of power they abuse. As shown, advanced degrees in no way guarantee wisdom but often facilitate evil.

    In many of our Universities, it is still possible to become truly learned by the study of the accumulated wisdom of several millennia of civilization while pursuing a career oriented education. Such study is more likely to lead to careful reflection and humility. Every parent should consider this and encourage their college bound children to pursue such an education. It is enriching for the person and develops for the society a barrier to the kind of demagoguery we are witnessing.

  82. 82. pcnav

    Sgt Crowley is going to represent all police officers which Obama maligned. His role should be to go there, keep quiet and hear the what the racist in chief has to say in regards to his racist buddy Gates.

    From there he needs to report to an unbiased news source (or one biased in his favor) what was discussed at the meeting. Obama should not be given a free pass on this. He has had too many as it is.

  83. 83. Mike Nolan

    May I see some ID?

  84. 84. seansarto

    The Teachable Moment
    by
    Sean P. Sarto

    http://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Condescending-Friend

    Step 1. Take a breath…
    Step 2. Repeat as nesecary.

  85. 85. Perry

    Crowley is going to DC at the request of the POTUS. But all he’s doing is helpimg Obama pretend that this is a conflict between Crowley and gates.
    Crowley is being used as a pawn to cover the racism of gates and Obama.
    If I was Crowley, I would stay home and tell Obama to kiss my white ass!

  86. 86. sodacrackers

    Personally, I think Crowley is crazy for going. Why let them use him for a photo op. Haven’t they done enough? I would respectfully decline.

  87. 87. seansarto

    Class dismissed.
    (Dig what I’m sayin’….Wink, Wink O-man…Get it..”class”..)

  88. 88. sodacrackers

    #10 Anon, awesome, I tip my hat to you!

  89. 89. Jay

    Here’s to Yo mammas!

  90. 90. joe

    gentlemen, let bygones be bygones, let us enjoy one of kenya’s finest beer, a white cap. 4.2 alc kenya breweries ltd, p.o. box 301661, nairobi

  91. 91. seansarto

    Obama makse the mistake of asking Sgt. Crowley:
    “So, do you like to party?”

  92. 92. duxx

    Not once have I seen anyone say this outrageous behavior by Gates is off normal. As a “distinguished” professor his actions reflect poorly on a vastly overrated university. Had a lily-white professor created an intentional conflict of this magnitude, that professor would be dismissed immediately. The fact that this outcome will not be contemplated by the Harvard regents proves that THEY know Gates is no Gentleman, much less a serious scholar.

  93. 93. vivo

    President Obama:
    Did you guys bring some of the peanuts they give you in the plane? Joe Biden forgot to get me some.

    Sgt. Crowley:
    I can zip back and get some at 7-Eleven.

    Dr. Gates:
    Maybe you could bring some Colt 45′s.

    Is that going to be a great party or what?

  94. 94. seansarto

    This whole Presidential term is becomming like a DVD extra to the “American Gangster” film…..an EXTRA!
    Russell Crowe=Crowley
    Denzel Washington to play Obama in bipoic..etc…

  95. 95. Dave

    I hope officer Crowley makes a statement for all the good cops who have been smeared as stupid racists by the Gates and Obama’s of the world: Good cops, which are the vast majority, are there to serve and do right for everyone in the communities they serve. Reactionary race baiting by so called educated elite makes it harder for good officers to do their jobs and hurts everyone. Finally, real racism becomes nearly impossible to deal with when the term itself is thrown around so irresponsibly at every police officer you may encounter.

    Pass the pretzels, please.

  96. 96. Anon

    “93. duxx:

    Not once have I seen anyone say this outrageous behavior by Gates is off normal. As a “distinguished” professor his actions reflect poorly on a vastly overrated university. Had a lily-white professor created an intentional conflict of this magnitude, that professor would be dismissed immediately. The fact that this outcome will not be contemplated by the Harvard regents proves that THEY know Gates is no Gentleman, much less a serious scholar.”

    Off topic, but Harvard should remove him from his teaching role. It is the teaching of how to be racist, that keeps racism alive.

  97. 97. Lynn

    The women who called 911 and started this mess should be made to serve the beer to the pres, the cop, and the professor.

    It is after all her fault, and she should learn to mind her own business, keep to herself, and not look out for a neighbor.

    I’ll drink to that!

  98. 98. imyou

    This is just more Munchausen By Savior.

