George Zimmerman: Innocent AND found Not Guilty

I wonder how many of the people upset over the Zimmerman acquittal actually know the facts of the case and watched the trial each day.

Glancing at some of the comments on Facebook, I'm disgusted.

Some people are angry that George Zimmerman's injuries weren't altogether too severe, as if that's evidence that he committed murder by shooting Trayvon Martin. Although the law regarding self-defense doesn't require ANY injuries, I suppose they'd be more sympathetic if Zimmerman waited until his face was caved in and let his skull get cracked open before shooting.

The evidence and testimony is quite clear, as clear as it is that charges were filed (1.5 months after the incident) for political reasons — and only after people protested and elected officials' jobs were threatened.

It's as disgusting as the race-baiting that accompanied the early reports of Martin's tragic death—that a "white man" shot a "black kid." (Without questioning or even caring to look at Zimmerman's photo, the press and our populace ran with it while screaming "racial profiling" and "hate crime.") And to add fuel to the divisive, racist, hate-filled fires, our President Obama decided to add his color commentary; that if he had a son, he'd (his son would) look like Trayvon.

Perhaps instead of having trials with evidence, attorneys, a judge and jury, we should simply vote: "guilty" or "not guilty."

As a nation, we could decide the fate of men and women accused of crimes in the same way we elect our officials. I don't want that, but a lot of people aren't satisfied with our admittedly imperfect legal system and seem to think that they know better.

Yes, Trayvon Martin's death is tragic. There are probably many things that George could've done differently that would've resulted on both men caring on with their lives in relative peace. We don't know for sure who started the fight.

We do know that Trayvon Martin had had disciplinary problems and was suspended from school multiple times (for things that he would've likely been arrested for in a different county) — and had a bad attitude about being followed that night. His school records and the testimony of Rachel Jeantel confirm this. Though the Martin family and the prosecution claimed that his past is irrelevant because Zimmerman couldn't have known about it, it does give some insight into the likelihood of Zimmerman's account of events.

Nothing in George Zimmerman's non-emergency police call or his past makes him seem irrational or criminal; and there were crimes in his neighborhood, reported break-ins and an attempted rape, no one caught.

Though Trayvon Martin had no obligation to, when he confronted the "creepy-ass cracker" and was asked "what are you doing here," he could have replied that he was going home, and that could have been the end of it. (The altercation took place not far from the residence where he was staying.) Instead, a fight occurred and at some point, Trayvon Martin was on top of George Zimmerman, attacking him — eyewitness testimony and Zimmerman's injuries confirm this. Someone cried for help, it's unclear but recorded on a 911 call. Moments later, Trayvon Martin was shot while on top of George Zimmerman.

Unfortunately, the Zimmerman trial has been less about self-defense or second-degree murder, and more about politicking, prejudice, (news and social) media mania, pain and anger.

Many people don't care about the facts; they're mad and want George to pay. There are protests in Oakland right now; I can hear and see the helicopters, sirens and some screams. News coverage has shown a fire, broken windows, a trashed police car... people get to be mad about something, and the news gets to talk about and show it. Attorneys, activists and politicians get to make or enhance their careers over these cases and verdicts.

It's sad. This whole thing is sad.

Lastly, please — let's stop comparing the shooting death of Trayvon Martin to that of Oscar Grant. If people could look at facts and beyond skin color, they'd see two very different cases. (Fruitvale Station is playing at Grand Lake Theater. Supposed to be pretty good.)

Posted with Blogsy