I understand the tragedy that the family is going through. However, do comments like this bring the country together or make us all more divisive?

This was a cold-blooded murder. Zimmerman needs to be arrested ASAP. The entire police force needs to be fired!

Ben-3135814, What kind of statement is that! Explain further just exactly what you mean? Are you being critical of the African American community? Are you saying that this very, very, very accurate statement by our President and Commander in Chief is somehow inappropriate and incendiary? Seriously, what do you mean and what are you implying?

No riots...unless there is no Justice. Then there should be riots. It is the American Way. Our country was founded by revolutionaries who fought an unjust system of government

If it takes riots to call out a corrupt police dept then that's what we need.

Congratulations Obama on exploiting another situation for personal gain. Must be so proud of yourself. Can only imaging the dim little light bulb going off over your head when this idea came to you.

Oh brother. I can't believe he's using this tragedy to make himself look good. "If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon." That is just SICK AND WRONG! If it takes the POTUS to get this case investigated and get justice, fine, but he needs to stop twisting it to his own ends!

Sir, the reporter ASKED HIM HIS OPINION! Next time maybe the President should bar the reporters from the ceremony -- or tell them, No questions?

Karen & Catsclaw- He was asked a question by the press corps. Do you expect him to say "no comment" to such a thing or did you just go ahead and make assumptions without actually reading anything but the headline?

Catsclaw, President Obama's statement was not sick and wrong, it is the truth.

WHAT THE HECK TOOK OBAMA SO LONG???

Election year perhaps?? He decided to go for the African American vote, it's simply impossible to believe he finally decided to do something right by his people.

My son looks like Trayvon too. Lots of us have sons that do! WHAT TOOK OBAMA SO LONG to make this announcement while Trayvon's parents and the nation SUFFERED? It is simply inexcusable.

Let's see some ACTION from Obama instead of more talk, running at the mouth and campaigning.

Good for OUR President!

OBAMA =OPPORTUNIST to the MAX.

Disgraceful, irresponsible and outrageous comment.

GET THIS PERSON OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE.

I think this is a conversation we need to have. We can't sugarcoat the fact that there is a horrible law and that the Sanford police dropped the ball with the investigation because it was a black kid "up to no good". Had he been the one shooting in self-defense he would have spent the night in jail while an investigation was being conducted. They just took this guys word for it! I have many African American friends who've experienced the suspicious looks. They have been followed around a store as petty criminals, they have been stopped by police, or had problems getting a cab. I feel everyone, white, black, Hispanic and Asian need to be equally outraged that this type of thing can go on in our country. We need to stand together on this one.

And that justice would be trial by media? The same folks that continue to foment discontent and additional public outcry when it's pretty well been established that multiple state and federal law enforcement folks are now working the crime scene and investigation? The process isn't a political circus, it's a tragedy. Making a spectacle of of a child dying and a family's grief is deplorable. This case is less about race and vigilantism than a small town police force having inadequate resources to properly do its job and limited evidence upon which to make a case.

So Obama is saying they all look alike?

Imagine the complaints if a white person said that.

Another murder in Florida. The cops never have their stories straight, nor do they care about thorough Investigations. It is much like "Mayberry" in this large, important State.

President Obama should not get involved in any thing other than Politics, Issues, and International Foreign Policy.

What is the problem finding Zimmerman---is he smarter than the police?

Typical Obama make everything into a photo op and pander, pander, pander

President Obama said, ""My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin: If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon," Obama said. "I think they are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves, and we're going to get to the bottom of what happened."

Key words, "all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves.." US AS AMERICANS.

Only fools with divisiveness as their goal will make these statements into what they are not. Don't be dumb enough to complain about his comment "...If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon." Common sense makes that visual pretty clear.

Every parent in this country should be concerned. With now grown children, I still worry.

What has Obama said that is so bad? He's saying what EVERY parent would say when hearing about a kid being killed; being it due to a shooting, drunk driving, a sports accident, or what have you.

And I'm SORRY, Wake Up Now, but EVERYONE (liberal OR conservative) should be angry at this here. While local police in that town may not have been responsible for this kid getting killed, THEY TOTALLY DROPPED THE BALL in their investigation. That's why the Feds are stepping in.

Someone, please tell me that this guy who killed a kid with a bottle of iced tea in his hand hasn't bred.

It's not guns that kill people. It is scared,spineless, angry people who must hide within a circle of their weapon fear to fearless world. If you carry a gun, do you really think those who live within a predjudice life would really "stand their ground"?

While I believe what happened was a tragedy, if the President is going to get involved in something, I think it should be the number of shootings happening all over the country in our schools. Finding out what is causing them and finding a solution. I think it would serve a greater good than intensifying what is already a tense situation, caused by a few idiots.

What about the division of powers? Federal executive branch is clearly interfering with and attempting to influence the proceedings of the State of Florida judicial system. Maybe it was not meant to be an interference, but it can be construed so.

Saying that, I'm not trying to defend Zimmerman. White or Hispanic, racist or not, he apparently had a burning desire to play with his 9mm toy for real. Did he have issues with proving his manhood to himself? We'll probably never know. Trayvon just happened to be a target of opportunity - wrong time, wrong place, wrong hoodie.

Jesus Christ! If Obama had a son he would be BLACK. He would be under the same suspicions that black boys and men are under. Obama was asked a question about a very topical issue and he answered it honestly. This tragedy deserves answers, and just whacking on Obama at every opportunity is asinine. If the police had gone in from the beginning to investigate and arrest the shooter and let justice take its course this wouldn't be such a huge mess. There are a lot of questions that need to be addressed.

As I understand it there is an ongoing investigation of the situation. Seems that BO is jumping on the bandwagon to have Zimmerman railroaded without a thourough investigation. Does OB really think we should start lynching Hispanic Americans if the incident is between black and hispanic or should the memory of Martin be honored by the best possible investigation to assure the truth in his death come out. I have great sympathy for the parents if young Martin but it is to their best interest that the investigation that has been undertaken allowed to continue without undue bias or prejudice or interference by the Oval office. As it would be a shame if the investigation implicated young Martin in any of the burgularies that have happened over time. It would certainly cast a whole new palor over Presidential claims that if he had a son, he would look like Trayvon.

I wonder what Mr. Etch-A-Sketch has to say?? Wait, let me guess...No...really, that's what he's going to say, "Wait...let me guess". Like he could ever relate to a black teenager.

This is very close to home for Obama and he god- damned well should be emotional about it. Fux and the teatards are going to condemn anything he has to say, anything. Their crap means nothing in this case. Actually their crap never means anything.

Obama has a history of weighing in on things like this before all the facts are known. Remember when the black Harvard professor, Henry Louis Gates Jr, was arrested for disorderly conduct by the white police officer? The back peddling on that resulted in a ridiculous beer summit. His transparent musings on all things racial in this country are divisive and unpresidential. He should let the criminal justice system carry out its role without polluting the process with his petty political games.

Another murder in Florida. The cops never have their stories straight, nor do they care about thorough Investigations. It is much like "Mayberry" in this large, important State.

President Obama should not get involved in any thing other than Politics, Issues, and International Foreign Policy.

What is the problem finding Zimmerman---is he smarter than the police?

Rick, you make a very valid point about the lack of resources that police departments across the country are trying to manage on but that doesn't make this incident any less a racial issue. The fact of the matter is that this child was black. Just like our President's children. Just like so many other children in this country. And the fact is that the color of his skin made him an object of suspicion to the shooter. There really isn't any way around any of that and it needs to be addressed. Racism remains America's dirty little secret and if we are ever to move forward - ALL of us - we need to deal with it and do our best to completely eradicate it. Our future, our very existence in the world, depends upon it. It's not making a spectacle of a dead child, it's putting a face to the reality and the tragedy: Americans need that in order to get off their apathetic bottoms and do something about it. Sad, but true.

I guess they asked Obama for his opinion and he gave it. Now those that condemn him are not looking at things from his perspective and you need to be honest with yourself. Moreover, regardless of what Obama says or does will not be good enough however this is your loss not his.

I sincerely believe this is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our own core values and determine if change is warranted. This is a continuing process and it’s called life’s journey.

I sincerely hope that Zimmerman is charge on very suspicious circumstances and if so that WE ALL respect the due process.

@AngieS - excellent post. Damn if that is not right at the base and this headline is a clear example of media manipulation at it's best. MSNBC cherry-picked ONE PORTION of the entire set of comments and let it fly.

President Obama said, "My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin: If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon," "I think they are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves, and we're going to get to the bottom of what happened."

"Obviously, this is a tragedy. I can only imagine what these parents are going through. And when I think about this boy, I think about my own kids."

"I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this and that everybody pulls together - federal, state, and local - to figure out exactly how this tragedy happened."

Do his comments not speak to ALL of us?? ALL AMERICANS.

I am getting SO SICK AND TIRED OF THIS RACIAL BIAS.......ENOUGH ALREADY....SHOW the SAME to WHITES and OTHERS as well.!!!!!!!!

Truly sorry for death of Trayvon Martin. Useless and unnecessary. Obama... With you, I'm not impressed. I can't believe you lack of judgement in you wording..... On second thought I can believe your lack of judgement.

This is not an issue for the POTUS to comment. May as well declare the shooter guilty as pronounced by the president, case closed. No comment or stating the system needs time to work would have been the correct response.

I am not surprised but deeply saddened that Obama would feed of the dead like this, using this poor kids death for political gain. Guess it was to be expected as all those civil rights leaders are doing the same and when it doesn't turn out the way they want or it is shown that Zimmerman is innocent they will just slither away and leave this poop family to deal with the fall out.

Obama had no right to inject himself into this story, just plain shameful, pitiful and pathetic as all ways.

The reporter ASKED OBAMA ABOUT THIS. When the POTUS is asked a question, he's supposed to answer it. He answered it as honestly and respectfully as anyone could.

Obama DID NOT JUST COME OUT AND MAKE A STATEMENT - he answered the question asked of him.

And he's right. Those of you outraged that Obama answered the question should be focusing your outrage on Zimmerman and the police department that did not do a proper investigation.

Anytime somebody is killed, the police have the duty to thoroughly investigate it, especially if the person claims self-defense. There should not have been a need to intervene, call a grand jury, etc. It should have been done from the second they found this kid dead.

@d brow. This was a news conference on an entirely different subject, as the president departed, a reporter asked him a question and he answered. MSNBC cherry-picked one statement out of several and has run with it.

President Obama said, "My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin: If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon," "I think they are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves, and we're going to get to the bottom of what happened."

"Obviously, this is a tragedy. I can only imagine what these parents are going through. And when I think about this boy, I think about my own kids."

"I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this and that everybody pulls together - federal, state, and local - to figure out exactly how this tragedy happened."

Like sheep to slaughter - idiots have taken it hook line and sinker. MSNBC certainly did.

J R Browenstein

What's sad is that, with so few black kids trying to look mainstream instead of ghetto thug, it's sad that one of the few gets killed for no reason. It's like when someone kills an endangered bird or something.

As a teenager in the late 60's, I wore my hair long, spent money on the current fashions that everyone was wearing and sold at JC Penny's Sears etc.

My father and his generation were saying I look like a "Dirty Hippie".....well, wasn't dirty and was not a "Hippie" but did try and look like the various members of the popular bands.....Beatles, Led Zeppelin" etc.

The teens and youth of today are wearing the clothes of the artists they listen too. If you have priced a "hoody" that has been made very popular in teen videos does not make the youth today....."ghetto thug" just the current batch of teenagers being teenagers.

I know I am opening a can of worms here, but I have a hard time understanding why any crime perpetrated by a non African American citizen on an African American citizen is (9 times out of 10) immediately a labeled a "hate crime"? When violence on non African Americans by African Americans is just labeled as a "crime" Living in and around the Chicago area most of my life, there has been plenty of crime initiated by African American adults and kids where the victim is not of their race and not a peep is heard from anyone in reference to a "hate crime". What happened to this child is a tragedy and should be investigated to the fullest, and if local law enforcement has intentionally the ball, they should also be subject to repercussions also. But rushing to call it a "hate crime" or "civil rights violation" is in my opinion, just grandstanding. Investigate the perpetrator for murder of another human being, and not a fancy way of saying "us vs them" crime. With the Justice Department getting involved, is there any doubt that there will be an indictment fon a race related charge??? I am sure that a lot of people are going to scramble to collapse this a comment, but it is a valid point. And no, I am not a racist just a realist.

It's so obvious the rightwing whack jobs are terrified these days by the fact that Obama is on track to win the election. How else can you explain their irrational responses to everything Obama says, turning every article into an opportunity to attack him? Obama did not bring this subject up today, he was responding to a reporter's question. So these nutjobs are attacking him, accusing him of exploiting this situation, when all he did was answer a question on a topic HE didn't even bring up. Did you expect him to remain silent after being asked the question? What if he did remain silent, how would you be responding to that? I know you wouldn't be praising him for his silence. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. And as for his response, there was nothing divisive about his words at all. Most of it was just common sense. But perhaps that's the problem here: you people bashing him just lack common sense. Trust me, the comments you're writing only make YOU look bad. But you're just not smart enough to realize it.

The most reasonable, and responsible thing for Obama to say, would have been that the matter is under further investigation by due authority, and that it would not be appropriate for him to make any comment on the matter at this time.

My own opinion is that the system is being manipulated by a lynch mob mentality. The police department in Sanford did a thorough investigation, and found that Zimmerman was in fear for his life. Florida state law allows one to protect himself, if one is in fear for their own safety. For as much as people say that Martin didn't have a weapon, and that Zimmerman was bigger than him; we do know that Martin hit Zimmerman in the face and in the back of the head. Don't forget that Martin was also a high school football player, which means he knew how to hit, tackle, and so forth, and was also in good shape. What I can't understand is; why he would stand and engage Zimmerman, if he was afraid of being stalked? Why wouldn't/didn't he just run away?

Another question that must be asked is; would Obama have been asked anything about this incident, if it was a white teenager who was shot by a black assailant?

The loss of life is terrible here.

But, this incident also demonstrates how polarized a society we have become. Why does it only matter when a black person is victimized? Why doesn't it count when a white person is beaten or killed and the perpetrator gets off?....and there are plenty of examples of that.

It should be the same for all.

I'm curious to see what happenes if the special investigators findings support the local police. Will we see a repeat of 1992 in L.A.?

Obama should have responded in a manner consistent with the office of the President; not as a blatantly partisan politician dependent upon race-baiting.

The President should have said that his office is monitoring the situation; then note that he trusts that the public officials on the ground will act in accordance with the laws of the state of Florida...

The man is the President of the United States; not the President of the people who he thinks looks like him.