  99. 99. Paul -Indiana

    It would be helpful if all those who don’t want police called in case of suspicious activity would list their addresses on-line so we wouldn’t annoy them by calling the police. As an extra added bonus, we could help the ‘movers’ carry the home’s contents to the truck, with TLC.

  100. 100. Paul -Indiana

    Do you think that Teleprompter-Barbie will need that ‘teaching aid’ tonight?

  101. 101. J.Long

    #25 Drew

    EXCELLENT idea!!

  102. 102. Arroyo

    If I were Crowley, I would’ve told Obama to go suck eggs….And, for those criticizing the 911 caller, you are wrong….Thousands of burglaries in progress have been thwarted by somebody phoning when things do not look quite right. This woman has been unfairly vilified.

  103. 103. Another one

    Obama sez….Hey Crowley ah ah what can I say I called you stupid ..so ah ah ah SHOOT ME

  104. What makes you think Crowley will show up? Not one of these cutsie “beer summit” stories has quoted him agreeing to come. Not even a “no comment” from the Cambridge PD.

  105. 105. shimauma

    “What should Obama say in order to make the Harvard prof and the Cambridge cop kiss and make up? ”

    I think barry should stop wasting my tax payer money on his approval ratings by serving beer in a public forum, but as far as making these guys shake hands, he could try admitting what an a$$face he is and suggest the professor go next.

  106. 106. PatAZ

    First line from Obama: So, what you guys been up to lately?

  107. 107. Anon

    Apologies Not Expected at Beer Gate

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090730/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_harvard_scholar

    Obama wants it to be a photo op.

    Reporters not allowed.

  108. 108. rufusrastasjohnsonbrown

    Anyone know when Gates house will be vacant again?Something tells me there is golden opportunity about to prsent itself.

  109. 109. Gerald Arcuri

    Is there ANY level of theatrics that this President will not stoop to? He is an embarassment to the office and the country. This whole masquerade is utter foolishness. But perhaps to a nation addicted to unreal reality shows, this is just one more episode.

    The first line by Barack Obama should be, “I suppose you’re wondering why I called you all here today.”

    Then, he should follow Sara Palins’s lead and resign.

  110. 110. Anon

    Ironic that Barack can travel around the world and bow before a foreign King, but can’t apologise to an AMERICAN POLICE FORCE, or the Officer, or the other victim MRS.Whalen.

  111. 111. Gerald Arcuri

    Oh, and I forgot… the beer served should be Near Beer.

  112. 112. Scott

    Personally if I were Crowley, I’d refuse until President Obama had just as publicly apologized (and not some half-assed sort of apology either) to me and the Cambridge Department as he publicly trashed both. Then I’d go and have my beer with him.

    I also liked the suggestion about autographing the photo “Be ready and be alert” during the Prez’s photo op.

  113. 113. Dee

    I am all for respecting law and order. Gates flew off the handle and misbehaved but he didn’t deserve to be arrested.

    Crowley’s credibility dropped for me when it was revealed he lied in the police report.

    They should all sit down and talk like big men about the nonsense that can happen when emotion overcomes commonsense.

  114. 114. crazpa

    Crowley should not say a word other than to ask for a Black Label Beer and drink directly from the bottle.
    That should make the fake Professor happy as a lark; he is real pain in the butt; maybe Harvard should investigate his classes and see what garbage he teaches; he probably has a lecture on how to jimmy doors?

  115. 115. crazpa

    Crowley should not say a word other than to ask for a Black Label Beer and drink directly from the bottle.
    That should make the fake Professor happy as a lark; he is real pain in the butt; maybe Harvard should investigate his classes and see what garbage he teaches; he probably has a lecture on how to jimmy doors?

  116. 116. crazpa

    ok on the jimmy part change to force open

  117. 117. Dr. Bukk

    Crowley should open the discussion with statistic about the genocide of white people by black men. Then he should move on to how many black men are killed because people like Gates and Obama gin up the chances blacks will flee, resist, try to shoot their way out or trash the cop.

    He should tell Obama that blacks enjoy equal protection of the laws of the US and if they are unfairly treated during an arrest they have redress in court. He should tell Obama that he totally screwed up a “teachable moment” that could have saved the lives of many black men. He should ask Obama to address the U.S. and tell them it is foolish to confuse law and authority, and that your life could depend on cooperating with authorities.

  118. 118. crazpa

    Crowley should not say a word other than to ask for a Black Label Beer and drink directly from the bottle.
    That should make the Harvard Professor happy.
    After a couple of beers maybe Crowley will notlook so stupid.

