>> What I have read -- and Gates, his lawyer, and POTUS have not contradicted
>> -- was that he initially "refused" to provide ID (which is, of course,
>> unlawful right there; and stupid to boot). When he ultimately gave it, he
>> gave his Harvard ID...
>> According to the police report, Professor Gates initially refused to show
>> identification.
>>
>
> --ravi
I too am very tired of this thread. And yes, it is stupid to refuse to provide ID to an officer (unless you are a fugitive, but good luck).
However, it needs to be said again that police officers are also legally obligated to provide ID and information about him/herself. According to most accounts I have read, officer Crowley also refused to fully and adequately identify himself.
So as far as the legality of the situation, maybe we ought to call it a draw?
Sheldon