Gates 911 caller: Um, why am I a racist for reporting a possible crime in progress?
posted at 6:37 pm on July 29, 2009 by Allahpundit
She saw two guys she didn’t know, one of whom was black, breaking into a house so she decided to err on the side of caution and call the cops. Ergo, racism. As it turns out, she didn’t identify either Gates or his cab driver as black in the actual call to police, a fact the media paid some attention to after the tape was released as possibly exonerating her of any malign intent. But as a lefty friend said to me today, what would it prove if she had ID’d them by race? That’s a standard detail given in any description of a suspect. Is the new reality that it’s okay to assume the worst about a break-in so long as the suspects aren’t minorities, but if they are minorities, it automatically becomes improper? Explain to me what she did that warranted the death threats here.
Meanwhile, not one, not two, but three separate liberals who follow me on Twitter thought it was important that I be informed that a cop who appears to have no connection to Crowley and who in fact works in a different police department than he does used a racial slur against Gates in an e-mail. What lesson I’m supposed to glean from that fact is unclear, but I have a hunch this Patterico post on stereotyping might be worth re-reading. Exit question: How come Whalen wasn’t invited to be part of tomorrow’s “teachable moment”/kegger at the White House? Evidently she wants to be.
Blowback
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Aw. That dear poor lady. Just doing her civic duty in a caring and concerned way has turned her life upside down and damaged her for the remainder of her life. If anyone needs a beer with da Prez, it’s her.
She’ll probably never call the cops for a damn thing ever again.
SilverStar830 on July 29, 2009 at 7:12 PM
I would prefer that people not call the cops if they see someone breaking into my house; gives me plenty of time to make sure he’s dead.
Bishop on July 29, 2009 at 7:12 PM
Utopia Lite
Monument too phallic for the occasion.
whitetop on July 29, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Call me a cynic, the only thing that would be sweeter than Crowley being the anti-racist cop would be this woman being a PUMA.
Upstater85 on July 29, 2009 at 7:14 PM
That she didn’t describe the person she saw breaking in as ‘black’ might indicate a local taboo against doing so.
Count to 10 on July 29, 2009 at 7:14 PM
6. Even if born, I’m not a human until properly socialized.
chemman on July 29, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Every day I find myself more and more thankful for your presence on Hot Air.
myrenovations on July 29, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Audio/Video from Gates’ first day on the beat:
Key West Reader on July 29, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Are they trying to intimidate callers to not say the race?
The only racists in this circus,..Gates and hussein!!
christene on July 29, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Gates first day on the Beat
Key West Reader on July 29, 2009 at 7:16 PM
This is all pretty strange. Cambridge is a lot like Berkeley, only with really bad drivers.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on July 29, 2009 at 7:17 PM
This is getting confusing. I’m starting to think we need a chart, or something…
Gilda on July 29, 2009 at 7:18 PM
An officer who is not Sgt. Crowley, is not a part of Sgt. Crowley’s department, and who may not even know Sgt. Crowley, makes a racist comment; ergo, Sgt. Crowley is a racist.
I will pop out for a sandwich and let you marvel over the Aristotelian precision of that logic.
________
RJGatorEsq. on July 29, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Almost there…you kin do it….just gotta believe. :-)
coldwarrior on July 29, 2009 at 7:18 PM
I just now got back from court to testify in a criminal case. I, and my wife, were the only witnesses.
BECAUSE we showed up to testify, the defendant copped a plea.
After that was finished, the DA came up to us and thanked us. He added, “most people won’t even say anything. Heck, and even if they do, they rarely actually show up to testify.”
I wonder why.
Gates disgusts me. If he was a mature adult, he would thank this woman, and the cops for looking out for his life and property. What a jerk.
Saltysam on July 29, 2009 at 7:18 PM
homophobes!
Upstater85 on July 29, 2009 at 7:18 PM
Gates first day in Crowley’s shoes
Thanks ColdWarrior!
Key West Reader on July 29, 2009 at 7:19 PM
This whole situation of going after ANYONE who dares question Obama plays into a bigger, more ugly liberal agenda.