As I'd posted in another comment section on YET the same topic; yes, it is tragic IF found to be out of line and guilty of over reaction. Still..... how many tier 1, 2, 3 sexual pedophiles offenders are out of prison, free to repeat crimes? How many murdered in the past day? Two days? Gang related, domestic violence, how many raped? Is this or is it not an election year? How many rapists released due to financial woes, over crowding... pedophiles similarly, how many incarcerated for minor drug offenses, what's being done about America and Her economy, how much is MERELY MEANT TO BE DIVISIVE?

It is clear that it's more than obvious that either Obama or his advisors are cherry picking this, it's an election year and politics will again as always trump reality. To repeatedly state the races of both is blatant politics in an election year, much less stepping up to comment faux emotively when you ARE the POTUSA. If Obama has intell the rest of us don't, please feel free to share.

None know yet what really transpired, what the confrontation was, if drugs involved or not or whatever can be thought of yet this is being racially charged to the public and really bought into by the public to the equivacle of being steroidal. In an election year. When homicides occur to the tune of hundreds yearly, while nothing is being done legislatively to help Americans and Americas economy, while jobs are still outsourced, while foreclosures are rampant, while gangs still run the streets, while illegal immagrants are usurping bogus, fake paper printed by the illegal Fed Reserve, while financial institutions and corporate government will NOT fix any and NOT re-instate Glass Steagall because they're invested and wealthy over GLB.....

Again, I'm sympathetic towards Martin's family no matter what he may or may not have done; loss is loss. But why so much attention, publicly, racially motivated per the press, per the government, when so much else and worse goes on and on?

Check your local sheriff's list for the tier 2 and 3 offenders, repeated offenders and rapists, murder rates and all else; don't let this become political or racial where it's not. Don't be duped.

Not a fan of Obama and really hate what happened to this little boy! Tragedy! don't care if he looked like Obama's kid, Clinton's kid or ANY kid. The right thing needs to be done for ANY child killer! Do I think our president should have commented on it, no. And I can see where the comments seem a bit unfair. The focus needs to be on finding this little boy's killer and opening up a can of whoop ass on him! ANY child deserves that justice!

How cab the police there make the call not to do anything. In most places any death involving a weapon has to go through the grand jury. If all we are hearing is true then this man should be in jail.

Well you can't hold Obama responsible for the questions he is asked. Too bad the reporters never asked Obama about the thirteen year old white kid set on fire by two black teenagers. Would the victim of this crime look like his son as well?

Browenstein said:

It would appear that his parents are well off and were doing a terrific job of raising him...obviously intelligent folks overcoming the obstacles of life. I hope in their grief, they don't get sucked into the "hate Wh!tey" mentality cause "the Man" is black now.

A terrific job?!? Parents who were doing a terrific job would not have known for 12 hours where their son was. Let alone terrific parents would have informed him of the state of affairs in this "girlfriend's" gated community and instructed him how to handle the situation should he be stopped. Knowing that 15 robberies had been committed by Black Young Men would have painted a bulleseye on Trayvon's back. Instructing him how to take care of being stopped by the neighborhood watch was THEIR responsibility. I find it interesting that no one has talked about this.....

And you don't think what this family is doing right now is not "hate Whitey?!" You've got to be kidding!

OH and Obama's comment?.....only designed to pander for votes and further divide the country. (And admittedly, I was pretty offended by it, certainly will not change my mind about not voting for him in the next election. We need to get a President elected who can heal the damage caused by this President, a very big task, to be sure.)

from the bottom of my heart-ty obama for not giving the world any kids.the world already have enough evil back stabbers in it already.

h.con res 107

@ Karen

Obama didn't "exploit" this. He was in the middle of introducing his nomination for head of the world bank. When he was done, someone from NBC asked him about the case. If he had said "no comment" that still would have been plastered all over the news.

@ Bronx

Just for the record, he's hispanic. Most media sources keep calling him "white hispanic" though. To make this more of a race issue.

His actual name isn't "George." It's "Jorge." I'm not being funny about that. Look it up.

I'm not saying he isn't racist. But I am saying this isn't a case of the police department "protecting a white man."

No Matter what this President would have done, or said, there would have been hundreds of rightwing lynchmob, nut-jobs clamoring to berate him. The same hatred that led to the sensless murder of an unarmed American child, is the same hatred, and disrespect directed at the POTUS!!

I have a hard time understanding why any crime perpetrated by a non African American citizen on an African American citizen is (9 times out of 10) immediately a labeled a "hate crime"? When violence on non African Americans by African Americans is just labeled as a "crime"

Most crime against whites isn't labeled a hate crime (9 times out of 10) because it is usually just crime....... When whites/others walk through our neighborhoods we tend to leave them alone because we know the consequences. Dogs, Helicopters, constant patroling and harassment of our children, especially the boys (in areas where the cops take hours to respond to a simple break-in call or domestic issue) Shoooooot..... even the white shirted cops show up when there is black on white violence. Besides there are more white folks than black and, unfortunately, being the dumb criminals they are, they think all white folks have money and are rich.....money being the motive, not race. You never hear of white crackheads getting killed, there's a reason for that... Consequences of " the man" keeping his "foot on the neck" of black folk..

However, io'm pretty sure that is your off-kilter view of crime in general. This one is labeled a hate crime for several factors. If you don't understand why then maybe you need to revisit the Zimmerman 911 call.

To all of the posters who didn't like our President's answer, here's the $64,000 question:

In your opinion, how SHOULD he have answered?

There goes Odumbo using his 'blackness' and this tragedy to political advantage.

I do believe Zimmerman should be charged with first degree murder and get a vist to Mr Needle but for Odumbo to use this to some sort of political advantge is disgusting....like others are saying he could have just said investigations are underway and he doesn't want to comment as to sway or interfere with those and will leave the comment until all the facts are known...but not say 'if I had a son he would look like Trayvon' so would everyone who has a son only they'd be of varying colours

What a stupid forum this is. "Comment collapsed by community" is a joke. How does a comment that gets over 100 likes or votes get collapsed by the community? And then all one needs to do is open the collapsed comment and read it.

This is the dumbest thing and I'm sure at least one of you will dislike this and collapse my comment. BUT, it will still be there for viewing...

BTW: Obviously what I think about the article will be ridiculed because the community can't handle others' opinions.

I did not see one comment that was collapsed that deserved to be. If they are that bad, they should not be viewable.

Glad to see so many Republicans using this tragedy to spread their vile hatred... it must be that "Christian compassion" we hear so much about.

Keep showing us how "moral" you people really are. I'm sure Jesus is very proud of you.

Wow obama, that is wrong on so many levels, there is no place to start!

Hate to tell the Zimmerman gun-nut this but now that the president has given his support he's screwed

Way up there at #1.1:

I understand the tragedy that the family is going through. However, do comments like this bring the country together or make us all more divisive?

"Make" you? You can choose not to be "divisive", you know.

I'm not really sure why this response to a question from the press warranted a news story. Is it because he alluded to the fact that he's black...? I don't get it.

Zimmerman did not stand his ground after the police told him not to pursue the boy. then defiant with his weapon the bullet which came from his anger crossed the line and killed this mans own rage! he stared across at his own rage what a cowardly sorry fellow this zimmerman truly became. and how is it this man was questioned by one of the two responding police officers allowed to leave the scene with his gun! did they believe he might just need to use the gun again?

If Trayvon Martin had white skin, would he still be Obama's "son?" Would this be such headline news for the media? Ahhh ... the great divider has spoken...pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.

@ Miss Deanna - What should he have said? He should extend his condolences to the family. If pressed further, he should state he is waiting for the outcome of the Investigation. At this time, any comments would be premature.

Simple, to the point, and not divisive.

And, incidentally, since he has studied law, he should know better.

Miss Deanna

To all of the posters who didn't like our President's answer, here's the $64,000 question:

In your opinion, how SHOULD he have answered?

He shouldn't have answered at all. Murders/Crimes happen every day. He's supposed to be the President of OUR country, he doesn't get to pick and choose.

Wyllyrd, you stole my thunder. I am so sick of people being allowed to sensor whats seen on these boards. Where the hell do we live, China?? Come on MSNBC, get rid of the insanely stupid "Comment collapsed by community" bull$hit. If a comment is over the top, only MSNBCmoderators should have the authority to delete it, which you already do. Beyond that, fellow posters should never be able to sensor posts, its unamerican, but perfectly suited for countries that control speech.

Thank you, Willowbrook.

At least you could answer me, and not with sarcasm &/or racism.

I know you know blacks were slaves just 150 years ago. And I'm sure your grand parents have been tough, black people are beneath them and must continue to be. Thus the racial divide in America.

Blacks have never been looked at as equals no matter what the law states.

As far as I am concern this was a racial attach on an innocent young boy. Everyone should be outraged and ashamed.

Where is the outrage over a Black Killing a White?, Tell me Obama, Where is your anger over THAT? Would that White boy look like Biden? ,

Obama because you have NOT come out in outrage and anger over a Black Killing a white, then you sir are a racist. The same goes for most of the rest of you too.

I can honestly say that should i ever have need of a jury, i have grounds based on this issue alone to say i dont want any Blacks on that jury , because i'm white. Blacks dont care if a white boy gets killed,right there proves the racist attitude of most Blacks.

Of course Obama's son might be like Trayvon. Then, he might be not. Obama is a mulatto, therefore his offspring might come out favoring the white side of the equation.

What? So, the President is saying that Michelle Obama had an on-going affair with Trayvon Martin?

Response to bring us together or divides us ....I am a 55 year old white woman who loves all people. I have Hispanic /white grand children and a Very good looking Black nephew-in-law, I even had a Chinese uncle who I loved very much, and every aspect of this case and others like this one should bring us together as people, not as a black, white, Hispanic or any other race!!!!!! This tragedy should not be happening today but yet even after 150 years you still hear of things like this. Stop with all the gang crap, ALL RACES, and start helping out each other as people... The color of one's skin is nothing cause when you get right down to it when we bleed we all bleed red..Media divides us..how...Look at most footage on any thing that happen..white man/woman killed...footage shows mostly white people in support of family, Black man/woman killed...footage shows mostly blacks who support family...Come on be realistic here, show a united front and maybe we can ease our why out of all the diversity that some folks feel...Well all this is just my opinion but as a person and human being...all is welcome at my door regardless of what color your skin is..Hell you could be blue and still have coffee or tea at my home...

You know what? There are people, in this country, who hate the president, for whatever reason BUT he is the President and he is an empathetic President compared to the Narcissists that we have had in the past and could (GOD HELP US) have in the future (Mitt, Santorum, Newt). The President was asked a question and if he hadn't answered, the right would be on here complaining about that. You can't win with the right. They hate the President and he can do no good in their eyes. And the same with Congress. This is a sad case and it should be investigated. It made national news and is quite contraversial...and sad. I hope that the parents of this child can find some peace. Good for you Mr. President. Thank you for being HUMAN.

Solutions359,

Part of that problem is that African Americans don't look at themselves as equal. Unfortunately, no one hands things to you in America. As the Chinese, Irish, and Italian immigrants who came over as indentured servants and had to fight their equality. The African American population needs to truly believe they are equal and band together to promote themselves from within. Or, they can sit back and whine waiting for someone to give them what they feel is due. Until then, an uneven percentage of African Americans will live below the poverty level, look for the quick way out, commit crimes, and build on the reality that African Americans are responsible for a percentage of crimes above and beyond their representation in this country. If 60% of crimes were committed by people dressed as pirates and I saw a pirate walking down the street, I'd be suspicious.

The fact is that Obama was elected because of the color of his skin

Massive numbers of people voted for Obama proclaiming " It is time for a black President ! " or " I am so proud that we voted for & elected a black President !! "

Can you imagine the uproar if anyone had bragged " I'm so glad we we voted for & elected a white President ! " or " It is time for a white President ! " ?

As a result of the racism that favors our President and was against white candidates like Hillary or McCain......Obama is given a pass on everything that he does....

IWonder-932455 "Wow obama, that is wrong on so many levels, there is no place to start!"

Well try. I've seen nothing but Obama bashing because he dared open his mouth and ANSWER A REPORTER'S QUESTION. I've yet to see any of the same people doing the bashing give a valid reason why what he said was wrong. Everything he said seemed to be common sense. Fact: This 17 year-old kid was armed with Skittles and iced tea. Fact: He BELONGED in that neighborhood; his soon-to-be step-mother lives there. Fact: Zimmerman weighs about 240 pounds, the young Mr. Martin weighed only about 140 pounds. Fact: 911 told Zimmerman not to pursue the boy, he did it anyway. Given these facts, what was wrong with what the president said? What we all would like to know is, given these facts, particularly the last one, why was Zimmerman not arrested? And why would a 240 pound armed man be pursuing a 140 pound unarmed boy. Neither of these questions have been anwered by authorities, which raises another question: Why not?

I seem to remember a little turd flying in an f-16 onto an aircraft carrier declaring "mission accomplished" only 8 and a half years pre-mature! Didn't catch the same comments from the righties when lil' georgie did that photo op. But why am I surprised, all you same "concerned citizens" weren't calling for Bush's head when gas was OVER $4.00/gallon for 6 months either. Or you weren't calling for his head when he was running up record deficits. Only black guys get called out for that stuff, eh?

Justified Defiance "The fact is that Obama was elected because of the color of his skin."

The fact is millions of rednecks voted for John McCain because of the color of his skin.

Racist-Rick-in SD ... You got a source?

What's with the skittles and iced tea allusions? Would it have significantly changed the circumstances if he were eating a slim jim and drinking redbull? Other than that Rick-in-SD, I can't argue except that everything I have read so far states that Zimmerman out-weighed Martin by 80 lbs. That would make him 220. Regardless, I think Obama said exactly what he should have in response to the reporter. This is a tragedy and needs to be fully investigated to understand how this could happen. That, and alluding to the fact that if Michelle gave birth to a son, it would be Trayvon's.

Miss Deanna, I was speaking from the heart and with the discretion we should all be using in any case like this. It is not the President, or anyone else's place to convict or infer blame before the Investigation is complete. This situation is totally out of control and is becoming very similar to "mob rule." We, as Americans should not allow ourselves to be lowered to this level. We cannot allow the emotion connected with this event blind us to what really happened. (Even when we find out the truth of this.)

It also doesn't help when the Mainstream Media is capitalizing on this with over-coverage, which in turn, further inflames emotions, on both side of this story. I'm tired of watching the news in the morning and it makes me mad every day before I even get to work. Mad because of the sensationalist, (one sided) opinion-based reporting that so many consider factual. Then the sheep go out and spread this around and nothing gets better.

@mustangcat,

What kind of coffee cake do you like? ;-)

@Rick in SD,

"The fact is millions of rednecks voted for John McCain because of the color of his skin."

So, what you saying is:

The white MAJORITY voted for McCain and he still lost....................because of racism?

The panderer in Cheif all hail, did the 49 minorities shot in Chicago last weekend look like you too?

@Willowbrook,

It was an honest 'thank you'. I apologize if it came across in any other way.

