Shelly -- that's a pretty evenhanded assessment, I think the other key was that Gates wanted to get the badge numbers of the police officers -- something that usually pisses police off, b/c they know they will have to do a ton of explaining (whether that is fair or unfair).
How can someone be disorderly in their own house? It's an amazing concept when you think about it. It seems the police officers wanted to arrest Gates for not being thankful they came out to look at the house. While I think Gates should have been glad for the service -- there is simply no reason you should be FORCED to be grateful for some government intrusion in an area where he was not breaking the law. That's quite a conservative -- (more libertarian I think considering conservatives will use laws to in other was to intrude on people's behavior) concept.
Fletch -- It's worth noting, it shows your inconsistency of thought, and your aversion to stand up for your own ideals -- however odd they are, you used them as a pretext for the whole discussion (For example you "hate the police,"). Further, people normally do not get arrested in these types of circumstances -- let alone people who are extremely wealthy -- that's why these situations will always make the news.
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