Joe the Plumber- tax info leaked, digging into background
Sarah Palin- Family viciously slimed, e-mail hacked, etc.
911 Caller- Labeled racist bigot,
Sgt. Crowley- Labeled stupid racist bigot by Obama HIMSELF.
The list grows.
The libs play for keeps. They don’t care who they destroy, or the consequences. The gloves need to come off folks. We need to strike back, and do it hardcore.
portlandon on July 29, 2009 at 7:20 PM
You’re correct. Bob Herbert of the NYT would run columns for weeks about the phallic symbolism. Sorry, he simply didn’t get enough ridicule for that assertion last year.
BuckeyeSam on July 29, 2009 at 7:20 PM
I like to meticulously plan my beer consumption days in advance as well. That’s authenticity right there.
DaveS on July 29, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Let’s not forget Andrew Sullivan.
Upstater85 on July 29, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Sorry FIFY
CWforFreedom on July 29, 2009 at 7:21 PM
They had to make sure they had some Sangria for Barry and a box of Franzia for Gates (Gates’ wine is equivalent in stature to his academic work).
Upstater85 on July 29, 2009 at 7:22 PM
My beer suggestion.
califdreamnred on July 29, 2009 at 7:22 PM
Come on, I think Ernesto has said many times how he saves himself for the hot moms…
Upstater85 on July 29, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Mr Springfield and Mr Ruger from my house second the motion.
chemman on July 29, 2009 at 7:23 PM
I’ve noticed most newspapers today, in reporting crimes, completely avoid mentioning the race of the perpetrator. Of course, often their names give them away, but NEVER mention the race of a criminal. That would be criminal.
I can see it soon: “Hello, police? There’s a robbery in progress at such and such an address..What does the robber look like? Well, he’s a guy…can I say that?”
bradley11 on July 29, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Hahahaha!
Now, see, if I had a chart to follow – or an Excel spreadsheet probably, because this whole Hatin’ Hierarchy thing is so darn complicated – I never would have made that gaffe!
Gilda on July 29, 2009 at 7:24 PM
FIFY
CWforFreedom on July 29, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Well I guess that says it all. “O” Dumbo will be drinking on the job!!!
OH hell thats right Slick Willy was running a whore house in the oval office!!!!
Rick007 on July 29, 2009 at 7:25 PM
She should realize that strangers of the protected ethnicity are allowed to break into houses, unnoticed, now that Obama is President.
Get with the white guilt program, lady!
profitsbeard on July 29, 2009 at 7:25 PM
I’ll have to let Ernesto defend himself from here on out
Upstater85 on July 29, 2009 at 7:25 PM
She’s Portuguese, according to an article I read.
Whatever the case, gotta love how the Left flipped out on her. What is wrong with these people?
FWIW: Thomas Sowell had a great article about Obama and others who traffic in this racial-grievance nonsense. I’m afraid that conservatives are going to have to beat these people back with sticks.
Sorry to hear about the Boston cop; but I’d love to find out that he has an Obama sticker on his car.
BuckeyeSam on July 29, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Uh, because your white. How come dis woman don’t know dat, sheeit.
larvcom on July 29, 2009 at 7:25 PM
That is just too ridiculous…seriously.
When I have a few friends over, we all drink the same…whatever the host puts in the cooler.
Blue Moon? Not even a real Belgian beer?
A cooler full of Miller…what is so difficult about arranging that?
Red Stripe? See
Perfect!
Butt Lite? Figures.
coldwarrior on July 29, 2009 at 7:26 PM
This is just the berries. This nice young man calls the cops and the next thing you know people are threatening.
Yep…Gates told Crowley that he did not who he was messing with…and this young woman is getting death threats.
But then again, perhaps the people making those threats made them from their own homes and by God if you can not threaten to kill someone from the sanctity of your own home..then the civil liberties of every freaking idiot with a cell phone have been endangered. Someone call Hitch…
Terrye on July 29, 2009 at 7:28 PM
I was going to suggest cue up keystone Cops. But that was way better. Still laughing.
chemman on July 29, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Hey Obama – those are your goons attacking this woman. Why not call them off?
poppieseeds on July 29, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I should have said this nice young woman. I drink one lousy glass of wine and I can’t type.