Would all the Obama-haters please get one thing through their dense crania: gone are the days when the POTUS was a rambling, bumbling ignoramus spewing Bushisms and torturing the English language. In the post-Bush era, we expect Presidents to be able to multi-task, have a thoughtful opinion on most things, and also be smart enough to articulate it in a manner that doesn’t influence or bias pending actions. None of those attributes compel him to abandon facts, reason or his sensibilities as a human being, father, or an African American male!

So, for those of you who are prone to faux outrage and blather without the Cliff-note translations of POTUS’ comment let me suggest the following shocking interpretation: the President is black and married to a black female. His offspring (male or female) would most assuredly have African American features. One would also presume that a male offspring would possess a similar slender build as the President and his wife—a la Trayvon Martin. Texas biology and genetic textbooks notwithstanding, his fictional son wouldn’t look like (or stand a chance of looking like) Tebow, Zimmerman, Wally or the Beave. And, just like Trayvon, this fictional son would have undoubtedly met a similar fate had he encountered “Inspector Javert” Zimmerman on the night in question.

African American fathers from slavery to present day know all too well from personal and historical experience the adverse consequences of navigating the wrong side of the “street” owned by the likes of Zimmerman and his ilk. Those encounters (deadly or not) have left indelible impressions on the minds of fathers like myself that shape the sensitivities and concerns we have about our offspring’s fate when they’re confronted with similar circumstances even in 21^st century America. Many of you might dismiss the president’s remarks as grandstanding but you would do well to understand that Trayvon’s murder, among other things, simply heightens those fears and sensitivities among all African American fathers whether they be POTUS or the likes of Fred Sanford. To dismiss those expressed concerns as political theatre is inane, ignorant and insensitive. Thus endeth the history lesson!

Racial1-

I don't know if you've been paying attention, but most of the outrage wasn't over the killing. It was over the fact that the police let the killer go without so much as a confiscation of his weapon. You can compare it to an incident of a black person killing a white person all you want, but it's a pointless comparison because the shooter would NEVER have been allowed to go free in that case.

Mad in CT-

I think you might have gone over people's heads there with the Les Mis reference.

Why can't politicians stay out of these things? What would he say if the Florida police told him how to handle foreign policy?

For the record, I think congress should stay out of it also. They can all raise their hell after the police do their investigation and close the case. Jumping in now smacks of using political pressure to influence a police investigation.

Jusfified Defiance: "Racist-Rick-in SD ... You got a source?"

Yes, I have many sources. I saw them on TV at McCain rallies. I heard them scream many racist things that made me realize their support for McCain had more to do with his white skin than anything. Also, thanks to Facebook, I've been brought back in touch with many of the (still) racist folks from the southern town where I grew up. I've seen the things they said, experienced it, so I know full well where they're coming from. As for me being racist, how was my comment that "millions of rednecks voted for McCain because of the color of his skin" racist? (I'm white, by the way.) And if that's racist, then how is your comment that people voted for Obama because of the color of his skin not racist?

♪♫Said the fight to make ends meet, keeps a man upon his feet. Holding down his job. Trying to show he can't be bought.

It takes every kind of people, to make what's life's about-yeah. Every kind of people, to make the world go 'round.

Someone's looking for a lead, in his duty to a King or creed. Protecting what he feels is right, fights against wrong in his life.

There's no profit in deceit! Honest men know that revenge does not taste sweet. Whether yellow, black, or white, each and every mans the same inside.

It takes every kind of people, to make what's life about-yeah. Every kind of people, to make the world go 'round.

You know that loves the only goal! It could bring a peace to any soul. Hey, and every man's the same. He wants the sunshine in his name!!!

Ooo, it takes every kinda people...........♪♫

The children are our future. Just as in the case of Ms. Fluke, Obama's comments reflected his feelings as a parent. If you think this is so bad, then maybe you should look into your own heart to decide what is important to you.

I personally like having a president who is human enough to realize that being a parent is as important as being President. If Obama's girls were a little older, I don't think we would be reading stories about them partying and getting drunk like we did during the last administration.

Of course if Obama and his wife had a boy, he's look like Trayvon in the eyes of that night watchman. He didn't see an individual, he saw a young black man wearing a hoodie and tennis shoes. Obama couldn't help but have offspring of color, unless he and his wife carry the gene for albinism; and he had the off chance of producing a pale kid, with pink eyes, and white hair (can happen, though albinos are extremely rare). This would be rather obvious; the "politics" here would be in suggesting Zimmerman is a bigot who sees young black kids as a threat.

But if it was the President's kid, Zimmerman wouldn't be facing a police force that lets it slide on this stand your ground law in spite of the fact they had the 911 dispatch recording all along that proves he was pursuing the kid, not just standing his ground, and doing so in contradiction to the instructions from the police. This sort of thing the Secret Service would get rather cranky about, and the Secret Service is not the same as street cops. Shooting the President's family, is likely to get one the sort of attention that the would be assasin of Reagan got, when he tried to shoot Reagan in the early 80s. Zimmerman would feel the long arm of the law so fast, his head would be spinning. Oh, and there's always the chance to go all Nixon on the attempted murderer, and audit one's taxes from waaaay, far back.

Zimmerman, himself? He belongs on death row; where he can face the karma for what he did. A firing squad or the electric chair, is about what Zimmerman deserves.

Miss Deanna, I wasn't sure about your response, so I elaborated further. I wasn't offended, you asked a valid, good question.

Thank you

P.S. loved your post #1.88!

Shows how much obummer panders to the press. He was asked his opinion on the incident in Florida and he talks about his family's genetics.

Once again obummer elevates it to a level that is unnecessary. This was a local incident. For whatever reasons the state thought it wasn't being handled appropriately so they stepped in and appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the issue. Before the state has a chance to do what it set out to do, obummer steps it up to the federal level.

Wow. You right-wing nuts continue to astonish me everyday... Such pure hatred for other people it's unbelievable, given that it's just in response to somebody expressing sorrow over a kid dying. THINK about it for once. It's completely uncalled for.

Wow. Just think how nice everything would be if those on the right would learn to respect others. This country wouldn't have half the problems it does today.

The hostility underlying many of these posts is almost unbelievable in its intensity. It sounds as though many of these people think that they actually want to see race riots over this.

If the President did have a son, would he not, to a great extent, have features resembling the victim of this shooting? If so, then why is a simple, declamatory sentence being parsed for so much inferred sinister meaning? Personally, during a time in our history when the gap between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' is widening at a frightening pace, any show of solidarity and empathy between a major politician and ordinary citizens would seem to me to be a welcome breath of fresh air; the 'racial divide' alluded to in many of these posts is clearly traceable to the usual sort of hatemongers, and not to the President.

The need to play the race card in this matter would seem to lie with the police force which botched the matter from the start, and with the apparently large number of disgruntled whites who seem to feel that any investigation, for any reason, no matter how long overdue, is somehow an affront to every last one of them. This country as a whole has been sold a bill of goods for far too long: to wit, whites have been allowed to delude themselves that racism is somehow 'some other community's problem'; that they themselves are incapable of such behavior, all the while maintaining their own sense of privilege and entitlement based on little more than their own ethnicity. You simply can't have it both ways, but in order to justify the position, many whites routinely inflate, embroider, or simply fabricate all manner of stereotypes and other slurs about anyone who doesn't look just like them. The economic disparity between whites and other minority groups alone reeks to high heaven, and in these trying times, accounts for more than the usual portion of anxiety.

If a white POTUS made a similar comment about a white victim of violence, should it reflexively be regarded as the Machiavellian ploy of a devious racist demagogue? No? Sounds like maybe...just maybe a heaping helping of STFU, along with a well-done serving of crow should be on tonight's menu. :) Then, after a good night's sleep, some of that restless energy could be applied to addressing some of the real problems this country faces.

"P.S. loved your post #1.88!"

Thank you!

I think we need to pick-up some coffee cake or cinnamon rolls and go visit mustangcat.

@NYPeach - I'd say you are overripe...

Well you can't hold Obama responsible for the questions he is asked. Too bad the reporters never asked Obama about the thirteen year old white kid set on fire by two black teenagers. Would the victim of this crime look like his son as well?

You should be ashamed of your comment...it should be beneath you - obviously it's not. Callous - classless - clueless.

The police department in Sanford did a thorough investigation, and found that Zimmerman was in fear for his life.

"In fear for his life"?? Is that why he was chasing the kid and continued to do so even after the 911 dispatcher told him not to?

If anyone had a right to "stand their ground" in self defense it was the teenager who was being harassed by an armed fat man.

Hey, Obama. How about a comment like "Let justice take it's course"or "We're still waiting for the outcome" or something similiar! God! You're the POTUS! NOT Oprah or Dr. Phil! START ACTING LIKE IT!

The primary problem is that Obama refuses to look at himself as a mulatto. Half white and Half Black.

Time and again, he has decided to take a stand against the whites by his speeches and policies. This speech was entirely uncalled for and as the results come in there is more division, more racism and more hatred.

This person warming the white house seat is not a healer, he is an antagonist, a person who inflames passions and creates problems. If he doesn't have a teleprompter in front of him, he only opens his mouth to change his foot. Lets see the whole story in one good complete article with all the juvenile records open! Lets see who exactly we have here and all the details. There is a law and lets see where it goes. Obama decided to abrogate the law and leave this to the courts so now we have a president as bad as Clinton opening his mouth, creating problems and causing racism. Guaranteed that this election is not going to be the same as last time. Lets see this Flake Fluke come up and explain why Planned Parenthood can give her three years of contraceptives for $96 and she lied to congress claiming it cost her $3000. Now we have a hair brained president who supposedly studied law opening his mouth and prejudging a case even before charges are made.

Any first year law student, knows a politician is stupid to open his mouth and have a case thrown out of court because of this stupidity!

bjt89, 49 shot 10 dead in Chicago last weekend, Obamas adopted hometown all minorities mostly black shot by blacks. They all are from the left democrats for sure. Is this what you call a better place? Do blacks hate each other that much.

@ the thinker....read man...read as opposed to being sucked in by a headline meant to manipulate exactly as it has done. THE MEDIA WINS AGAIN!

President Obama's news conference had nothing whatsoever to do with Martin. Upon exit, a reporter stepped up and asked our president for a comment which was,

President Obama said, "My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin: If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon," "I think they are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves, and we're going to get to the bottom of what happened."

"Obviously, this is a tragedy. I can only imagine what these parents are going through. And when I think about this boy, I think about my own kids."

"I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this and that everybody pulls together - federal, state, and local - to figure out exactly how this tragedy happened."

Suggestion to thinker....elevate your own mind.

Miss Deanna, .............AGREED!

got to go for now....

Word!

Does NBC's Mike Viqueira ask the president to comment on the deaths of children that don't look like him? Perhaps the president's comment should have been to ask Mr. Viqueira whether or not he would even be asking him his opinion on the matter if the issue had not been made about race. Would he have asked a white president his opinion on the matter? The media has reduced this president to nothing more than a black man, and it's a shame because if the media had not made everything about the president's race, then our government would have been capable of having actual discourse on the important issues, rather than every single issue in this country reducing down to, "You only disagree with the president because he's black," and perhaps we would all be better off today. Can any of you think back to any issue since Mr. Obama first decided to run for president that has not been reduced to race? It's disgusting because he's hyper-intelligent and while I don't agree with him on everything, I do agree with him on some things, but that's all lost when he's forced to talk about the color of his skin.

On this issue specifically, to act as if the coin is not two-sided is a bit foolish. Yes, racism still exists. It always will, because we can't help but judge each other based on the first impression we get of a person, and sadly sometimes that means we look at the color of a person's skin, along with the way they carry themselves, how they dress, and how they talk, when forming those judgments. There have been plenty of times that I've seen people walking my neighborhood in the night, and I've known they were casing it--usually they are Latino, not black, but there have also been whites as well. In fact the kids who used to live at the end of my street were arrested a couple of years ago for breaking into houses taking things, and they were white as white could be by their skin, but you knew who they really were when you heard them talk like thugs or at night when you would see them with their hoodies pulled down over their eyes, their baggy pants showing their undergarments.

More to the point, we all notice it when someone doesn't belong in our neighborhoods--it's not a "white" thing. I remember when I was young I used to tutor the daughter of a woman I worked with, who happened to be black. I had to stop going to the girl's apartment because the people in her neighborhood looked at me with loathing, as if I must be there for nefarious reasons, because I was a better-off young white woman (I say better-off because I obviously wasn't like the other whites who lived in those particular apartments, though I was just a waitress and a student at the local community college). The thing is I was actually told by a man not to come around there anymore, that I didn't have "any business down there," and when I argued that I was there to tutor the girl in math, he told me that they basically didn't need some white girl coming in there pretending to be a good person. I had to start giving her lessons at my mom's house, and within a week her mother told me she didn't need me anymore, and she stopped talking to me at work. I'm sure you'd all argue that there's a vast difference between a black kid being shot and me being forced not to help a little girl with her math anymore. To me there's no difference, because in both cases a kid's chances were ended.

Sad that liberals would defend someone who takes advantage of a tragedy...

Secondly, before he stuck his nose in local law enforcement's business (yet again), how is this guy going to get a fair trial? Right, wrong, indifferent that idiot president needs to stay in Washington.. What a moron.. He totally ruined any fair chance of getting him convicted.. All Zimmerman has to do is say the president and his "heartwarming little stump speech" did was give Zimmerman a mistrial...

You'd think after three years the White House would learn where it's place is.. Not in Arizona.. Not in Florida..

Lastly, Oh wise one.. You put the guy who misplaced thousands of guns in Mexico in charge of the investigation... Einstein work there buddy...

i noticed only one comment on here about the young white kid who was set on fire. I guess that in not important here ,only the harm done to the master race of blacks. All you people are to blind to see what that fool in Washington is trying to do, he wants another war this time between black and white,not North and South.Obama is a racist of the worst order,and by the way he is your president not mine.

@cgcarter1,

Sad that wingnuts are so bent out of shape that Obama is on track to win the election that they would twist everything the President says and take advantage of a tragedy to spew their anti-Obama hate, even a case like this where Obama didn't even bring up the subject but was just giving a compassionate response to a reporter's question.

Fact: This 17 year-old kid was armed with Skittles and iced tea. Fact: He BELONGED in that neighborhood; his soon-to-be step-mother lives there. Fact: Zimmerman weighs about 240 pounds, the young Mr. Martin weighed only about 140 pounds. Fact: 911 told Zimmerman not to pursue the boy, he did it anyway, disobeying the authorities. Fact: He wasn't arrested. Given these FACTS, what was wrong with what the president said? And what would you be saying about him if he ignored the reporter and ignored these FACTS?

I see all of you have Tried, Convicted, and Lynched Zimmerman in the Court of Public Opinion (Not Rule of Law, not Facts.).

The US is the Rule of Law (not Mob Justice), Due Process, Innocent Until Proven Guilty, etc..

