07-25-2013, 06:39 PM
I think freedom of speech, expression and peaceful public assembly are at least as important as the right to bear arms. I don't think it's a bad thing that those freedoms are being exercised, whether I agree with the sentiments being expressed or not.
I don't read minds, MS. I just read and listen to words. This is what I've heard from protesters, many of whom are not black. They are not all saying the same thing.
-Some protesters think that Zimmerman lied about everything and Trayvon was attempting to stand his ground when Zimmerman shot him. They believe that George grabbed or otherwise caused Trayvon to say "get off" (what the ear witness claims to have heard) and that's what started the altercation. They believe that Zimmerman got away with Murder 2 and want justice.
-Some protesters think that even if Trayvon initiated the physical confrontation (with a punch to the nose that caused Zimmerman to fall down backwards, per Zimmerman), Zimmerman's injuries don't support the claim that he had no other recourse than to shoot before the police would be shortly arriving. They believe that he used greater force than justified and was at least guilty of manslaughter.
-Some protesters think that some self defense laws are too broad and offer a license to kill; they don't think anyone should be able to follow or chase another person who's not in the commission of a crime, end up shooting them, and then claim self defense under any circumstances.
-Some protesters think that Zimmerman is a racist who profiled Trayvon and no matter what happened next, Zimmerman is responsible for Trayvon's death and should be behind bars; they want a civil rights violation suit brought against him.
My personal feelings haven't changed since I expressed them previously. I don't object to the verdict, nor do I object to the protests. I would like to see self defense laws, particularly SYG statutes, reviewed with the goal of minimizing opportunities for people to use unjustified force and legally shield themselves from appropriate repercussions. I think that's a prudent thing to do, whether it relates to the Zimmerman/Martin case or not.
I don't read minds, MS. I just read and listen to words. This is what I've heard from protesters, many of whom are not black. They are not all saying the same thing.
-Some protesters think that Zimmerman lied about everything and Trayvon was attempting to stand his ground when Zimmerman shot him. They believe that George grabbed or otherwise caused Trayvon to say "get off" (what the ear witness claims to have heard) and that's what started the altercation. They believe that Zimmerman got away with Murder 2 and want justice.
-Some protesters think that even if Trayvon initiated the physical confrontation (with a punch to the nose that caused Zimmerman to fall down backwards, per Zimmerman), Zimmerman's injuries don't support the claim that he had no other recourse than to shoot before the police would be shortly arriving. They believe that he used greater force than justified and was at least guilty of manslaughter.
-Some protesters think that some self defense laws are too broad and offer a license to kill; they don't think anyone should be able to follow or chase another person who's not in the commission of a crime, end up shooting them, and then claim self defense under any circumstances.
-Some protesters think that Zimmerman is a racist who profiled Trayvon and no matter what happened next, Zimmerman is responsible for Trayvon's death and should be behind bars; they want a civil rights violation suit brought against him.
My personal feelings haven't changed since I expressed them previously. I don't object to the verdict, nor do I object to the protests. I would like to see self defense laws, particularly SYG statutes, reviewed with the goal of minimizing opportunities for people to use unjustified force and legally shield themselves from appropriate repercussions. I think that's a prudent thing to do, whether it relates to the Zimmerman/Martin case or not.