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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsA 1 Million Dollar Reward For Zimmerman?
The New Black Panthers already have announced a $10,000 reward. That's bad enough, but they claim they will get one million to put up as an incentive.
Unfortunately, they will take the glare from the injustice done to Trayvon And shift it to them and the following uproar. I want Zimmerman to be punished too, but this is only going to bring out the very worst of people from both sides. Even many who support Trayvon will have nothing to do with this.
This will not end well.
no_hypocrisy
(46,160 posts)Let him be arrested and put in front of a grand jury. Imprisoned, albeit in isolation for his safety. A trial with a jury. If convicted, more imprisonment.
And let Florida change its defective "self defense" law.
TheMastersNemesis
(10,602 posts)It is too late. The police did an OJ by essentially actually destroying the evidence of wrong doing. There is no forensic or photographic evidence from the scene. It looks like witnesses were not thoroughly questioned. The police reports are not questionable. And they pretty much cut the case down to "he said she said" except the kid is dead. Zimmerman claims injuries yet no picture. And they gave him back the gun so there is no ballistic evidence. They are hiding and hid 1st degree murders. The tapes themselves are not enough to convict. And the law give Zimmerman cover. This guy will eventually walk free.
Florida will not change its law. And the local authorities will just sit on this case and muddy it up as long as they can. We have a broken system. This case is not the only case. Another black man was gunned down in Wisconsin the other day. Your are living in a dream world when it comes to our legal system. The right wing and GOP has gamed it.
Yes arrest and conviction would be nice, but it won't happen.
no_hypocrisy
(46,160 posts)I still think it isn't over and the controversy can be expanded to the police department to be examined under the criminal justice system.
What's the alternative? Doing nothing? No. Vigilante justice? Perhaps. Riots? Possible.
All that's demanded is a fair tribunal to examine the facts with consequences.
pipoman
(16,038 posts)"Florida will not change its law."
Response to pipoman (Reply #16)
Tesha This message was self-deleted by its author.
pipoman
(16,038 posts)that SYG laws protect people who are, in fact, defending themselves. They protect the would be victim from criminal prosecution for their defensive actions and, almost more importantly protect them from civil liability from the families of/and the attacker. I have seen too many times, victims sued into destitution by families of criminals...not that the families won, only that the person had to spend their savings to defend themselves. Same is true for states with no laws allowing for legitimate self defense, the person can be charged with a crime which will cost them their job, and savings to defend. I don't know what the answer is. I don't think it is going back in time to a point when an innocent person is attacked and spends the rest of their life paying for it.
Comrade Grumpy
(13,184 posts)From the article:
In the first five years the law was in effect, it was invoked 93 times. In the last year and a half, it has been invoked at least an additional 37 times.
"Justifiable homicides" reported to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have increased threefold since the law went into effect.
Proponents say the law is working, allowing citizens to protect themselves from harm without worrying about legalities in the heat of the attack.
But the law has also been used to excuse killings in bar brawls, gang shootouts and road-rage incidents.
pipoman
(16,038 posts)people who were, in fact, defending themselves were being charged with a criminal offense? It is sad when a person who is lawfully going about their life is attacked, responds by defending themselves, then is charged with a crime or are subjected to a civil suit..further robbing them of the things they have spent their life saving for...again, all because some thug tried to harm them. How do we protect those who are simply defending themselves if this law is repealed?
RebelOne
(30,947 posts)slackmaster
(60,567 posts)How do you know that? The fact that something hasn't been posted on the Web does not mean that it does not exist!
It looks like witnesses were not thoroughly questioned.
Again, what is this based on? The rambling YouTube interview with Mary Cutcher who didn't actually see anything? Do you expect people who are interviewed by police as potential witnesses to a crime to go public with their information BEFORE there is a trial or even an indictment?
Do you know for a fact that the grand jury has not deposed any of the witnesses?
The police reports are not questionable.
We're talking about an ongoing criminal investigation that has been submitted to a grand jury. Do you expect that information to be available NOW, to YOU?
Zimmerman claims injuries yet no picture.
What will you say if photos depicting an injured George Zimmerman are presented at trial? Will you say they must have been fabricated because YOU didn't get to see them before charges were filed?
And they gave him back the gun so there is no ballistic evidence.
Do you KNOW for a fact that the police didn't test-fire the gun while it was in their custody, so that a fired bullet and ejected case could be compared to evidence found at the crime scene? How do you know that?
shadowrider
(4,941 posts)Last edited Sun Mar 25, 2012, 08:48 AM - Edit history (1)
crazyjoe
(1,191 posts)slackmaster
(60,567 posts)butterfly77
(17,609 posts)Zimmerman would be in jail. I guess because his father is a judge get preferential treatment and they think he won't be found guilty no matter what.