Whoever his Attorney is can now get him Acquitted, as he cannot get a "Fair and Just" Trial with an "Impartial Jury of His Peers".

You and the news media use the term "Killer", "Murder" etc..

How many of you already have copies of the actual Police Investigations? How do you know that the Police do not have FACTS that you do not have, and have not released due to this being an ongoing Local, City, State, Federal Law Enforcement Investigation. Released by the Police, that Zimmerman did pass his lie detector test.

What if all the Local, City, State, Federal Law Enforcement Investigations and Private Investigations prove Zimmerman innocent, can those that made False Claims against him be held liable? Ever heard of the False Accusations during the Salem Witch Trials? Does that mean that we can hold liable all of those that on a written petition demanding the arrest of Zimmerman (ever heard of False Arrests of Blacks, Whites, Asians, African Americans, etc. and those multi million USD Lawsuits and settlements that the US Taxpayer ends up paying for? How about The Innocence Project).

If the Public is demanding and digging into the details of Zimmerman's Life. How about digging into the details of Trayvon Martin's Life starting with, Why was he suspended from School before his death; as well as the Court Order for the unsealing of any or all Juvenile Records.

The other excuse about size and weight advantage of Zimmerman over Trayvon Martin was just shot down the toiletby his Parents Interview, as his father stated that at 9 years old Trayvon saved his life by pulling him out of a fire and then called 911:

March 23, 2012 9:14 AM Trayvon Martin's father: "He saved my life"

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57403126/trayvon-martins-father-he-saved-my-life/?tag=stack

How did the fire start.

Never tell me that someone my size unarmed cannot kill someone. Since people are throwing opinions and what ifs out there, what if Zimmerman had his firearm holstered and Martin hit Zimmerman and Martin grabbed Zimmerman's firearm and in the struggle for the firearm, Martin got control of the firearm, Zimmerman turned the barrel to Martin, the firearm went off killing Martin. Did anyone do a gunshot residue test on Martin and fingerprint Zimmerman's firearm for Martin's fingerprints (especially the trigger). If surveillance videos show Zimmerman chasing after Martin with his firearm drawn, then yes, that would be wrong. If the surveillance videos show Zimmerman walk up to Martin with the firearm holstered and Martin hits Zimmerman grabs the firearm then everything (legal) goes against Martin.

The President should have deferred the NBC's Mike Viqueira questions pertaining to this Case to the other Branch of US Government (Executive Branch, Legislative, Judicial) to the US Department of Justice. As like the "What is good for the goose is good for the gander", as the President/Commander In Chief, just like the US Military, President Obama has Restrictions on his Freedom of Speech; if you say, "No Restrictions on President Obama as Commander In Chief", then USMC Sergeant Gary Stein posting Anti President Obama things on Facebook is completely Legal. Is President Obama the Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces or not, if yes, then same Rule of Law applies in those matters both US Military and non US Military.

Before making ANY Decisions get all the Facts (emotive opinions, lynch mob mentality do not count):

President Obama - - federal, state, and local - to figure out exactly how this tragedy happened.

If this is going to be tried in the Court of Public Opinion, I want to see ALL the Facts, Law Enforcement Reports, Crimes committed in the area (especially violent crimes or potential violent crimes (burglaries when residents at home)), All Gang Related Activities in the area, Internal Affairs Records of all Law Enforcement concerned, Forensic Evidence, Surveillance Videos, by Court Order all Sealed Records made Public including Juvenile, Detailed Maps (not sketches, as to the route of Martin, where everyone's Residences are at, witnesses, etc..).

Two blacks killing a white kid isn't news to the liberal press. They wouldn't know how to cover that story since we all know only white folks are racists.

I don't know how any member of the NRA, or any member of the Florida legislature who voted for this Shoot First Law can sleep at night. I can't imagine someone being able to look themselves in the mirror after enabling this atrocity.

It is a disgrace that the President of the United States would take advantage of the death of this young man to once again point out the color of his own skin to indicate all people of similar color skin should vote for him. If he had been above racist attitudes from day one, we would not have the re-newed racial tension that our country is experiencing. Al Sharpton is there trying to make himself relevant once more than this. Why these people remain stuck in the 60s is beyond me and only proves once more we need to clean house in Washington.

Uh, SMH? You're the only one who thinks this speech was about race.

BHO could have, and should have said something like "I'm not commenting on such cases before the justice takes its course". Instead, consciously or not, he made a statement that can have an influence on the proceedings and deprive the suspect of fair trial.

How come a sergeant can't comment on a hypothetical case, and Commander-in-Chief can comment on a real open legal case? Maybe because somebody didn't care to enter the right answer into the teleprompter for our Teleprompter Reader-in-Chief?

Wow - I had no idea that so many people were at the scene of the shooting. Some of this ranting sounds much like a verbal lynch mob.

I was not there, so I defer to the justice system to handle this case. However, I will say that Obama "acted stupidly" in even commenting on a case like this. (Does your memory go back that far?)

If Jorge is arrested and tried, he will probably get off because of the extreme pretrial publicity and obvious prejudice exhibited.

Toasty, Isn't Obama half white, or only in states that he needs. Isn't it possible Obama's boy could be white? But that would not help him pander to the black vote in Florida, A state he badly needs to win. Right!

Miss Deanna...Love a good brown sugar and butter crumb coffee cake... I got the coffee, tea and even the sodas...lol...ALL welcome regardless of race or religion.... :)

"My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin: If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon," Obama said. "I think they are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves, and we're going to get to the bottom of what happened."

Why is that stupid? He is telling everyone they should look at this young man as if he were your own son. This poor young man could have been anyone’s child, walking home from the store, wearing a hoodie. 90% of kids, regardless of where they live, who they are or ethnicity look like Trayvon. We should all be outraged that this law is in effect and that something like this can occur.

Just because you may not like Obama's politics, doesn’t mean everything he says is stupid.

You missed the point. He was asked by the reporter to comment -- he didn't volunteer to comment. Read it again - you ignorant person.

So he's asked about the incident and he's supposed to say "I don't know, I don't have an opinion?"

It's stupid because he would not allow a son to go out dressed like a thug any more than he'd let his daughters out of the house dressed like sluts.

What happened to this boy is a tragedy, but can be used as a teaching moment. People WILL judge you by what you look like, and it's much easier to change your clothes than change everybody else.

@PocketClam---the crime against Trayvon was outrageous and the perpetrator (and former police chief) will be accountable.

Obama's comment is also outrageous and VERY self-serving and irresponsible.

WHITE guys in hoodies commit crimes all the time. Ask law enforcement how many crimes involve hooded suspects these days. They are the new "ski mask."

So hoodies automatically make you look suspect? Holly crap I need to get my children (under 8) out of their hoodies for winter! And get rid of mine while Im at it! That statement was just stupid. How do you know he was dressed like a thug? A hoodie is not just standard thug attire....last I checked anyway. My mother a 55 year old middle class white woman owns & wears hoodies.....geesh.

Gary, here some breaking news for you. Van Jone (sic) hasn't worked in the administration in over 2 years.

Damu:

Your response is naive, & your children so young you don't yet know about hooded teens of any race. Talk to some law enforcement.

WHITE guys in hoodies commit crimes all the time. Ask law enforcement how many crimes involve hooded suspects these days. They are the new "ski mask."

Gary K-2697770 Comment collapsed by the community

Just one more stupid comment obama!!!!

Vote comrades soros, van jone and obama OUT!!!!!

• 17

• !

#2 - Fri Mar 23, 2012 10:51 AM EDT

LOL @ wearing a hoodie makes you look like a thug. What are you, 80 years old o'really? Or maybe he looked like a thug because he had the hood up..... in the rain. I mean, who would use thier hood in a rainstorm? How pathetic.

o'really-1470447

Since when does a hoodie make you look like a "thug?" How about those soccer moms with the fuzzy pastel hoodies... thugish... nah. How about a gray haired old guy with sweat pants and a hoodie... thugish... nah.

Oh, I get it.. a black teenage male can't wear a hoodie because "you" associate that particular fashion look with "thugs."

Yes, you'd tell this "boy" he should have been wearing khaki Dockers with a nice navy polo and spit shined penny loafers and he'd be alive today because you know what's best for us all... thanks for your input.

o'really-1470447

It's stupid because he would not allow a son to go out dressed like a thug

So young + black + a hoodie = a thug? Really? It's heartbreaking to see the unvarnished bigotry and hate that is still common is so many places - including these boards.

I am 40 years old and I wear a hoodie when its cold out. I assure you that wearing a hoodie does not make you look like a thug. This kid was killed for walking while black with a racist hand gun owner watching. Not because of his clothes but because of his skin. o'really redneck.

It's stupid because he would not allow a son to go out dressed like a thug any more than he'd let his daughters out of the house dressed like sluts.

So let me get this straight. You think that wearing a hoody means you are dressing like a thug and you are therefore taking a risk of being shot? So basically its the kids fault for being shot because he was walking home from the convenience store, wearing a hoody? It doesn't matter that he was armed only with skittles and an iced tea, it was still his fault. Do you realize how utterly stupid that sounds? Plenty of people wear hoodies all the time, and if you shoot someone because of it you deserve to burn in hell.

Man, just look at all the racists coming out to support what Gary K-2697770 said.

Oh, I am white and even I can see whow racist and you all are.

People on the right criticize Obama for responding when asked about his thoughts on the case. Yet the frontrunner on their side, Romney, continues to walk away from the question and pretend nothing happened. Really goes to show who acts more presidential.

No Sally.

Gary and his clan would not be happy unless Obama responded to the question by saying "I don't know, I don't have an opinion, I don't have a birth certificate, I'm muslim except when I'm a America-hating christian black church goer, I hate America in general and you and everyone else, I roast and eat babies and I suck at bowling"

The question is not whether or not Martin looked like a thug, because he had a hoodie on.

The question is; whether or not he struck Zimmerman in the face, and in the back of the head, and as a result, was Zimmerman in fear for his own safety?

A hoodie does not a thug make. However, a man who wants to capitalize on a tragedy is not a thinking leader (Obama). He is an opportuntist!

Getting some serious naivete vibes here on the hoodie comments. Hoodies ARE very much associated with crimes. Ask a policeman. Watch the local news, and just about every other night there is security camera footage at some bank, gas station, ATM, convenience store of someone wearing the hoodie over their head while they rob the place. It is the new ski mask. It's more convenient than a ski mask, just flip the thing over your head, duck your head lower and do your thing. From the footage I see the hands are not covered and are more often than not white hands as black. I own a hoodie, and the only time I ever have the hood up is if it suddenly gets freezing out, or starts pouring down rain. If I'm alone at an ATM at night, and I see someone outside with a hoodie up, you bet your ass I've got my eyes open. Rappers, both black and white, have definitely made the hoodie something to be associated with 'thug life', so I call that racism thing a red herring.

I live in a major city, and there are flyers stapled to the telephone poles in my neighborhood to watch out for people who have been breaking into houses during broad daylight, between 1 and 3 pm. Description: white males, wearing hoodies, sunglasses and jeans.

Everyone and their mother wears hoodies. Go to a college campus, I guess 90% of the students there are thugs. It is such a pointless and transparent comment, keep your bigotry to yourself.

@plb618

Consider chilling out. You obviously don't know anyone in law enforcement with whom to discuss this article of clothing (when pulled up over head, not just hanging down your back) as relates to criminal behavior.

Nobody has said Trayvon should have been killed because he had a hoodie on.

@tempus - that is exactly what O'really implied. And if law enforcement uses that to profile people, then I guess a huge portion of the population is suspect, including my grandpa. People are trying to justify what Zimmerman did by saying Trayvon was a black male wearing a hoody, and was therefore suspicious. If you don't see how racist and stupid that is on multiple levels, I can't help you.

The question is; whether or not he struck Zimmerman in the face, and in the back of the head, and as a result, was Zimmerman in fear for his own safety?

This is the smartest comment I have read today, and the ONLY one that matters in the eyes of the law. If Trayvon double backed and ambushed Zimmerman (as is alleged, and supported by the police report and the material evidence) then Zimmerman was well within the letter of the law to use deadly force.

All this talk about hoodies, racism etc is irrelevant. You can argue the morality of "hold your ground", but it is law today in Florida.

When will these boards stop trying to make every news story into a Democrat thing or a Republican thing. The situation here is there was a young man shot to death for no apparent reason other than he was African American and in some dumb a**'s mind thought he was such a threat that he used deadly force. Why was this Neighborhood watch carrying a weapon in the first place? When your a part of a Neighborhood Watch. You are nothing more than the ears and eyes for the Police. Your main mission is to insure all residents in your neighborhood are safe. Then my next question is this. Why did this Neighborhood Watch not know who his neighbors where and are? I have been a part of these. The people involved most generally know all their neighbors.

This is a problem in America. We have forgotten to get to know our neighbor. When I was kid growing up and that was not long ago. I am the same age as our President and a conservative. I remember that we use to have block parties to get to know each other. Maybe this is our problem! We are a society full of stereotypes and so when a young African American boy is walking by himself wearing a hoodie or not is assumed that he is out making trouble. I remember too as kid how the police in a town we use to live in would always come to our house and talk to me. Why? Because I was a young hippie and Hispanic.

So my point is this. Take the time to get to know your neighbor and throw down your sterotypes. You will find that those you have indifferences with usually also have common bonds with you. So lets remember we are all involved in this thing we call life. You would think that at this time in our history we would learn that all people are unique and they are individuals who deserve the same love as others.

Yes I will quote the Bible. " Love thy neighbor as you love thyself." A really good friend make a very valid point about this from a non religious point of view. He said now as a part of the human race. You make sure you have water,food, clothing, shelter etc. So what was the LORD saying here. Like Mike said to me is this. If you love thyself then you will easily love your neighbor. So from my vantage point there are a lot of people in America who hate themselves. And it shows on these boards everyday.

We as ONE can DO ANYTHING. When will we be United? We don't have to wait for the Creator to do it. We have every tool in our hearts to make a difference. When we stop letting the Media fire us up against each other then we will make headway.

J. Merle Stanley-2759623...

If he was accosted by Zimmerman then he had a right to defend himself. Zimmerman by following Trayvon became the aggressor and a threat to Trayvon. If someone were following me at night I would be concerned for my safety too. What you need to ask yourself is how they came into such close proximity that there was a scuffle. If zimmerman approached Trayvon, then Trayvon has the right to defend himself. If Trayvon hid in the bushes and jumped out at Zimmerman then Zimmerman has the right to defend himself.

There are laws that concern the right to Carry a Concealed weapon. If you, as a carrier, start a fight and start losing then you can not pull your gun since you started the fight and you were the aggressor. Following someone like Zimmerman was doing is an aggressive act. If someone strange person was following me at night through an entire neighborhood I would take it as an aggressive act, and would "stand my ground" and defend myself if I needed to. And I do have a carry permit.

