koolman - No, it's not free speech and anyone who thinks so is delusional. This kind of hate is causing the problems right now and it indicates a sick, perverted mind.

Everyone needs to keep in mind that the majority of us are not racist. The majority of blacks are not racist, the majority of whites are not racist, the majority of Hispanics are not racist, the majority of Asians are not racist, ad infinitum.

Members of the human race can not allow racist to drag us all down with them.

With all the problems and crime in Detroit, this is the big story? I have a suspicion that this was done by a group of stupid kids thinking that it was funny. Obviously it's not but kids do some really really stupid things sometimes. Anyway, I hope they are able to find the person who did this. It was hurtful and nasty and the person(s) should be publicly shamed for it.

Typical neo-nazi coward. Michigan definately has a neo-nazi problem--what about those "militias"? The only authorized militia is the one sponsored by the State. Not some group of yahoos who think they are tough and not going to take it anymore. Unfortunately, they probably can't find the coward hiding behind the sign.

There is a difference between "free speech" and "hate speech" and as long as messages like this (which as the story said was supposely done by someone "hackin"' the system) -- keep happening -- we will not get passed this kind of thing -- and espeically in the dealing of this Martin/Zimmerman case" -- Too much is being said and wriiten that has gotten off the point -- The fact of the matter is -- an unarmed denfense" was the shooter, himself. The problem is the law as it is written --which @ this point allows anyone to shoot anyone for any reason that they themselves feel is justified. The reason for the law in Florida was to enable someone in their own home from being attcked by a intruder onto the home -- not to chase down and confront "suspects" that have not done anything (yet). Zimmerman went over the line -- anf maybe Martin over-reacted when enfronted -- i don't know -- but Zimmerman was the one with the gun -- and went aganist direct instruction of 911 to 'back off" -- If Travon then "kciked his butt' is beside the point now ~

Probably Sharpton and Jackson stirring things up to set the stage so they can rush to Detroit for their next appearance. They probably call it job creation...for them.

Aggie,

Probably Sharpton and Jackson stirring things up to set the stage so they can rush to Detroit for their next appearance. They probably call it job creation...for them.

I was going to say the same thing, I am glade some pointed this out because it probably is the case since Spike Lee gave out Zimmerman's address. Just there way of in sighting racial violence.

No, Aggie, there are plenty of racists out there to keep them busy for a while.

Hold the traffic......better get Al & Jesse on this one. Better get on down the freeway and start your marching rally.

Really........get a life lady "who was offended". People are really bunch of sad sacks today. Crying about anything and everything. My feelings are hurt......boo hoo.

Get over it !!

The news is eating this up like it's going out of style. The news has a big hand in all this. The news has done nothing but divide it by race. What the hell do you expect?. Yes ignorant is what these people are who did this... But what do you really expect?. Everyones jumped on the Racial Bandwagon of bull@!$%# from the start of this case, he was tried convicted and sentenced by armchair experts. I'm sick of hearing about this case.

Mackman, I guess that is the difference between me and a black man. Anyone could say anything they wanted to my face and it would not result in me laying hands on them. They could insult my mother, wife, daughter, race, looks, whatever, and I would just walk away because they are not worth my time. If a person reacts to someones words with violence, then they are at fault. People should never let words provoke them to violence.

If it is expected of a black man to resort to violence in reaction to words, no wonder there is so much violence in the black community.

No, the biggest racists actually kill people. You are welcome.

Why is it that the racists always run to defend other racists? Is it because then they'd have to admit it?

It's really a general statement. But the point is, notice some people just have to argue as hard as they can that basically there's no or next to none racism in America? Meanwhile you have this incident.

Whatever. People who want to improve themselves and their own lives actually will always look to do so, while others spend time defending their holding pattern. Hopefully, people can look at this stuff and just wonder if we can't do better, without feeling threatened.

Bill1488, hurry up and get your GED so you can stop violating the English language.

Zimmerman is a WETBACK isn't he? I wonder if that was posted on a sign how many of the "don't worry about it, it's all Al Sharptons doing" would blow it off.

So if I use that word in a public forum then I am using hate speech and yet black people can use that word in public forums (Music) any time they want. I don't like the double standard. I wrote up the people under me for using that word when I was in the Army. It didn't matter what race they were. It is either hate speech or it is not. We either allow it or we do not. I would rather see the word never used but don't get outraged about the word if you use it yourself in everyday conversation.

There is another class of coloured people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs — partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs. I am afraid that there is a certain class of race-problem solvers who don't want the patient to get well, because as long as the disease holds out they have not only an easy means of making a living, but also an easy medium through which to make themselves prominent before the public. -

Booker T. Washington

Ladies and gentlement, a member of the "master race". Able to hack highway signs but completely unwilling and unable to get a decent job.

Watch for the NAACP smoke screen/hype machine to come out in full force.

After what happened to that poor white guy in Baltimore, MD on Saint Patrick's Day they are going to have to try to deflect the terrible attention....Oh that's right....the media doesn't report when a gang of black people beat up a white man. But the N word on a highway.......Gotta post that EVERYWHERE.

It won't get any better...as black leaders ignore the problems in their community...violence is only increasing. Flash mobs stealing. Flash mobs Beating. YEAY

Notice the hypocrisy in people, it's ok for minorities to be as racist as they desire, yet white anglo saxons are vilified to the ends of the earth?

It is distasteful for anyone to be racist and not acceptable by anyone to anyone. No-one owes any special privileges to anyone to excuse racism due to their past.

I have been discriminated against, in, of all places, San Francisco. An oriental restaurant did not want my business and turned me away despite obviously having room and were in full swing for lunch. If they don't want my money, too bad for them!

Another thing is that people are just far too sensitive about things that really don't matter in the long run.

Chad, I was wondering if you feel the same way about the rebel flag????

If you think that hacking is sickening, wait until election, "Every Vote Counts". As if it were ever fair.

@Painful Truth. We don't have hate speech laws in the US so I am wondering what they can charge the persons who hacked the sign with other than tampering with state property. I am a long time member of the ACLU who finds their racist opinions repugnant, shamefull and socially reprehensible but their speech is protected by the First Amendment.

The limit on free speech in the US is Justice Holmes famous yelling fire in a crowded theater test, but I don't think that hacking a construction sign to say Trayvon is a n-i-g-g-e-r rises to the level of threatening the lives of others.

Charles-1820634

and its obvious by that comment you don't understand the meaning of the "rebel flag".

Does anyone read history...why does everyone think the entire civil war and the rebel flag is all about slavery. Slavery was actual only a minor issue regarding the civil war. READ.

.

Southms- you are right. The Civil War was about State rights. The State's right to own slaves.

A minor issue to those that were not slaves. If it does not impact you, then there isn't a problem, is the mantra of all racists, but mainly the white variety.

Mackman, that's why they need guns, and laws so they don't get their asses kicked ....

For Pete's sake. When is the media going to stop stirring the race pot? It is stories like this that have no business being 'news', that divide America and incite hatred. Ain't riots and people beaten to pulp enough?

States right to make their own laws and have less federal input. Slavery wasnt an issue until quite a way into the war. It became a political soundboard. Just like 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq, when the focus should have been on Afghanistan. I am in no way defending slavery or racism, my son is biracial, and I'm from Texas, my son and I have been the target of racism. The rebel flag stood for solidarity of the south, not for slavery. Racist idiots have completely perverted the meaning of the flag, just like the racist idiots have perverted the Bible to justify the hate they spew. However, people like Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson also have no problem jumping in and stirring the pot and perpetuating the hate. If people like them who have that much influence used it for positive instead of negative imagine how far we could get in this wonderful melting pot of a country.

Fault falls on both sides, white AND black. This isn't a one sided issue of whites being racist. After 9/11 there was a huge outpouring of OPEN communication between two different cultures. The fear of tackling real issues will always be what holds the country back from truly solving this awful issue.

southms

That is revisionist history

Yes, it's about states rights.....the right to hold slaves!

Read it.

The Painful Truth-2712888 The KKK is allowed to perform rallies and spew all their hate without any problems, even if I dislike that, this or any other hate speech, I don't see how this is any different.

koolman - No, it's not free speech and anyone who thinks so is delusional. This kind of hate is causing the problems right now and it indicates a sick, perverted mind.

Bullsh!t, SeekingSanity. Saying the N word is free speech. It's not against the law and it's protected under the 1st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

Now that being said, there are social situations where it's not wise to say it. But the police can't lock you up for saying it.

Instead, maybe we should lock you up for what you just said. Then you'll get an clue.

Funny comment yet poignant and yet it was collapsed by the unthought police. Our society can't even see this word as it relates to a news story. Some black use the word everyday yet news organizations can't even print it. In fact if they are quoting a black guy saying it, they still can use it. Something Ray Bradbury about this.

On a different note, 340 million people in this country and this jackass is given national attention. This doesn't speak for anyone but the guy(s) that did it. He might even be black sense they have a propensity to use the word.

@koolman, Exercise that FREE SPEECH in a Black Man's FACE!!!! We'll see how KOOL you are......America is FULL of Racial COWARDS!!!!!

