Self-Centered Cambridge Officer Leon Lashley Still Doesn’t Get It

Cambridge Police Sgt. Leon Lashley really just needs to be quiet … seriously, Leon.

The following is an excerpt from a CNN story about the White House meeting that included Sgt. James Crowley, Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and President Obama.

Meanwhile, a black Cambridge police sergeant on the scene the day of Gates’ arrest wrote a letter to Crowley, asking him to mention to Gates and Obama that he is now known as the “black sergeant” and to some others as an “uncle Tom.”

“I’m forced to ponder the notion that as a result of speaking the truth and coming to the defense of a friend and colleague, who just happens to be white, that I have somehow betrayed my heritage,” Sgt. Leon Lashley wrote. “Please convey my concerns to the president that Mr. Gates’ actions may have caused grave and potentially irreparable harm to the struggle for racial harmony in this country and perhaps throughout the world.”

Note to Leon: Quit crying.

You put yourself in this situation by speaking out and stepping into the spotlight.

Simply pointing the finger at one individual in this case while absolving the other is not only wrong, but counterproductive.

If Leon Lashley is feeling any pain, it’s self-inflicted pain.

Here is Lashley’s statement:

“One of the major problems stemming from the events of July 16 is that I, now known as ‘the black sergeant’, have had my image plastered all over the Internet, television and newspapers. Subsequently, I have also become known, at least to some, as an ‘Uncle Tom.”

I am forced to ponder the notion that as a result of speaking the truth and coming to the defense of a friend and collegue, who just happens to be white, that I have somehow betrayed my heritage.

Please convey my concerns to the President that Mr. Gates’ actions may have caused grave and potentially irreparable harm to the struggle for racial harmony in this country and perhaps throughout the world.

In closing, I would simply like to ask that Mr. Gates deeply reflect on the events that have unfolded since July 16 and ask himself the following questions: “What can I do to help heal the rift caused by some of my actions?; What responsibility do I bear for what occurred on July 16, 2009?; Is there anything I can do to mitigate the damage done to the reputations of two respected Police Officers?”

There’s no doubt the “Uncle Tom” label stings. But, you can’t walk into the fire and not expect to be burned.

Again, Leon Lashley interjected himself into the mix and had to know where this was headed. If he didn’t then he needs to have his head examined. President Obama got involved in the discussion and took some heat, but he took it without blaming James Crowley or Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Leon, knock it off and accept the consequences of your actions. Also, Leon, ask yourself about the damage done to the reputation of Prof. Gates and quit being so self-centered.

As I wrote earlier, Leon, “you can’t walk into the fire and not expect to be burned.”