In ALL Concealed Carry weapon shootings that I have ever heard about, the shooter has been taken into custody and their gun confiscated while the investigation went on. The shooter, if within their rights to use their weapon, after being taken into custody is released but their weapon is kept until the investigation is closed. That usually takes a few weeks to a few months.

I dont have all the facts and I don't have access to any testimony in this case but I can hazard a guess at what happened....

After Zimmerman got off the phone with 911 he continued to follow the Trayvon until Zimmerman initiated contact in some form. Through verbal or physical. Zimmerman then tried to detain trayvon to await the police or to question Trayvon himself. trayvon defended himself against Zimmerman. trayvon gained an edge on Zimmerman in the encounter and when Zimmerman realized that he was losing, he pulled his weapon and fired. Thats what I THINK happened. It may prove different in the end, but I suspect thats how the final will play out in the investigation.

IF that is what happened, then Zimmerman is the should be charged with Assault, Battery, Illegal detainment, Assault with a Deadly weapon, Battery with intent to kill, disturbing the peace, Illegal discharge of a weapon within city limits, reckless endangerment, man slaughter (or murder if you can show pre-meditation to wanting to kill Treyvon). And I am sure I am missing a few. There are SO, SO, SO many rules to carrying a concealed weapon. As a concealed weapon holder Zimmerman violated many of them.

After he called 911 he should have walked away.

Jeff-498218...

I suppose that since Zimmerman is the only one alive to witness how the encounter started ( there are witnesses of the encounter but not the start of it), then you can always assume that the guy with the gun standing over the dead body is telling the truth. That’s one way to go i guess.

Except a witness for Trayvon will say that he said that he was going to walk away faster. Oh and in the world of concealed weapon holders, following someone at night while armed IS as aggressive act. They teach that to you in the concealed carry class. SO if you are right then zimmerman instigated the encounter by following trayvon. because being followed at night by some strange guy is scary... even when you are armed. And Trayvon wasnt.

again...Zimmerman should have walked away after calling 911

Hoods are for hoodlums and coaches like Bill Belicheat. lol

Jack-577316 Which race voted 96% for Obama hint the black race. White race voted 41% for Obama the white race. Careful when you change your shoe in your mouth.

Hoodie making one a thug; rofl What a baseless, inane, and ridiculous analogy... They're so common place for those who aren't sitting around in rocking chairs, knitting, and sounding all crothety; while listening to arteries harden. Oh well; but all of the world these days, doesn't agree....

All people are scared of all colors of skin these days with all the corruption, terror and theft that goes on in EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD. But, I might add that if you dress like a hood but aren't one, you take that chance that someone Mistakenly could make something of it. I used to own a "Volkswagon bus in high school and was pulled over constantly by the cops becasue they thought they would find weed or something in the 'van. If you want people to percieve an image of what you might be like but aren't you take the chance that they could wrongfully accuse you of something you are not. Change the image of the culture and maybe people will stop thinking that way. I know it isn't right, but our minds only remember what it is used to seeing as a perceptive view. Things will continue this way as long as we rely on ourselves to view it with our heart. Change the Heart and you'll change the view.

People on the right criticize Obama for responding when asked about his thoughts on the case. Yet the frontrunner on their side, Romney, continues to walk away from the question and pretend nothing happened. Really goes to show who acts more presidential.

Presidential? Obama probably GUARANTEED that Zimmerman could never be tried due to extreme pretrial publicity and prejudice.

The proper answer was that the rule of law should be applied and we hope justice is served.

there are so many hate filled racists, that reveal in their writings, the EXACT type of mental process that was observed in Mr. Zimmerman's words and actions, who are making outrageous statements about President Obama, regardless of what he actually says? Forget them! Hate can't be educated out of an ignorant person's heart.

Obama needs to stay out of it he's made his remarks now shut the fu(k up and do what you were elected to do. Oh thats right it's campain time we won't get anything from our elected officials until the election is over. Must be nice to be paid for 4yrs and only do your job for 3.

Oh Pan, what happened to the President's first amendment rights?

WHAT THE HECK TOOK OBAMA SO LONG??? Election year perhaps??

MY son looks like Trayvon too. Lots of us have sons that do!!

He finally decided it was politically expeditious to make this comment before he JETS off to SOUTH KOREA where he will focus on more unfair trade agreements and likely won't think of the pain this situation is causing back at home.

Let's see some ACTION from Obama instead of more talk, running at the mouth and campaigning.

The President is RIGHT.

Pure politics! AND COMPLETELY ILLEGAL! The president should not get involved in civil or criminal matters. He will look like the idiot he is for claiming that the Nevada solar energy plant is his idea when it was first developed in 2007 before he was elected.

The backlash on this will be his own making!

raddave

Oh Pan, what happened to the President's first amendment rights?

See...this is where id!ots just can't comprehend that just because you CAN say something doesn't mean you SHOULD say something.

Obama spoke his peace on the issue...further commenting would only enflame it, not be helpful. It would only make things worse, not better.

Honestly, get off the racist crap! I get so tired of hearing that! We are in the 21st century and we have a black president...so please use another excuse!

Obama is using every opportunity to campaign for re-election...

Obama is such a slimeball. He tries to use everything for political gain. I can't believe there are people stupid enough to support him. Obama would sell his own family if he thought it would help him get re-elected.

Wow, @poor....jetting off to South Korea...to do his job...hmm...making "unfair trade agreements"...like the one that actually has the US exporting MORE to China than they are sending to us, now?? Really?? I respect that you're doing the best you can but I would think you would respect the fact that our President is doing the best he can, too. And given the obstructionism he's been up against both from the right and from his own dam*ned party he's done pretty well.

President Barack Obama said Friday that "every aspect" of the death of Trayvon Martin, the black teenager shot in Florida last month, must be investigated.

Well, Mr. Obama....what about all those who were killed in Chicago this past weekend ? Should they be "fully" investigated ? Are you going to "weigh in" on every death in the country now or is this going to be an isolated incident for your comments ? Don't you have more important things to do in the Oval Office ?

This was a tragedy, however, it is time to start being a President. The law enforcement officials investigation and the resulting court system will WORK.

I am getting SO SICK AND TIRED OF THIS RACIAL BIAS.......ENOUGH ALREADY....SHOW the SAME to WHITES and OTHERS as well.!!!!!!!!

The president is a fool, fake and fraud. He knows he is inflaming a topic and he also knows it is wrong. That is being 100% racist.

A REAL MAN, A REAL PRESIDENT WOULD HAVE CALLED FOR CALM AND LET JUSTICE RUN ITS COURSE. But not this idiot. Just another reason to impeach him for his completely insane policies.

If a white president got up and said that white boy killed by the negro is just what my son would have looked like, the left would have risen up in rebellion!

Just another reason to vote for whoever runs against Obama. So many gaffes like him claiming the Nevada Energy Project as his own when it was on Bush's drawing boards in 2007.

Can we count how many black murders there were today? CAN YOU START WITH 30 AND 28 OF THOSE 30 BLACK MURDERS WERE CAUSED BY BLACKS!

WHERE ARE THE MSNBC.COM NEWS REPORTS ON THOSE BLACK MURDERS. OUTRIGHT MURDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"There is nothing more painful to me at this stage in my life than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinking about robbery then look around and see somebody white and feel relieved!".

Remember the Fluke Contraception Activist and the $3000 a year contraceptive claim and how quickly that was dropped when Planned Parenthood showed that it would have cost FLUKE $96 for three years and that the insurance policy she said her friend couldn't get pills for and the cyst story were all refuted by Planned Parenthood?

This is going to blow up in Obama's face too!

This IS a racist comment from the POTUS! More division of the people by this President. What a foolish comment!

Poor too but not living on Govt Assistance

WHAT THE HECK TOOK OBAMA SO LONG??? Election year perhaps??

My son looks like Trayvon too. Lots of us have sons that do!

He finally decided it was politically expeditious to make this comment before he JETS off to SOUTH KOREA where he will focus on more unfair trade agreements and likely won't think of the pain this situation is causing back at home.

Let's see some ACTION from Obama instead of more talk, running at the mouth and campaigning

The comments made 'by the President were in response to a question asked of him by a REPORTER.

The rest of your post, and your newsvine username, clearly indicate that you have superiority/inferiority issues.

Bet you $100 that you voted McCain/Palin in 2008, if you bothered to vote at all.

As far as it being campaign season, yes it is and the President has just as much right to campaign for re-election as his predecessors did. You got a problem with it today, why?

Please see you nearest medical professional as you are suffering from an advanced case of ODS (Obama Derangement Syndrome).

The kid did look kind of like Obama, hey Mr. President, ever been to Sanford?

My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin: If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon," Obama said. "

While I agree that there should be an investigation of Trayvon's death, I do believe this is more for campaign purposes than anything else. Kind of reminds me of what celebrities say they would do on 9/11 if they were there. And to all democrats who think that republicans are racist, let me just say that I vote republican and am NOT white. Stop trying to think that you have the corner on race issues.

beadarg

Come on Toaroca,

Are you really so naive...really? We got the black president because, thankfully, majority of Americans are not racists, but there is still a good chunk of racists a..holes. Just look what they are doing to him...disrespect anywhere you turn your head...especially when you turn it south. Wake up!!!

There are racists in both parties, and there are racists of all colors. Some of the worst white racists I know are Democrats - but I also know a number of white racist Republicans. I also know a number of black racists.

My point is, this is not a party issue, and white people are not the only racists out there.

Hey beadarg I'm going to shut the fu(k up like you say we got enough stupid the White house is full of it. Have a great day USA.

beadarg He did this to himself. He is showing the whole nation what a fool, fraud and fake he is. In the last three weeks there have been over 600 black murders!!! Over 550 of them by other blacks. Where was Obama on these 550 black murders? He just lost the HISPANIC and FLORIDA VOTE!

Beadarg,

Looks like I am not the only "naive" person on here. The President sucks and that is all there is to it. There are still racists out there but there are black racists as well...If it would have been a white person that killed, the only reason it is not big news is because they let the police actually investigate and do their job. Not go on national TV and state that it was a killing "due to the color of his skin". Grow up!

unhappy - let me just say that I vote republican and am NOT white.

Maybe that's why you're unhappy? Self-mutilation?

"My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin: If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon,"

Would he also dress with baggy pants and wear a 'hoodie'?

ROY WILSON-336103 - Would he also dress with baggy pants and wear a 'hoodie'?

Maybe. Would that be enough reason to shoot him if he walked through your neighborhood?

Sadly racism in the US is not a republican or a democrat problem: it's an American problem. Left, right and everywhere in between; black, white, Asian, Latino, Native American - there is racism in this country everywhere you go on all levels among people of all ethnicities, economic strata, religious beliefs, levels of education, urban and rural settings. It is not fair to pigeon hole racism as "their" problem when the truth of the matter is that it's OUR problem.

Sandy, Missouri The Racist comment and direction was created by Obama. He is not a sane intelligent man. Look at the shi* he did with Fluke Contraception Activist. He called her up and then dropped it like a hot potato because Planned Parenthood said that 3 years of birth control cost $96 not $3000. Also her lesbian friend would have been treated free and the medication would have been given to her a little charge. Same with the sob story on the woman with the cyst. OOOOPPPPS OBAMA JUMPED when he should have waited for a report. The only thing that Obama has done is demonstrated how much of a fraud, fool and fraud he is.

Before you all go ballistic read the latest FBI reports on murders. Over 10,000 black people were murdered. Of the 10,000 black people murdered 93% were killed by other black people.
14% of the white people are killed by blacks. Blacks make up 18% of the population. You do the math.
Now listen to what Jesse Jackson a black leader has to say!
"There is nothing more painful to me at this stage in my life than to walk down the street and hear footsteps and start thinking about robbery then look around and see somebody white and feel relieved."
Then you review how blacks vote, not by issues but by skin color. 96% of the blacks voted for Obama. 41% of the whites voted for Obama.
Is anyone getting the picture out there?
75% of the prisoners in jail are black. Yet blacks make up only 18% of the population.
http ://www.centerforhealthandjustice.org/FOJ%2011-10.pdf
If Jesse Jackson is afraid to walk in a black community, it makes sense for a Hispanic to be afraid of what a black might do in a gated community.

mhp-2568198 I am sick and tired of hearing he was "ONLY A CHILD"! My car was stripped, tires, air bags, anything they could get their hands on and by the time the police were called only two were caught 13 and 14 black children. Are black children more precocious that they learn at an earlier age how to steal and cause injury? The leader who drove the van could have been a child and the two who jacked the car up and stole the hub caps, wheels, cd, electronic gadgets and airbags left the car such a mess, it was a write off. Fortunately the van took off like a bat out of hell and left the two "CHILDREN" to hide in the bushes. They will get a slap on the wrists and sealed records. I no longer go to court and sit the whole day waiting for the case to be called. The last time, I complained that the "LITTLE KIDDIES" got off with community service, and complained, the judge threatened me with contempt of court!
You tell me why the blacks can't behave themselves like the Japanese and the Chinese! The Japanese had all their property and possessions taken during wwII. The Chinese were treated like animals for years before and after the building of the transcontinental railroad. Both races were put on the do not allow in the U.S. immigration black list. Yet today, they are models of U.S. society.
Why can't blacks emulate the Japanese and Chinese. They have shown through the Urban Prep Charter Academy they, the blacks are intellectually equal to any other race?

Just becasue you're tired oh hearing people call you a racist doesn't mean you're not a racist

Not all republicans are racist, but most racists are republicans. It shows.

Florida...Byron Delabeckworth? 31 years ...Got away with killing Medgar Evers...Don't talk about justice until you red staters can start owning up to your too lenient treatment of KKK members and now White Supremacists down there.

What an insulting comment!! So you are going to take even the tragic death of a teenager to try and gain political points? What a slimeball!! This Community Organizer in Chief that can't do anything accept blame someone else for his incompetence is simply amazing!! If we had aliens visit the planet coming in peace Obama would say they came to see him. If aliens visited the planet to destroy our planet Obama would blame George Bush!! To NOW try to gain political points for this tragic death is so low I didn't even think OBAMA could stoop to such disrespect - but I am clearly wrong....... This president is pathetic...............

It's extremely inappropriate for Obama to use his media outlet to voice personal opinion. He's being paid to lead, not to poke his nose into the day to day issues of the country. Stick to the job and working on fixing the problems that affect all of us every day. This was an unfortunate incident and I honestly hope that it's fully and impartially investigated and the person/people responsible get justice served. But Obama, quit pandering for votes and use what little time you have left in office to do something good. Go out on a good note.

I hope Rightwingwac isn't suspended- he should be banned. Every post I've seen has been nothing but an attack on someone. The only opinion he seems to really have is that he's smart and everyone else is an idiot, and he doesn't hesitate to make sure people know it.

SANDY: "They don't care what President Obama said they are going to slam him for it anyway because well... a black man shouldn't have an opinion or say anything in THEIR white America.