  119. 119. AlanABQ

    What should Obama say in order to make the Harvard prof and the Cambridge cop kiss and make up?

    I know: he could say “OK, I admit it; I have no clue what the f**k I’m doing, so here’s my resignation. But before I go I’m reassigning Gates back to Clown College, where his skills will be put to better use.”

    That ought to do it!

  120. 120. sallie

    A proud moment for alcoholics worldwide.

    good message for the young people

  121. 121. seansarto

    Obama: “Mr.Crowlees have you met my wife Michelle….Meechelle why don’t you come on out here an’ introduce yerself to the nice gentlemen who come so graciously to visit us this evenin’…..Ooooo baby, you are lookin’ booty-fine t’night….I’se almost say Mr. Crowlees here have ta arrest you fer wearin’ somethin’ as flimsy indecent as that thing you got on…Mr. Crowlees…Say, isn’t “Crowley” a brand of white milk…Jest bustin’ on ya, son…Jest bustin’….Anyways, Mr. Crowlees do you think the missus is lookin’ indecent t’night or all sexy as hell?….What’d ya says Mr Crowlees?…Hehehe…Did you happen to bring them handcuffs of yours along with you?…No?…That’s a shame…..Well, Michelle why don’t you go an’ sit over there next to nice Mr. Crowlees an’ the two of you get more aquainted with each other…..Mr. Crowlees I bet you never knew how much Michelles got a deep little thing….a kinda dirty little guilty pleasure…for the mens in uniforms….Don’t ya Michelle?….YEEEAH, that’s right, sweetheart…She got a THING….That’s nice….Jest chillin’ an’ relaxin’ …nice, cool an’ comfy….E’erybody’s cools here, ain’t we Mr. Crowlee?…Say, Michelle how ’bout you showin’ Mr. Crowlees a nice little looksey inta Mr. Lincoln’s bedroom?…I bet Mr. Crowley’d like a nice private tour now don’t he?….Know what I mean, Mr. Crowlee?..”Private tour”?”

  122. 122. Carol

    66 Lucy

    Ditto. Crowley’s been put into a terrible position. What could he do, refuse the invite? It’s beyond patronizing. As if the guy hasn’t been through enough insanity with the media and O’s comments. I hope he leaves the beer sitting on the table and after a few minutes excuses himself to catch his plane back home.

    111 Anon

    Right on comment. Agree 100%.

    121 sallie

    Agreed. Why the beer? The message is wrong. Why must alcohol be involved as some symbol of discourse, conversation, bridge-building, communication, etc.

  123. 123. Jim Baker

    This thing is only a problem for the President, who jumps to racial conclusions, and a Professor, who thinks he can berate police officers because they are white. The Prez and the Prof need to get together and craft a public apology to the whole Cambridge police department. I’m sure that won’t ever happen. The policeman, who did his job by the book, is just a prop in a dog and pony show designed to help a racist politician get his tit out of his own political mess and to put a righteous spin on the racist behavior of a so called college professor. Enjoy the teaching moment all of you whiteys out there. Sheesh.

  124. 124. sixfingers

    Crowley is a bum.
    When he found out that Mr. Gates lived in the house, he should have left.
    It is a cops job to arrest someone even the innocent.
    He trumped up charges to escalate the charges and make a very poor arrest.
    Obama should have had someone from the Justice department at the meeting to arrest Crowley.

  125. 125. Dr Strangelove

    Crowley should tell dear leader to go &*^$ himself and Gates too.

  126. 126. AP

    opening line: “how about those sox?”

  127. 127. steveg

    Beer outside at a picnic table? Isn’t this what good ole boys do for entertainment? Drinking beer and shooting the breeze with their pals.

    Obama asked his advisors how they can appease the stupid white boys before they go on vacation, and this is what they came up with. Pretty funny when you think about it.

  128. 128. Anon

    Officer Lashley wins hands down.
    For those whom do not know, after the beer gate meeting, Crowley had a brief media moment wherein he answered a few quesions. He made it clear that no apologies had been given, and that his family has been in danger, he thanked the Cambridge PD and another law enforcemtn agency for protecting his family from the…… media.
    A reporter asked about a certain private letter that Crowley had given to Barack on behalf of Mr.Lashley. Crowley stated he gave Barack the letter but had no knowledge of the contents, because after all it was a private letter.
    Then Mr.Crowley exited the stage.

