“It is time for us to turn to each other, not on each other” – Jesse Jackson
The George Zimmerman trial began today. For those out-of-the-loop, Zimmerman is charged with second degree murder of Trayvon Martin back in 2012. The story goes approximately like this: Zimmerman (a member of a neighborhood watch) saw Martin walking through the neighborhood “looking suspicious”, called 911, followed Martin, and accosted him. Some sort of struggle ensued and Zimmerman ended up shooting Martin to death. Zimmerman claims self-defense, the prosecution claims second degree murder.
I can’t say that I’ve followed the case that closely since the killing, but I seriously doubt the second degree murder charge will stick. I don’t think anybody is challenging the story I laid out above, other than the details of the struggle that lead to the shooting. Did Zimmerman or Martin initiate the fight? Was it Zimmerman or Martin heard on 911 tapes screaming for help? With no eye witnesses (other than Zimmerman himself) I doubt we’ll ever get to the bottom. I do suspect that the prosecution will have a hard time proving that Zimmerman started the fight, and that Martin screamed for help before Zimmerman shot him. Meaning I suspect Zimmerman will be acquitted of the second degree murder charge.
When I say that I suspect the trial will “end poorly” I’m not talking about the nature of the verdict. My preference is for the truth, whatever that may be. Regardless, I suspect the outcome will be an acquittal on the second degree murder charge. I don’t know if Zimmerman stands accused of some lesser crime, or if the jury can reduce the charge, but there is a real possibility that Zimmerman will go free after the trial. I can only imagine this will lead to riots. Serious, severe, destructive riots. It could be really ugly. The riots in a Zimmerman acquittal would be bigger than Rodney King.
I don’t mean to cast aspersions here about who is right or wrong in this case or “appropriate” reactions to a verdict. I simply think Zimmerman will be acquitted of the “big” charge, possibly acquitted of all charges, and such an acquittal will lead to riots. I’m more than willing to be wrong on either account, but especially the latter (on the former I prefer only truth). Time will tell.
Freedom at Bethsaida 
This case is so interesting. Looking suspicious is not a crime. Zimmerman is not law enforcement. Zimmerman was told to stop pursuing trayvon martin…martin had every right to stand his ground being approached by a man who wasn’t a police officer. Plus Zimmerman had one weapon, martin had candy. I had the misfortune of listening to a conversation between two guys (one that used to live in the area). They both agreed that it was bs that Zimmerman was charged. The Sanford native proceeded to describe the blacks in that section of town as “thugs” and “up to Jo good”. The conversation got better. The native began to tell of a time when he got to brutally beat up a black of the area…the conversation ended with a “we have to meet their violence with violence brother” and a handshake. This was the most unsettling thing I’ve ever personally heard. Keep it classy Fairfax.
Not sure of the botched arrest will meet the 2nd degree murder requirements because I’m not a lawyer. I do know if this trial slides through loopholes ignoring the elephant in the room it will be a sad day for America riots or not. I propose something more dramatic than riots. I say that every black in America declare that the country has failed, has never cared about us and never will, curse it to Hell and leave the country. Blacks are the essence of America from music to religion to pop culture to sports, black folks have been here helping to shape this country from the first drop of blood given in the revolutionary war til now. For Zimmerman to walk after killing a person when lots of men are in prison for minor drug offenses?!? I’m just at a loss..not even anger, just exhaustion.
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