Oooo, me scared.

BWHAW HAW HAW HAW HAW HAW... LOL...

~

And that's the beauty of the internet! :)

Amber, again I have to say that slavery WAS the issue for black people then, as it is now. To try to lessen that is just ridiculous.

@epistemologist. it would bring more charges depending on what was on the sign before and if it was to warn drivers of any dangers or the working crew up the way it could have and may have caused someone their life because the warning on a state highway was tampered with criminal charges can be filed by the Michigan State Police and The Michigan Department of Transportation and for everyone else freedom of speech is ok by the law as long as it doesn't deliberately or intentionally hurt or cause harm to anyone else or deliberately or intentionally invoke panic or a riot just like yelling FIRE! In a crowded movie theater and there is "NO Fire" but it seems people these days just don't have the compassion nor the morals or understanding of what is wrong and what is right…what happens in Florida should not have happened be it that the one killed was Black, White or Green etc,. it was some ones child and if it was his own family member or child I'm sure he would rather someone took the time to check things out before reacting and killing someone close to him and besides the police were already called a dispatched no confrontation was needed, unless some one's life was at risk and that wasn't the case the young man was headed home and if Zimmerman wanted to do anything was to just watch and report it when the police showed up had he waited a little longer to see what the young man was doing he would have saw him going into his Father's Home where he was staying at the time and this would have never been an issue as my parents have always told my brothers and I believe half of what you see and none of what you hear …for those that don't know what that means …it means listen to half of what your told if it makes sense but not things that don't make sense and don't believe everything other people tell you get to know the situation or the person or persons before coming to your own beliefs not the beliefs of others….JUST REAL TALK

OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!! Let's get the FBI, the CIA, and every federal agency to investigate this horrible hate crime!!!! OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!! Maybe they can divert some of the money that goes to the mosque fund to renovate Middle Eastern Mosques to use for this ?important? investigation! OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!

was this done by whites,blacks,or white hispanics.will be interesting to find out.the audio from the new black panthers is that they are ready to riot and kill some crackers,this would be a good way to insight their base.ps..i went to the store to get my saltines and ritz already if they gonna kill all the crackers they gonna have to get these outta my kitchen cabinet

The number of people here asking/commenting about Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are not surprising at all. It's good to see that those two have racists diapers all twisted.

cunical Tell that to the 74 year old attacked with a hammer and the tourist beaten robbed and stripped in Baltimore while the residents laughed.

What does that have to do with a sign being hacked? People like you are always ready to justify your racists opinions/attitudes with stupid comparisons. Anytime a non-White person commits a crime you blame the entire racial group, but when it is a White person it's just that individual. Why is that?

The number of people here asking/commenting about Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are not surprising at all. It's good to see that those two have racists diapers all twisted.

cunical Tell that to the 74 year old attacked with a hammer and the tourist beaten robbed and stripped in Baltimore while the residents laughed.

What does that have to do with a sign being hacked? People like you are always ready to justify your racists opinions/attitudes with stupid comparisons. Anytime a non-White person commits a crime you blame the entire racial group, but when it is a White person it's just that individual. Why is that?

Triscuits, Greg. You forgot the Triscuits!

States right to make their own laws and have less federal input. Slavery wasnt an issue until quite a way into the war. It became a political soundboard.

Truly Amber ... go back to school and study before making such uneducated remarks. Slavery was an issue WAY before the Civil War -- in the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention in 1787 for one.

Concessions were made for slavery so that all states would ratify the Constitution.

It's really too bad your ignorance overshadows some of the more reasonable parts of your post.

Go look up the Three-Fifths Compromise.

Just remember this Nov, get out and vote like you did in 2008. Obama / Biden 2012.

Obviously the person who did this is a coward. All these people online hide behind their computors when they say hate words, notice how they never put their names and address on with message? Cowards with penis envy....

My money is on some compu-nerd kid who did it to prove he could. This really doesn't merit national coverage. But you know MSNBC, if they think they can stir the pot, they will.......

Yeah that's right America. Let the true colors come out. Digusting. This whole damn country disgusts me.

willowbrook... what is really sad is you are probably right about it being a whiz kid. The sad part is where is he learning the hate from??? Children are not born hating any race. They are taught to hate. I wonder how many generations it will take until we all realize we are a salad bowl (not a melting pot) and it is all the differences in the ingredients that makes the salad a great meal.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised at all -- as a matter of fact, I'm not. Some white people will go to great lengths to justify racist behavior, because it's what they grew up with.

Just like most white people do not refer to themselves as "rednecks" -- most black people certainly do not refer to themselves are "n@!$%#." My folks were from the South, I grew up in the North, and the only time I heard that word was when it was being hurled at me by low class whites at shcool. Both titles (redneck and n@!$%#) are used frequently by low class whites and blacks. Yet, there are those who will insist that because these low class blacks call themselves and every other person (not just blacks) by that name, that they should have the right to use that word. Well, you can -- but there will be consequences.

Low class blacks have been taken to task many times over the use of that word, but they, like low class whites, just can't help themselves, I guess. But, as an African American, I can tell you that just because I hear low class whites calling each other redneck, that is not an invitation for me to to use it (and I don't).

I grew up around lots of Italians (never had any trouble), and the names some of them called each other would make the "n" word seem tame. Yet, at no time, did it even cross my mind to join in on the name-calling. I probably wouldn't be sitting here, if I had.

The low class whites on this board, trying to justify using that word because low class blacks use it, are using it to mask their racism. I don't understand it. If you're a racist, why try to hide it? You don't do a very good job of it anyway, so why try to hide it?

The white friends I know would choke on that word before ever letting it out of their mouths -- as a matter of fact, it probably wouldn't ever cross their minds to use it. If you can use that word, it's because you grew up using it --- otherwise it would stick in your throat. And, if you grew up using that word (white or black), then we know how you were raised and you are exactly the type of persons we told our sons to stay away from and never bring to our home.

Nanette, America is a melting crock!

Nanette,

If it is a computer whiz kid it may not be about hate at all. Just trolling IRL. (In case you don't know: saying or doing something outrageous to get a calculated response= trolling) Most likely, y'all got trolled.

This sign lets all the 'closet-racists' to say "oh its not that bad, its freedom of speech".. Glad I am able to ignore the old white male racists that mask their own hatred by debating on the wrong side of an ignorant practical 'joke'.

First suspects would be the people that:

A) Knew the sign was easily accessible.

B) Knew how to break in it.

C) Knew how to program it.

Welp, lets start with the ones that put the signs there to begin with and work our way out from there.

It won't happen in my lifetime, but one day, we will get beyond racial slurs.

I wonder when the entire world has mixed bloodlines if men like Jesse and Al will still be preaching equality? Oh you better believe it, those are the real racist.

Whoever is responsible for this........SHAME ON YOU!!!!

How about a report that actually quotes the account of the primary witness, which indicates that Trayvon was the likely aggressor.

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Trayvon+Martin+youtube+video+fight+club&view=detail&mid=29FBAA5E12E670CD2A2F29FBAA5E12E670CD2A2F&first=0

@koolman thats is because they are black a white person saying it is just fuked up white people can white people crackers and african americans can other africans the" n****word"

"Something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear, there's a man with a gun over there, telling me I got to beware, thinks it's time we stop children what's that sound, everbody look what's going down..........."

For what it's worth.

It won't happen in my lifetime, but one day, we will get beyond racial slurs.

Only when highly intelligent life forms from other galaxies invade us and re-program unintelligent minds will we see that day. I wouldn't hold my breath.

There are some things you should not say in public. In this country, you must take care what you say. The united states is no longer a free country.

That is because the people who comprise her are no longer responsible citizens. No one takes the high road any longer. No one follows the rules. No one gives anyone the benefit of the doubt.

It's very easy for all of you that have not walked it to talk it. You have no idea what it's like growing up thinking everyone is about to call the cops, everyone is watching you waiting for you to make the wrong move, the cops are following you and targeting you because of the color of your skin.

A little competition and white men are screaming like stuck pigs. Imagine if you will what it might be like to have every thing you do challenged by someone who has the authority of life and death, someone whose word is better than yours because of the color of their skin.

There are a lot of stupid adolescent comments here. For a moment I would like to see the tables turned on some of you, seriously turned, not just the tiny little imagined inconvenience of having a bi-racial president.

Imagine if this was your child someone shot just because he happened to be there.

A minor issue to those that were not slaves. If it does not impact you, then there isn't a problem, is the mantra of all racists, but mainly the white variety.

Yes, your statement applies to everyone drawing breath today. There are no people alive now who can say they were slaves, and no white people who can say they ever owned slaves. But that doesn't stop the motivated black people: they can oppress themselves and come up with plenty of reasons as to why it's the fault of someone else who's skin is a lighter color.

OMG, Stuart X, you have a real issue -- help yourself by learning how to put a sentence together.

And Roy, we've read your posts before -- we know exactly where you're coming from. You probably think that was Zimmerman's voice crying for help on the tapes, too.