    Moments later a CNN reporter had a breaking news annoucement that they had a COPY of the letter that was delivered to Barack.

    In a nutshell, the letter stated that Barack and Gates had made him look like a racist against blacks, that his life was being threatend, and that he was tired of receiving phone calls labeling him as a “Uncle Tom”. If I recall correctly he further stated what was Barack and Gates going to do to rectify this problem that they had created.

    Gates was correct…… It was a “teachable moment”

    Geez guys, now what is Barack and Gates going to do,,,,,,,, sit and drink more beer maybe???

  129. 129. Jim Baker

    sixfingers is an idiot.

  130. 130. Anon

    Amazing that I can not find this letter posted on the net. If Im not mistaken, Lou Dobbs made the report.

    Is it possible a coverup is taking place?

  131. 131. Katya

    Professor Gates, as a friend of the President of the United States, a friend of the Governor of Massachusetts and a Professor at Harvard University, along with whomever else he knows (Mayor Simmons) and accolades he has received apparently believes that he is “untouchable.” Proof of that are his comments such as “you don’t know who you are messing with” and his call to the “chief.” I am assuming this was the Chief of the Cambridge Police, but I do not know. A person with these kinds of connections and who is employed by a prestigious university actually believes they are better than everyone else. They belong to a flawed and false value system that believes a person’s worth is based on their economic, educational and social status. Now, add to that the fact that this man has lived and breathed everything African-American for decades. Not that there is anything wrong with that; it just seems like a bit of a narrow focus for someone who claims to be so educated and knowledgeable. It also can cause a person to become myopic . . . which leads to his behavior during this incident. I think Professor Gates behaved in the way that he did b/c he has a very elevated opinion of himself and that if anyone treats him like a normal person rather than his elevated opinion of himself then he will use any means at his disposal to “put that person in their place” so to speak b/c they do not agree with his elevated opinion of himself. In this case he acted out and became belligerent to an authority figure who was asking him a question which he would have asked anyone. But remember, Professor Gates doesn’t view himself as just “anyone.” So that was the ultimate insult. “You don’t know who you are messing with.” Well, apparently Sgt. Crowley did know what TYPE OF A PERSONALITY he was “messing with,” and he did what he was trained to do; what he would have done if the person were Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic, Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, or whatever, who was acting out. Seeing how Professor Gates’ behavior was escalating, he hand-cuffed him and booked him Dan-O! Anyone else would not have had the charges dropped if they had behaved in a similar fashion. The fact that the charges were dropped indicates that this issue is also about class and privilege as well as race. And the real issue is black racism against white people, not vice-versa, in this particular case. Please read the following from Wikipedia regarding Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Do these comments sound racist to you? He even went so far as to say obscene and profane material had important roots in African-American vernacular speech . . . In other words because it is a black group (2 Live Crew) it is okay to be obscene and profane. What kind of a mind thinks like that? More importantly, why is a man who thinks like that teaching anything to anyone? Harvard University should be ashamed. Professor Gates should be dismissed.

    To his eventual embarrassment, he wrote in his Yale application, “As always, whitey now sits in judgment of me, preparing to cast my fate. It is your decision either to let me blow with the wind as a nonentity or to encourage the development of self. Allow me to prove myself.”[4]
    Gates’ prominence in this field led to his being called as a witness on behalf of the controversial Florida rap group 2 Live Crew in an obscenity case. He argued the material which the government alleged was profane, had important roots in African-American vernacular speech, games, and literary traditions and should be protected.

  132. 132. rachel peepers

    Frankly my beer friends, I don’t give a rat’s behind what anybody thinks Obama should say to break the ice.

    I do care that people are breaking the law with impunity; with absolutely no contrition and getting away with it.

    Big shot members of the Obama administration, Tim Geithner jumps to mind; “Taxes? I forgot.”

    Pals of Barack claiming to be proud to have been domestic bomb throwing terrorists, like Professor Bill Ayers and Adjunct Professor Dorn who are constantly in the news, and who keep in contact with Barack through intermediaries; who claim they’re only regret is not doing more bomb throwing. They’re definitely living on the dark side.

    Another dirt bag that leaps to mind.
    Harvard Professor Henry Gates who has a PHD in racism and race baiting, and is, of course, front and center in the news. In fact, on every news show tonight.

    The Black Panther boys who pranced around a polling place in Philadelphia with Billy clubs
    last election, every gross step saying either vote for Barack or be beaten to a pulp.

