Zimmerman trial starts today.

[Bigerik]

Originally Posted by finnbow

Were it not for the national media covering this as they did, none of us would have a clue about this shooting in Sanford, FL (one of thousands that occur annually in this country). In short, there were 2 completely divergent stories here - the one outside the courtroom focused on race and guns and presented by the media in a manor to fit their own political and business interests and the story inside the courtroom.

The courtroom story (that I admittedly did not watch) seems to have focused on whether there was a reasonable doubt as to whether Zimmerman committed murder (or manslaughter) or acted in self-defense. It seems that the evidence convinced the jury that there was reasonable doubt as to whether murder or manslaughter occurred.

Nobody here does themselves any favor getting manipulated by media to the point of believing that have a full and unbiased understanding of Zimmerman's guilt or innocence.

That is sad.

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by derekva

No, you couldn't. Washington and California are net contributors (e.g. they give far more money to the Federal Government than they demand in return) and Oregon is barely a net consumer (it's balance is approximately -$500/person). The budget would be in worse shape by about $55B. But let's not let facts get in the way of a good narrative.

-D

Indeed, Derek. If the rest of the country wanted a model, look no further than California. The teabagger narrative that California is broke and shattered could not be farther from the truth. Gov. Brown just signed a balanced budget and we posted a surplus. It couldn't have been accomplished without a super majority in the state assembly and state senate.

[BlueStreak]

Pat...and Chas,

The reason you should be concerned has little to do with George Zimmerman or Trayvon Martin.

It has everything to do with the people watching it and the license they think they have just been given by precedence.

Dave

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Bigerik

That is sad.

How so? I admit my views may seem hard/callous, but I'm so sick & tired of our media that I, as a matter of principle, tune out their court case du jour.

[Rajoo]

I do believe that after the media and DOJ got into the act, Zimmerman was overcharged. Whether he killed Martin in self defense can never be determined since we only have Zimmerman's word. Not his testimony. So the jury was correct in determining that there was no compelling evidence to convict him.

But if Zimmerman was charged with stalking an unarmed kid in the dark when he was trying his best to avoid Zimmerman and get to the safety of his father's home, thereby causing his death, the outcome may have been different. For compelling evidence, the 911 operator strongly suggested that he not follow the kid so Zimmerman did have a choice.

NAACP is already making noise for a civil case and I expect him to get nailed on this. I too have not watched this case unfold on TV so my information is strictly from the print media.

[icenine]

I think the overarching theme is that in this case points out the perception that black children are not as worth much as white children. I really believe if Martin were white he would be alive now, or if he had been shot Zimmerman would have been behind bars. You have to remember that I think the police did not let Mr. Martin even see his son's body for well over 24 hours (if this is the case where that took place)...

and there has been some feeling that the investigation and evidence collection was shoddy

It is the perception that law enforcement does things different to different people...a white child from one of the wealthy of elites of Sanford would have gotten a red carpet treatment from the police i.e. a much better investigation. I believe that, In fact you could say the prosecution was hampered by that and sort of proves my point.

[Zeke]

I think this case points out the that stupid and fearful people should not possess firearms as they'll use them against whatever they fear.

In this case, that would be a seventeen-year-old black kid.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by BeamOn

I do believe that after the media and DOJ got into the act, Zimmerman was overcharged. Whether he killed Martin in self defense can never be determined since we only have Zimmerman's word. Not his testimony. So the jury was correct in determining that there was no compelling evidence to convict him.

But if Zimmerman was charged with stalking an unarmed kid in the dark when he was trying his best to avoid Zimmerman and get to the safety of his father's home, thereby causing his death, the outcome may have been different. For compelling evidence, the 911 operator strongly suggested that he not follow the kid so Zimmerman did have a choice.

NAACP is already making noise for a civil case and I expect him to get nailed on this. I too have not watched this case unfold on TV so my information is strictly from the print media.

Yes! That's what I'm talkin' about!

Where was Zimmermans justification in following Martin in the first place?

Why did he leave his vehicle to begin with?

Instead of making assumptions of race, the prosecutor should have posed these points as questions. Where was the justification for the entire incident?

To my mind, there was none.

The 911 call says it all. Dark, raining, someone walking with his hood up and "something" in his hand. Think I'll follow him and see what he's "up to"..........

Stop right there.

What has he actually done?

Nothing.

Dave

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

What has he actually done?

He was black and Zimmerman-types are cowards.

[BlueStreak]

When I'm out walking, I see people of all types out as well. I don't follow any of them to see what they're "up to", and I would expect to be confronted if I did. People don't like being followed, by anyone including "creepy cracker(s)" like me.

At any point Zim could have simply disengaged.

Dave