The purpose of that sign was to stir up racial tension. This is just an assumption, but I think the end game is to further polarize this country. Feed on the fears of both blacks and whites is the objective to implement the usual playbook of those in power, which is to divide and conquer. All people Black or White should be concerned that the salaries of the working class have been stagnant for 20 years or more. Then they over expanded the use of credit to make the working class feel richer, which ultimately resulted in the 2008 recession via $62 trillion in useless credit defaults swaps sitting on bank books world wide. Oh, I forgot to mention they did all the aforementioned while outsourcing well paying jobs to Asia. (Please dont whine high taxes and regs were the reason for outsourcing Ireland had neither and they still lost their jobs to Asia) Then, they gave tax breaks to the most wealthy (so called "job creators") starting in 2001 that resulted in GDP growth about the same as it is now (post recession). For the past 20 years, the job creators are small businesses who are not generally the mostly wealthy. Wake up people and stop falling for this crap and think with your minds and not your emotions.

This is why the U.S. will continue its downward spiral - way too many ignorant people in this country. The uneducated white trash is no longer contained in the south and midwest, but has spread all over the country.

From my experience Free Speech is whatever the three stooges AKA federal judges in San Antonio say it is on any given day. Since one of them managed to rule opposites ways on the same clause of the First Amendment in the space of a two month time period. I think it is who gets to the courthouse door first.

Old Sarge 349;

I suggest you take another look at history. Civilian militias are a big part you can be so misinformed. All members of the Continental Army were volunteers, nearly half members of unregulated Civilian Militia units. Do not lump civilian militia's in with neo-nazis, because you either lack the resources or will to find out for yourself. They do NOT have the same mind set, philosophy or intent. Civilian militias are, contrary to what the SPLC tells you, White, Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native American. Former Military and non military, blue collar and white collar, doctors, lawyers, nurses, mechanics, etc. They come from every walk of life. Their only aim is to assist in time of disaster, and other emergencies. It is not their intent to over throw the government as the SPLC and other three letter groups like them would have the dim-witted believe. In fact, my myopic friend, the Missouri 59th were the first to organize & begin search and rescue after the May 22 tornado in Joplin, Missouri. Hours before the police got there ducks in a row, and two days before the National Guard were called out, who largely hindered to process. I know I lived there.

So before you spout biased B.S. old Sarge, I suggest maybe you find out for yourself. Surely, as your screen name implies, you being former military you can think for yourself. Or do you follow blindly along in lock (i.e Goose) step with those who do not have our best interests at heart?

Now, Specify the exact U.S.Civil or Criminal Code that prohibits civilian militias. I think it will a long time coming since there is no such U.S. code. There are a number of U.S. Constitutional amendments that protect it, however. Democracy kinda sucks like that, huh? Get some facts, in the mean time, don't spoout biased B.S. and expect not to get called out on it. Old Sarge or no.

Really?-1739510 Comment collapsed by the community

I would like to know who the idiot that felt "violated" was. Really? Violated?

Being raped is being violated.

Seeing a sign with a COMMONLY used word, especially in the African-American community is hardly something that should make anyone feel "violated."

Did she need smelling salts? LOL

That is not a commonly used word by me or my friends or by the group of people that I do surround myself with, and they are of african descent like myself. I am more than appauled by that statement, very much like with many of the post have read on this so far.

Any person of color that uses that to refer to another individual of color is no better than the word itself, Ignorant. I'm not rich, and I have not lead a priveledged life, but I was given a decent education which allows me to know what the intended use of what that word was for. any level of hate or ignorance should not be tolerated, even if claimed as free speech, hate is hate. If someone said they would kill you, would you say free speech then, or would you just shoot them on the spot.......

Roy Wilson, I doubt very much that Trayvon was the aggressor. Zimmerman was told to not follow. He did. He wouldn't let it be. Now then the law in Florida is that if you feel you are being threatened you have a right to defend yourself with violence. Don't you imagine that Trayvon felt threatened. I know I would have felt that way if being followed by Zimmerman. So under the law in Florida, all Trayvon did was try to defend himself (if there was actually combat). Sorry, Roy, but you are wrong. A young man is dead because Zimmerman thought he was the Protector of the Universe and he had a gun.

Roc Watts;

What's the difference between this and commonly used reference to white people by the black community? Is that not race based hate speech? Or is hate a one way street? It can only be hate if directed at certain groups? Just wondering since the law seems unclear. You have no "monopoly" on a disadvantaged life, youth, childhood. Lots of people and believe it or not, large numbers of whites did and do as well. I have a rather unique perspective on all this. Some of my ancestors were European, most were here long before any of the rest arrived, Yet, through out the history of this country we have been persecuted. We were the last to gain the right to vote or be "declared" citizens. We had white (U.S. cavalry), blacks (U.S Cavalry Negro units)and in a few cases Chinese antagonists. We were denied service in both world wars if our ancestry was known. Only in WWII were we found useful in speaking our native language, something that was prohibited by law until it became useful. to confuse the enemy.

So, do spare me your outrage. You have suffered little in comparison to my people. After emancipation, you were free to remain or return home. Liberia was established as a home land for freed slaves wishing to return to Africa. We had no such option, we were imprisoned in out own lands, deprived of the means to hunt, supplied only rotting meat and grains. No wonder people think we all died out. You all did your very best to achieve that. We were just a little tougher than you guessed. Our lands were stolen, our people slaughtered, We were the first U.S. victims of biological weapons, with the intentional exposure to small pox, malaria, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever,and other deadly diseases. And let's not forget the trail of tears, a forced march that would make the Bataan death march pale in comparison. So anyway., excuse me if I find a word less than life shattering. We were called everything but what we were, and still remain, despite all others best efforts.

"Tell that to the 74 year old attacked with a hammer and the tourist beaten robbed and stripped in Baltimore while the residents laughed."

Also, make sure to tell it to the 16 men, women and children killed in Afghanistan by the psycho from Washington. Phucked up people come in ALL COLORS!

Anyone who uses "free speech" as an excuse to make racist remarks and spread more hate is a loser.

Free speech doesn't give one the right to be hateful. No wonder things are so distorted.

You must be a pretty pathetic POS to do something like this...

slightlyold "Roy Wilson, I doubt very much that Trayvon was the aggressor. Zimmerman was told to not follow. He did. He wouldn't let it be."

But when Trayvon ran, Zimmerman stopped following and headed back to his truck, and it was then that Trayvon allegedly hit Zimmerman from behind, pounced on him and was beating on him and it was Zimmerman that was crying for help - That was the testimony from the only independent witness. We need to remember that Trayvon was about 5 inches taller than Zimmerman - not the 'little angel' portrayed in that ancient photo the media initially used. Here's a report on the testimony of that witness;

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Trayvon+Martin+youtube+video+fight+club&view=detail&mid=29FBAA5E12E670CD2A2F29FBAA5E12E670CD2A2F&first=0

Ultimately, the testimony of that eye witness will carry much more weight than the wild speculation of the 'armchair detectives' on this vine.

I think we need to wait until all of the evidence is analyzed and let the experts do their job, and we need to stop speculating on events that we know little about.

Bosslimo, you missed one very important clue, all registered Democrats can be eliminated because only Republicans are racist.

Do we really need to "shoot the messenger here", someone already shot the message board?

I find it curious that those who are arguing that George Zimmerman was "in the right", under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, to leave his house with a loaded 9mm handgun, follow a 17-year-old boy he thought "looked suspicious" (reads "black"), then confront and kill that 17-year old boy.

But these same people also argue that the 17-year-old boy, armed only with Skittles Candy and a soft drink, was "Not in the right" to stand his ground and defend himself when confronted by an older, 50 lb. heavier man. "The boy should have run away", they say.

Bewildering how the bigoted mind works, isn't it.

@Roy Wilson

But when Trayvon ran, Zimmerman stopped following and headed back to his truck, and it was then that Trayvon allegedly hit Zimmerman from behind, pounced on him and was beating on him and it was Zimmerman that was crying for help -

Roy, I always see you on the vine with stretched renditions of the truth. It's really annoying that a grown man choses to obfuscate the truth because it suits a race. I can't believe I've ever witnessed common sense decency in viewpoints from you.

Nevertheless, here is another bold story from you. If Zimmerman was heading back to his truck, why is the distance from the nearest road so far from the actual crime scene? You conjecture that Zimmerman got out of his car, followed Trayvon a great distance and then had an epiphany to calmly walk back to his vehicle hundreds of feet away from the crime scene? Then was attacked... with no corroborating witnesses?

This is clearly a defense fabrication because it cannot pass the basic smell and physics test. On one hand you say that Trayvon attacked Zimmerman from behind or that his head was being smashed on the concrete; despite the fact that the victim was murdered on the grass. The testimony and facts do not add up.

Even if there is no criminal arrest, there will be a civil trial. That's why he's begging for money on the web now. Zimmerman cannot justify agressively pursuing someone while "standing his ground". It doesn't make sense.

The law doesn't apply to this situation and no jury would release this vigilante and monster from being culpable. His history will come under review and that's where we will see the true Zimmerman; an opportunistic, concealed-weapon carrying predator.

How cool to have your name up in lights like that! way cool!