You are SO right! And the "anyone but Obama" slogan PROVES it. They don't care who's president--or if they do a good job--just so long as it's NOT Obama. Oh what a giveaway!

If Obama walked on water--they'd all point and sneer, "See! Obama can't swim!"

rightwingwac, your name says it all. You add nothing to the discussion, only hate. I lost a 17 year old daughter four years ago, I know what this family is going through, and all you can do is slam the President of the United States because he is a Democrat and Black. It truly must SUCK to be you.

As I understand it there is an ongoing investigation of the situation. Seems that BO is jumping on the bandwagon to have Zimmerman railroaded without a thourough investigation. Does OB really think we should start lynching Hispanic Americans if the incident is between black and hispanic or should the memory of Martin be honored by the best possible investigation to assure the truth in his death come out. I have great sympathy for the parents if young Martin but it is to their best interest that the investigation that has been undertaken allowed to continue without undue bias or prejudice or interference by the Oval office. As it would be a shame if the investigation implicated young Martin in any of the burgularies that have happened over time. It would certainly cast a whole new palor over Presidential claims that if he had a son, he would look like Trayvon.

@Florida: you know, the community collapses comments for a reason...

@nuffsaid: racism *does* affect ALL of us ALL the time. If our police departments and judicial system are ignoring crimes of racial bias that's definitely a cause that our President should take up.

Florida

Thank you. I'll scream and yell and get all angry and then you slip in some factual reality and throw them off guard. They can try but arguing against facts is something the libs are getting very used to. I love how ewent presents one case like it's the do-all in the judicial system. Good job.

Obama making this comment is disgusting. He does not have any interest in this case except for political gain. To compare himself to the parents of the victim is beyond words. I to hope that the killer is brought to justice, but i absolutely don't want to see the POTUS trying to campaign off of such a tragedy.

Hey DAVE,

Are you bent because I went after you a while ago? Racism is bad, calling someone a racist because they disagree with a philosophy is just as bad. I am in no way, shape of form smarter than some on these posts, I am however way more informed than some on these posts. See, liberals can dish out all the hatred, name calling, and race baiting they want but when it's defended with like argument you guys curl up in a ball and start screaming "foul". I'm sure you would like me banned. It's one more person that won't be coming after you for your comments.

Erinsfire: great post and SOOOOOOOOOOOOO true.

While he's right and this definitely needs to be looked into, commentary should be left to the people who know all the facts. Furthermore, why is he commenting on this murder? If I was a parent of one of the other thousands of murdered kids in the country I think I'd be pretty pissed that my son or daughter didn't deserve the support of the President. Is it cuz he's black? Is it because of the mass public outcry? Is it because most people will see you as a compassionate opposite to the GOP primary race? It just comes across as both insincere and a bit insulting to the many other people who try just as hard ot get justice for their loved ones...

Hey Barack, where's the justice for the 12 year old girl and the 9 month old baby that were killed in Detroit recently? Both of these victims were black and were likely killed by other blacks. How about the two young women, also from Detroit, that have just vanished after some guy tried to offer them money so they wouldn't testify against him. Seems after they turned down the offer, they were tossed into the trunk of a car (that was found burned out a few days later). Evidently presidential involvement in matters like this are only required when a white folks are involved.

Before you all go ballistic read the latest FBI reports on murders. Over 10,000 black people were murdered. Of the 10,000 black people murdered 93% were killed by other black people.

Were they all carrying ONLY a bag of Skittles and an iced tea like Trayvon Martin?

I feel for the family...I can think of nothing worse than loosing a child. But I find it interesting that the Prez and the black community leaders don't get up in arms when black gang members are killing other black gang members on a regular basis. This is a obviously a racial attack on whites because apparently Zimmerman is half Jewish. I find it detestible that black leaders in this country are using their own race to create racial tensions in the U.S. The Black community is being duped by their very own.

As far as I know, (not much, granted,) the investigation is still ongoing. But, in the media, and on the streets, thanks to the media, this individual has already been found guilty, and convicted, and (I'm sure - sentenced to death.)

It is the responsibility of the area police to FULLY investigate, bring appropriate charges, take to court, and try the individual. Not the media, not the general public, and most DEFINITELY, not the President of the United States. This is inflammatory politicking, at its worst. And I could care less of the color of skin of ANY of the parties involved.

In this country, this era, there is entirely too much of racism, by ALL parties involved. If it turns out this was a hate crime, let the responsible authorities make that determination.

The media has absolutely no business getting in the middle of it. Too many people are being sent to prison for crimes they may or may not have commited, because they are first tried in the media, making a name for themselves as "reponsible reporters and analysts." They are NOT analysts. Their job is to report the news, and REPORT ONLY, get the facts, and put out JUST THE FACTS. It is OUR responsibility to take that information, and come to our own conclusions. (But then, they couldn't command the ridiculous million dollar plus salaries other overpaid ignorant jerks are being paid.)

On a side note, I wonder how many young black and white youths have been killed in major cities around the country, but killed by associates of theirs, or other strangers, and no mention was made by this president of those losses to our society. "Oh. That is the responsibility of the local authorities, and I'm sure they are handling it." But, in this case, the POTUS has seen an opportunity to "grandstand," and his handlers are pushing all the right buttons to get his name in front of everyone. But, then again, evey politician would take the same opportunity, when handed to them on a silver platter, I'm sure.

JACK: Republican = Racist? Really? So, does white = KKK? Does black = Black Panther? Does man = misogynist? Does woman = nag?

There are so many generalizations that people mistakenly make, and you just made one of the most obvious and misused. I'm Republican, I have African American relatives, I'm gay, and I have very moderate views. So, AM I A RACIST, TOO? YOU DID NOT DIFFERENTIATE AT ALL, DID YOU?

Was Obama right in what he said? NO! He should have offered his condolences, but should not have made the statement that his son would have looked like Trayvon. This should not be viewed as an opportunity to capitalize on potential votes. There must be a thorough investigation, and I hope that Zimmerman is held accountable as it seems he should be. But, Obama need not use such a tragic event and make it so personal to himself. IT'S PERSONAL FOR THE POOR CHILD AND HIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS THEM ALL.

So Santorum just goes to a shooting range, some repubulican shouts, "pretend it is Obama." Santorum heard it. So with the big kill anyone you want bills passed by republicans, which were crafted by ALEC, how many more innocent people will die today because of these people with penis envy? Meanwhile Ron Paul wants a pony and Mitt wants what everyone else wants 4 hrs later. Newt wants sloppy seconds VP job.

Maybe that's why you're unhappy? Self-mutilation?

Real American: What a stupid comment! Even from you. Maybe you wished you had dark skin. Then you can be democrat and racist all you want.

I just read where a mother and her 3 children were just found dead in Arkansas. If you had a son mister obama, would he look like her son as well??? And where is your OUTCRY and DEMAND for a FULL DOJ and FBI inquiry into her and her 3 childrens deaths???

Eric

Give me a frickin' break. First sorry for your daughter...that sucks.

BUT you didn't actually read my posts, you see defense of a position and offense toward a man that has a messed up and anti-American philosophy and all you see is that I don't like black people. Dave wonders why I think people are idiots. AGAIN, I have stated over and over and over again that it's philosophy that causes the hatred toward barack. But you still fall back and claim that it's the black man syndrome. Let me ask you this; What color do you think my skin is and why do you think I get sooooo p-off when it comes to this crap? You and those like you make the entire black race look like a bunch of frickin' idiots. Another thing, what the hell does you loosing your daughter (and I am sorry for that, it's horrible) have to do with barack making a dividing remark when he could have rose to a very unique level?

One more thing for DAVE. I have been attacked like you wouldn't believe on these boards but unlike you I have thick skin and don't cry about banning someone or even collapsing someone or suspending someone. I can take it and give it back. You on the other hand only like it if it's soft and fuzzy and feels all good and warm. By the way, why did you make an open statement to the forum instead of directing it back at me? Oh yeah, the thick vs. thin skin thing...I get it.

To all of you, let me get this straight. Dislike barack, hate his philosophy, go after misleading or false statements, defend positions I believe in, call out barack on his lies and deceptions and have some backed up knowledge of who he is. Then position all of these things in very passionate and sometimes angry arguments. = I'm a racist and full of hate.

Get in line with liberals, never say ANYTHING bad about barack, sign on to his philosophy, ignore him when he lies, and by all means never post any angry passionate expressions of how certain posts make me feel. = okey dokey with liberals.

Now liberals can use massive name calling, be demeaning, post wrong information, use talking points without being able to come back and provide factual data, call anyone and everyone a racist who doesn't sign on to their agenda. And that = okey dokey with liberals.

Yep, looks like business as usual on the liberal side of things.

Okay, I get it, just want to make sure I know the rules and that I'm pressing all the right buttons.

There are some very sick "minds" on this board.

President Obama is correct.

If he had had a son, his son would look like Trayvon, brown in complexion.

To the posters that are criticizing Obama for stating that this case needs to be investigated are demeaning our Commander-In-Chief for accurately stating that "real" law enforcement should be actively pursing this [murder.] If Obama had not remarked about the murder of this innocent, African-American child, that would have been questionable.

How can you racist and perverted people perch yourselves above the law?

How can you say that our President should not state that the laws of this land should not be protected, criminal investigations should not be conducted, and justice should not be pursued?

For the haters, here, if the shooter had been Black and the victim, White, you would have never whined, murmured, excused, and complained about Trayvon and his family seeking justice. In huge numbers, most of you would have taken to your back roads, your suburban nests, and your city streets with guns, pistols, shotguns, bats, metal pipes, lynch ropes and any other weapon that you could have grabbed - and went looking for the first [N] that you saw. Your goal would have been to "settle the score."

Obama is absolutely correct.

This case should be thoroughly investigated.

While you continue to kick and scream, about this Trayvon receiving any justice, just remember:

"The Declaration of Independence: "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are "inalienable rights."

Trayvon is now in a cold grave - just because he had brown skin.

Zimmerman's can should be in jail.

People, we need to stop looking for scapegoats. If rascism played a role, its a minor problem compared to the fact that a teenager was shot. It shouldn't matter if he's black, white, hispanic, asian, or any other ethnicity. the act itself should enrage, not the color of the victims skin. We should be focused on pressuring our gov't to convict the bas*tard, instead of letting him go free because he claimed he shot an unarmed teen because he looked "suspicious".

Hey I've got a GREAT idea...were not deep enough in debt already. Lets have mister obama, sign a bill, that initiates a FULL DOJ, AND FBI investigation into EVERY single "death" in this Country, 24/7.!!!

So I can see that the anti-Obama comments are quickly collapsed? Funny how that works. Well collapse this:

Hey there MR. O, where are your comments regarding the Jewish kids that were shot and killed? Would they look like anyone in your family? No comment? Hmm What about the White kid that was killed by a stray bullet while she was eating dinner with her family? Anyone? No? Amazing that he opens his mouth about this kid but decides to keep quiet about other deaths around the world. Sickening.

Well, let me thank you Mr O, for cutting funding to the Veterans Administration. Because of your decisions, I have 4 hour waits for my Dr after my scheduled time. I had my pain medications cancelled because of the lack of staff providing crucial services to our veterans. 3-month wait when a veteran calls to make appointments. Oh, not to mention your cuts to retirement and disability payments for those of us that gave up our health for the service of our country. Would I do it again, in a heartbeat. knowing how every day is misery, I will pass knowing that in my heart I did a job that not many could and it was my contribution to my country. So I gave back.

Did Mr O serve? Does anyone have that answer because I dont know myself and would be curious to know if he actually served his country. So, I was medically discharged with small % and no retirement at 16 years. I have not retirement and not medical coverage. Nice. Whereas he has free medical for life. Those of you that follow this man deserve everything you get.

So please go ahead and let my words sting you and collapse my post. I welcome it, I only wish it would show who it is that collapses the posts. Would be nice for those people to make themselves known but I bet it would minimize collapses. Funny how that works.

Do not confuse my words for support for the idiot that shot that kid. That guy should be in jail absolutely. There is no way on this Earth that a neighborhood watch would ever be armed. Their volunteer position is one of watching and reporting and not pursuing or apprehending. This man is either out of his mind or was on the hunt and he should fry for that absolutely. But, if it goes into a race war, it would be primarily because Mr O came out with that crap about "if I had a son....." so I hope he can feel better about himself to create another rift around the US. And we end up deeper and deeper.....

Branxoz - Every single murder with a known perpetrator who is not being prosecuted by the local law enforcement? Sure, sounds like a great idea actually.

Can we stop all this nonsense about Black people voting for Pres. Obama because he's Black. PEASE!!! I never heard anyone mention the FACT that ALL WHITE PEOPLE VOTED FOR ALL THE PREVIOUS "WHITE" PRESIDENTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY, because they were white. And guess what, Black people voted for "white" Presidents too!!! It just exposes your racial hatred for all to see.

@branxoz: those cases are being thoroughly investigated by their local police departments and tried appropriately through the judicial system. The case of Trayvon Martin wasn't even being investigated by the local police department until the family went to the media and made an uproar. Why do you think the feds even had to step into this case? The concerns about racial bias, here, are completely founded and are absolutely worthy of federal investigation because it's obvious that there wasn't going to be any justice from the local municipality, otherwise.

@25Walker

"The Declaration of Independence: "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are "inalienable rights."

And you have the inalienable right to hit somebody on the back of their head for doing their job, if that job offends you.

@25Walker Trayvon is now in a cold grave - just because he had brown skin.

That's your twisted belief, and has yet to be decided by the court.

Just what exactly was Obama's reason for the statement "If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon". Was it to comfort the parents, stress the need for thorough investigation or insight a riot?

If thorough investigation, was it necessary or justifiable for a POTUS to make a comment like that? Does Obama not believe that his political postion is not significant enough to motivate a thorough investigation by just his mere request, that he had to say what he did?

Can Obama be considered a Racist for making that unecessary that comment? Probably not in the eyes of any liberal.

"75% of the prisoners in jail are black. Yet blacks make up only 18% of the population."

Florida2319

This just says that blacks are not really equal in America and America has a long way to go to get over racism and social injustice. These statistics involving blacks say more about our inequality in America and our sick society than it does about blacks as a whole.

There is nothing "inherently wrong" with blacks, except that they were kidnapped and imported as slaves and even though 147 years have passed since slavery was "abolished," sadly, blacks still have a long way to go to be "truly equal" in America.

@disabled-vet: thank you for your service and for your sacrifices but you should know that President Obama had nothing to do with the cuts to veteran's funding - that was all Congress, specifically the House of Reps who make funding decisions and which is controlled by the GOP.

I don't believe that comments should be collapsed just because one does not agree with them. I believe they should be collapsed when they are rude, hostile, irrelevant or not constructive to the debate. I will openly admit to having contributed to the collapse of several comments on this board and I always vote based on my personal conscience whether or not to approve or collapse the comments of others. It's actually a very important responsibility for all of us to police each other and determine when our personal opinions are running into truly offensive territory. Disagreement has little or nothing to do with it; personal attacks, uncouth language and inappropriate sentiments do.