Lilyeye
(1,417 posts)are already hoping on this mess to justify their racism. I've been to like 4 other sites reading articles and it always comes up by some racist jackass. I want Zimmerman to get justice just like most people, but the NBP is pissing me off right now with this BS. Harming Zimmerman will only do damage to Trayvon's family and their case.
Upton
(9,709 posts)I can't think of a dumber move..
FarPoint
(12,428 posts)I understand their passion, I too want results...but I want to win this in court. That will have power and evoke change. Were on a slower path but I believe social, political pressure is the strongest method.
Quantess
(27,630 posts)Yeah that will go over great.
I love being broadbrushed and lumped together in a stereotype just as much as anyone else does.
pipoman
(16,038 posts)if anything happens to the other racist in this story, this guy and his racist organization should see some RICO or other criminal charges.
From all the reports Zimmermen should be charged with some crime(s). If he isn't, the beef should be with the police and/or the justice system, and/or with legislators. Offering a bounty "dead or alive" by a non-governmental group is a crime.
greytdemocrat
(3,299 posts)baldguy
(36,649 posts)Isn't that what the gun nuts are always preaching?
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)relaxed gun laws so that minorities can protect themselves from racist right wingers. Guns and fucked up people just don't go together, except in America.
Gman
(24,780 posts)Not
Are_grits_groceries
(17,111 posts)Last edited Sun Mar 25, 2012, 10:16 AM - Edit history (1)
movie people, athletes, etc. I don't doubt that there are people who will donte.
redqueen
(115,103 posts)They're a fringe hate group. Would you believe the Phelps clan if they made such outrageous claims?
Are_grits_groceries
(17,111 posts)However, I don't discount them out of hand. Even the Phelps loons might get some support from other crazies. There are others, but they aren't as loud.
If the lynch mob comes back, The NBP are now leading the parade.
Response to Are_grits_groceries (Original post)
Obamanaut This message was self-deleted by its author.
Honeycombe8
(37,648 posts)If the authorities decide to arrest and charge him, they'll find him. He's hiding from the public because of death threats. He's not hiding from the authorities. He's not rich. He didn't go to the Riviera. The authorities will be able to pick him up.
workinclasszero
(28,270 posts)The authorities in Sanford or the state of Florida or the feds can arrest Zimmerman on suspicion of murder or violation of the civil rights of Trayvon or committing a hate crime.
Put Zimmerman in jail, problem solved. If the damn police in Sanford would have done the right thing in the first place none of this would be going on.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)Even if Zimmerman is guilty as sin, arresting him without due process would be very wrong.
We can't go throwing a man in jail just because some people are upset that he hasn't been arrested.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)slackmaster
(60,567 posts)Including NOT being arrested without probable cause, and not being held without an indictment from a grand jury.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)slackmaster
(60,567 posts)Some of the charges were dropped, and he was acquitted on the others.
Due process.
Perhaps you have forgotten about that.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)slackmaster
(60,567 posts)You know, the only type of entity that has the power to indict someone for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime in this country.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)slackmaster
(60,567 posts)The Sanford PD didn't believe they had probable cause to detain him. Maybe they were wrong, maybe they are corrupt, but that's all blood under the bridge.
George Zimmerman cannot legally be arrested until the grand jury returns an indictment. I support letting the grand jury do its job.
I don't support mob rule. I don't support vigilantism.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)slackmaster
(60,567 posts)And only where it is legal for me to do so.
I don't even keep a firearm handy when I am at home alone. My go-to home defense weapons are a replica Greek Hoplite short sword and a vintage Louisville Slugger baseball bat that was originally owned by a member of the San Diego Padres when they were a AAA team, West Coast Baseball League.
Why do you lie, Hoyt?
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)And, you certainly support the carrying of guns and applaud every time some state enacts "Carry a Gun and Stand Your Ground" laws.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)I support personal choice and liberty. So do the balck men I'm drinking with.
mfcorey1
(11,001 posts)figure will speak out against their efforts. Believe me, it not condoned by community of people seeking justice for Trayvon Martin.
Major Hogwash
(17,656 posts)He won't be able to collect the reward though, I don't think.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)Major Hogwash
(17,656 posts)The police arrived on the scene of the crime where he had just committed a murder.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)It's the same thing, Major Hogwash.
Major Hogwash
(17,656 posts)Being questioned at a crime scene is not even close to turning one's self in to the authorities.
slackmaster
(60,567 posts)...And said "I'm turning myself in."
LisaL
(44,974 posts)Logical
(22,457 posts)clouding your judgement.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)Logical
(22,457 posts)Hoyt
(54,770 posts)Black kid that got shot.