This whole situaton with Harvard Prof. Henry Gates being arrested in his own home because of folks who didn’t even recognize their own neighbors calling the cops, and cops not understanding what a blunder they were entering into, is just bizarre. The cops and neighbors were evidently in the wrong, and yet Gates is dragged into the fray as if he shares the blame.
I must wonder how much differently this might have turned out if Gates had whipped out a handgun from concealment and ‘defended’ himself with it, thereby illustrating the weapon-lovers’ constant fantasy break-in scenarios. Then the NRA and gun lobby would be praising Gates for his bravery to exert this ultimate human right in their book. (Of course, race changes the scene, but let’s just imagine for a minute.) Instead, because he used strong words to defend himself, he’s seen as an aggressor? It’s a mixed up world….
