"Maybe the "shoot first" people should "think first"." Ha Ha Ha - that is the funniest thing I have heard today.

Bo Bo, good to see how much sympathy you have for the family of this dead young boy gunned down in the street.

I sure support these kids right to peacefully protest the murder of Treyvon Martin a whole lot more than the kid fighting with his school district over his wanting to bring a Porn "Star" (basically a woman paid to have sex with strangers- a whore) to his prom.

And perhaps Rick, BoBo is right. End justifies the means arguement equals radicalized.

I hear it from either side all the time. Maybe that has more to do with shootings. Because if people stopped using excuses for not getting along, they'd start having to find ways to do it.

Devil's Son - Where does BoBo the Clown say he doesn't have sympathy for the family. I would feel terrible for anyone who experiences the loss of a child. However, BoBo's point still stands. When complaining about ignorance and hatred of a group of people, you shouldn't have to use ignorance and hatred to get your point across.

Rick-881466 - Who is the "shoot first" crowd. That's a very ignorant term to use. I grew up in Chicago but I'm marrying a "country girl" that I met in college. She has friends in her small "country town" that are gun owners and people who are more liberal than Obama. Insults never work, they only prove that you are actually of a lower class of intelligence than the person you insulted. Instead of being able to have a successful, intelligent defense of your point you demean your own point by distracting it w/ nonsense. There is no credibility in name calling.

The shoot first crowd happens to be only one person in this case. Stop lumping all people together. It works two ways: you are the weapon and the gun is the tool, or the gun is the weapon and you are the tool. No one said anything about not bringing justice to this case. Race should not even matter. A young unarmed man was gunned down because of the thoughtlessness of another individual.

Personally, I'll keep my guns and bible. You can keep your perceived notion of security, your lack of morals, and your obvious ignorance and hatred of things you don't understand.

There is a reason the whole Nation is rallying to bring this man to justice. This is a very isolated incident. We can only hope the truth will set Martin free.

"Think first"? Like your buddy Sharpton who states the police have probable cause? Where was he when this event happened?

I have a CCP and never have used it although there were times I should have pull it. Just because you can carry doesn't mean you should use your gun. I have it just in case. The only time a gun should be used is when your life is truely threatened. This jackazz that shot the kid should be in jail. I strongly believe in the use of weapons as a deterent but you must know how to use your weapon and use your brain.

Apologies to Devil's Son for pointing you out in my post above (#1.7 - Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:56 PM EDT). It was meant for mike430.

Yes, DAUC, this is something I don't understand. Because the Jesus that was taught to me from the Bible wouldn't carry a gun at all.

Why don't they all let the police do their jobs instead of rushing to protest? Just because there hasn't been an arrest yet doesn't mean their won't be. And what if, in fact, it WAS self-defense? Should they make an arrest just because hundreds of students who know nothing more than they've read in the papers demand it? Prosecutors have protocols that they go through, gathering evidence and determining what kind of case they have have before making arrests.

One more missed day of school.

BoBo - I apparently didnt "hear" the same "tone" that you heard in that message.

so perhaps, the hate's in your heart? just a thought - not accusing.

I know some people who cling to guns, bibles ignorance and fear.

It's not a slur to point out reality...

Dem in Texas-2291575 - Does war not exist in the bible? Did Jesus not ask his disciples to carry swords in Luke 22:34-38? Was Peter not carrying a sword when he sliced of Malchus ear in John 18:10? Was the sword the weapon of choice during those times?

Mike, please point out where bobo demonstrated a lack of sympathy the young man or his family. He was talking to the OP and didn't say anything about TM or his parents. For that matter, the OP didn't say anything demonstrating sympathy with them either, he simply posted a diatribe against people he obviously doesn't like. The reality was the OP is just as guilty of hatred of those he doesn't understand than is those he is criticizing. Personally, I doubt any of you really "get it", your failure to correctly analyze the original post and following comments clearly align you with the don't get it camp.....

Bruce-308647 "Why don't they all let the police do their jobs instead of rushing to protest?"

why do the police have to monitor their protest? Why dont the police respond IF there's something to respond to? too logical?

"Just because there hasn't been an arrest yet doesn't mean their won't be. And what if, in fact, it WAS self-defense?"

Mr. Zimmerman followed Trayvon - not because Trayvon did anything, just because Mr. Trayvon thought he LOOKED out of place in a gated community. This is documented in a 911 call - not hearsay. That right there PROVES that even if Trayvon attacked him once Zimmerman got close, Trayvon was acting in self defense...not Mr. Zimmerman. How did Trayvon know this guy wasnt a perv looking to kidnap and rape Trayvon?

But even STILL...Mr Zimmerman was told to stop following him, and he refused. At this point, Mr. Zimmerman waived his ability to claim self defense. PERIOD.

"Should they make an arrest just because hundreds of students who know nothing more than they've read in the papers demand it? Prosecutors have protocols that they go through, gathering evidence and determining what kind of case they have have before making arrests."

No, they should have made an arrest the minute Mr. Zimmerman shot Trayvon.

Since when are we trusting the criminal holding the gun?

Hell, why doesnt everyone who shoots someone just hang out on the scene till the cops get there and say "uh yeah, this was all self defense...you have to believe me, you believe Georgey Boy"

I would just like to say, IN REGARD TO THE ARTICLE ABOVE, that our country has evolved to some degree by letting students protest peacefully regarding the the travesty of the murder of a black child. The name "Trayvon Martin" will forever be known and written about, I believe, in history books for changing the way The U.S. media, police, and government treats the coverage and investigation of missing and murdered children and, hopefully, adults, of color. Almost without fail, if we are treated to media coverage of a child missing, they are white. Why is this? Where does 'Lady Justice's Scale' go off balance and how does it stay off kilter?

"The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice. "
Martin Luther King, Jr.

According to Plato, "Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens." I believe this. We must continue this forward movement of peaceful, yet strong, insistence toward the arrest and fair prosecution of Zimmerman. And, in the future, we must stay on our toes in support of equal justice to all.

Irish,
Would Jesus carry a gun today? No, he wouldn't. Stop trying to pass off carrying a gun as a Christian trait. It isn't.

Why don't they all let the police do their jobs instead of rushing to protest? Just because there hasn't been an arrest yet doesn't mean their won't be. And what if, in fact, it WAS self-defense? Should they make an arrest just because hundreds of students who know nothing more than they've read in the papers demand it? Prosecutors have protocols that they go through, gathering evidence and determining what kind of case they have have before making arrests.

