The Cambridge Police Commissioner defends his officers and his department against the criticism directed against them in the wake of the arrest of an African-American Harvard Professor, including criticisms from the Governor of Massachusetts and the President of the United States. He also promised to create a board of review to look into the matter. That is probably the best he can do for the moment. As for me, I certainly understand that there is racial profiling and racism that happens in police-citizen interactions. I also know that many times police officers encounter belligerent individuals, some of whom have not committed any crime, as was the case with Professor Gates and Officer Crowley. From what I have read about the incident, it sounds more like a classic, "Do you know who I am?" moment, rather than a "if it's a black guy, he must be guilty of something" moment. I predict that much energy will be expended, words written, talk show minutes used, on this incident, to no effect, other than more publicity for Professor Gates and his projects.

William Safire writes a terrific piece about his participation in the great "Kitchen Debate" between Khrushchev and Nixon.

Charles Krauthammer believes Obamacare is sinking.