I would like clarification that speaking in a bad tempered criticism of a police officer, in my own home, while not be the best in manners, is not a crime. I have been a police auxiliary, long ago, and my memory is that cops really that believe part of their job is to punish disrespect, in any form. I believe this is poisonous, and reflects the ongoing hostility between Cops and most poor folks.

Good cops are civil to everyone, friendly to no one, and arrest only after someone has committed a crime, not just to enforce a respectful tone.

Our local town police are superb. Each officer realizes that a weak arrest like this Gates matter would put a hold on their career.

The military has it right. If you, an officer, get into a racial or sexual discrimination problem, your career is on hold. This way, everyone bends over backwards to achieve civility and fairness. As a result, there are few complaints and overall good morale.