The assertion that the Civil War was about slavery was a bit of revisionist history. Lincoln himself said that he didn't care whether the slaves were freed or not -- as long as the southern states were not allowed to secede. The abolition of slavery was a nice side-effect of the war. But it was an afterthought.

The assertion that the Civil War was about slavery was a bit of revisionist history. Lincoln himself said that he didn't care whether the slaves were freed or not -- as long as the southern states were not allowed to secede. The abolition of slavery was a nice side-effect of the war. But it was an afterthought.

Free speech is free as long as it don't step on somebody else's rights. This article is wrong on many levels. F*** the race baiters. F*** the people who are trying to twist this into a race issue. Make up your own mind instead of listening to sensationalist media. You know you are better than that. :(

Elaine Bonner says, "I feel violated by it."

I cannot believe that a person would feel 'violated' by words on a sign. Let's get real here, people. "Sticks and stones may break my bones AND VIOLATE ME, but words will NEVER hurt or VIOLATE ME."

To me it is interesting to note that one black person to another may use the term "N****" and it is not considered hate speach or a racial slur. But let a white person, or other ethnic person use the term "N****" and we want to call out the REVEREND SHARPTON and ol' Jessie to get the protesters in the streets and "BURN, BABY, BURN" running through the media.

Time to get a grip folks. People call each other names all day long and it usually goes un-noticed. My feelings have been hurt more than once by someone saying cruel things about me...but I don't have a WANNA be REVEREND in my corner stirring up the masses.

Whites think its Blacks that race bait! Some do! Why is it when Al and Jesse march, ALL Black people must agree with them? Are you sure? I'm Black and don't! They don't speak for me! Why is it when Obama was elected, ALL Blacks have to had voted for him because he is Black? I'm Black and don't vote, but I have had to defend myself over the last 4 years! When some Blacks call each other nig#$#, WE ALL must do it! Why? Why is it when a Black gets in trouble, WE ALL are like that? Black community this, and Black community that? Where is that at? I must had missed that notice that there is an all Black community! Why, why, why? I have never grouped ALL Whites with David Duke. I have NEVER blasted all Whites when ALL 43 other Presidents were elected, and I have never grouped ALL Whites in with the pedophiles and serial killers even though most are Caucasian. For one, I'm tired of all of the groups. In the last few weeks, I have been advised(reminded) from posters here about crimes that were commited by Black people. Why didn't those same people mention that all of those people were arrested and awaiting trial? It was another way of throwing race out there. "Jesse, Al, NAACP, aren't going to these places." or "The media isn't saying much about this crime!" ALL HAVE BEEN ARRESTED. What are they going to march for? Equal rights for whom? Justice has been served in all those cases. I've heard people use the excuse "wouldn't like it if we had a W.E.T, Ms. Black America, or Black College Fund" Sorry, but some of these things were created when Blacks didn't have a fair advantage. I guess now they are supposed to disappear since things are different! It's not like these items are Black only, but you see the word, "Black" and it causes problems. There is a Hispanic pageant , Hispanic televisions stations, and Hispanic college funds, but you never hear anyone bring those up! I guess "it's just a Black thing!" Want to stop the racism? Start looking at individuals and not a whole race(Blacks or Hispanics) or religion (Muslims). Maybe then USA won't go to hell in a hand basket!

Aggie, I was thinking the same as you considering about the possibility of the racist left creating this statement on a public sign to provoke even more racial divisiveness and sympathy for Trayvon Martin and against Zimmerman.

More race baiting and mob mentality like that promoted by the New Black Panthers, Sharpton, Jackson and even Trayvon's mother who stated "my son was killed because of his color" sparking a racial firestorm among the black community. The lame stream media is the catalyst for this racially divisive issue and still continues to promote it with disregard to consequences.

BTW, I do agree that the message was wrong and inappropriate no matter who is responsible for creating it.

Free speech? 1st off, the person responsible didn't have legal access to the sign. 2nd, I think the person is getting their kicks from the attention this is getting from the media. 3rd, it is a pretty low way of gaining attention since the person this is being written about is someone who is deceased and can't defend his actions even if he wanted too.

This type of "free speech" has been taking place before the founding of this nation. Why stop now when there is so much of the world this country needs to defeat and conquer! This "freedom"is what every American should live and die for! (sarcasm)

Total Cost of Wars Since 2001 $1,320,684,711,078

http://costofwar.com/en/

@ ConradC

Good points, my brother. I am caucasion and I love the way you put it... I would be honored to be able to call you my brother!

Funny no one is up in arms about the rapper Plies with his t-shirts with a picture of zimmerman on the front with the saying P**sy A** Cracker on it. Imagine that.

Jasmine-1862666

Yeah that's right America. Let the true colors come out. Digusting. This whole damn country disgusts me.

Then leave. Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

If you look at the time line of the Trayvon Martin case, Zimmerman hangs up with 911 after saying OK to not following Trayvon, two minutes later the police arrive and Martin is dead. We know for certain from the police report that Zimmerman's back was wet and had grass stains. We know that he had a bloody nose and a gash to his head. We are not certain what the real witness has said.

So my question is, how can a sitting Congresswoman be allowed to make statements, that if not categorically untrue, extremely prejudice. Just hearing her make her statements makes me ill. I hope she is voted out. The majority of Americans were shocked and disgusted when this story came out but, upon finding out NBC and others were distorting the case, were able to pull back and reevaluate the case. There is a percentage of people that can not do this. Even though so called facts have been disproved they will never erase them from their memory. After years have pasted from this case, these same people will introduce these non-facts into their discussions on this topic.

nothing new here-1200374Restored

What's all the fuss about several ****'s on a sign ???

Pvblivs

The assertion that the Civil War was about slavery was a bit of revisionist history. Lincoln himself said that he didn't care whether the slaves were freed or not -- as long as the southern states were not allowed to secede. The abolition of slavery was a nice side-effect of the war. But it was an afterthought

Pvblivs,

Your hateful comments were exposed and deflated several days ago.

But it was an afterthought

The U.S. Constitution states that all men are created free and equal.

This foundational statement...is not an "afterthought."

Lincoln is known for freeing the slaves.

The first priority should have been to free the slaves, rather than save "the union."

The 13th Amendment emancipating the enslaved is not an "afterthought."

It is astounding that there are so many hateful, profoundly twisted and morally bankrupt people.

The majority population does not have a right to oppress others.

If a majority population wanted to oppress you, would you like that?

Of course not.

These racists posts confirm that

...in the 21st century, numerous people still cling to exalting some racial groups at the expense of others.

It is great that the hateful message in Michigan was removed.

Now, hopefully, the police will catch the hacker and arrest him.

The Civil War was not about slavery, unless you look at the actual Articles and Causes of Secession that the seceding states themsleves wrote and ratified.

Alabama- And as it is the desire and purpose of the people of Alabama to meet the
slaveholding States of the South, who may approve such purpose, in order to
frame a provisional as well as permanent Government upon the principles of the
Constitution of the United States

Texas- WHEREAS, The recent developments in Federal affairs make it evident that
the power of the Federal Government is sought to be made a weapon with which to
strike down the interests and property of the people of Texas, and her sister
slave-holding States, instead of permitting it to be, as was intended, our
shield against outrage and aggression;

Virginia-The people of Virginia ....and the Federal Government
having perverted said powers not only to the injury of the people of Virginia,
but to the oppression of the Southern slave-holding States:

Causes of Separation:

Georgia-(the first two sentences) The people of Georgia having dissolved their political connection with the
Government of the United States of America, present to their confederates and the world the causes which have led to the separation. For the last ten years we have had numerous and serious causes of complaint against our non-slave-holding confederate States with reference to the subject of African slavery.

Mississippi- Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery-- the
greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which
constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the
earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical
regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear
exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the
world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization.

South Carolina-

We affirm that these ends for which this Government was instituted have been
defeated, and the Government itself has been made destructive of them by the
action of the non-slaveholding States. Those States have assume the right of
deciding upon the propriety of our domestic institutions; and have denied the
rights of property established in fifteen of the States and recognized by the
Constitution; they have denounced as sinful the institution of slavery; they
have permitted open establishment among them of societies, whose avowed object
is to disturb the peace and to eloign the property of the citizens of other
States. They have encouraged and assisted thousands of our slaves to leave their
homes; and those who remain, have been incited by emissaries, books and pictures
to servile insurrection.

For twenty-five years this agitation has been steadily increasing, until it
has now secured to its aid the power of the common Government. Observing the
*forms* [emphasis in the original] of the Constitution, a sectional party has
found within that Article establishing the Executive Department, the means of
subverting the Constitution itself. A geographical line has been drawn across
the Union, and all the States north of that line have united in the election of
a man to the high office of President of the United States, whose opinions and
purposes are hostile to slavery. He is to be entrusted with the administration
of the common Government, because he has declared that that "Government cannot
endure permanently half slave, half free," and that the public mind must rest in
the belief that slavery is in the course of ultimate extinction.

