Yes, you read correctly. Finally. After all these weeks of a lot of hard work and perseverance from the public, Florida state attorney announced today that George Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the February 26 shooting of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin. I suspected this would happen by several recent occurrences – primarily Zimmerman’s “donate for my defense” website.
Do I think that Zimmerman is guilty? Don’t know. Wasn’t there. From the evidence I have seen, I do not think he is innocent. He never should have chased that boy.
I am very pleased, though, because this is what should have been done in the first place. Anytime someone loses their life, especially when they are not armed – and no, Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea are not deadly weapons in my book – an investigation and all evidence needs to be collected immediately. This matter should never have been for a police officer or any political or elected official to decide on their own. This always should have been a matter for a judge and jury to decide. If any death is due to a true case of “stand your ground” then let the jury decide it is.
Ironically, more damage now has been done for Zimmerman than if they had charged him initially because an enormous amount of public knows the story. LOL… believe it or not, though, some have no idea. I mean utterly clueless. Like one of my co-workers. I mentioned Trayvon and Zimmerman just today at work, as I had a suspicion he would be arrested today, and my co-worker gave me that blank look of, “what are you talking about?” Okay… go back under your rock. See ya. Hey, would you mind paying my taxes for me since you obviously don’t mind that you’re paying too much yourself? Thanks!
Anyway, but since so many people know the story and the backlash reached a feverish level, it will be hard to find a complete set of jurors who will be able to judge fairly based on the facts. But, my co-workers naiveness did help reassure me that there are people out there who have no clue as to the story and circumstances involved. So quick! Find them and lock them up before they eventually catch wind! Actually, I am sure the news will settle a bit now. Not go away, but calm down. That’s the way society is here in the US. If it’s not hot and happening, it becomes forgotten. (sigh) There are people who hide under rocks and hopefully the lawyers will find them.
Will Zimmerman get off with this insane “Stand your ground” law? Hard to say. Many “professionals” seem to think so. But this complete non-professional-of-the-law person here (aka, me) feels that in the 911 call the moment we hear Zimmerman state he is following Trayvon, that right there should take away any ability to hide under the shelter of this law. Zimmerman gave that up the moment he took one step towards Trayvon.
Normally, I do not like reactions from the grandstanding, because no decision should be made under duress, nor as a “knee-jerk” reaction. However, in this case, it needed to be done, and I am very happy it finally worked. If the public had not stood up and fought like they did, I can pretty much guarantee nothing would have happened. The people, the public all cried “unfair” – another one of my least favorite words – but in this case, it is very appropriate, and they all stood their ground, held marches, vigils, and many other forms of both support for the Martin family as well as expressing their anger and dissatisfaction with the way Trayvon’s death was handled.
Kudos to all that participated whether out on the streets or via the waves of the internet.
Now, let’s hope that justice is properly done. This yet remains to be seen.
Motley News 
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