<p>^ it’s been politicized from day 1 …It’s surprising to me that some just can’t seem to comprehend the possibility of the gun carrier not being the aggressor. To many here, GZ is guilty simply because of the fact he was carrying.</p>
<p>He created a situation where a 17 year old died.</p>
<p>…and there you go again, geeps, proving my point.</p>
<p>To me, GZ is guilty because he followed a 17 year old boy when he was asked not to, and he said in his own testimony that he was asked not to, and created a situation in which he then killed this young man with a bullet to the heart. Instant death.</p>
<p>He then rolled the kid over and restrained him. He didn’t start immediate CPR.</p>
<p>This is the issue with SYG laws. They create this idea that you can go out and start a confrontation AND end it with your gun. Laws written by lobbyists are always horrible.</p>
<p>^He didn’t want to save Trayvon’s life…he has exhibited no remorse. In his mind he got one of the many “f-ing punks” and “a**holes that always get away.” He was a hero who deserved a beach vacation after what he went through.</p>
<p>The political action on this case was to pressure the county to put GZ on trial. As far as I’m concerned, it’s up to the jury, and whatever they decide will end the matter.</p>
<p>However, until they vote, my interest in the case is because it’s a simple detective story. Detective stories have been compelling since the days of Perry Mason.</p>
<p>I agree with that hayden although I hope this trial initiates a change in the law.</p>
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<p>My take is that Martin tried to stop Zimmerman from yelling and started pushing downward to cover his mouth. I can’t recall Zimmerman’s exact words but that was how it seemed to play out. Zimmerman only reached for his gun when his shirt came up and Martin saw the gun and tried to reach for it. Zimmerman blocked Martin’s attempt and grabbed the gun and shot Martin.</p>
<p>Zimmerman said he felt like Martin was hitting him with something. That is consistent with Martin having a bottle of tea in his hand.</p>
<p>Zimmerman did not realize Martin was dead. He got on to of Martin and tried to spread his arms out so Martin would not hit him with the object he had in his hand. Zimmerman did not know Martin was dead until the police officer asked him a question that enabled him to conclude that Martin was dead. Zimmerman bowed his head when he learned Martin was dead.</p>
<p>^many laws need changing…and many cause more deaths than SYG laws.</p>
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<p>He didn’t do it alone. </p>
<p>Best would be manslaughter, a lesson for Barney Fifes all around, but I’m afraid that with the way it’s been framed and pushed (geeps does have a valid point, imo) he may very walk.</p>
<p>Justice ain’t always what we want it to be.</p>
<p>true, Hayden. At first I was just so annoyed with the law, but now, after being on this thread, I am very interested in the story of it.</p>
<p>But, as I’m seeing it in the trial and in the originating documents. Not filtered through media reporters opinions, Geeps.</p>
<p>This isn’t a case regarding the stand your ground law. This case is about whether if someone is pounding your head into the pavement you’re allowed to shoot them with a gun you’re legally possessing.</p>
<p>But, it can’t be taken completely out of context, Catahoula. The original investigating officer wanted a manslaughter charge, and the attorneys said no. There is a strong indication his father’s judgeship influenced this decision.</p>
<p>So, the pushback was hard.</p>
<p>(This is where I think people have it wrong. I don’t think this is about TM being African American and Zimmerman not. I think this is about Z being connected and TM not, and I HATE corruption.)</p>
<p>I don’t blame the pushback. We’ll let the trial play out. I think manslaughter would be a good outcome for those who want to play investigating officer.</p>
<p>But I think it’s impossible to know what the jury is paying attention to. I’ve been surprised, before, to hear what it is they find important. It probably won’t be SYG laws, or any of what we are talking about. It will probably be some strange thing we barely discuss here.</p>
<p>^I’m sure you see it so clearly and I’m just swayed by right wing commentary…right?</p>
<p>I simply cannot believe how good these defense lawyers are. Except for that stupid knock knock joke in the opening statement, I have yet to see a mistake. That’s unusual.</p>
<p>I think manslaughter would be an appropriate charge. I do not think there is proof he stalked and executed TM. IMHO he was reckless and that caused the death. I also feel that stupid law emboldened him.</p>
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I know this theory was floated on Fox News, but there was no bottle of tea. The can of ice tea was still in TM’s pocket when he was killed. And none of the rest of the story is corroborated by any other evidence. No DNA, no blood on TM’s hands, nothing. Just GZ’s story.</p>
<p>razorsharp, I agree. The defense attorney is really good.</p>
<p>O’Mara is pretty good. The other defense guy is horrible. Not just the joke, I tried to watch him and he is way too long winded getting to a point. IMO</p>
<p>Exactly how is an SYG law “stupid”? Prior to the passing of SYG laws, in some states you couldn’t even use deadly force (of any type, not just firearms) IN YOUR OWN HOME when defending your family from an attacker? Do you seriously think that is a “smart” law?</p>
<p>IF this case were about SYG (which it isn’t), it would be about misapplication of a good and necessary law. That doesn’t make it “stupid” to be able to legally stand your ground. Making sweeping generalizations that SYG laws “embolden” people to go out and instigate situations where they can shoot someone is hyperbolic sensationalism at it’s worst. Will there be some that do? Probably…but would you rather see someone convicted of a crime for defending their family because no SYG law exists? Seriously?</p>
<p>OBTW…if someone did invade my home and threatened my family and I exercised deadly force against them, the last dang thing on my “to do” list would be performing CPR on them. That argument just doesn’t make one ounce of sense to me.</p>