Texas- She was received as a commonwealth holding, maintaining and protecting the
institution known as negro slavery-- the servitude of the African to the white
race within her limits-- a relation that had existed from the first settlement
of her wilderness by the white race, and which her people intended should exist
in all future time. Her institutions and geographical position established the
strongest ties between her and other slave-holding States of the confederacy.
Those ties have been strengthened by association. But what has been the course
of the government of the United States, and of the people and authorities of the
non-slave-holding States, since our connection with them?

hmmm...this is just a set up. The sign is a deliberate set up ...stir up tension a little. The climax is yet to come, perhaps it will involve Obama himself. Hmmm, lets see....perhaps a failed assassination attempt ''gone wrong" and make it look racially motivated....get the black people really mad get some chaos going. And voila, more bills passed to get peoples' freedom restricted even more

Fed Up,

81 doesn't want that to be exposed it would mean, they are racist too. Myself I already knew that.

They have publicly offered a bounty to kill Zimmerman, isn't contract killing illegal?

they need look no further then an obama supporter. this is crap-and we all know it

Wow, are we still calling folks "homeboys" or is David Crowe another one of those white guys who gets all their understanding of African-American culture from Cinemax reshows of "Bringing Down the House"? I have to check the Black Pages, but I think "homeboy" went out with Susan Smith and blaming blacks for white-on-white crimes (though I hear laying false blame is making a comeback).

Say, if you're using 1990s New Jack-era slang to disparage 2010s African-Americans by sounding racist like a 1920s newspaper, you might just be a redneck...

Yuck, yuck, yuck.... white folks...

BSC_1981...You're kidding, right? Not so smart, and I'm guessing not so blond.

They won't. Michigan's governor is the same one seeking voter suppression against blacks. Why would a group of "conservatives" investigate a simple sign when "conservatives" won't even investigate a murder without international drama?

The word may disappear if black comedians would stop using it so much. Strange how all the black audience think it is funny when comedians use. Double meaning black to black is friendship but white to back is racist.

Chris you are right on. NAACP, Jessie Jackson, and Sharpton must justify their existence and keep the contributions flowing. Jackson and Sharpton are definitely racist hiding behind religion. Koolman you are correct too about MSNBC. Sure seems they are stirring the pot too. Guess they need a story.

The "racial slur" highway sign is troubling. But so too is the racial slur that Zimmerman uttered in his recorded telephone call to police while he was following the victim, Trayvon. And so too is the frequency which he called police to report individuals whom he thought "suspicious"; and when Zimmerman was asked to clarify his description of the "suspicious" individuals, each turned out to be "Black" "African American" males.

To paraphrase a routine by Jeff Foxworthy: "When you go out armed with a 9mm concealed handgun to follow someone, and you utter a racial (racist) epithet on the telephone while speaking to the authorities, and in the same conversation with the authorities you complain that "they always get away" and you have demonstrated a pattern of perceiving people of color as "suspicious" and calling the authorities", then .... "you might be a racist."

And when you then shoot and kill that "suspicious" individual (reads: 'person of color'), then ... "you might be a murderer!!!!!"

Wow...the lengths white people will go to satisfy this load of bull perception that blacks aren't discriminated against in this country based on race is quite frankly amazing.

The injustices of today mainly come in pandering this ridiculousness, continuing this illusion that racism against blacks doesn't exist in America...when it clearly does and always has.

Blacks throughout all of World History have been marked inferior exclusively because of the color of their skin, and this marking has presented disadvantages and ill effects for blacks all over the world. The only way white people...like this BlondeSmartChick over here...will ever come to understand anything that has to do with black people at all is if she learns to view blacks as equals. Then she'll find the real reasons why blacks are still today qualitatively compared as a race--as an oppressed people.

From now on I'm not even gonna argue dumb@$$ comments like BlondeSmartChick's. I'mma just look on, and shake my head for her shame.

Ridiculous.

It's disgusting that so many people are using this as a means to tout their own bigoted opinions. I didn't think the N-word on a publicly visible sign was such a complex issue in the 21st century- it's racism, plain and simple. And that has nothing to do with how many black people use the N-word or how "racist" some extreme black leaders are, because this isn't about them. It's about a racial slur being leveled at a dead young person, and it's despicable.

S.T.-3384625

I'm offended that you lump all white people together. I too am ashamed and sad over some of the talk from white people against our African American brothers and sisters and cousins. I may be white but I don't think I'm any better or worse than anyone else. Color is only skin deep. It's what is inside a person that counts. I have family that is different color than I am but I don't see them with color I see them with love.

Thank you M. Klein. I'm glad that somebody got it.

There needs to be a DOJ and FBI inquiry here IMMEDIATELY.!!!Convene a grand jury and let's get to the bottom of who put up this HATEFUL roadsign.!!!

Breaking into the control system of that electronic sign to post a personal message is "a crime".

Posting THAT personal message makes it "a hate crime".

i an so ashamed and disgusted by the remarks left here ...have we no remorse? the fact remains...a young man who was only sixteen years of age was killed...how would any parent of any child, white or black, feel if they were to lose a child. no one, unless they have gone through that very horrible and the inconsolable act could understand what it means...it does not follow the pattern of life and death we have come to expect...our parents predecease us, the children, but Never can you feel the loss and void your heart feels when you lose a child...NEVER!the color makes no difference...the tears shed are the same....

My opinion is that MSN should either not have run this story, or they should not have put a comment board up for it. It's an invitiation for a racial war because most people aren't responsible enough to keep their racial opinions to themselves when it comes to a story like this. I'm leaning towards, MSN should not have run this story at all. They are just trying to stir up controversy because that's the only thing that they are good at.

Evolution has proven that homosapiens were dark skinned, as protection against the sun's rays. Jesus was also dark skinned and definitely was not adorned in triangular hats with gold. Seems we were taught only the trappings of this world, far removed from the lessons we should have been taught.

To those who cry that too much is made of Trayvon's killing, this young boy is one of us, a member of our humanity. Trayvon's murder cuts deep into the psyche that has gone on for centuries. And we've learned nothing? As a Whitey, I mourn for Trayvon, his Parents, Friends. And I am deeply ashamed of those of you who have no understanding of the pain and anguish brought on by this senseless killing and the racism it has brought on.

Any of you thinking this was set up are as ignorant as the people at a Sarah Palin rally. And please, it was the Tea Party that started dividing this nation right after a certain president took office. We just got tired of taking your crap and are pushing back. Quit trying to spin this innocent act. It won't work.

I think you have it right ST. There is no longer anything that you can say to these people! I have seen the most ignorant comments attached to articles about Trayvon. My concern is the prevalence of the angry white people on these sites. These people aren't even discussing the use of the N word on the sign any more, except to lement the idea that they can't just use the N-word whenever they feel like it. Come on people! These arguments are outdated and stupid! Move on. Try something new.

It's funny how most people can't comment without being offensive, thus getting their comments collapsed.

@ Robert in Oregon

But so too is the racial slur that Zimmerman uttered in his recorded telephone call to police while he was following the victim, Trayvon

What racial slur would that be Robert? The altered audio by an NBC producer to make in sound as if Zimmerman is a racist? The one where CNN had to back track on their reporting because George actually said "cold" rather "c**n"? Or was it when the dispatcher asked FIRST if the suspect was white, Hispanic or black; Mr. Zimmerman responded "I think he's black".

Now the Detroit road sign is disgusting and racist. After reading some of the comments here, it really doesn't matter if you're using the "N" word on a road sign or direct a pejorative at a Republican. Hate is hate, no matter how you word it.

"My opinion is that MSN should either not have run this story,..."

REPLY: Keith, you make an honest point, and I do not doubt your sincerity. I offer a contrasting view, however.

News organizations' purpose is, of course, to report the news. Not to pre-filter the news.

And racism, filtered, not reported, and not discussed, is far more virulent and damaging and dangerous to our society than is racism brought out in the open in the light of day, and debated, and properly condemned.

Wow, are we still calling folks "homeboys" or is David Crowe another one of those white guys who gets all their understanding of African-American culture from Cinemax reshows of "Bringing Down the House"? I have to check the Black Pages, but I think "homeboy" went out with Susan Smith and blaming blacks for white-on-white crimes (though I hear laying false blame is making a comeback).

Man, this is too funny. Probably still call black guys "bro" or "dawg" too. Of course, we know what they call them behind their backs since they're too cowardly to do it to their face. Unfortunately, we now have the internet which gives them an anonymous forum to pretend they're not bigots.

White people have it hard, donchya know. We've never been able to catch a break in this country (Oh, except for the past 200+ years or so, but who's keeping track).