Terrye on July 29, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I heart it. And you can totally call on me as a witness that it was in self-defense.
Sir Corky on July 29, 2009 at 7:29 PM
I guess he is still waiting.
chemman on July 29, 2009 at 7:30 PM
I like the Portuguese they are the sensible Latin community.
Ogabe’s a lot like Arafish he has “control” in the sense that a car driver in a vehicle with no brakes has it….
he can seed up “I is outraged” but he can seldom slow it down…
sven10077 on July 29, 2009 at 7:31 PM
*speed up
sven10077 on July 29, 2009 at 7:31 PM
No defense is needed
I bet he agrees with every word you I mean i said.
CWforFreedom on July 29, 2009 at 7:31 PM
No good deed goes unpunished, Ms. Whalen.
Christien on July 29, 2009 at 7:32 PM
You forgot never mention the political party unless a Republican
chemman on July 29, 2009 at 7:32 PM
“He Look Like. A Man.”
/Ms. Swan – MAD TV
Key West Reader on July 29, 2009 at 7:32 PM
But are the Portuguese as wise as the Spaniards? We don’t even know where they stand on empathy.
Upstater85 on July 29, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Word. I’ll split the contents of his wallet with you.
Bishop on July 29, 2009 at 7:32 PM
well in this electoral cycle with their percentage of the body politic they are only 10% as wise…..
detail to come.
sven10077 on July 29, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Someone please explain to me why it’s racist to condemn someone simply because of the color of their skin but not to defend them simply because of their skin color.
Rod on July 29, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Just can’t stop at one can you. :)
chemman on July 29, 2009 at 7:35 PM
You a racist identity thieving honkey white hoe man!
/
Key West Reader on July 29, 2009 at 7:35 PM
Watch for a uniformed steward to deliver the beer in crystal goblets and Ogabe drinking from his with pinkie held high.
Bishop on July 29, 2009 at 7:36 PM
If she was racist, she WOULD NOT have called the cops. She would have been thinking… “oh, it’s just some black guy’s house, serves him right that someone is breaking into it.”
behiker on July 29, 2009 at 7:38 PM
They can get Hillary to show them how to do shots and chasers.
dpierson on July 29, 2009 at 7:38 PM
LOL. My next door neighbors are black. We went out of town awhile back and some idiots kept using our driveway. Our neighbors called the cops, the cops came, the parking people left and that was it.
Not sure what planet obama lives on (maybe in a timewarp or something) but where I live, neighbors watch out for eachother without regard to race, creed or color.
Key West Reader on July 29, 2009 at 7:40 PM
Because you were the instigator of a chain of events which ultimately led to the national, public embarrasment of a minority “leader”.
People like you cannot be allowed to go unpunished, especially in our newly post-racial world.
You and Joe the Plumber should look into sharing a room somewhere. No, really.
BobMbx on July 29, 2009 at 7:46 PM
Well, I guess that it’s now politically incorrect to report a burglary if the perp is of a minority. Since Prof. Gates’ home was apparently already the site of a break-in once, if someone sees someone breaking in in the future, the witness should take the safer road and not call the police. It doesn’t sound as if it’s worth all the trouble. I’m sure the good professor wouldn’t mind having his home looted, as long as his neighbor wasn’t being a racist.
hachiban on July 29, 2009 at 7:46 PM
She should be! And so should the 911 operator who took her call! And the older woman who originally alterted her to the situation! And the driver that entered the home with Gates! And the other police officer who wrote a report about it! And the district attorney who dismissed the charges!
And, most of all, YOU. AP should absolutely be invited to this. He is an integral part of the controversy, so not inviting him would make the whole thing moot.
orange on July 29, 2009 at 7:47 PM
After drinks, Ogabe will pour a big pile of coke on the table and say, “Now for some real action.”
Bishop on July 29, 2009 at 7:48 PM
The 911 operator was asking her what race they were…
d1carter on July 29, 2009 at 7:48 PM
With Arugula pinafores. Just for fun, I’d haved asked for a Mint Julep.
