President Obama, Professor Gates and Cambridge Police

President Obama, Professor Gates and the Cambridge Police
By Brent Staples


Op Ed #5

African- American Henry Louis Gates was arrested by Cambridge Police while trying to break in to his house. A Harvard Professor, Gates managed to lock himself out of his own house. Police saw him trying to enter, and, as all cops are trained to do, arrested him. The man furiously insisted that it was his own house and swore at the cops, deeming them racists. This simple misunderstanding turned into a massive ordeal of racial profiling. President Obama jumped into the situation and agreed with the racist accusations when he claimed the Cambridge Police acted, “stupidly.” Brent Staples, author of the article President Obama, Professor Gates and the Cambridge Police and friend of Professor Gates, insisted that the arrest was simply a precaution and in no way racist. However, Staples centered the focus of the article not on the arrest itself, but on racism in general and how this situation will concern President Obama. He asserts that this issue may negatively affect the media’s perspective on Obama’s ideals regarding racism. President Obama did say he may have been harsh, yet he refused to apologize to Cambridge Police. Despite his attempts to justify his previous statement, it is still apparent that Obama’s responsibilities as President do not include criticizing local police for making a precautionary arrest. The threat of nuclear invasion from three countries seems like a more appropriate matter to address as President.
Brent Staples’ article was neither informative nor factual. The lack of facts about Professor Gates’ arrest and Obama’s remarks following the arrest made the article almost pointless. However, he made several points about racism that were pertinent to the case. He admits that racism is still a problem, and it will never just “vanish.” He also addresses the point that racism in America is no longer a force threatening enough to prevent any dream from coming true. African Americans dominate athletics, entertainment, and now the White House. He also insinuates that discrimination is just an excuse. His dramatic claims about racism are controversial, and not supported by fact. This dangerous combination may raise havoc in the media.