On another note, why does Al always want to yell at me on his show? I can hear. Promise:)

I know, right? Poor downtrodden white people. My heart bleeds for you.

this should not have went on the web...the situation did not need more fuel to burn with negativity. to put short>...justice needs to be served! i am a white guy....my blood flows red as does every human being upon this earth. the person of interest in this case prejudged a young man because of his choice of attire. what if he was wearing a golfers shirt and cargo shorts and flip flops? THEN WHAT? SHOULD PARENTS ENFORCE A DRESS CODE? LOL! WHEN YOU SEE A HOMELESS PERSON ON THE STREET WHAT IS THEIR ATTIRE IN MOST CASES? OKAY, TAKE THE HOMELESS GUY AND CLEAN HIM UP AND PUT HIM IN A NICE SUIT. GUESS WHAT? DOESN'T LOOK HOMELESS ANYMORE DOES HE. ZIMMERMANN SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN PLACED AS A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH IN THAT COMMUNITY OR ANY OTHER. IF THEIR WAS NOT A CRIME BEING COMMITTED THAN THE MARTIN CHILD SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN HARASSED

Okay, white people are not the only racists in the world, and black people are not the only ones feeling racism in the United States. I think when "whites" say there is no more racism, that is because there really isn't, comparatively, when you think about how blacks were treated in the 60's. Today black people, hispanic people, asians, indians (the ones from India) etc... all receive as much equal treatment as the other and white people, as can be expected in a world where differences will always be in the back of peoples minds, be it skin colour, sexual orientation or whatever. Racism will never be fully dead, but to say it's the white people who perpetuate it is false. Case in point, look at who the current President is. Any black person who says he voted for Obama not because he was the same colour as them but based of his experience as a leader (of which the resume was very short at the time) is lying. That is the definition of racism, like it or not.

What I want to know is why isn't anyone getting up in arms about all the racial slurs against the Jews and the graffiti hate crimes on their places of worships? Oh I know....it's because they don't have Jewish leaders like the clowns the Black community have in the likes of Sharpton, Jackson and the Black Panthers who are out there race baiting and instigating. And would someone answer me this: why isn't the Black community enraged at the killings the Blacks do to their own race? That is much more prevalent than a White killing a Black these days.

I am wondering why when a "White" person says anything they have to be a bigot, or racist, but when a person of another color says the same thing it isn't viewed as racism. I think the sign is despicable, and so to is the sensationalism of a young man untimely and needless death. Unfortunately Florida has a law which the shooter can hide behind, but in our country, our laws are what makes us civilized. If you don't like the law, than write your congressman, start a petition and get it changed. Don't use this as an excuse to stir up unnecessary hate, and violence and hide behind your bigotry calling it someone elses fault. Time we all look at individuals one by one, not by race, color, sex or social standing. You can't lump everyone in a nice neat box to justify your own hate. Come on people, we are better than this. Yes there is discrimination, not just for blacks, but of woman, Hispanics, teenagers, white young males, people of different relgions etc. Everyone has a cross to bare, so stop whining and be part of the solution, not the problem.

To be HONEST giving this stuff attention is the reason why people are getting mad, it fuels hate and does nothing positive for society. This case has caused such an uproar in communities all around the U.S there are so many violent acts that happen on a daily basis, but the media uses this to stir up madness and cause negative reaction among the people, pitting poor whites against poor blacks, DIVIDE AND CONQUER.. This is what the system wants, Question is do you? and will you fall victim to this agenda?..

CanadianPaul,

I must say that your statements....". I think when "whites" say there is no more racism, that is because there really isn't, comparatively, when you think about how blacks were treated in the 60's. Today black people, hispanic people, asians, indians (the ones from India) etc... all receive as much equal treatment as the other and white people, as can be expected in a world where differences will always be in the back of peoples minds, be it skin colour, sexual orientation or whatever. Racism will never be fully dead, but to say it's the white people who perpetuate it is false."......just seem, oh, I don't know, a little right of sane. When whites say there is no more racism, what they REALLY mean is, darn, no more picnics where lynchings take place.

if it would have been a white person it would have said TRAVON A N-WORD

In a word COWARD to whomever placed this sign, OH and also DUMB, they can be easily tracked.

This is about justice for Trayvon.

Isn't that how Trayvon referred to himself? No Limit...

Robert in Oregon

The "racial slur" highway sign is troubling. But so too is the racial slur that Zimmerman uttered in his recorded telephone call to police while he was following the victim, Trayvon.

First let me make clear that I hope they will arrest whoever put that sign on the road, and there is no excuse for racism. But about the supposedly "racial slur" used by Zimmerman, please listen to the enhanced audio files, he said f**kin punk, not the other words you may be thinking of.

Yea, if Obama had a son "he would be just like Trayvon".... does that mean he would be dead too? Does that fall under "political agenda" Or is it another attempt of racial division from the divider in chief?

kyscotty, you have a point. The media can provoke whatever reaction they want to see by angling the story just right ....hmmm, place the right pictures in the story,write the right words and taa daaa! ... we have a story. So i guess, nothing is what it really seems ....most of the time, there is a bigger picture the media hopes we never brother try to see. :-\

To the Haters: Why was i collapsed people? :-D

Why was i collapsed people?

Look around. You weren't the only one collapsed, sweetie. Unfortunately, this place (amid protests on both sides) still has the option to mark comments as inflammatory or no value, and even though people say they hate it and don't use it, it gets plenty of action. Oh, and btw, the media has a job to do which is report the news (good or bad) and then let people judge for themselves. Prohibiting this would break the First Amendment to the Constitution. You do not want that to happen.

'-Anna-' wrote:

"First let me make clear that I hope they will arrest whoever put that sign on the road, and there is no excuse for racism. But about the supposedly "racial slur" used by Zimmerman, please listen to the enhanced audio files, he said f**kin punk, not the other words you may be thinking of."

REPLY: Wow, Anna. Isn't that special?

Ok, let's just say you're correct; that George Zimmerman described young Trayvon Martin as a "f**kin punk" to the 911 operator, and then set out after him armed with a 9mm handgun; but did not use a racial epithet. You with me so far?

So just what was it that George Zimmerman saw about Trayvon Martin that made that 150 lb., slightly built, 17-year-old boy a "f**kin punk" in the eyes of the 190 lb., stout built, late 20's Zimmerman?

Was it the package of Skittles Candy that made young Trayvon Martin a "f**kin punk"?

Was it the can of Arizona Ice Tea that made young Trayvon Martin a "f**kin punk"?

Hmmm, those things don't seem very threatening or condemning of a persons character or intentions to me; do they to you?

Whatever else could it have been about Trayvon Martin that George Zimmerman saw that made Trayvon a "f**kin punk" who needed to be followed by Zimmerman armed with his 9mm handgun?

Whatever could it be, hmmm? Enlighten us, please.

Robert you are at least 5 days behind. Keep up please. The tape has been cleaned up and the word is now cold not c--n.

'lonereb' wrote:

"Robert you are at least 5 days behind. Keep up please. The tape has been cleaned up and the word is now cold not c--n."

REPLY: Oh, I see. Well, I don't watch FOX "News" or CNN, so I don't have their latest excuses for Zimmerman to parrot back. Sorry!

So now the words uttered by Zimmerman were "F**kin cold" (interesting exclamation to make in Florida in March, hmmm?)

Whereas '-Anna-' maintains that the words uttered by Zimmerman were "f**kin punk". I guess Zimmerman's utterances, and his mindset, are probably whatever we as individuals believe them to be (including me).

But it certainly all sounds to me like there are a lot of people (and some "news" organizations) out there -- with a very accomodating mindset favoring George Zimmerman -- who are very willing to make numerous little excuses for George Zimmerman grabbing his loaded 9mm handgun and leaving his house to pursue a 150 lb., 17 year-old, African American young man with a can of Arizona Ice Tea and a bag of Skittles Candy ... and kill him!

I am troubled by that. I think EVERYONE should be troubled by that. What mindset allows someone to NOT BE troubled by that, and make excuses for Mr. Zimmerman's actions, mindset (and words).

Care to enlighten us?

I love Al Sharpton!!!!!! He makes white people soooooo mad. I wonder why? Why are you mad white people?

I love Al Sharpton, too! I think of Kingfish Stevens, from the Amos & Andy show, whenever he starts talking. LOL

Sandie-644591

You are 100% absolutely correct, there will always be racism, especially with people like you in the world. Most young people in this country have no idea of what any of the woes the black people tolerated but let's go ahead and continue the bitter BS of the past. What is there to gain by reminding your children of those hardships and creating hatred in their young minds. These young people (most of them) have not yet been poisoned by the hatred of the past, it is our duty to promote love of ourselves for who we are not what we look like.

@ Robert in Oregon Easy there tiger, you said it was a racial slur, and it wasn't, get your facts straight.

Paul-253759,

Trayvon Martin is but one more reason to remember and to teach OUR children what they might face when they leave home. As I have said previously, white people would love to sweep slavery under the rug because white people love being lily-white. The oh so awful past that they greatly benefitted from and killed to maintain, should just be forgotten. Why! That bed was made so lie in it!!!!! The problem is, the remnants of that time remain today. Famous, rich black people have been followed in stores when they go in to spend their money. Do you think Oprah Winfrey walked into a store to steal something (she has spoken about being stereotyped in this manner)? How do you know what most young people in this country know? Do YOU know that MOST black parents have to have what is called "the talk" with their sons and daughters, but mostly their sons? It consists of topics that whites do not even think about as they go about their day. Lastly, if you think I am perpetuating racism, wrong again. I'm trying to SURVIVE it. Every freakin day. So far, so good.