BobMbx on July 29, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Thou shalt not embarrass the God King, or those of your betters.
Speakup on July 29, 2009 at 7:52 PM
so let it be written, so let it be done
cmsinaz on July 29, 2009 at 7:53 PM
chamman:
No, I can not.
Terrye on July 29, 2009 at 7:54 PM
In the police report both Crowley and Figueroa state that they spoke to Whalen on scene.
I’d like to know the truth about that.
drjohn on July 29, 2009 at 7:59 PM
For all of those who may be considering breaking in…someone may have gotten there before you.
AprilOrit on July 29, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Well.
I hope she has learned her lesson.
Next time she sees a possible home invasion in progress of Professor Gate’s house she keeps to herself and just turn and walk away.
kurtzz3 on July 29, 2009 at 8:01 PM
Well it’s probably for the best that Ms. Whalen didn’t get an invite. If she went she probably wouldn’t be able to soak in her lesson while fixating on the “snitchez git stitchez” t-shirt worn by one of her her drinking companions.
(I’m not gonna say who’d be wearing said t-shirt, but I suspect it might have to be dug out of the laundry from the last meeting with a couple of I.G.’s)
red winger on July 29, 2009 at 8:03 PM
She’s damned either way. If she saw them breaking into Gates house and didn’t call the police,she’s a racist too.That’s the beautiful thing about the race card.
You don’t have to know the game to use it.Go fish.
lasertex on July 29, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Allah, you should be freaking brilliant considering all the teachable moments you get from both sides.
Cindy Munford on July 29, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Unless they’re white or ex-military
DSchoen on July 29, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Only in this insane race pimp world would she even have to come out and make a statement. Bravo lady.
Mojave Mark on July 29, 2009 at 8:17 PM
I like that. It’s funny.
Mr_Magoo on July 29, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Obama should serve up some arrogant bastard.
No, I mean the beer… Arrogant Bastard.
Mr_Magoo on July 29, 2009 at 8:19 PM
heh. whoa.
You’re probably right, although it’s hard to keep records of who sees and doesn’t get alarmed enough to call…..but, your point is well taken.
bridgetown on July 29, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Kegger… haven’t heard that in a while.
Damn! Where are my teeth? Edith! Where are my teeth!?
Mr_Magoo on July 29, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Honestly,is this how you are supposed to give the description of a guy who attacked you….. “Well he was a guy, but I’m not making any judgments about his sexuality. He had skin, but I wouldn’t dare to assume what color it was. He was of a particular height and weight, the proportion of which I would never question.
speed911 on July 29, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Only add they should have to down a 12 pack each before speaking.
Obama, Gates after a 12 pack each without TOTUS
What could go wrong?
I’d pay money to see that!
DSchoen on July 29, 2009 at 8:24 PM
As a mail carrier for 25 yrs–many of which were in poor neighborhoods–I’ve seen a lot of suspicious things going on, & I’ve probably called 911 twelve or fifteen times while working. No doubt many of them were erring on the side of caution. Thankfully I’ve not had to go through what she’s gone through.
jgapinoy on July 29, 2009 at 8:26 PM
Well, that’s the way it should be. After this, though, it may not be.
Alana on July 29, 2009 at 8:29 PM
Uh, I know that reality is irrelevant in this issue but Gates and his driver WERE black. Had the caller been able to clearly see them and reported that fact correctly, what exactly would have been so racist about that?
The interesting thing about this event is that the truth of the matter counts for nothing. It’s all about whether Gate’s fiction can keep its momentum or not.
Tantor on July 29, 2009 at 8:34 PM
I haven’t read this whole thread, so I’ll go with my gut.
You can hear the emotion in her voice… it’s heartbreaking to hear.
Ugly on July 29, 2009 at 8:35 PM
There is a teachable moment here. It is that the people of America elected a Marxist, race baiting, community organizer as Precedent. Is it clear enough America, you were bamboozled, hoodwinked!
