The President, Professor and Police

We all need to get the facts before answering a matter.

The Cambridge, Massachusetts Police acted "stupidly" according to President Barack Obama at a news conference last week. His comments were in response to a reporter's question and have been the topic in the news. What prompted this remark and what lesson may be learned from his response?

The incident began with Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates returning to his home without his keys. He and another person tried to force their way into the home. A neighbor saw two men trying to break in and called the police. Seargent James Crowley responded and found those men in the house. He asked for identity and the professor reacted to being questioned about being in his own home. Racial issues were alleged and as a result of the unsatisfactory response, he was arrested.

A Chicago reporter asked President Obama about the arrest and prompted the remarks. President Obama stated he didn't know the facts of the case but stated that the Police had acted "stupidly" in arresting Professor Gates, his friend. Racial profiling was discussed as well. As a result, this has been a hot news item for nearly one week.

What could have prevented this weeklong uproar about the matter? First, if Professor Gates had his keys, there would have been no police call. Second, if the neighbor had not called the police, there would have been no incident. Third, if the police did not respond to the call, the issue would not have surfaced. Fourth, if there had been pleasantries when the police arrived, there may not have been an arrest. Fifth, if the reporter had not asked the question about the incident at a news conference with the President, the comments would not have occurred. And finally, the President could have said, "I don't know the facts about the case, so I'm not going to comment." There would be no need for further inquiry into the story by anyone. To help solve the problems created, the President has invited Professor Gates and Officer Crowley to the White House to sit down and talk about the incident with him.

What lesson may we all learn from the handling of this incident? Proverbs 18:13 gives great inspired advice for dealing with any situation. "He who answers a matter before he hears the facts—it is folly and shame to him." (Amplified Version). We all need to get the facts before answering a matter. And, we will avoid confusion, folly and shame.