I don't know if you haven't been paying attention, or if you're misinformed, or if just whatever, but this kid was murdered in FEBRUARY. If the police had been doing their job, there would no need for the DOJ, or anybody else to step in. No arrest was made, and there wasn't even an investigation into the incident, like most police are required to conduct when someone is killed. So your words come off as cold and insensitive. From all accounts, the police had no intentions of investigating anything. They just took the word of this wanna-be cop as to what happened, and that was the end of it.

Absolutely nothing was being done until the case gained national attention. All of it, too late for Travron. This was a good kid. What I don't understand, is why doesn't this ever happen to drug dealers, or thugs -- there are plenty of them out there, and especially in Florida? Why is always someone who is unarmed and minding their own business?

Have you heard the enhanced 911 calls? Calling the kid a goddamn "coon"?

Bruce-308647... you missed the whole point in ALL of these articles. The Police DIDN'T do their job and thoroughly investigate. This murder happened a month ago, not days ago. Now you say it could have been self defense. How? Trayvon did follow Zimmerman. Trayvon didn't have a deadly weapon. Think about it. You have a strange man following you on a dark rainy night. Your anxiety is going up immediately. Don't you think it's possible that Trayvon was the one who was afraid and in fear for his life? Everyone seems to think ONLY Zimmerman could have been in fear for his life. How can you be in fear when you're following this person? If you are so scared, stop following him and retreat like you were told. No, this man started this whole situation and when it got out of hand he's trying to take it back and place the blame on somebody that can't possibly speak for himself. Personally, I don not blame Trayvon if he attacked this man. Why? Because he was stalking him on a dark rainy night and this boy didn't know why. All Zimmerman really had to do was to follow at a distance see where he goes and point the Police to that house. That's it, that's all.

It happens, often. Just doesn't make the news.

That should be ..Trayvon didn't follow Zimmerman

Mike430- so because i dont gush or this and point out the simple fact that many people i have no sympathy? I used wecandoit as the example for people who have already tried, and found guilt in Zimmerman. From what i can tell, yes, he is guilty - but thats the place of a trial - remeber innocent until proven guilty?

Rick - I would say the "shoot first" crowd is just as stubborn and set in their ways as the people on the other side of the argument. The extremes are already set in their ways and will not be swayed, by civil discussion or petty name calling. People just start calling names to make themselves feel better.

I personally feel bad for the family, but no more than any other family where a child was murdered. I dont feel that this particular case is any more special or hurtful than any other case where something like this happens. The attention is here because the child was black, and the killer was not, nothing more, nothing less.

Jessica - "I realize this is asking a lot of country people who cling to their guns, bibles, ignorance and hatred of things they don't understand."

If you see nothing hateful in that statement, thats on you. If its not a slur if its a reality, as you say - the you dont have a problem with people calling gay people faggots - as its a reality so its not a slur, right? I would hope not, but one never knows. My point is, regardless if something is a reality or not - there are better ways to word it - UNLESS you are trying to cause hurt or are just being a hateful person. You can disagree with someone, in every way, and still have a civil discussion.

Irish, the reason for wars amongst Israel being approved by God was for keeping true worship and a people as clean as possible up until the presentation of the messiah, Jesus. After that, true worship was to spread amongst the nations, and so war could not occur anymore by people engaging in true worship because then those worshipping God would end up killing their spiritual brothers in other countries. Jesus would not approve of wars today.

Jesus' instruction to carry a sword that night was so they could be counted with the criminal element, in fulfillment of prophecy about himself, the messiah. When Peter cut off Malchus' ear and Jesus restored it, he made it clear that violence was not the reason the sword was there, when he said "he that lives by the sword will die by the sword." It was not an endorsement.

Just a curious question, BoBo The Clown, is that like in the BoBo doll experiment ?

Boromir - not even sure what that is - ill have to google it. The bobo the clown moniker was honestly on a whim, and i do not like clowns, unnatural things they are.

And after looking that up - that seems pretty interesting - thank you Boromir for pointing this out to me, im going to read up on that.

Do any of these students really care or are they just taking an easy excuse for a free day off?

It is unfortunate that kid got killed. What i have read, even if the kid attacked him he had no justifiable reason to shoot. to do so the kid would have had to have the ability unarmed to do the same damage. Obviously he did not.

and again a very unfortunate incident, law or no. Not from florida. however, as far as all the kids taking the day off, then they should have gone somewhere to protest not to their homes if thats what they did. But the really sad part is there are gangs, drugs, and numerous other problems there i am sure and i see nobody ranting about that. So i guess by the attitude drive by shootings where an innocent child is killed, or meth addicts stealing and robbing, or just robberies, is ok. that apparently is cool. just dont understand it.

It's not a slur to point out reality...

Jessica-1170252

Unless it's to point out the culture of violence engendered by the rap music culture of hoes, gats, and drugs. Or to point out that the "you better not snitch" crowd increases crime. Or to point out that little American kids with brown skin are getting beaten to death for studying too hard.

Don't get me wrong, it's not a race issue, it's a moral issue, but damn if people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson don't get paid very well to stir that pot. You say people are wrong to paint all black people with the same brush. You are 100 percent right. So why do you paint others with such a broad brush? Judge people individually by the content of their character.

To anger a conservative, lie to him. To anger a liberal, tell him the truth.

Teddy Roosevelt

BoBo, perhaps it's because it's because the "shoot first" crowd doesn't listen unless you insult them first to get their attention. Not that it matters, because even then they don't "get it".

I doubt that, little Ricky. Insulting them might make you feel good for an instant but they'll probably dig their heels in even further and tell ya to fukk off. And if it doesn't matter then why do it. I suspect they probably don't want to "get it" in the first place.

Just my speculative observation.

Ah, but you all do "get it". I can only aspire to such things. The anti gun people tend to be very insulting and feel that they have all the insight and answers. It used to annoy me until I actually grasped that their opinions really don't matter. Have a great evening all!

Maybe everyone should stay in school, and wait and see what happens. Not everything is a cause. Only thing all the yell and protesting is doing is influencing future jurers.

Instant outrage seems to be a fad. Wait a few, take a breath and see what happens before acting out.

Wait for what. till Zimmerman dies of old age, it's been a while and not a damn thing has been done, that is the problem ....

30 days isn't a long time to decide on an arrest for a case that is complex. And they ARE convening a grand jury to deliberate on charges. I believe that Mr Zimmerman was overzealous and should not have been following this young man, and I believe he was the instigator. But what I believe is not strong evidence in court and prosecutors need to have evidence, not just emotional appeals from the public.

