Ha!I wouldn’t be surprised since that Lefty judge obviously is hoping for a guilty verdict, but deep down knows there’s no way you can convict a guy for murder when he’s getting his head bashed in by a thug high on drugs. If my neighborhood was under siege by burglars and thieves, I’d sign up to patrol the area as well and you can bet I’d be packing in case one of these punks did attack.Seems like an acquittal is the obvious conclusion unless this judge pulls some more stunts or we have a jury as dumb as OJ’s.
ConserveGov, are you aware that Mr. Zimmerman was the one who first suggested a neighborhood watch shortly after he moved into the neighborhood? That the reason he was alone that night was because his neighbors felt there was no need for a watch since crime in that neighborhood was nearly nonexistent? It was certainly not under siege^.Mr. Zimmerman is guilty of ignoring the 911 operator when he was told “We don’t need you to do that” when Mr. Zimmerman admitted he was still following his ‘target’. He is also guilty of getting out of his car to confront the now dead “thug high on drugs” as you describe him.^ Mr. Zimmerman had called 911 over 60 times since becoming a ’Watchman". His own recorded words show he was frustrated because his targets “always get away”. I never heard that any of his 911 calls resulted in an arrest of someone guilty of a crime.^I do not believe Mr. Zimmerman is guilty of premeditated murder, but had he simply done one of two things… obeyed the 911 operator or stayed in his car… Trayvon Martin would not be dead at his hand, and Mr. Zimmerman would not be having to look over his shoulder for the rest of his life. Because whether he goes to jail or is acquitted, there is an intolerant, bigoted, and angry person out there who wants to avenge the boy.It is an outcome without civility, and without respect between neighbors, it will only get worse.Respectfully,C.
Regardless of the verdict in this case, there will be problems. If he’s found not guilty, then there likely will be riots by a community similar to that which rioted when Rodney King was beaten by police (regardless of the fact that King was hopped up on PCP and other fun recreational chemicals). A community that when it riots, feels they have the right to destroy public and private property, hurting other people who weren’t even involved in the situation. You have a right to peacefully assemble, not to riot and cause destruction. And that’s aside from whatever nonsense our POTUS is going to throw out there, inserting himself into an issue and making it worse. If he’s found guilty (which I doubt), it will set the precedent that you cannot use lethal force to defend yourself. This will have a more insidious impact which will make people think twice about being a part of neighborhood watch and defending themselves in public. While Castle Laws usually permit you to defend yourself in your home, this case will set the example that you can be charged with murder if you defend yourself.
It is interesting to see you go back to the typical liberal refrain: “I know that I am wrong so I call you a racist and blame Fox News”. The only thing missing in your refrain is to blame George Bush.
Thank you, Varney. Those are my fears – the legal precedent a not guilty verdict would set. Whoever feels like they want to kill someone (whether revenge, for thrills, or prejudice) would simply need to start a scuffle, take a few hits, and pull out their legally concealed weapon, claiming Florida v. Zimmerman as a defense.
Sure pal.Glad you agree with that kid who uses playground insults to back up their claim.Oh and the cries of racism are really old and tired. This has to do with self-defense, not racism.
1. “Hispanic” is NOT a racial description describable by genetics. “Hispanics” can be whiter than white, or quite dark in complexion, it’s a false classification, that Zimmerman doesn’t actually meet anyway.
2. Rodney King was a jerk, and the tapes the media put out only showed the first few minutes a couple times, then never again, when King got up after being tased and started strangling a Deputy, actually lifting him off the ground, and THEN he started getting whacked (overdone, yes) by officers he was wiling to kill, after being stopped on outstanding warrants.
3. Zimmerman was the aggressor, didn’t back off when told to by the 911 person who IS an agent of the police!, and he had a history of being a creepy dude.
Wraithkin: it is the LEGAL DEFINITION of “agent” I was referring to. A lot of non-sworn people are “agents”, and when things go to court, that does make a difference. Our 911 people ARE sworn police officers, and I do realize that varies from place to place. Also different states have different rules on “citizens arrest”, which brings up the issue of did Zimmerman stop, or ask Martin to stop? DId he observe a crime in progress?
Sliwa and his crews of “neighborhood watch” were all UNarmed, for very good reasons, that this case exemplifies.
While the jury didn’t even go for manslaughter, and prosecution (at least in Florida, or Texas) may have reached too far with second degree murder for the jury to return a guilty verdict; hunting season is now open again in Florida. (Between “stand your ground”, and this decision.)
“Stand your Ground” laws and vigilantes challenge the main characteristic of the State according to smarter people than me:" the monopoly on legitimate violence." In plain english: only the government can kick your ass/kill you lawfully. Some people hate the government (cause they’re pissed about taxes or just want to sound tough) but they never stopped to think why humans came up with the idea of a government in the first place; to stop people from killing each other, to assure order. It is a social contract between people.That contract, already in a bad shape, has just been very publically broken. Nothing good can come out of this.
