2013-07-17, 12:35 AM
[COLOR="#cc8899"]My perspective is that, based on what was presented in court, Zimmerman didn't do anything illegal or wrong in pursuing Trayvon. What he did was STUPID (ignoring the police advice to cease pursuit), and to a degree provocational (though not necessarily intentional) but not illegal. And there was not enough evidence to prove that the ensuing altercation was anything but what Zimmerman described. I don't view this as groundbreaking, profound, disturbing, or noteworthy at all outside of a young man being shot after physically threatening another man's life.
I'm infinitely more disturbed by the media and public reaction to the case and the enormous focus on race that it's brought. If I see an unfamiliar kid walking around my neighborhood at night I'm going to investigate, especially if there have been a rash of crimes in the area. I've personally reported two such incidents where the police that responded found stolen property (first time) and spray paint cans (second) in their possession (and a third report that was innocent).
Zimmerman was, until getting out of his car, doing something responsible and good. His decision thereafter was stupid, not wrong.[/COLOR]
I'm infinitely more disturbed by the media and public reaction to the case and the enormous focus on race that it's brought. If I see an unfamiliar kid walking around my neighborhood at night I'm going to investigate, especially if there have been a rash of crimes in the area. I've personally reported two such incidents where the police that responded found stolen property (first time) and spray paint cans (second) in their possession (and a third report that was innocent).
Zimmerman was, until getting out of his car, doing something responsible and good. His decision thereafter was stupid, not wrong.[/COLOR]