In cases of self defense on public property, the police are supposed to arrest the shooter and he has his day in court to prove his self defense. Zimmerman never even went to a holding cell overnight. As we all know, it is standard police procedure to not tamper with a crime scene. This wasnt the case & the crime scene has been tampered with. This isnt about giving into media pressure. This is about the Sanford Police Department NOT following standard police procedure, damaging a crime scene, & now trying to cover thier a$$e$. Meanwhile, Zimmerman walks free like this never happened. For the sake of argument, if he was innocent he would have to prove that in court. Ask yourselves if the roles were reversed would Trayvon still be walking free?

I missed something then. What was his first strike? I do not know how I have been missing this story, but I learned of it last night. So far I underrstand no details of the case are released and that only a brief statement from the girlfriend is the only evidence. The fact that the police questioned and let him go would sugget to me they know something the public doesn't. Everything I have read on forums and papers assumes Zimmerman to be quilty and is asking for his arrest. They said he profiled but no one I know of has mind reading powers to make that statement. Would he have called the police had the kid been Latino? Would he have called the police had the kid been caucasian? Would he have called the police had the kid been Asian?

So far, everyone claiming hes racist is lying.

Sad, very sad about the child, but the majority of the comments towards him is racist and I have yet to see, hear, or read anything proving the shooter is a racist. I cannot wait to here how this plays out and when it comes up he WAS in defense of himself, we will see the true racists in the community.

If he comes up as a "gung-ho" wanna-be cop then he should be sent away for a long time.

A person does NOT have to be armed to shoot an attacker. Read the law. You do NOT have to retreat or try to escape harm before defending yourself. This law came into effect after too many people being shot, stabbed, beaten, and many other crimes without the ability to defend themselves since the law said they could not defend themselves against an attacher that they must flee. Well now that the people are able to defend themselves against an attacker your going to see more criminals die and less innocent. If Martin was innocent than my point is confirmed, he was NOT able to defend himself and show that people should have the right to bear arms and defend themselves. If Marin attacked Zimmerman, than my point is still proven but with a different outcome.

Honestly though, if I was to guess at what happened, I would say that guard confronted the child, the child (being young) was probably offended and words exchanged. Zimmerman probably turned his back and was attacked from behind. I do not think the guard would follow the kid, call police, ask the kid where he was going or what he was doing only to shoot him for no reason. Then the Ploice do not arrest him....doesn't sound like logic. But then thats only my guess....I bet the racist public will only see what they want to...Sounds like Blacks being racist towards Latinos, and they call Causcasians racist... LOL.

Jessica-1170252, you are a friggin dumb @ss!!! Stick to the subject!!

I support the walk out of students ... the person that did this should be in on murder charges since there was no reason for his actions and after being convicted, put on death row for his crimes.

The minute Zimmerman got out of his car and started chasing Martin, he lost all right to claim self defense under the stand your ground law. It does not matter whether what the dispatcher said to Zimmerman was a legal order he had to follow or not, Zimmerman clearly became the aggressor. Even if there had been some kind of confrontation when Zimmerman caught up with Martin, there is no way you can tell me that Zimmerman was legitimately afraid for his life. The kid was unarmed and Zimmerman is considerably taller and at least 40 pounds heavier than Martin. Zimmerman simply chased down and shot this unarmed kid because the kid was black. It is also pretty clear from the numerous previous calls that Zimmerman had made to 911 over the past few months that he is a racist. He called something like 40 times to report suspicious people in his neighborhood, every one of them black. He never once called to report a suspicious person of any other race.

And please do not try and blame neighborhood watch programs for this tragedy. Zimmerman was clearly not acting in his role as a member of the neighborhood watch since their procedures clearly tell watch members not to pursue or confront a suspicious person and to leave that to the police. Watch members are only supposed to observe and report, not pursue, confront, or try and detain anyone. In addition, neighborhood watch rules clearly state that watch members should not be armed.

Zimmerman is nothing more than a racist vigilante with an itchy trigger finger who was looking to shoot someone. He should be immediately arrested, charged with second degree murder with a hate crime enhancement, and bound over for trial. The police chief should be fired for his failure to conduct anything even resembling an honest investigation. It was not until the FBI and the Justice Department got involved that the Sanford Police even began investigating what happened. They were prepared to just write this off as self defense with no investigation, letting Zimmerman get away with murder.

No he had a bag of skittles. He was threatening Zimmerman with diabetes. That makes just as much sense as his Swiss cheese "self-defense" plea.

I'm sorry, but I have heard nothing that supports a self defense claim. How can you reasonably claim you are justified in using deadly force to defend yourself against an unarmed child who is considerably smaller than you? How can you claim you are operating under neighborhood watch, if one of the rules is that you are not supposed to be armed? There is nothing here that justifies a self defend]se claim.

This is one unintended consequence of concealed carry laws. When you are operating under concealed carry laws, you can assume that the person you are defending yourself from might be carrying, just as you are yourself. The consequence is someone gets shot. If no one is carrying, no one gets shot.

We can do it: So Miami is in the country? I never knew that south beach was full of gun toting bible thumpers. Can you enlighten us some more??

Amen to that. This is an extremely unfortunate chain of events and I feel so bad for the family and the child that was killed. Our society has just gone crazy and we assume too much but given the way kids are today - not all - but the majority dress and look like gang bangers and what impression do those lads leave us? They are thugs. So to me, kids are at a major disadvantage because they want to be cool, look cool and the what they think is cool looks like a gang banger. I am glad to see the support the family is receiving and I hope the right thing is done for Trayvon but I want to see the black community come together for all that affects their community, not just when they think the justice system has not done its job. Please, lets become a society that we all can be proud of and love. Love can create so much positive outcomes.

there is simply no good reason to try to divert the conversation to "dopr out, single parents" etc issues. period.

watkins-#'s,

Are you a member of the black community in your town? Do you interact with the black community in your town? What evidence do you have that the leaders of the black community in your town are not addressing the issues you state?

It's real easy for someone outside of the community to make judgmental statements but as I was taught growing up, Actions speak louder than Words.

As to how kids are dressing nowadays, that is a direct reflection of the glorification perpetrated by the media via television, video, music and print. You want to help change that, then go ahead and get involved. Otherwise, it you aren't helping the black community leaders in your town address the issue of gangs, etc. then you are part of the problem too.

Lastly, every generation has it's 'dress' issues. Remember mini-skirts, hippie attire, flower-power, black militants? I could go on an on but the point is that there has always been and will always be an element of difference between the generations. And how a person dresses is not indicative of whether they are a criminal or law-abiding citizen. You can't look at someone and know their intentions based solely upon their dress. As an earlier poster stated, such stereotypical thoughts are similar to those who blame the way a woman was dressed after she has been raped.

Louis - want a comparison?

The response to 911 by (mostly white) americans was understandable and appropriate.