    The Feds had an open and shut case of voter intimidation, were ready to throw the book at those bully boys. Then Barack’s crack attorney general, Eric, (all white people are racial cowards) Holder, only last week, decides not to prosecute. (“Heavens to Betsy, don’t want to do anything to rile up that black voter base”).

    Among the things these miscreants all have in common is the ability to stay out of jail.

    To carry out everything from heinous acts to racist acts to racist taunting of police officers, and get off scott-free.

    In the case of Henry, (“do you know who I am, you pig?”, Gates, not only were charges dropped (maybe because he’s palsy walsy with Obama), but the master race baiter gets invited to have a Guinness at the white house. Kind of like a reward which in pre-Barack days was usually reserved for lawbreakers on the lam. All of this inability to tell right from wrong and enforce the law has Rachel in a tither. Where’s my Ativan?

    Note to self.

    Rachel, don’t start ranting. Calm down. (But Rachel doesn’t listen.) The Ativan hasn’t kicked in.)

    Rachel’s wound up like a spring loaded toy.

    “Goodness gracious, something stinks in Washington and it ain’t week old balogna. It’s the BS that comes out of the mouths of the members of the Obama administration like a liquid pile of vile, lying through-their-teeth, ignoring-the-law, trying to-subvert-the-constitution projectile vomiting.

    Is the rant over? No such luck.

    “Holy mackerel, hear about the Iowa woman who sold all her TV’s so she doesn’t have to see Obama’s lies and distortions polluting the airwaves anymore?”

    Thank you Ativan.

    What Obama is really doing is making light of breaking the law, especially if it’s a professor friend of his. Or, on the other hand, does he just say to himself, “what would Sotomayor do in this case?”

    All of which teases my interest. After all, I’ve never been invited to do any serious socializing at the brown eyed handsome man’s White House. Since I’m a girl, I might even get to meet the big boned, but undeniably comestible Michelle.

    Let’s see, what could I do to get my President’s attention?

    Burn a cross on Gate’s front lawn? Hey, not bad for a first thought. We’re just a stone’s throw apart (I’m staying with my Dad in Connecticut.)

    By golly, the plan seems to fit the template; the kind of hate crime that Obama doesn’t investigate; that Holder doesn’t try to convict.

    If I added a small bomb lobbed into Professor Gate’s Olympic size swimming pool (not intending to hurt anybody) my plan might be watertight. “El Perfecto” as Bill Clinton used to say.

    The question is when. Well, how about, though it’s soon, early August before school starts. Before I put the wheels in motion, though, I’m going to get my appointment book.

    Yes, I’m free Thursday night, August 6. No, a full moon. Instead I’ll do it a week later, August 13. Perfect. Yet, I still wonder. Shall I really go through with it?

    Oh, why not, Rachel? What have you got to lose?

    Afterward, it should take a couple of days for Obama to formally invite me. I bet he’ll select, Tuesday, August 18th. (My birthday. I’ll be 22).

    Shall I? Yeah, I’m gonna go ahead and pencil it in. Now to decide what to wear.

  133. 133. Anon

    A lot of this is in learned behavior, for instance videos like this.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYHfRQ6Nn1c&feature=related

    I believe barack has went on record as stating he enjoys the message that rap music sends.

  134. 134. Mark Miller

    4 guys sitting around a beer? This usua”ly breaks the ice for me; “Chicks, man……”

  135. 135. sixfingers

    Thank you Mr. Baker.
    A very intelligent statement.
    You are either a cop or you live in a hole.

  136. 136. Jim Baker

    Is living in a hole the antithesis of being a cop, or do you just specialize in emoting with incoherence? My son is a cop and you are an idiot.

  137. 137. rachel peepers

    James Crowley, in my humble opinion, should have broken the ice by picking up the table and broken it over a couple of racist heads.

  138. 138. sixfingers

    Obama did say that cops are stupid. You are a fine example of being stupid.

  139. 139. Jim Baker

    I guess if Obama said it, it must be true. That makes as much sense as your last comment, so I can understand how you could arrive at that conclusion. Stupidly, of course.

  140. 140. Stephen in Afghanistan

    I vote #36 arhooley….

    well played sir.

  141. 141. Mike Warren

    We should all formally recognize that James Crowley and the police forces in our great nation were the victim of racial prejudice. Instead, we will all be “taught” by our president and the unscrupulous mainstream media that we misinterpreted what was said and that the blame should be place elsewhere. I am personally proud of James Crowley.

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