When I look at Trayvon, I also see my son, and he is white. I can just see my son getting frightened and confused about a strange man following him. Definitely Trayvon was pursued because he was black. However, it is about innocence and youth also. Zimmerman actively pursued Trayvon, scaring him immensely. That Zimmerman has not even been charged is extremely upsetting. If some strange guy follows me, confronts me and I try to escape, it is just fine for him to kill me? If Zimmerman had said, I am part of the neighborhood watch. He did not even do that. The killing was senseless and sickening. The loss of a young innocent life is a travesty wherever and however it occurs. This is no different.

President Obama's words, I hope brought some level of peace to Trayvon's parents. As parents, losing a child is the worst nightmare. Losing him to senseless and unprovoked violence is more so.

Hate is very alive and well in America and some people are outraged because the President responds to a reporters question. And in broad terms he responds to the tragedy and speaks of the need for justice for all and you don't like what his answer was? When you criticize him for speaking up you support the lack of investigating this and all crimes like it, just what does that say about your character.

You are the reason for the protests, you too are the problem!

Hmmm... Maybe people should try to stay with the facts in this matter. George Zimmerman took the law into his own hands. He became the police, the court, the judge, the jury and, the executioner. He was the aggressor. He followed and confronted the victim - against police dispatcher's orders. By doing so, he violated the State of Florida “stand your ground” law.

More likely than not, George Zimmerman was a tad overzealous in his duty of neighborhood watch.

He is nothing more than a cop wannabe, a ticking time bomb, who acted out his fantasy. By doing what he did, George Zimmerman is a coward and a bully, and he should be prosecuted for his crime of premeditated murder.

In looking at his photo, for some strange reason I am reminded of Chaz Bono.

I agree WhistleBerries!!

JT-595592 Comment collapsed by the community

Obama needs to stay out of it and stop trying to influence the investigation. I think this is best left to the detectives, not the politicians.

Panhead-3909678 Comment collapsed by the community

Obama needs to stay out of it he's made his remarks now shut the fu(k up and do what you were elected to do. Oh thats right it's campain time we won't get anything from our elected officials until the election is over. Must be nice to be paid for 4yrs and only do your job for 3.

Holy @!$%#, I can't believe some of the godawful posts on this seed. The hate and vitriol against Obama is so unwarranted given the short comments he made about the case, which I happen to agree with. Can you stop the hate? If you don't like specific things Obama does, lay your case out WITH SPECIFICS so they can be taken on point by point, but "socialism! anti-American! Marxist! racist!" are just bull@!$%# buzz words so nobody can really counter your specious yammering.

5 found dead in Sanfrancisco, 3 women, and 2 men. Where is mister obama DEMANDING a DOJ and FBI investigation here as well??? If obama had a son, would one of the men killed, look like his son as well???

ErinsFire42-

I don't know if I agree with you on that. I'll give you a for instance. Michelle Bachmann represents the district I'm in. She has proven herself to be so useless and untruthful that I can't imagine anybody being worse. In her case, when I believe that there is nothing left to lose, I don't really care who it is that runs against her, I would rather give someone new a try rather then allow the some old junk to fill the position.

Oh DAVE

Banned? Yep, that's exactly what I would expect to see from a frail little lib like you. You and yours can spit anything your heart desires like "lynch mob", "racist", "tea baggers" etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. I could probably look up a hundred names that you and yours spew out every single day on here. But oh no, someone fights back with a little ferocity and you, and apparently a couple others, call for banning me?

That's a PERFECT example of liberalism in full swing. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for giving me this one on a platter. Attacks on someone? Yeah attacks on people making racist assumptions based on NOTHING. You are damn right I'm going to go after someone that deserves it. But you can't handle any confrontation from someone that has the balls to go right back after you guys. You can go through my entire history and not find one thing that I've lashed out at that hasn't been provoked by a racist, demeaning, insulting or attacking statement. I'm quite sure you would be very happy if libs like you could just come to a place like this and post how everything is perfect in the world with barack at the helm. You could go on all day about the bad 'ol racist, rich, white Republicans and there would be no one to call you guys out on it.

That's the way libs would like it. They can get rid of talk radio because it's opposing your views, then Fox news for the same reason. Then get all of the right wing bloggers off the internet and lock down the forums to only hypocrite WHITE liberals that stand in their glass houses and stroke each others mental genitalia. But guess what? You're philosophy still wouldn't win in the end.

You have given me the best gift anyone has on these posts. Banned!! Perfect, absolutely perfect example of what the liberal MINORITY in this country stands for. What's next, you want to come over my house and burn my books? I've got some good ones by George Carlin, Tim Allen, Steven Tyler, Mark Levin, Michael Hirsch, Jesse Lee Peterson, Bill Cosby, oh yeah...I've got a couple you can start the fire with. I've got a Bible, a koran (you can have that one) and this one little diddy called "Dreams from my father".

Let's ban the guy that makes us uncomfortable. Lets ban the guy that we can't get away with calling a racist. Let's ban the guy that when we call names he gets really mean and calls names back. You want generalizations...how's this one? Here's the bottom line; Liberals are absolutely paranoid of black conservatives because they represent everything that goes against the liberal grain and I mean everything! Dave your a sad little dude, I must really get your dander up and frighten you. You want to challenge me intellectually then do it. Leave the race card and conservative bashing off the table and I'll follow suite. You and yours want to play that lame little liberal game...I'll play it all day long but don't even think I'm going to pull punches. And you libs always compare conservatives to Hitler...that's hilarious! I think the truth has been told here today. Way to represent your cause Dave.

No Rightwingwac, I didn't suggest you should be banned because you have an opinion, I suggested it because every post you write is filled with name calling and distain for others. Yesterday you blantantly called someone a lier for posting a comment about Republican candidates and a pledge to overturn Roe vs Wade, when the person you attacked was mostly correct. At least twice in this very thread I've seen you step far across the line with name calling and unrestrained hatred of people who disagree with you. And you admitted that you might be suspended and said you didn't care. You intentionally cross the line, over and over.

I enjoy healthy conversation and debate, and I suspect you'd be surprised that we might actually agree on a few things, but yet you quickly jump to the conclusion that I'm some frail little bleeding heart liberal. I doubt I'm nearly as liberal as you suspect. And despite your attempt to categorize me, I don't resort to name calling. If I can't make my point without resorting to sterotyping and name calling, I simply don't say anything. You sir however, make a constant practice of it.

All right DAVE and RIGHTWINGWAC . . . let's shake hands and make up now!

You both look a little bit like my UNCLES!!

But neither the detectives nor the police have done ANYTHING...why not have the politicians step in???

C.Smith, This commonsense and accurate statement by our President will bring out idiotic statements at an amazing and higher then usual volumes!

HE WAS ASKED BY THE REPORTER.

Caution -- Ignorant people on the message board.

Kinda of how the Republican congress and GW Bush stayed out out of the Terri Shiavo case?

It's this ridiculous and irresponsible legislation that Florida representatives have passed that is complicating the process. Once again, the police have to stand down because the shooter is claiming self defense, which means that he is protected under the "stand your ground" act. It IS a political issue, and the Federal Government may need to step in and over turn this law (under the National Supremacy Clause, Article VI, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution) if it is deemed unconstitutional. Does everybody understand now?

Calling attention to the death of this child is one thing, but to bring ones likeness to the issue is ridiculous. The underlining reason for this is indeed the election year upon us. Shame, shame Mr. Barack Hussein Obama.

Besides Trayvon's ears (nor his ego i'm sure) aren't nearly that big!

Cambridge all over again, he doesnt really know the facts but he's got it all figured out.

JT-595592

Obama needs to stay out of it and stop trying to influence the investigation. I think this is best left to the detectives, not the politicians.

The remarks he made were in response to a reporter's question about the incident. So, the President Obama's comment should have been "No Comment" in your opinion?

Yeah, then hater's would come on to the 'Vine and bash him for NOT TAKING A STANCE.

JT-595592 Comment collapsed by the community

Obama needs to stay out of it and stop trying to influence the investigation. I think this is best left to the detectives, not the politicians.

Mike you are wrong if you look at the law that is written it does not say to give chase and that's exactly what Zimmerman did.

Zimmerman is wrong on all levels he should have never given chase....

He will be found guilty or not guilty by his peers.

This is a tragedy and I feel for the parents..

The President should say no comment & let the feds and local government handle the case.

JT-595592 Comment collapsed by the community

Obama needs to stay out of it and stop trying to influence the investigation. I think this is best left to the detectives, not the politicians.

But neither the detectives nor the police have done ANYTHING...why not have the politicians step in???

Really? Politicians? When is the last time they have "done anything" other than lie and waste our tax money? You really trust them to make a sound judgement on this??

I'm not African-American by decent, but if "I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon"! He'd be wearing a hoodie, like his friends. He'd be comming home from the store with an ice-tea, because what 17 year old likes to stay in the house. Trayvon is everyones child, and the fact that there are ignorant people here complaining about a statement made by our President a month after this chilling death of an inocent, only makes the divide in this country visible. Oh, I know what the white bigots say and I've got a good idea what the black ones say as well, but the time for that kind of behavior is past.
It is the ignorant bigotry of the Republican base that made me decide I could no longer vote for their policies or their politicians. Another Florida incident sealed the deal when the whole Terri Schivo fiasco happened. When a man who loved and lost the woman of his dreams, only to be painted as an adulterer by the church folk and politicians who didn't know him.
Truth is we all see you here, and we can't deny you exist, but we can only hope that you are a dying breed, out dated and withering on the vine.
My condolences to Trayvons mom and dad. I'm so sorry for your loss.

It's funny that Obama wants us to believe that if he had a son he'd dress and act like Trayvon. I haven't seen his daughters dressing and acting like all the girls I see in downtown st louis.

I agree with Don from Mo, he features and discusses his kids, Sasha and Maliea, meeting with Nelson Mandela, traveling all over the world, returning from Hawaii in POTUS's private helicopter, etc.

And just now he decides to reach down to this grieving family? He wasn't offering any young African-American men trips on his helicopter these past few years. These comments a month after the fact are just more words from Obama, not actions.

Also Joel, spare us your sanctimonious lecture. You seem to be the bigot for painting all Christian's with your resentful brush for the incident you mention as well as your partisan opinions. People are free to react to POTUS words and express their opinions without you wishing them to "wither and die". You are clearly a swell guy.

You words expressing condolences to Trayvon's family are likely felt by all parents. It is just that some of us are interested in seeing some action taken on their behalf.

This is one issue that I feel strong enough about to participate in peaceful demonstrations and marches. Do You?? Or is it simply easier for you to sit home and accuse others of being bigots if they don't share your narrow views.

5 found dead in Sanfrancisco, 3 women, and 2 men. Where is mister obama DEMANDING a DOJ and FBI investigation here as well??? If obama had a son, would one of the men killed, look like his son as well???

But no one else has said anything.. So it seems he's the only one to stand up. And he didn't need to leave out the "my child" bit. He said what many parents are thinking.

Obama was asked a question and answered it honestly. I don't know where your hate comes from, but give it a rest. This is a tragedy and waste of a young life, and his parents have the right to justice for their son. Get off your Obama hate, its really getting old.

indyreader

Even though it's kind of a no-brainer, I'm glad Obama said what he did. Right on.

Hey indyreader...thanks for the comment...Somebody is finally making sense.

So many inconsiderate morons around here.... Just wondering if this happened to their child....what would their position be then.... So many racists pigs....Darn

Welcome to the WILD,WILD,WEST.feels free....have gun will travel.

Exactly, and thank God he's pushing for an investigation.

What Zimmerman did could even be considered a hate crime depending on what evidence pops up.

It needed to be said. You know, in the early days everyone was terrified that we had elected an "angry black man" to the Presidency...remember that? His race has been tip toed around like an elephant in the room ever since. As a result the country has not been willing or able to actually deal with the dirty little secret that we harbor - racism is alive and well in the US. The fact that we *finally* got around to electing a black man to the oval office - hopefully not because he was black but because he was the best man available for the job - does not negate the fact that we are still an inherently racist culture, to the point that we don't even want to refer to the President's race because we are so fearful of approaching the reality. We have not yet become color blind and, given the fact that this poor child's skin color made him a target of suspicion, I think it's time we acknowledge that this is an issue. The President made a comment that, while probably the very truth of his heart, was also providing an open door for us to talk about racism. Deal with racism. Try to finally free ourselves of racism. Yes, if the President had a son he would look something like Trayvon and that inherent fact probably makes this unjust situation that much more personal for our President. But it should be just as personal for all of us.

Yes, Obama hate is getting really old. It is so obvious that no matter Obama does, these hate mongers are going to attack him. From day one, this president has had to deal with this, and still, he was able to put this country back on the right track. As a white person, I have absolutely no idea how it feels to be put down and disrespected solely on the color of my skin.

@Arne: as a white person who grew up in a predominantly Asian place I know *exactly* how it feels to be put down and disrespected - even physically attacked - solely based on the color of my skin. To have a police officer pull me over for a trumped-up charge just because I am white and driving in an Asian neighborhood only to have them let me go when they look at my drivers' license and see that I have an Asian last name because I married into one. Having been through that experience and walked 10 miles in those shoes I can absolutely say it is the most disheartening, soul-crushing condition that I think anyone could ever find themselves in.

The difference for me is that I had the ability to get up and move away to a place where that racism was no longer aimed at me. Most people don't have that option either because they just can't do it or because there is no place in the world that they can go where they will not be discriminated against. I find it amazing that there are people who endure racism their entire lives, even for generations, and yet they continue to pick themselves up, to soldier on and to do better and better for themselves and their loved ones. People like our President.

Arne...When you consider where the country was headed prior to President Obama's election, you'd have to agree that the greatest scam in US history was what the right wingers and neoconservatives were after. The full intent of that Financial Meltdown was interrupted by Americans who voted for President Obama. The Kochs and the rest of the Billionaire Brigade had every intention of a wealth takeover in this country that only the election of President Obama curtailed.

Up to September 2008, the wealthiest 1% had the Middle Class right in the palms of their hands. It didn't even matter if they crashed the entire financial system in the US. All that mattered to them was amassing untold wealth.

Now, Big Bad President Obama comes along and like a Knight on a Charger begins to demand an end to their corruption. Criminals don't like it when you stop their scams and their corruption. They can't earn an illegal living that way.

Unfortunately, the Republican party is complicit in helping these criminals continue their attempts at corruption. How else can we look at it when the Republicans consistently insist upon inserting one windfall after another into huge corporations that already receive taxpayer assistance in the form of massive tax cuts, exemptions and subsidies? Especially, when the only mode of attack by Republicans is on programs Middle Class Americans want, need and pay for through our payroll deductions.