What is, by comparison, inappropriate, is the level of outrage in the american community over children starving, millions of families who cant afford health insurance, a lack of moral integrity as showcased by the wall street fleecing of america, drug related death and crime all because it's illegal, and proportionally low wages for too many families and not nearly enough jobs for everyone because of our high welfare rate and unemployment rates (of which white people make up the majority on welfare and unemployment).

you see, people of all races are just as capable of misplacing their focus, time, energy and money.

lots of white people doped up on drugs and wasting their lives away, lots of white people blowing up meth labs and injuring innocents, lots of white people involved in crime and corruption on wall street stealing from middle class families...

when I read comments like yours, I know deep down you'd NEVER highlight the worst of what white people do in america, and how the rest of white people just ignore it.

and even those things you highlight, arent the majority of "black america"...despite popular misconception.

typical MAGOO... typical you would say something as non related as possible but try to carry a general indictment. Trash.

The funny thing is that this is making national news. You guys must have a slow news cycle down there!

There are fire-fights in Philly almost nightly and no one in an other state protests or organizes or makes posters. Nine year olds, 12 year olds, they all get shot - take your pick. And I'm pretty sure our neighborhood watch is unarmed - so who is doing this?

Are you mad the kid got shot or are you mad the shooter was a different race?

Or are you just mad that this was in a gated community and not in the poor neighborhood?

Because I don't see the same kind of protests when a punk wearing a hoodie walks into the deli and guns down the owner who was going to testify against him.

Your statements have nothing to do witht he issue. The teenager was unarmed. The community watch guy was told by 911 not to follow him. He did not listen, he was not a police officer. Whether the young man had a hoodie on was no reason to shoot him.

The Sanford police dropped the ball Zimmerman should have been arrested on the spot. Typical FL crap, just try to sweep it under the rug.

Seminole Co. FL is a solid GOP stronghold. They re-elected in 2010 a state legislator that has a $3M judgement against him from a former bus. partner that he screwed over.

Reason for mention that is the 1% is looking out for the 1% and the hell with the 99%. This kid was black, in basicly a white town. Expensive houses, big $$$. They don't care about the 99%.

Louis,

only the Black? I know plenty of White people outraged over this as well as many Americans of all ancestry; it is hardly restricted to only the Blacks.

They just don't want to go to class, it's Friday yo!!!

Sharpton told those gathered at the rally that "Zimmerman should have been arrested that night" and that police had probable cause.

Zimmerman was handcuffed after police arrived and taken into custody for questioning but was released by police without being charged. Police have interviewed Zimmerman two times since then.

Well Said, but they are not listening. They are too busy being angry..

I would just like to say, IN REGARD TO THE ARTICLE ABOVE, that our country has evolved to some degree by letting students protest peacefully regarding the the travesty of the murder of a black child. The name "Trayvon Martin" will forever be known and written about, I believe, in history books for changing the way The U.S. media, police, and government treats the coverage and investigation of missing and murdered children and, hopefully, adults, of color. Almost without fail, if we are treated to media coverage of a child missing, they are white. Why is this? Where does 'Lady Justice's Scale' go off balance and how does it stay off kilter?

"The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice. "
Martin Luther King, Jr.

According to Plato, "Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens." I believe this. We must continue this forward movement of peaceful, yet strong, insistence toward the arrest and fair prosecution of Zimmerman. And, in the future, we must stay on our toes in support of equal justice for all.

cypresrhicin

No amount of drop out, single parents, gang membership justify the murder of Martin.

Was Zimmer trying to address those issues that are not peculiar to blacks only by murdering him?

I think what watkins was trying to express was disappointment that the black community does not show an equal amount of passion when it comes to the every day adversity facing their minority. That being an uneducated gang banger on welfare is an accepted stereotype should equally enrage the black community. And perhaps if the same amount of effort and unity is shown in those areas it would improve the lives of many people.

.... just explaining that I don't think it had anything to do with Zimmerman's motives. I understand the statement, but I don't think this incident was the appropriate platform in which to open the discussion of black youths today. Clearly this boy was a well behaved child and good student, so the stereotype doesn't apply. People's rage over this tragedy should not be devalued by observations such as watkins'.

ONE IDIOT....ONE PERSON IN THE WRONG PLACE AT THE WRONG TIME...one incident. Jeez..get a life!

If I had been one of those high school kids who just walked out...my parents would have kicked my a$$. Just sayin'.

We all should be calling for Zimmerman's trial and execution. We certainly would if Trayvon was named Timothy and was white.

And BTW fuk you for implying that Black people are not outraged by ills that affect our communities. Arrogant white bastards and uncle tom negroes always have stupid sh!t like this to say. This is not just racist and offensive but silly as sh!t.

Mars (Or from there)

No problems are exclusive to race, however the black race does have more of the gangs, drugs, etc. issues than the rest of the "races."

I cannot say whether Black people are outraged or not about the ills that effect "your" communities but I can say that there is not any demonstrable progress being made to change it.

Nor do I see the leaders of the "black race" out their expressing their outrage about it. The city I live in has at least a daily occurrence of the "black race" shooting someone, normally of the same race. Yet I do not see black leaders or communities keeping the shooter at home nor testifying who they are.

We all should be calling for Zimmerman's trial and execution.

Should we? I wasn't there and I don't believe you were either. We should insure that there is a fair and thorough investigation and appropriate action taken once facts are presented.

But I hope we never reach the point where folks believe that before facts are known that trial and execution are acceptable.

They are raging against the white man. If the killer had been black, we would never have heard about this story.

The black community does not show outrage over drop-out rates, single parent homes, gang membership, gang related injury and death, and proportionally high incarceration rates because the fault lies directly on their own families and communities. They cannot blame someone else for those. Those are their own failings.

Reminds me of a letter to the editor that I read a couple months ago in the local paper. It said the local school district was failing students of color. That students of color had a drop out rate of 50%. The parent was not sure that they wanted to put their child of color into the school district and wanted to know what the school district was going to do to educate students of color.

What do they need to do? The students of color go to the same schools, sit in the same classes and have the same chances at school as the white and Asian students. Yet they drop out. This guy seemed to think that the school district needed to do something special for students of color? The reason for the failure rate of students of color had nothing to do with the school and everything to do with the home, the family and the culture. That is why Asian students as a whole do much better than any race group. They come mostly from two parent families. They are raised knowing the value of education. They are pushed to succeed. They have expectations set that they will succeed. Their parents push them to do well in school and to study.

If that happened in a family of any race, they would do well in school. But if you come from a single parent family, where the parents neglect the children, or don't care about school, or don't push them do well in school, don't teach them that they can do whatever they want in life. If they don't expect them to do well, don't expect them to succeed in life, then the child will not.