Sandie, I would like to politely remind you that you generalise, the people who actually "owned" slaves, were rich people in the South, definitely not all americans. You also ignore all the americans who, during the civil war, gave their lives to end slavery, and even among the people who fought for the South, very few actually "owned" (I hate even saying that, its so bad) slaves, they were for the most part manipulated by those rich southern people.

Please try to remember that many of these "whites" that you seem to hate so much (or I should say their ancestors, since the ones who actually fought the civil war are all dead today), shed their blood for black people and to put an end to slavery.

Amen Sandie! It's sad that being Black is a crime! Even if we haven't done anything, WE have done something! Why do I have to carry my W-2 with me everywhere I go? I love showing it to the person that follows me around the store like I'm trying to steal. Those high 5 figures and name sure looks suspicious, but when I pull that i.d. out, the conversation goes to "I wasn't following you!" Sounds funny, but these are things I do to make other people look silly! I've read some of the posts here and see people want me to forget about slavery! Why? We talk about Benedict Arnold! What has he done for me? It sure is beat in my daughter's head about the founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, Abe Lincoln, even John Wilkes Booth , but slavery is talked about in 3 paragraphs! Wow! I didn't know you could condense 200 plus years into 16 sentences! I might not have ever been a slave or have a living slave relative now, but I don't know anyone that is a Civil War vet or have a living Civil War vet relative either! It's called history! Good or bad, all of it should be told!

By the looks of things Conrad, you'd better keep carrying that W-2. I actually love history and the reason for that is I had one very good history teacher many years ago, a white man, who made the subject interesting. Even with that, I learned pitifully little about the history of black people (other than those 3 paragraphs you mentioned) and their many contributions to this country. Paul-2539759 seems to think I hate white people. He is mistaken about that. What I hate is those who woulld denigrate and demean us by saying what Anna- espouses in her post 2.50. She attempts to put lipstick on a pig, so to speak, and seemingly expects me to "go along to get along." Yes, many people died during the Civil War but do not try to tell me that the black people of that time were not on the short end of the stick, AND being beaten with it. Whatever bad things that happened to white people at that time, whatever they suffered, black people suffered exponentially compared to whites. And now we should just let bygones be bygones. You know what, try telling that to Elie Wiesel and see how he would respond. I am not comparing or competing human atrocities. I am just standing with ConradC's statement that all history should be told. It should be remembered, so that actual racists can know that their efforts do not go unnoticed.

Sandie, I never said that you should forget the past, nor am I trying to "put lipstick on a pig" like you said, I am telling you a fact about the civil war, being that many white people were against slavery and give their lives to end it but you totally ignore that, you speak as if all whites were racists and against blacks and approved slavery, and this is not true, you generalise.

No doubt it must have been horrible for the black people who had to live through slavery, I am not denying that nor did I say "you should forget it" (why you accuse me of this I don't know), I never denigrated nor made demeaning comments about black people, I am speaking of the part of history about "whites" because they are the ones you attack, you generalise and put everyone in the same boat because of their color (and that's racism), but it is a fact that many died to end slavery, they were not against black people, they were against white people who wanted to "own" slaves, and among those who fought for the South most never owned slaves, they were manipulated by the few rich ones who did. Also the descendants of people who owned slaves are not proud of it at all. Ask Reba McEntire how she felt when she discovered that one of her ancestors "owned" slaves, she felt horrible about it.

Whatever bad things that happened to white people at that time, whatever they suffered, black people suffered exponentially compared to whites.

That's BS. Sorry but a lot of people live through difficult times, any and all races, not only black people. And those white people I am talking about DIED for this, what the heck more do you want from them??? How much shorter can the end of the stick be??? It doesn't matter if you have never known a descendant of someone who fought in the civil war, there is millions of descendants of these soldiers. And all the people who "owned" slaves are dead, remembering history is one thing, but you seem to be holding the people who live presently responsible for the sins of people who lived in the past.

If you want to talk about atrocities I suggest you look at the world history, there is plenty of atrocities through the world, its not reserved for black people.

Anyway its crazy, you're almost calling me a racist, and I have never been racist, nor did I ever deny that slavery was horrible, geesh, you're full of hate Sandie, for people you don't even know, because of the color of their skin.

Koolman-

So evidence of a overt racist act ISN'T news???? What would not reporting it suggest to people?

Your logic is so skewed.

I continually find it funny, in a very sad and ironic way, all the people railing against the "lame stream media" for not reporting stories when they are commenting ON THOSE EXACT stories that are supposedly repressed by "liberal media".

Sandy.... would that include the late Senator Byrd of West Virginia? Oh, I'm sorry, he was a Democrat.

See how the stereotyping works.

Ivan youre right this is news, local news, it should be in the Detroit Chronicles or whatever paper they have. This isnt national news, its some rednecks or someone with a political agenda knowing this will get a reaction, but national news it isnt.

If it wasnt to support msnbc's divisive racist agenda this never would have been submitted.

JJ...Alan West said he might consider running as VP with Romney.

Imagine how twisted people like Sandy will be if that happens.

hs321 - They will simply call him an uncle Tom or claim he isn't "black enough" and ignore their own racism as they do it.

Really? "Throwing the race card" isn't racist. Racism is defined as the belief that one race is either superior or inferior to another. The KKK was founded by former Confederate Officers, not the Democratic party. Robert Byrd left the KKK in the late 1940s.

Justice, neither the Neo-Nazis nor the KKK are socialists. The NAZI party was not socialist. If Lincoln were alive today, you can bet he would not be a member of today's republiCON party. And, it was the Democratic party that "drove" the civil rights act. It was written by Emanuel Celler (D), NY and signed into law by Lyndon Johnson (D), Texas.

Stop using Beck as your history source.

Justice-You have got to be kidding right? That is hilarious. You might want to take a history class. Nazi's were/are from the right wing. There is a distinction between economic models for a society vs. governmental structure/function. The KKK is a racist cult derived from Christianity.

Modern conservatism doesn't t subscribe to the the leave me alone ideal. Hell they want to control women's womb's, contraception, what people ingest, cannabis/drugs, economic consolidation and wealth concentration while turning our representative system into plutocratic system of bribery.

Yes, all democrats are pure of heart, loving and respectful of all peoples. Republicans on the other hand all hate everyone. They lie, cheat, steal, and use slurs at every opportunity. They are filth that is controlled by Satan and they are proud of it. Thank God for placing the democrats here to do the good and pure fight for us.

Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson get FAT pockets out of all this media attention and all their interviews. Their own race isn't smart enough to see it. Those followers got to go on a bus ride for the day to a new town to visit and maybe got a dry sandwhich and bottle of water. (maybe they got nothing to eat) It was a day out for someone who really can't afford to go anywhere because they don't have the means to due so.

Fat......Pockets......dig .......deep......for .......the.......cause.

Much ado over essentially nothing. The only purpose the tabloid known as MSNBC posted this article is to continue to fan the flames of racism, which they do at every opportunity. If there's no opportunity, MSNBC will invent one.

Sandy,

Sorry koolman but the Republican and Tea Party is full of racists and with all the crap the republican politicians have been saying over the past few years it has given the closet racists license to come out and show their racism.

Not every Republican is a racist but I would bet most racists are republicans

This is not true the Black Panthers are a bunch of Democrats, Skinheads are National Socialist, and the KKK are a bunch of Democrats, way don't you learn a few things before you shoot your mouth off. I know you Libs don't care about facts you just make it up as you go and hope someone believes the BS you are trying to sell. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Obama and Obama's pastor all Democrats all racist.

this is just just another example of the bitchness is a small percentage of those kind of stupid whites, not all whites are this small in their thinking...this type of white man is a dying breed, rest well with your creator in hell.

@JJMurray

You do know Democrat used to be Republican and the same for the other side, both party switched. You need to learn your history, just want to point that out.

.

Please people. Nazi's were of the Nazi party. They were neither democratic nor republican. I'm sure the KKK has members of both parties.

Really?-1739510--has this to say:

The party that embraces Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and every other race pimp out there is also the first to throw the race card out. Social programs that "Progressives" tout as helping minorities only keep said minorities from doing for themselves. The idea that they CAN'T do for themselves is not only a DEMOCRAT notion, but is terribly racist. The KKK was founded by DEMOCRATS and the last member of the KKK to serve in congress was that well known DEMOCRAT, Robert Byrd.

People like Sandy believe in some government provided utopia for minorities. What they fail to realize is that a gilded cage, is still a cage.

Okay, last point first. What "gilded cage" is it that you happen to be discussing? I would love to see this "gilded cage." Perhaps you should take an actual walk down to the area in a large city which contains subsidized housing (remember that subsidized housing is for people who actually have a job and can pay rent) and tell me that this is a "gilded cage." Perhaps you should take one of the jobs that those people have--well, the three part time jobs--and try working at them for a month. If you survive it, which you probably won't, come back and tell me about this "gilded cage."

It really annoys me that people do not seem to realize that parties are not stable--what we now call the "Democratic party" was originally the "Democratic Republican" party which favored states' rights, a firm adherance to the Constitution, and opposed a national bank and the interests of the wealthy--they were opposed to the Federalists. Shortly after, those members of the party that supported Jeffersonian Democracy split off and formed the Democratic party, which existed in opposition to the Whig party.

