I love law, I love order. I am a fan of the usually dependable American criminal justice system, and my trust in the system has not changed. However, I'll be lying if I say I'm not disappointed at the outcome of the Zimmerman trial on the murder of Trayvon Martin. From the jury that was selected, and the fact that Zimmerman seemed to have more and better coached witnesses, it looked like it may come to this "Not Guilty" verdict.
Still, Zimmerman is not innocent, and he knows it. He had a gun, Trayvon Martin was unarmed, and Zimmerman still stalked him against the advise of police phone operators who told him to stand down. This is not stand your ground, this is a killing a young boy for no just cause.
I want to believe all hope isn't lost. I may be wrong, but the case could still go to appeal, and Zimmerman may yet face civil charges and an investigation by the US Justice Department under civil rights law.
A lot of high profile personalities and African American celebs have spoken out, condemning the judgment or simply experssing dismay, but they've also urged everyone to shun more violence and so far any protests have been calm and peaceful.
Obama joined his voice in this statement.
“The death of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy. Not just for his family, or for any one community, but for America. I know this case has elicited strong passions. And in the wake of the verdict, I know those passions may be running even higher. But we are a nation of laws, and a jury has spoken. I now ask every American to respect the call for calm reflection from two parents who lost their young son. And as we do, we should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to widen the circle of compassion and understanding in our own communities. We should ask ourselves if we’re doing all we can to stem the tide of gun violence that claims too many lives across this country on a daily basis. We should ask ourselves, as individuals and as a society, how we can prevent future tragedies like this. As citizens, that’s a job for all of us. That’s the way to honor Trayvon Martin.”
I agree that the gun laws and the violence that follows when people own and use guns is part of the problem in this case. Even though the Sandy Hook deaths and how little they were able to affect gun laws remain fresh in my memory, my hope is that gun lovers are taking note. Many are alleging racism, but the ownership and reckless use of guns cut across the racial divide. It is time America faces this issue head on.
Trayvon Martin is at peace now, and I pray God console his family at this trying time of watching their son's killer go free.
The poor boys ghost will haunt him for the rest of his life even if he goes free.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how you cut it, this is pure racism! Only white people on the jury? I think even the prosecutors are in on this sham of a trial!
ReplyDeleteLet's review the FACTS:
ReplyDelete* Zimmerman is in a car
*Zimmerman has a gun
*Zimmerman has no real legal authority
*Zimmerman is told to stay in his car and not approach Trayvon
*Zimmerman gets out of his car and follows a teenager
*Zimmerman murders the teenager and claims self-defense - even though he initiated contact
*No "stand your ground" is viable except for Trayvon since it was his "ground" that was invaded
*Now the white trash like amgfan and other morons are moaning - proving that if anyone should be executed it is racist trash like them
*Oh, wait, that last part wasn't a fact.... just something I'd like to see happen
*Final fact: Zimmerman's daddy judge gets people to cover up - all of whom are now accessories to murder
Who gives a crap what Trayvon smoked or used as a twitter handle or anything else - Zimmerman had a gun, was in a car, had no authority, was safe, had called 911 - anyone with a brain knows who is guilty and it isn't Trayvon.
http://www.carbonated.tv/