And in closing, if this guy was not really defending himself, then he deserves to be in jail and hopefully will end up there shortly. I have a feeling that it was a big misunderstanding on both parties part that escalated and eventually wound up with someone dead. Kind of like what can happen in an argument that becomes a fight, that becomes a murder. Where neither party was willing to take a step back and back down and calm things down.

I DO NOT approve of children deciding to "walk out" on their education to protest yet another senseless killing of a young black male, and I think it is a tragedy on top of a tragedy that the black community is rising up and speaking out about the senseless slaughter of a black male by a white man, but ignoring the statistically verifiable FACT that Trayvon actually was much more likely to have died a violent death at the hands of one of his black peers than an idiot racist cop wannabe.

Part of the fuel that feeds the stupidity of people like Mr. Zimmerman is the black community is quick to speak out about injustices, perceived or real, directed at it by whiles or the mainstream community, but gives a pass to the black criminal elements that truly victimize it and (far less often) the white community , and indeed glorifies the "gangsta" lifestyle, labeling brave leaders of the black community like Bill Cosby as "sellouts" when they point out that REAL, SELF-INFLICTED INJUSTICE but thinking it's cool when some black professional athlete or entertainer lands in prison for some knuckle-headed crime they committed.

Black Children "Walking Out" on their RIGHT to receive an education (which Trayvon's mother also wisely spoke out against) is more Self Destructive behavior and plays to the idiot gangbangers and "gangsta" wannabes who believe that getting an education is "selling out" when in fact, it is a much more real ticket OUT of the ghetto and into a better life than hustlin', slingin', thuggin', ballin' or rappin'. It also plays to white racists who like for nothing more than an excuse to cut funds for public education.

What if this was the scenario? -
Just What If?
Would it change things?

*******************************

Zimmerman approaches young Trayvon, they have a brief, two question conversation:

"Why are you following me"?
"What are you doing here?"

Neither question is answered.

Trayvon Martin turns and runs. George Zimmerman gives pursuit.

A lean 17 year old vs. a fat 28 year old. Trayvon gets away. Zimmerman loses him, and is headed back to his vehicle to await police.

Right now, nothing more needs to happen.

But something does. Young Trayvon circles back, and attacks Zimmerman from behind, hitting him in the head, and knocking him to the ground.

If this was the scenario, would this be the first act of violence? Would it be the first crime?

Just pretend - if this were the way things went down, would it be a rash decision on the part of the juvenile which was the culprit for the bad results? Or should Zimmerman still be hanged?

Do two wrongs ever make a right?

you tell em' -it seems like the police are real incompetents here- the whole force.

Mars - grow up, get a life and quit playing the poor, poor, pitiful me, race card every chance you get. Your racist post plays right into the hands of people who want to believe that people like you make decisions solely based on race; congratulations on perpetuating racial stereotypes (isn't that what you all want to blame Zimmerman for?). Fact is, you weren't there, now were you, and neither was I so all of us need to quit pretending like we know the facts of this case. Let the authorities sort it out before you get your ropes out.....

Mars buddy, what are you trying to say here?

"Drugs are an amerikkkan problem" "trailer park attempt at logic" "Which is still only true if your are a white demon trying to prove a point of superiority"

I thought you were trying to prove the other dude was racist?

Mars, there was a double homicide in a local nightclub and two young black men lost their lives, but nobody saw anything, so I guess black life isn't significant to the black patrons of that club, either.

I think a great injustice has been committed in Sanford, Florida and that not only does George Zimmerman need to be held accountable, but the Sanford officials who dropped the ball on prosecuting what at the very least was a case of aggravated manslaughter, if not second degree murder. If the "Stand Your Ground" law is used to prevent Mr. Zimmerman from being held accountable, the Florida Legislature needs to either fix it or be held accountable at the ballot box.

That doesn't change the FACT that Treyvon Martin was far more likely to die as a result of gun violence directed at him by a black criminal than an untrained, likely racially motivated cop wannabe. If you want to bring up the fact that our failed war on drugs has resulted in a disproportionate amount of non-violent black men being imprisoned while a much closer to racially proportionate amount of violent predators are released to prey on society, great, but the whole "it's all Whitie's fault" or "Whitie don't care because he was black" act doesn't fly with me.

Racism is a one way street. Blacks do not commit race hate fueled crimes against whites. That would not be PC. And Al and Rev. J.J. are out for the publicity that they so miss and would never see in a crime that was not front row center of the media machine. I suggest that they take up a cause that would not bring in the lime light and show that they are not the shallow hate mongers that they appear to be.

The death was a tragity and hopefully once the real and actual truth is known then justice can be served. Until then all that is evident is hate fuel banter between opposing points of view. As it is, the perp of this can never see a fair trial. He is already tried and awaiting execution by mob mentality.

i've asked it before...what do rev sharp and jj actually DO on a day by day basis. i can tell someone what my job is...what is their JOB, and who signs their paychecks?

"Wonder when reverand Al will be visiting the family of the white kid in Kansas who was lit on fire in a clear case of a hate crime"

Why would he do that when the case was investigated and not covered up or ignored by the police?

Those who committed the crime against the white child in Kansas were ARRESTED. We should be outraged by both this crime and the crime against the child Trayvon. I heard the 911 tapes and this poor kid was killed in cold blood walking home from the store carrying skittles and a tea drink. Zimmerman was told not to pursue him. He was both the adult and the aggressor.

I dont know about you but i dont see you out there gving a voice to injustice. AL has put a voice to the facts of the case. facts are no arrest was made, fact are the guy was let go that night and given back his gun and ammunition, fact is the guy zimmerman was not drug tested but the dead kids body was. fact is policed didnt look at the evidence but believed some half cock story of a radical person. The fact is this is going on a month of no action by that county. once AL read about what happen he put it out more. Like it or not Al has done very much good for getting the word out. He has given this kid a face that the police in that county wanted silenced. if the police and zimmerman wanted a fair trial they would have followed procedure. this trial will be open and closed. Zimmerman will crack on the stand unless he wont take the stand which then the jury will find him guilty of not only bias intimidation but a huge huge premeditated murder. I would opt for life in prison for this zimmermen because killing him will not show him a lesson. This Person hunted down and took the life of this young kid because he thought he was a cop.

A proper neighborhood watch would identify them self properly and say hi, is everything okay. A proper neighborhood watch would wear a cap showing the are that. a Proper neighborhood watch would make sure the kid is okay. This was a bigot with a gun out for revenge because he has a problem with black teens. lastly anyone that has a gun on neighborhood watch is trying to play A cop knowing fully they will never be able to be one. Not when they have a record.

