Editor's Note: Thursday’s American Morning audience scolded those texing while driving, and praised CNN for the coverage, remarking “your report will help save lives.” However, most recognized the difficulty faced by police to enforce such laws and believed greater access to cell phone records would allow more convictions. Others suggested a complete ban on cell phones and texting.
- Anonymous in FL: I admit that I have texted while driving many times. NOW, after seeing your thorough reports on the subject, I have a new view on the sensibility of this dangerous practice. From now on, NO MORE TEXTING while driving. Thanks CNN...your report will save lives!
- Millie: Last week, my car was almost hit twice by persons driving while talking on a cell phone. Each time the driver came out of a side street and wasn't looking at oncoming traffic on the main street. Came within inches of a wreck each time. I favor a ban in cell phone usage and texting while driving.
- Orland: There are a lot of accidents caused by cell phone usage, but in some states the police can't access that info from companies to prove that was the cause. The laws need to be changed.
- Lorene: Sure, create national legislation to ban texting. Hands on cell phone use is illegal already here in NJ. Ask me how many times I see people doing it. And, ask me how many times I've had someone on a phone do something that makes it clear they are oblivious to my or any other driver's presence. These laws are not enforced. But, then, neither are the laws about stopping at stop signs – what I would bet is the single most cause of local automobile collisions. Moreover, there is a culture of aggressive driving all over this country that was once reserved for NYC hacks. We need to examine our behavior behind the wheel in general.
- Rick: Texting while driving. That's just idiotic and should not require taxpayer expense to make laws on it. Surely existing impaired or dangerous driving etc laws are sufficient! Only thing we can hope, is that the criminals who do it, only wipe themselves out before they procreate and protect the gene pool.
What do you think should be done about those found texting while driving? Have you ever done this? Does the CNN report change your thinking and understanding of the dangers of texting while driving? What do you think about the law enforcement issue? Are there better ways to solve this problem than simply adding news laws (that are already difficult to enforce) on the books?
The Gates/Crowley debate continued, as a new policeman from Boston was introduced into the fray. Officer Justin Barrett’s email containing racial slurs was exposed, and most did not accept nor believe his apology. His lawyer’s remarks were also deemed “ridiculous” by most.
- JM: As a Hispanic Police Officer in Massachusetts, I myself came across situations like this involving Hispanics and African Americans. We all know that professor Gates jumped the gun and created this mess. As Police Officers we experience racism daily and is usually from minorities. I am disappointed that the Police Sergeant gave in and decided to have a beer with Mr. Gates who is clearly a liar and with a president that chose side based on race rather than on facts. I am sick and tired of these so called black leaders creating huge deals out of nothing or I should say, out of lies. If that was me, I would send a clear message to the president. No Thanks Mr. President. People in this country need to stop the nonsense and address the real problems. One of those problems is not black profiling but Police profiling.
- Al: whalen never said the two men were black, read it and weep, Crowley LIED
- Bernadette: As the wife of a retired law enforcement officer I would say the following about Sgt. Crowley's police written report. First and foremost the caller on the 911 tape never mentioned two black males. Sgt. Crowley inserted 'two black males' into his official report. Sgt. Crowley has in effect falsified an official document. Sgt. Crowley was trained in the use of his daily log as this log is often used in judicial proceedings.
- Vicky: Pres. Obama was absolutely correct, Cambridge Police DID act stupidly; instead of de-escalating, they escalated the situation and jailed the poor man who had just returned home after a very long and tiring trip from China. After finding out Prof. Gates was the resident of the house they should have apologized for the misunderstanding and left. That's what they would have done had Prof. Gates been white. I am white but am sure of that. Then to top it of, in that "oh, we are hurt" news conference, they paraded their few black officers who had no choice but to support the department, otherwise their future would not be very comfortable.
Gates and Barrett
- Felecia: In making a racial stereotypical comment referring to Professor Henry Gates Jr. as a "jungle monkey", Boston police officer Justin Barrett's token "I'm not a racist...I have black friends" type comment is a clear indicator that if this man indeed believes himself to be tolerant of all people.... he is the deer in headlights exemplifying to the letter what is at the core of our country's unhealed race relations. How on earth do we begin to create teachable moments to combat that kind of ignorance? As for Mr. Barrett's attorney's attempt to dissect abhorrent racial stereotypes to mean something benign and harmless...what a perfect moron. Give me a break...
- Clarence: technical correction: American Morning has said several times that Marrano, an attorney, claims his client didn't call Gates a "jungle monkey." What Marrano, an attorney, said, according to your clip, was "... didn't call him a jungle monkey, (pause) to malign him racially." Technically Marrano did not deny his client called Gates a "jungle monkey." Obviously the attorney was trying to *suggest* a denial, but he literally, technically, did not make a denial.
Should Sergeant Crowley be disciplined for lying on his police report? How do you feel about the Hispanic officer who believes that “Police Profiling” is the real issue here? Did the 911 transcripts exonerate Professor Gates for his behavior? With Officer Barrett’s email containing a racial slur generating even more furor around this issue, is it time for the Boston Police Department to take a closer look at their racial sensitivity training?
Confusion and questions surrounding health care plagued many, who were searching for answers to their individual concerns. Some wondered if the new bill would cover illegal aliens, and others expressed anger at the insurance companies with their “for-profit” motive of operation.
- Jo (RN): Two things not being mentioned in health care discussions: 1) insurance companies are in the business of making money. 2) our health care is NOT decided between Dr. and patient. (Unless the people on the hill have that option with their insurance). It is monitored, and, decided by the insurance companies. If they do not think a procedure or medication is appropriate, you do not get it. The insurance system as it now stands, is burdensome to drs and is not in the patient's best interest. It is in the interest of insurance companies their stock holders and their profit margins. I would rather have an option of a Medicare type system offered to the public. True, there are problems with Medicare, abuse of the system, and the continuing decrease in payments to drs. Those are things that can be changed. I feel strongly that profits do not belong in health care coverage for patients. I believe health care costs can be controlled without sacrificing patient care. Perhaps if the insurance industry would cut out the expense of lobbyists, more dollars could be appropriated for health care.
- Diane: I believe that most of the taxes proposed for healthcare will be used to cover people here illegally. While they should be able to get medical attention, It seems fair that they should also be required to come up with some kind of co-pay when treated. Why shouldn't they be required to pay $30 or even $50 to pay for their own medical attention?
As the debate rages around health care, what is your greatest concern that has not been addressed, either by Congress or by President Obama? Do you believe that illegal aliens should be covered under this program? How do you feel about the “for-profit” insurance companies and what part they play in health care?