That anti-government sentiment should be read for what it really is: An attempt to destroy a government that protects innocent Americans from the criminals who live entirely off corruption. Time to clean house.

Arne, Jesus could come back today and tell everyone that Obama is a Saint Annointed by God and every one of the christian racists out there would stone Jesus for saying such a thing. All they care about is he is Black, a Democrat and wants to help everyone. That is anathema to them.

The problem with picking and choosing racial cases as he now has done twice, is that so many others equally worthy of attention do not get the same treatment. So once he wades in, he then must fairly wade in on all other crimes matters which of course he can't and won't do.

The Justice Dept when Obama first came into office dropped the case against the New Black Panther group that intimated white voters in Philly by carrying weapons and pacing in front of the election site. As it turned out, a civil rights activist voted there and agree there was definitely voter intimidation. It was determined that it is impossible to have a racial basis case if the person being discriminated is white. What is interesting as a discussion is that at some point in American history, the white race will become the minority and then do they get the same special rights as minorities do today?

Sandy, Missouri...I so agree with you. They try to hide it but that racism is the basis of their hatred. They are feeding on denial to make themselves appear righteous.

I wear baggy pants and a hoody. Does that mean I should expect to be shot? Cops in this country today use high technology to trap innocent Americans just to make their monthly quotas and it's getting worse.

We want law enforcement to do their jobs. Not to trump up excuses to make quotas.

Obama is right about one thing. His wife and 2 girls looks like Trayvon. Obama needs to stay out of this. He thinks what he say's is all that. Like the time about calling the police stupid after arresting his friend the Proffessor.

BikeBoy...Why didn't you think the same thing about Nixon when he called the Viet Nam War protestors "little bastards"?

@theboys: you bring up a couple of interesting points. There will come a time when white people in America are, indeed, in the minority. I'm not sure about the "special rights" that you refer to but I am curious to know whether or not there will be a backlash of racism against the new minority whites. Such revenge is quite common among the dispossessed: the abused becomes the abuser and I suspect that such treatment would possibly be inevitable if we don't deal with and eradicate racism in the US, now.

With regard to the President "choosing racial issues" for commentary I actually think it's about time that he, and the rest of the country, began to finally approach the reality of racism in the US. We cannot continue to tiptoe around this elephant in the room. We cannot continue to allow the color of a child's skin to make them a target of suspicion. If it takes the first black President in the history of the US to call attention to the fact that, because the victim of this crime was black, our justice system is not working and is, indeed, overlooking and even ignoring crimes of racial bias then I am proud of him for being willing to wade into the fray.

I just read where a mother and her 3 children were just found dead in Arkansas. If you had a son mister obama, would he look like her son as well??? And where is your OUTCRY and DEMAND for a FULL DOJ and FBI inquiry into her and her 3 childrens deaths???

Hey I've got a GREAT idea...were not deep enough in debt already. Lets have mister obama, sign a bill, that initiates a FULL DOJ, AND FBI investigation into EVERY single "death" in this Country, 24/7.!!!

Arne, Jesus could come back today and tell everyone that Obama is a Saint Annointed by God and every one of the christian racists out there would stone Jesus for saying such a thing. All they care about is he is Black, a Democrat and wants to help everyone. That is anathema to them.

The truth is Jesus won't be saying that about Obama, so I don't know where you are getting your information. And to put christian and racist together in the same text shows that you don't know Christ at all. Third, to say that only republicans care about Obama being black shows just how racist you are. Most democrats elected him solely on the basis of his skin color. I should know, I am not white and that is what everyone was asking me. " Don't you want to have a black president"? As if that is the only condition for presidency? Save your rhetoric for someone else who also can't see past skin color. The rest of us knows the truth.

Welcome to the ownership society,

Praised by the republicans and their law enacting legislators:

You are in your own Mr and Mrs America, and stand your ground by the mercy of God.......

Halleluyahh !

Prejudice is a natural animal instinct found in all animal species and subspecies. The only difference is humans are supposeed to have the intellectual capacity to work around it and coexist.

Having said that, the president really needs to keep his personal feelings to himself during an on going investigation.

Sandy

-----Arne, Jesus could come back today and tell everyone that Obama is a Saint Annointed by God and every one of the christian racists out there would stone Jesus for saying such a thing. All they care about is he is Black, a Democrat and wants to help everyone. That is anathema to them.

----Ummmm, nah, forget it....most of the ridiculous statements haven't left me completely baffled by ignorance but this one actually did. Now Christians are racists? You're certainly not worth the time.

Can I have some Obama please?

CT Papa Comment collapsed by the community

Why with Obama is it always about Obama?

Minor details...

Sometimes, things aren't always what they seem to be, BUT in this case, IT'S EXACTLY WHAT IT SEEMS TO BE!

What happened to investigating a shooting? Why do the people have to protest to get an investigation going? The investigation will PROVE his innocence or guilt.

Because if it was the other way around..white kid shot dead by a black "neighborhood watchman", he'd have been in jail from day one.

Newsflash, we have a black president and your still using logic from 1962.

We're not even close to the "beyond a reasonable doubt" phase. There is plenty of probable cause to arrest Zimmerman. The "proven guilty" part will be during this guy's trial. Assuming he hasn't already slipped out of the country.

POOR:

WHAT THE HECK TOOK HIM SO LONG???

Are you SERIOUS? Because he will be accused of using it for "political reasons"! He's DAMNED if he does, and DAMNED if he DOESN'T!

WOW! Poor; do all African American's look alike? What kind of nonsense is this. The president is using the death of this child to garner political clout in an election year. How does he have anything to say about this anyway?

While I believe what happened was a tragedy, if the President is going to get involved in something, I think it should be the number of shootings happening all over the country in our schools. Why isn't he sounding off about that? Finding out what is causing them and finding a solution. I think it would serve a greater good than intensifying what is already a tense situation, caused by a few idiots.

If Zimmerman would have believed in the idea of "innocent until proven guilty", then Trayvon Martin would still be alive today.

Zimmerman, a complete idiot, has rights I thought. He can kiss his a$$ goodbye now.

Thanks Mr. President for tainting any possible jury pool.

But wait:

On the other hand, you might have just gave him a big old "get out of jail free card"!!

What happened to innocent until proven guilty?

Well what happened was, the shooter wasn't even arrested after killing someone.

....

Get it?

Whatever happened to Trayvon being innocent until proven guilty?

He's making a general statement about injustice. I don't see whats so wrong. And the whole "well he has to be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt" applies in the court room and his conviction. An arrest is a whole other story and it's obvious that the local law enforcement is dropping the ball on it.

I guess Innocent until proven Guilty went out the window with Dead until proven Innocent?

This is a national tragedy. Vigilantism is a crime in MOST parts of the country,...so is impersonating an officer,...

Let's see if there can ever be justice in this case,...

WOW! Poor; do all African American's look alike?

They are all BLACK and probably have the fear that it could have been THEM. Really, if you can't see what he was talking about you are probably part of the problem, you may need to get help for your Obama hate.

@ Steelermama: Provide a link that definitively proves that statement. Conjecture and opinions AREN'T facts. And for the record, I do think Zimmerman needs to be arrested. Stand Your Ground can't truly be claimed here and I don't want people in the future abusing that law as it was truly intended.

Trayvon was innocently walking from a local store, not breaking any laws. He was innocent and the shooter Zimmerman is a convicted felon, delusional, psycotic, racist and ignorant. He is a wannabe vigilante with a violent pass.

It sickens me that he has not been arrested.

A writer wrote a few days ago "JUSTICE IS BLIND, AND IN FLORIDA IT IS DEAF AND DUMB".

Whatever67

The (White) Mayor and (Black) City manager of the town this happened in have already several days ago gone to the federal Government to request help with this investigation. The Feds are involved already and how heartless would it be for any president to not acknowledge a tragedy like this.

Because of a Florida law that gives a person the right to kill if they feel they are in danger, even out on the streets does not give anyone to claim self defense against a kid armed with Skittles and a bottle of Ice Tea.

To those commenting on the President saying it could have been his son if he had one. The shooter has already said he saw a Black Male with a Hoody going through his neighborhood. If that is reason enough to kill anyone then God Help us all. The kid also lived in that gated neighborhood FYI...

Steelermama Why not have the detectives step in and do something about these ridiculous politicians. If you want politicians to step into police work, turn about is fair play!

msfruhauf You need proof fist. Remember the Constitution of the U.S.A. Lots of stupid laws in the states and the biggest user of those absurd laws are the .....................................POLITICIANS!

beadarg,

apparently you are the racist...you just classified an entire southern population which has a majority of African Americans racist. Noone even spoke of racism, we just want justice. Innocent until proven guilty. And news flash! Zimmerman isnt even white! Dumb@@@

Florida...How many times have YOU served on a jury? I have many times. It's my American duty. And I can tell you the minute a jury is sequestered to deliver a verdict, they don't even consider prior public remarks.

Gun murders in this past year have increased to outrageous proportions. It's time to stop the gun running industries from causing more needless deaths. Without a gun, this young man would have a future. In a split second, he has none. That's disgraceful in a country that purports to be a "free society".

How free is anyone if every second of every day their lives can end at the hands of some nut job?

Wake up now!

Newsflash, we have a black president and your still using logic from 1962.

Newsflash, we have a bi-racial president (otherwise he wouldn't be president, you know Mom's side) but one who chooses which race he wishes to be a part of dependent on the airplay and situation.

I also seem to remember last time President Obama flapped about a racial issue with a particular professor he ended up having to retract. Maybe he needs to, hmmm, act more Presidential?

Toaroca

And news flash! Zimmerman isnt even white! Dumb@@@

Which race do YOU think Hispanics belong to?

msfruhauf You need proof fist. Remember the Constitution of the U.S.A.

There is overwhelming official proof ; Zimmermans 911 call being the most obvious. There has not been any argument to him being identified as the man who shot and killed the victim. When you shoot and kill someone, you should be officially charged and tried for something. Hence, innocent until proven guilty.

I don't understand how someone can attempt to say "What happened to innocent until proven guilty" in a case where the official, lead, and only "suspect", the "alleged killer", was not even arrested or tried? I mean that nulifies the arguement. Yes, he is innocent until proven guilty. So they need to arrest him and attempt to prove him guilty now. But that's not happening. So that's exactly why this tragedy has become such a big deal. .... Get it?

We do not need politicians weighing in. This action will further divide the country which has already been pulled apart the past few years.

I want the facts to come out in this case by an impartial jury and investigators that are honestly trying to figure out what happened. I feel strongly about wanting a fair investigation. But I have a lot of problem with a mob like pressure that ignores the law and tries hard to keep emotion out of the courts. I know it is hard, but otherwise we look like Afghanistan that doesn't want to bother with a trial and instead kill that soldier.

Does anybody remember this same mob reaction with the Duke case? I do. It felt bad when most of the professors at Duke signed letters insisting those boys did the crime. Nobody waited to hear the evidence which looked very bad for the boys.

This reaction by the president is poor judgement. He should have deferred comment because of the case being on-going.

Trayvon didn't get that benefit

@theboys: I absolutely agree with the need to remain as impartial as possible in this and every case. If we don't adhere to the rule of law then, truly, we do descend into chaos.

That being said I think there are a couple of points to be made about the President's comment. First, he is a black man and his race has been tacitly considered to be a subject that is "off limits" most of the time for fear of the country having to actually confront its inherently racist culture. Given the lack of justice that was being practiced in this particular case, perhaps this is exactly the time when racism needs to be discussed and the President's race needs to be a part of that.

As for the mob mentality that so many Americans are participating in I couldn't agree with you more but this is nothing new in this country. We have always been a culture of extremes whether we were busy lynching black men for looking sideways at a white woman or locking up Japanese Americans in "internment camps" for fear that their racial pride would override their sense of American patriotism. The internet seems to just make it that much easier for bits and pieces of information to make their way into the popular consciousness whether they are true or not, whether they are being taken out of context or not, thus inflaming that populist sentiment a bit faster and further than it might have previously.

Because if it was the other way around..white kid shot dead by a black "neighborhood watchman", he'd have been in jail from day one.

THE single best, most succinct post I have seen on here yet.... The definitive answer to the people here who complain and see this case and the actions of Trayvon's family and supporters as somehow, racist...

Supporting the way black folks are unfairly treated is not "racism" or "reverse racism", more like trying to defeat "classicism"(is that a word yet??).

@unbelievable: i think the word you are looking for is "Class-ism" or, better yet, a caste society. "Classicism" is the study of ancient Greek and Roman culture. "Class-ism" would be characterizing someone by the economic or social strata that they inhabit inferring a lack of mobility between the castes or "classes" of society.

@Chris-1266664

Provide a link that definitively proves that statement. Conjecture and opinions AREN'T facts.

Provide a link??? Are you that naive and unintelligent?? Maybe it's me???

This happens every day where I live..... Prove it?? I see it all the time, we as black folks LIVE IT! We have to train our kids to be wary of cops and white-folks for that reason... Conjecture and opinion my black azz

Justice is best served blind after the persiut of the findings, not before or during the findings. These police officers involved should also be charged with aiding and abetting the cover-up and obstructing justice if the case is in fact found to be a case of murder.

@Wake up now!

That's because some police department QUITE apparently still use investigative logic from 1962.

It's news because people like you and I clicked on it and read it. It's as simple as that.

No, it's breaking News because the President was nominating or appointing a man to the World Bank. He was in the Garden intro'ing the gentlemen, when THE REPORTER STRAYED FROM THE SUBJECT AND ASKED ABOUT THE SHOOTING. Tell me -- what would you have done in that situation.

Caution: ignorant people on the message board.

GREAT call Gary!

Thank you Sally, I was wondering when someone was going to FINALLY point out that the president was ASKED his opinion, not that he just decided to throw his two cents in. Good to know some people actually READ articles in their entirety and not just the headlines.

In an effort to avoid engagement in non-governmental affairs and rather focus strictly on running the country, his two cents should have been.....

"This should be left to the law enforcement authorities to handle. No further comment."

Now he has sparked a controversy that will spiral further out of control. Way to go knucklehead.

You say I will let the legal system that has been appointed examine the information and determine the appropriate course of action. That's it.

Does it really matter what his son would look like? If I were the parents I would see right through this pathetic attempt. I would say to Obama neither you or your wife look like either of us so no your son would not look like mine.

For someone who claims to be the one who can unite America. He should be the first one to say lets not rush to judgement and leave the racist tones out of this until all the information has been evaluated.

However he is not smart and is using this as a platform to rally the base and get more votes. I honestly was waiting for Obama to say something smart on this issue and he has failed miserably.

Rightwingwac...If you are doing an impression of a bigot, you've succeeded vaingloriously. You are entitled to an opinion if that opinion has value. If it doesn't, it's tripe.

Trying to figure out why the vehement hatred for this president is so rampant is simple. I detest right wingers because most of them are not rational thinkers. If they say it, they expect it to be accepted without challenge. That's irrational.