Jeff,

Both cases were tragic and neither kid, from what I've read, deserved what they got. In the case of the white kid, where's the outrage from the "ususal suspects" like Sharpton and Jackson? Where's Obama's comment? Why no investigation by the DOJ of a hate crime? Most important, why NO MENTION of this by the mainstream media?

But go ahead. Call names. It's easier than thinking.

@JIMradio.......Actually Al Sharpton has his own show on a cable channel.

@ obamalies....seems that there hasn't been anyone arrested for that crime nor suspects named. Not that I could find anyway. In Trayvon's case we KNOW who murdered him. Now, if you need protesters, go find some and get them together, have a protest. Why leave it up to others to do it for you. I mean if you're so outraged. Doesn't it seem that you should have your own activist leaders? You can organize a march and all of that. Nobody is stopping you. Just stop complaining about things you're not willing to do yourself.

There is never such an uproar when a white kid dies at the hand of a black and if you look at crime and murder statistics blacks commit 90% of all crimes. Blacks are babied and given special treatment, they have their own TV station, Colleges, Section on AOL, government social interest groups, and so on, If there was a white any of those blacks would be in a frenzy like they are now. If charges are brought up on Zimmerman it will only be because of the fear of what the blacks will do, where will they riot, who will they kill, what neighborhood will they burn down

Rev Al is there because he was one of the first to be notified of the situation. Also, Charles Blow of the NYTimes, another black, was instrumental in getting attention paid to this. Maybe your guy in Kansas needs better contacts.

I was thinking the same thing..Al Sharpton is the biggest racist!! You should speak out against all violence. When something bad happens to a black person your all over the news. You should be all over the news when 3 black boys light a white boy on fire...Sharpton and the other one, Jackson should be out saying how wrong it is to light people on fire. Its only when something bad happens to someone black they make a stand...they make me thow up in my mouth!! This boy, regardless of color should not have been shot and killed period. We don't need those two so called preachers coming out in the news about it. They should have been out about a month ago saying how terrible it was that 3 black kids lit that other boy on fire!! Its a damn shame no matter what color you are and should never happen.

sharpton will champion an event when it brings him glory and adulation.

Sharpton is a rabble rouser, nothing more than that.

The family's lawyer contacted Rev. Sharpton and requested his help because the Sanford Police Department had refused to conduct a proper investigation and no charges were preferred against Mr. Zimmerman. Rev. Sharpton was called two weeks after the shooting because of the actions, or lack thereof, of the Sanford Police Department.

As to being on the wrong side of things, when people LIE things get twisted. So Rev. Sharpton got duped once before. Given the fact that you state you support waiting until an investigation is completed, how does that disqualify him from being a representative for justice in this matter.

Lastly, had not Rev. Sharpton and others gotten involved you and the rest of the anti-black leaders crowd would not even have known about this case; so spare us the faux outrage over his being involved.

Me thinks thou dost protest too much.

I am a Black woman and really do not care for Sharpton or Jackson. But Sharpton is correct in joining this protest. Sometimes I think they jump the gun with some of their protests, but he hit it on the nose with this one.

People really need to understand the the Amendments and there intent. The 2nd amendment has nothing to do with shooting another individual. It has to do with the right to have fire arms to protect ourselves against the tyranny of the government. With great freadom comes great responsibility. Bottom-line the second Amendment does not apply to this situation.

what is your point in pointing out this demeaning term?

you are a------ person

@ Panther look... This is what was said by Zimmerman while talking to the 911 dispatcher. I've hear the tape and it does sound like he says this under his breath. I couldn't testify in court that is what he said, but it sure sounded like it. Some people say he called him an a--hole, but I heard two words on the tape. The first word ending in the "ing" sound and a definite "coo" sound beginning the second word. I would really like to hear it after the recording has been cleared of background noise and his breathing. Not really sure why this hasn't been done yet as the technology is out there.

Too bad that the teenager didn't receive this judicail process of which you speak.

funny enough but if that was your son or daughter, god forbid and more the 26 days went by where officials are sitting on your dead childs case, where your childs killer is only a few blocks away lest see how you react. Most of you are ignorant not only in law but also showing your mouth in bad was when attributes dont affect you. Hell if it was not for AL the media would have never thought twice about this story, but that stupid republican thing called a who's the biggest liar race. The facts are not only in the whole 911 tapes but in the police report oops, the 2 reports which not show zimmermen lied to the poilice (when asked why you got out your car he said to look at the street crossing yet on the tape he is following the kid and disobeys the command of the 911 operator) Also in zimmerman anger and focus on catching this person he says the @!$%#s always get away. If there was an arrest and proper trial taken place, people wouldnt be this outraged unlike you. like i said look at the facts before you sit there and call someone innocent. If he thought he was innocent why did he lie, why the police not run test on him, where there pictures taken of the crime scene. AL is right. the whole department must be cleaned out because there is corruption from top to bottom.

I've read your statement twice now and I am sorry, but your inept grammar and spelling are hindering my ability to understand your counter point.

I repeat, thank god for the judicial process.

Magnis -

and disobeys the command of the 911 operator .....like i said look at the facts before you sit there and call someone innocent

A "command" from the 911 operator.. Is this your logic? A 911 operator "gave you a command."

Look at the facts

What facts do you know about? Were you there?

It's damn sad that it happened, sadder is those that want to make it worse with no knowledge.

Variant seems to be missing the point here. The judicial process is what failed us. There is no question that Zimmerman killed Martin. But Martin had just as much right as Zimmerman to be there. He had just as much right to be walking down that sidewalk, and just as much right to expect to NOT be followed or accosted by a stranger - an armed stranger, no less. The judicial process says Zimmerman was just "standing his ground". Why was his right to stand his ground more important than Matin's right to stand HIS ground? You may disagree, but the facts of the case seem to suggest that the judicial process was flawed and failed us, in this instance.

Also, "innocent until proven guilty" only applies to the government. The rest of us - and that includes the media - can make up our minds, based on the evidence presented to us, any time and in any way we want.

And when we do so, and our government seems to have gotten it horribly wrong, then we have not only the right but the DUTY to stand up and say something. There is nothing more American.

So, yes, thank God for the judicial process. And also thank God for the right to criticize it.

MDL1966 - no, you miss the point. The judicial process has yet to happen. What has happened is that this man "Zimmerman" is being hung out to dry by the media publishing their opinion and the opinion of all you arm chair lawyers. Our founding fathers had it right when they penned "Innocent until proven guilty"

FYI - Judicial process requires a trial, lawyers and allot of objectivity.

Are you claiming that school kids would use this tragedy as an excuse to skip class? Say it isn't so!!

