We have all had a chance to weigh in on the Gates v Crowley issue now. Is it racism? Is it abuse of power? Is it grandstanding by a pompous version of Al Sharpton? My particular point of view is well-documented at this site. My experience with the police has been that they are professional, polite, and dispassionate. For me the bottom line is that that is the way they should always be, whether it is with me or with a drug-dealing pimp.
Why? Because it is their job, and one needs to take pride in one's own professionalism AND especially in a job where one has the responsibility to protect and serve by carrying weapons.
Turns out, many police are also proud of their own professionalism, and would have dealt with Gates differently.