ConserveGov almost 11 years ago
Ha!I wouldn’t be surprised since that Lefty judge obviously is hoping for a guilty verdict, but deep down knows there’s no way you can convict a guy for murder when he’s getting his head bashed in by a thug high on drugs. If my neighborhood was under siege by burglars and thieves, I’d sign up to patrol the area as well and you can bet I’d be packing in case one of these punks did attack.Seems like an acquittal is the obvious conclusion unless this judge pulls some more stunts or we have a jury as dumb as OJ’s.
chazandru almost 11 years ago
ConserveGov, are you aware that Mr. Zimmerman was the one who first suggested a neighborhood watch shortly after he moved into the neighborhood? That the reason he was alone that night was because his neighbors felt there was no need for a watch since crime in that neighborhood was nearly nonexistent? It was certainly not under siege^.Mr. Zimmerman is guilty of ignoring the 911 operator when he was told “We don’t need you to do that” when Mr. Zimmerman admitted he was still following his ‘target’. He is also guilty of getting out of his car to confront the now dead “thug high on drugs” as you describe him.^ Mr. Zimmerman had called 911 over 60 times since becoming a ’Watchman". His own recorded words show he was frustrated because his targets “always get away”. I never heard that any of his 911 calls resulted in an arrest of someone guilty of a crime.^I do not believe Mr. Zimmerman is guilty of premeditated murder, but had he simply done one of two things… obeyed the 911 operator or stayed in his car… Trayvon Martin would not be dead at his hand, and Mr. Zimmerman would not be having to look over his shoulder for the rest of his life. Because whether he goes to jail or is acquitted, there is an intolerant, bigoted, and angry person out there who wants to avenge the boy.It is an outcome without civility, and without respect between neighbors, it will only get worse.Respectfully,C.
Wraithkin almost 11 years ago
Regardless of the verdict in this case, there will be problems. If he’s found not guilty, then there likely will be riots by a community similar to that which rioted when Rodney King was beaten by police (regardless of the fact that King was hopped up on PCP and other fun recreational chemicals). A community that when it riots, feels they have the right to destroy public and private property, hurting other people who weren’t even involved in the situation. You have a right to peacefully assemble, not to riot and cause destruction. And that’s aside from whatever nonsense our POTUS is going to throw out there, inserting himself into an issue and making it worse. If he’s found guilty (which I doubt), it will set the precedent that you cannot use lethal force to defend yourself. This will have a more insidious impact which will make people think twice about being a part of neighborhood watch and defending themselves in public. While Castle Laws usually permit you to defend yourself in your home, this case will set the example that you can be charged with murder if you defend yourself.
William Bednar Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Now THAT would be a funny verdict!
Mneedle almost 11 years ago
It is interesting to see you go back to the typical liberal refrain: “I know that I am wrong so I call you a racist and blame Fox News”. The only thing missing in your refrain is to blame George Bush.
Mneedle almost 11 years ago
BTW: Zimmerman did not testify. So, what lies are you referring to?
Mneedle almost 11 years ago
Who thinks that Eric Holder (or his appointee) called the judge and said that a guilty verdict may get her a position as a Federal judge?
Fourcrows almost 11 years ago
Thank you, Varney. Those are my fears – the legal precedent a not guilty verdict would set. Whoever feels like they want to kill someone (whether revenge, for thrills, or prejudice) would simply need to start a scuffle, take a few hits, and pull out their legally concealed weapon, claiming Florida v. Zimmerman as a defense.
ConserveGov almost 11 years ago
Sure pal.Glad you agree with that kid who uses playground insults to back up their claim.Oh and the cries of racism are really old and tired. This has to do with self-defense, not racism.
Wraithkin almost 11 years ago
Yup. This. Every bit. Thanks Ansonia.
Dtroutma almost 11 years ago
1. “Hispanic” is NOT a racial description describable by genetics. “Hispanics” can be whiter than white, or quite dark in complexion, it’s a false classification, that Zimmerman doesn’t actually meet anyway.
2. Rodney King was a jerk, and the tapes the media put out only showed the first few minutes a couple times, then never again, when King got up after being tased and started strangling a Deputy, actually lifting him off the ground, and THEN he started getting whacked (overdone, yes) by officers he was wiling to kill, after being stopped on outstanding warrants.
3. Zimmerman was the aggressor, didn’t back off when told to by the 911 person who IS an agent of the police!, and he had a history of being a creepy dude.
Dtroutma almost 11 years ago
Wraithkin: it is the LEGAL DEFINITION of “agent” I was referring to. A lot of non-sworn people are “agents”, and when things go to court, that does make a difference. Our 911 people ARE sworn police officers, and I do realize that varies from place to place. Also different states have different rules on “citizens arrest”, which brings up the issue of did Zimmerman stop, or ask Martin to stop? DId he observe a crime in progress?
Sliwa and his crews of “neighborhood watch” were all UNarmed, for very good reasons, that this case exemplifies.
Dtroutma almost 11 years ago
While the jury didn’t even go for manslaughter, and prosecution (at least in Florida, or Texas) may have reached too far with second degree murder for the jury to return a guilty verdict; hunting season is now open again in Florida. (Between “stand your ground”, and this decision.)
oneoldhat almost 11 years ago
the jury stood its ground
CorosiveFrog Premium Member almost 11 years ago
“Stand your Ground” laws and vigilantes challenge the main characteristic of the State according to smarter people than me:" the monopoly on legitimate violence." In plain english: only the government can kick your ass/kill you lawfully. Some people hate the government (cause they’re pissed about taxes or just want to sound tough) but they never stopped to think why humans came up with the idea of a government in the first place; to stop people from killing each other, to assure order. It is a social contract between people.That contract, already in a bad shape, has just been very publically broken. Nothing good can come out of this.