Thats what my response is. What kind of boy was this young man?? Where was he visiting from?? Was he in trouble with the law ?? When these young kids want to run like the big dawgs on the streets and dress gangster.....What are we to think ??? Media uses "HOODIE", we all know the gangster kids CLEARLY wear it differently then just putting up your hoodie on you sweat shirt.

where does it say he was suspended and if so is that justification for you to murder young black males

What difference does it make why he was out of school on a 10-day suspension? Does that justify being shot? That is an outrageous statement....

Bob and Blazin' fool, have you two not bothered to read the stories? Do you know now history?

Walking out of school in protest of an injustice that extends back at least to the Vietnam war days. A bunch of students gathering in a park on Saturday doesn't draw attention of send a message.

He was visiting from his father's girlfriend's condo - down the street. He was never in trouble with the law. There are only two ways to wear a hoodie - up or down. Since none of this matters, we all know you guys are trying to disguise your racism with these diversionary questions.

bob-1017030 are you trying to judge Trayvon Martin? Those students were showing their support for the senseless murder of this young man, they want justice. George Zimmerman should have been arrested that night. The police did not take Zimmerman's gun nor did they do blood test on him instead they did a blood test on Trayvon Martin, YES the Justice Dept had to step in and take over this case because everyone who is following this story knows that there is a cover-up going on here.

Bob-#'s,

The cleaners called and your White Hood and Sheet are ready to be picked up.

If you don't get the reference too bad. Your statement's regarding this tragedy amount to the jury blaming a rape victim by saying she deserved it because of the way she was dressed.

Obviously you know nothing about the facts of this case.

so would you shoot a kid because he was on a 10 day suspension from school??? some of the comments on here are definately not made for human consumption,,,,made by idiots who just want to piss somebody off

it worked

I do not believe that the kids should have been allowed to walk out of school. I also do not feel that his death should be blamed on a hoodie, as well as the Obama thinking this is an appropriate platform for his campaign, I believe that Rivera should SHUT UP because nobody cares what he thinks, and I think everyone rallying in the streets should stop because this is just another recipe for disaster and further fatalities. Instead why don't we stop and focus back on what is important, and that is that Zimmerman should grow a set of balls and turn himself in (he is not going to come out of hiding as long as everyone is hunting bear) and we should all grieve the life of this young man. And give our heart felt prayers and thoughts to his parents. Everyone is making this their own pedestal and it is wrong. Kids are shot everyday by people of all colors and race and many times their killers are not prosecuted. This is just a fact. I feel bad for Trayvon and his parents, but I also feel for the mother whose 6 year old daughter who was shot in the abdomen this past weekend and died in her mothers arms. Senseless killing goes on everyday and if we all focus on our own agendas justice will never be served.

Schools will suspend kids for not getting haircuts or wearing the wrong t-shirt. One of the smartest kids I ever taught was incorrigible, so what? No one deserves to die for walking in their own neighborhood. Zimmerman was acting like a police officer, a bad one at that.

agreed

Yep.

I agree that under "Stand Your Ground" that anybody who feels threatened by Mr. Zimmerman has the right to shoot him. He has shown that he has a penchant for violence and is willing to kill people. Under the same law that he is trying to invoke, ANYBODY who actually felt threatened is justified.

HOWEVER ... just seeing him is not grounds for feeling threatened. That is not appropriate. He has a right to walk the streets just like any other person until arrested and convicted. I hope that the police decide to confiscate his weapon so that nobody will go hunting him down just to kill him. Anybody who would do so is WORSE than Mr. Zimmerman because that would be 100% revenge and vigilante "justice" as opposed to a racist, trigger-happy cop wannabe who decides to try to BE the police.

So you are advocating the murder of someone else because you aren't happy with the justice system? I hope the FBI pays you a visit real soon, scumbag.

Chris-126664, you obviously have a reading comprehension problem.

Patriott's post simply stated what appears to be the latitude afforded the public under the Stand Your Ground provision. After all, Mr. Zimmerman has already publicly shown the propensity for violence. Accordingly, and by the standards of the Sanford Police Department, anyone he approaches could summarily feel threatened and shoot him in self-defense. Now that whole comment I just made regarding Mr. Zimmerman and the Stand Your Ground provision is what is known as SARCASM, but I doubt you would understand that.

No where in Cat's post did he/she advocate the murder of anyone. In fact he/she advocated just the opposite.

Thank you, Sayit. I would never advocate vigilante-ism. (This Cat is a female, btw) I actually thought that Chris was responding to the people above me so it didn't bother me and I didn't respond. I very CAREFULLY considered what I wrote so as not to give the impression that I was calling for Mr. Zimmerman's death and tried very hard to make it VERY clear that hunting him down would not be legal and not appropriate. I also have found that many people on the Vine can't recognize sarcasm unless it is pointed out to them.

a hoody is a sweatshirt with a hood , the hood is to keep your head and ears warm and dry if it happens to rain or if its windy or if its very cold and snowing. hmmm did you know the fact that it was raining that night you idiot. did you bother to even listen to the 911 tapes. i do not like it when people of your caliber and intelligence types words. more then not it leads to more people becoming ignorant who listen to you.

Doesnt the phone call that Trayvon made to his girlfriend or someone when he felt he was being watched say that he was going to put on his hood? I could have sworn I heard that somewhere but the police know exactly what he was wearing because they take photos of all crime scenes so eventually we will know if dad was telling the truth or not.

Blazin' fool. Maybe they are current pictures. My son looks very young for his age. He looked about 13 when he was a senior in high school and when he was a junior in college he got pulled over by police during a weekday and asked why he wasn't in school (thinking he was a high school student and skipping). He's 25 now and gets a major intergation when he tries to get a beer in a bar. So you can't be sure how current the pictures are.

you want to know what happened? key is, zim was bleeding and covered in grass stains. second key. trayvon is 6'2". here is what happened.... zim cornered the young man, and the young man stood his ground said why r you following me, leave me alone, and zim was all, why are you here, and when he got to close and was too threatening, trayvon stands his ground and starts layin hands on zim, ie he was whoopin on zim. (and yes Trayvon was doin the cryin on the 911 call while hitting on zim. every see that kid in high school getting picked on and when he finally hits back he is so upset he's crying while he is punching. picture that.) so that is why zim shoots boy. problem here is ZIM STARTED IT. You can't start a fight and then shoot someone because you're getting grass stains on your knees. if im on that jury, zim is GUILTY as charged. you can't go into a bar and start a fight with a guy then because you're losing you shoot him with a gun when yhen is unarmed. ZIM STARTED THIS WHOLE THING, so UNLESS HE CAN SHOW WITH CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT HIS LIFE WAS IN IMMINENT DANGER HE MUST GO TO JAIL ASAP. PS: he CAN NOT show his life was in imminent danger because it was not. take the whopping you deserved and keep the gun out of it. tragic end for this kid, Zim time for you to go to JAIL!

jerry - you will never be on a jury. You have already become the judge and executor with no knowledge.

