Gates’ problem was not what he said but how loud he said it and where.
Had he remained inside instead of following the cop outside, nothing could have been done about the same words at the same sound level. Once outside his loud rant became a disruption of the peace.
Given his reputation Gates should have known that. He obviously knew better than to step outside when the cop asked him to come outside to talk. It appears he worked himself into a fit and forgot that basic rule.
NEVER step outside to talk to a cop. Talk to them while standing inside your door keeping them outside.
“Given his reputation Gates should have known that. He obviously knew better than to step outside when the cop asked him to come outside to talk. It appears he worked himself into a fit and forgot that basic rule.”
Or it was intentional...who knows?