Those that voted for this monster own it, the rest of us are left to repair the damage he’s done.
M-14 2go on July 29, 2009 at 8:42 PM
At first, I thought if I’m the cop I refuse the invitation. And then I think, no I would go, but when I got there I would explain to my two new benighted and collectivist “buddies”, “I didn’t come here to listen, I’ve had to listen your condescending drivel for nearly three weeks now. I’m tired of hearing it, my fellow citizens are tired of hearing it, and you should be tired of pitching it.” At that point I throw a brand new deck of cards on the table. “Now you two can stay here together and look for the race cards all night long. ” Then I chug my beer, belch, and leave.
Nosli W. Nevets on July 29, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Why is he even giving credence to race cretins by acknowledging them in this way? I’d have told them to kiss my ass then walked away from the lecturn.
SouthernGent on July 29, 2009 at 8:52 PM
It is a truly scary time when any citizen in this country who might call 911 to report a possible crime in progress has to think twice about possibly ending up on the enemies list of the President of the United States. This could be you or me.
infidel4life on July 29, 2009 at 8:56 PM
The only way to stop this insanity of false charges of racism is, when found to be pure crapola like Gates, he’s beaten within an inch of his life. If he dies, too bad, one less professor of garbage.
Jeff from WI on July 29, 2009 at 8:57 PM
Obviously she is not a racist. If she identified the suspects as black she still would not have been racist. Obama is not a racist or race baiter at all. You can criticize his policy but he isn’t racist or against white society at all.
I feel for her being dragged into this idiotic melee.
I have little sympathy for the cop. I think it was unfair that he was berated as a racist by Gates but Gates should never have been arrested. Gate’s liberty was taken away without cause. I was arrested under similar circumstances and the arresting officer filed a false report to justify the arrest. I beat the charge in court because some people recorded and witnessed the whole episode. it was irrefutable. We should be able to give cops a hard time (sarcasm etc.)without hindering their valuable work for the community.
Racism is alive and well on every side in the US. Everyone needs to chill out and talk
lexhamfox on July 29, 2009 at 8:59 PM
So sorry Mrs. Whalen,most people call people like you a GOOD NEIGHBOR!
katy the mean old lady on July 29, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Well, if you go by the Brinks home security commercials, ALL burglars and home intruders are middle aged white males.
All of them.
PBoilermaker on July 29, 2009 at 9:01 PM
Yeah, but what about her husband/bf/gf/significant other? What did they do that day that was racist? Shoot, I bet her grandmother did something racist at one point too! They all must be held accountable!
Rightwingguy on July 29, 2009 at 9:10 PM
Looking mean with an optional black watch cap.
Rightwingguy on July 29, 2009 at 9:11 PM
WADS
Americannodash on July 29, 2009 at 9:14 PM
I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed.
I shake my head every time I see one of their ads.
PBoilermaker on July 29, 2009 at 9:20 PM
Yep. They would probably get sued otherwise.
Just once I’d like to see a home security commercial depicting the (non-white) gangbanger perp dead on the floor and the homeowner holding a Smith & Wesson .357
infidel4life on July 29, 2009 at 9:20 PM
I guess that makes me RAAAACIST!
infidel4life on July 29, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Teachable Moment for me: If I’m dark-skinned and living in Massachusetts, I have a better chance of breaking into a house, stealing stuff, and then getting a beer with the president.
mauipundit on July 29, 2009 at 9:24 PM
Not sure if this has already been stated but… every time I have ever called the police or 911 to report a crime or something suspicious, the dispatcher asks what race the individuals are, NOT so that the cops can go out and racially profile someone, but because it is an obvious and easy identifying factor that is important in helping to make sure they aren’t looking at the wrong person. It’s like saying he is wearing a yellow shirt, or a red hat, or he has long hair. So the fact that whoever reports something suspicious reports the race is not by definition a racist, they are merely being descriptive. This should be a no-brainer. Even if the woman who initially reported the incident had said they were black, which she didn’t, that still wouldn’t make her actions racially motivated. Duh.
pleaseandthankyou on July 29, 2009 at 9:24 PM
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