Only folks that are there to listen and think are allowed. So you definitely are safe from jury duty. There is some good in the justice system that protects us from "people" like you.

Now if we could have got your parents educated about birth control things could of been better.

But we win some when we can.

And how is the fire being stoked?

Seems to me the MEDIA is almost a month late in their coverage of this travesty.

But hey, believe whatever makes let's you sleep at night.

Maybe you should teach them all a lesson and shoot them.

No, thats something you would probably do (seems to be your class).. since you're childish enough to make such a stupid comment.

Have an adult read you the article: the walk outs were coordinated with the school staff.

Suspend them all....brilliant idea. Kids need their education and can't afford to be out of class for a walk out. So, let's suspend them and keep them out of class a few days more.

If you'd ever gone to school yourself, you'd realize how stupid that idea is.

problem is the police did not do their job. problem is the police gave back evidence, problem is the police did not do proper analsyt of the crime scene and the person who did the shooting on public space. See if the police did the proper investigation and proper procedure zimmermen would have been caught in a lie, zimmermen would have been processed and let a district attorney and judge figure out if it was self defense. There is your problem. proper procedure was not followed and not only I but many police officers agree. something is wrong with the story of zimmermen and the police story.

I went to school in Chicago and every year I was denied a education because the teachers would strike for more money. If the teachers were a part of this then they should be fired. They are there to teach not stage walk outs. They need to inform the students that IF THIS WAS FOR A RACIAL REASON IT WAS NOT RIGHT AND I SAY IF.

Agree......We all know there are white trash people who dress gangster(wanna be) then there are black men who(wanna be) Hispanic(wanna be) Asian(wanna be) I don't see a race card here. We all know how we dress and how we conduct ourselves is how we our judged by our community. I was trying to say, Trayvon's father didn't come across as living in the projects so he dressed appropriate for the community he lived in. What about his girlfriend ......is she white?? Since this is a predominately white neighbor hood. People spout things off they have no idea of. Trayvon did NOT live there......he was visiting. From WHERE????? Was he in some sort of stereo type and that is that why the mother sent him to stay with the father?? Was he running with bad kids ???? Obviously he was not recognized for being a resident in this Condo gated community.

He didn't break into anyone's house.

if a stranger broke into my home, he would be six feet under, but that wasnt the case here.

My understanding was that he broke into the enclosed porch part of the house. Is that not so?

Charlie, you are just making sheeet up as you go along. Nobody involved in the case broke into anything. Trayvon Martin was walking home from the store. Zimmerman saw him, stalked him, killed him. Period.

Charlie, he did NOT break into anybody's property. He was on the sidewalk coming home from a convenience store. There HAD been previous break-ins in the community, but he was NOT involved in those and he was NOT breaking into anybody's house. Maybe you have been confused and combined the two issues but that would be an error. Zimmerman even said in his 911 call to the police that it was a "suspicious person" and NEVER claimed that the young man was breaking ANY laws at the time he got out of his SUV, chased after this kid, confronted him and decided that since the 17 year old didn't answer his questions (which is his RIGHT - even if Mr. Zimmerman had been a police officer, without probable cause he would NOT have been obligated to answer questions) that he would assault him and then shoot him when the young man defended himself.

My understanding was that he broke into the enclosed porch part of the house. Is that not so?

not even close. He was walking down the sidewalk returning to the house he was visiting after a trip to the local 7-11 for skittles and iced tea. He wasn't anywhere near Mr. Zimmerman's house, and was in fact, killed roughly 70 feet from his own (well, where he was staying with his father).

You really should refrain from commenting until you've read at least one article about this story, because it's apparent you have not.

why not forget the what if and go with what the facts are.

What if the shooter was Black and vic was Hispanic. You see thats the way this case is a Hispanic shooter and a Black victim.

That "little ting" in our justice system only applies to the justice system (which in the case seems to be flawed, incidentally). The rest of us can make up our own minds, based on the facts, in whatever way we choose, whenever we choose. Another "little ting" that the Constitution permits us is the right to assemble in protest - a right that these students were exercising admirably. Apparently your own education requires a little advancement.

MDL - I have no problem with people forming opinions nor protesting. I DO have a problem with students blowing off classes and that is the bottom line here.

You claim our justice system is flawed in this case, and that's your opinion. I don't know if it was flawed or not because I am willing to wait to hear the FACTS which indicates that I am more willing to use my MIND instead of my emotions when it comes to the law.

Nice try Rangewolf, but your bigotry is showing. Obama said something because he was specifically asked about it. If he were asked about other hi-profile news stories, I'm sure he'd respond.

I think the President was right to offer sympathy to the family, to call for soul searching over this incident to call for an investigation into the facts and for tolerance. What took his comments into the realm of political pandering was when he interjected himself into this as if he were a participant with his "my son would look like..." comment. That has NOTHING to do with this case beyond trying to attach himself to it for personal gain.

After all, since he is half-white, for all he knows if he had a son the child would turn out looking like Martin Downy Jr. instead.

The only thing Obama responds to is when something happens to his Muslim brothers. He couldn't care less about all our soldiers that have been killed. He is nothing but a fraud and a liar that is not legally qualified to serve as a president of our country. He is NOT an American citizen and never should have been elected. Thank God his time is almost over and he will NOT be re-elected.

Me as a black 13 year old kid find that racist cuzz he killed him for wairing a hoodie and i thank rangewolf dont know he or she is talking about because he or she just got stairt off the subject i bet u dont like black people at all so dont put your to cents in stuff if u r going to sound racist

Dejohn

Stay in school kid and pay attention to your studies. Your ignorance is showing. My nephew is six and he spells better than you do. In fact, anyone that is as ignorant as you are shouldn't be allowed around a computer. You're just another example of bad parenting and why our schools are failing in teaching. Of course you are probably one of those black kids like the article is talking about and don't want to learn. You have a LOT of studying to do, get busy.

Zimmerman cannot be charged under state law. He provoked the situation? Not exactly. Zimmerman was pursuing a series of crimes in the neighborhood. Local residence seem happy enough with his performance.

I know you'll not see this, but Vahid, are you really that racist? Trayvon Martin was walking down the street. Zimmerman followed him. Zimmerman got out of his vehicle and chased him. Zimmerman then shot him.