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11:32

Steve Blow/Columnist - Welcome to our online version of Talking Race. We're not serving any beer today, but pour yourself a beverage of choice and join in.

Remember, our goal for these talks all along has been "frank and friendly." Let's keep it cordial, but let's also keep it real. This is the place to talk about those things you couldn't say.

11:34

[Comment From Clayton McCleskey]
Howdy, Steve

11:35

James Ragland - What Steve isn't telling you is that basically he's too cheap to buy beer. So this is strictly BYOB. A beer or two might liven things up a bit, as long as you're not driving.

11:36

[Comment From Ruth]
I believe there are misconceptions on both sides

11:36

[Comment From Casey]
Why was it so hard for Americans to understand the frustration that Professor Gates felt at someone asking him for ID at his own home?

11:37

[Comment From Kevin-O]
Studs Turkel (spelling?) had said many times that racism is like a gash on your flesh that, without the light of day - without exposing it to the elements, it cannot heal. So how do we, as a nation, and especially as some arm-chair experts on racism, begin a dialogue that touches racists - in other words doesn't preach to the choir?

11:40

Steve Blow/Columnist -

Casey, I think it all goes back to your basic feelings toward police officers. If you or a loved one have never once in your life had a bad experience with an officer, then I think you tend to take everything at face value.

If you have ever been hassled by police or treated rudely, then something as simple as asking to see an ID suddenly rubs the wrong way.

I have been asked to show an ID in my own home after the burglar alarm was accidentally tripped. I thanked the officer for being thorough enough to verify that I was the homeowner, not just a smooth-talking burglar.

11:40

[Comment From Chris]
Outside of the issue with Professor Gates, which seems to be more of an issue with police procedure (handcuffing everyone regardless, tasers, dictating law regardless of common sense), we need to get to the cause of distrust from one race to the other. It goes both ways, and until its recognized and actually spoken about, it will not get resuolved.

11:40

[Comment From Grace A., Dallas]
I've found it very disappointing that so many of my fellow citizens think that police have the right to arrest a person in their own home, merely for perceived belligerance.

11:40

James Ragland - You're right about that, Ruth. There's both misconceptions and mistrust
(or should I say distrust?) That's why some, including the POTUS, described this as another "teachable moment." We've certainly had plenty crash courses on this topic. But I think we all must come to realize and accept that we're not going to agree about a lot of issues where race may be factor, and, more pointedly, that there's not uniformity of thought even among blacks or whites about Gates-gate and other matters.

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