Reply #10: That is the worst part, the automatic freeze that happens

[TayTay]

And the awful name-calling. There are horrible, divisive names that people just dig out and fling at those who don't agree with them. That is awful. Once those horrible epithets come out, it's damn hard to have a civil discussion.

We have come a long way in this country in trying to make Jefferson's promise of "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" apply to all our citizens. We have a ways to go on that. There are bumps in the road along the way. Painful bumps. I would hope that we have reached the point where we can talk about it, explain what these these events mean to us, let people talk and explain themselves and not jump to conclusions.

Otherwise, this is just a bunch of rants that might as well be happening on Mars for all the good they do.

And sincere kudos to Prof. Gates and Sgt. Crowley for taking President Obama up on his offer to have a meeting at the White House and hash this out. Bravo gentlemen, bravo! Maybe we can get some honest-to-goodness talk and conversation going in which both sides feel they are being respected and heard by the other when they air their grievances. Thank you, Mr. President for being a grownup. We needed one.