When the Whigs disintegrated (mostly over the Know-Nothing party, a Tea Party precursor), the Republican party was formed. The party of Lincoln was criticized for being spend-spend-spend and for being too interested in the "rights" of people of color and the working poor. That is, the "Republican" party was dissed for the same things that the "Democratic" party is dissed for now--because the Republican party of Lincoln was analogous to the Democratic party of today.

The Democratic party was controlled, particularly in the South, by the land-owners and slave-owners. Yes, this is where the original KKK came from, and it was also the party of George Wallace. However, it was also the party of Kennedy--and it was during that time period (Robert Byrd's) that the party's platform changed dramatically and it morphed into what it is today. I am sorry that it lost its focus on fiscal responsibility, but am glad that it became interested in social justice.

For those who haven't been paying attention--black people have been moving into the middle and upper classes for the last few decades. Yes, they have had help in the form of Pell grants and in the form of the GI Bill (remember that members of minorities are still dramatically over-represented in the military). However, they have been doing this by themselves. Anyone who isn't aware of the fact that people of color are no longer universally poor and universally undereducated--and isn't aware the white people are falling out of the middle class and into poverty and meth addiction is living in the 20th century.

End of history lesson--the "Democractic" party that you refer to with Byrd is not the present-day Democratic party. Parties morph over time. Black people and Hispanics are over-represented among the poor--but they are upwardly mobile whereas White people are downwardly mobile at present. Young women (without children) make more money on average than young men, despite the fact that women in a given profession (like law) still make about 75 cents for every dollar made by men. There are simply more young women with professional degrees than there are young men with degrees at all.

The world you think you live in is a fantasy--my friend. Try looking at the actual world, and you will find that it is quite different. The main problem that the Sharptons and the Jacksons are trying to point out is that so many European Americans are, in fact, living in a fantasy world in which they pay all the taxes and minorities do nothing but sit around, collect money, and kick out babies. No--that world doesn't exist. Try joining us in reality, and perhaps you will feel better.

Of course gut instinct says this was done by white kids. However, thinking that other races couldn't do this is pretty darn wrong. There is a certain irony to black kids doing it after all.

JJ, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was opposed by 18 SOUTHERN Democrats and one SOUTHERN Republican. And all but one of those Democrats joined the republiCON party after the passage of the Act. That is simple historic FACT.

Only a wingnut would see opposition to laws that suppress minorities' and poor's right to vote as being racist. Voter ID laws are nothing more than the modern pole tax. ID cards aren't "free" either, except in Indiana.

Sandy,

You spew much beyond your normal ignorance into pure unadulterated bigotry. Seems anytime I see you here anymore it is to spew this type of nonsense. I really thought you were smarter than that!!!???

I'm sure this was done by a Christian, those stupid sheep have nothing more then hate in thier hearts and @!$%# for brains. Long live the Roman Lion!!!!!

Raddave, you could also pont out that the Civil Rights act was opposed by only one Southern Repbulican Senator because there was only one Southern Republican Senator at the time.

The Civil Rights Act passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support, but when broken down by region and party every category has a higher percentage of Democrats voting in favor of the bill than Reppublicans:

The original House version:

• Southern Democrats: 7–87 (7%–93%)
• Southern Republicans: 0–10 (0%–100%)

• Northern Democrats: 145-9 (94%–6%)
• Northern Republicans: 138-24 (85%–15%)

The Senate version:

• Southern Democrats: 1–20 (5%–95%)
• Southern Republicans: 0–1 (0%–100%)
• Northern Democrats: 45-1 (98%–2%)
• Northern Republicans: 27-5 (84%–16%)

It was a Democratic bill pushed very hard by a Democratic President, who stated that passage of the bill would lose the entire South to the Republican Party for generations to come. LBJ fought for the bill in spite of the fact he knew it would hurt his party.

Yeah Jon, I considered putting that fact into my post.

I just want to know since when do community guards carry guns?? Tasers or mase yes a gun is to much. I am ashamed to live in Michigan right now. We are all not racist pigs.

Without blaming anyone for this, the sign does seem a bit obvious and contrived.

Sandy, Missouri

Sorry koolman but the Republican and Tea Party is full of racists ...

Not every Republican is a racist but I would bet most racists are republicans.

Yeah Sandy, let's go for discrimination against a political party instead, wow you're much better then racists.

And by the way, I would like to remind you that Abraham Lincoln was a republican.

Most blacks are racist. If you don't know that, you're naive, all of you.

raddave,

Only a wingnut would see opposition to laws that suppress minorities' and poor's right to vote as being racist. Voter ID laws are nothing more than the modern pole tax. ID cards aren't "free" either, except in Indiana.

But by law you are required to carry ID on you at all times, so why would we not ask for them when voting but ask for them for everything else we do? This is just Dem way of keeping the illegals voting for there candidates.

Skinheads are National Socialist,

They are National Socialists who overwhelmingly vote republican and/or libertarian, because their people are seldom on the ballots. A skinhead who voted for a democrat would get a boot party from his peers.

White supremacists overwhelmingly vote Republican.

The Barry Goldwater line of Republicans are few and far between these days, evidently. That is sad. The party may well be going into a big shift similar to what happened in 64.

Yeah, no one is Brazil is a racist. No one there persecutes the indigenous natives. No one there considers anyone of any race inferior in any way. No one in Brazil even sees people based on the color of their skin.

From the Miami Herald: Indeed, they will haul out anecdotes and statistics illustrating the fact that Brazilians the color of T.D. Jakes or Don Cheadle tend to find it harder to get work, education or healthcare, but damnably easy to get followed around the department store by security guards who equate darkness with dishonesty.

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBNUOsrIiAs

From the Economist: a government-linked think-tank finds that blacks are relatively disadvantaged in their level of education and in their access to health and other services. For example, more than half the people in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas (slums) are black. The comparable figure in the city’s richer districts is just 7%.

Want me to go on, and on, and on, and on?

Respectfully ask you to research the treatment of blacks in Mexico.

Actually Morgan444, Brazil does have a racial component. There are three distinct sectors of Brazil's special "cast" (aka "racial divide") and it is based on how dark your skin is with darker being the most oppressed. All it helps prove is ignorance is just that and all can share in its "joy".

And it seems that some, like the person(s) responsible for this sign's infamy, like to show their own trial with fear to all of us who don't give a c#@P. Sad that some call this free speech when it's just weakness and fear. Grow up!

Morgan444, the blacks in Brazil don't carry a chip on their shoulder ! That is why Blacks in the USA cannot be racist. If your race feels sorry for it's people then you can say anything and not be a racist !

A "chip on the shoulder"???? So that is what they call it today. It was illegal for my great grand father, grand father, and father to attend school in America!! Now I know they had a chip on their shoulder is the reason!!! Black people could not vote in this country until 1965???? I see, they had a chip on their shoulders. Black people has been nominally free only since 1965, just 47 years ago!!! I now know all of that is because that black people have a chip on their shoulders???? Well, I'm unimpressed and discusted!!!!!

Black people could not vote in this country until 1965???

1870 the Fifteenth Amendment passed which prohibits each government in the United States from denying a citizen the right to vote based on that citizen's "race,color, or previous condition of servitude" (i.e., slavery). It was ratified on February 3, 1870.

1920 women nation wide get to vote ( although in some states much sooner )

while i don't disagree that it was made very difficult or near impossible for black people to actually exercise their right to vote, to say they could not, or imply they did not have that right, is false.

Well that and Zimmerman's own mouth.

Adam - And exactly what did HE say? Some "possible" racial slur, which forensic experts have since said was not used?

Well duh!! The first thing that was brought up was how Zimmerman was WHITE/Hispanic! If the tables were reversed he would have been a Hispanic gunned down by a white or totally ignored if he had been a Hispanic gunned down by a black. As long as somehow this can all be blamed on his white blood not on what was going through his mind at the time. And no one knows that but him and a dead young man. If the color of someone's skin is the first thing noticed then there really isn't much hope for the country. It only needs to be noted when describing someone to be on the lookout for.

Why is it so difficult to understand that what made the Martin slaying such big news isn't necessarily the race of the individuals - although that plays a role, to say otherwise would be dishonest. Rather it is the extraneous circumstances of the case: kid enters gated neighborhood, "neighborhood watch" dude follows him against police advise, dude kills said (unarmed) kid, and here is the big one - police takes shooter's word of self-defense and let him go despite ample evidence that further investigation is warranted!!!

What blew up this story was the perceived unfairness by the police in failing to arrest the shooter at the scene and their apparent lack of concern for many weeks thereafter. Take that factor away and - tragic as though it still is - this is a one or two day story.

JM - Do you have any idea how many people justifiably kill someone each year in this country and you never hear anything about it? They don't go to trial, they don't spend time in jail, the police investigate and if the evidence at the scene matches with the words of the shooter, they let them go. They will do a more thorough investigation going forward but unless something really doesn't fit, it's essentially over.

In this case there WAS further investigation. remember they cuffed him and brought him to the station. At that time there was no evidence that he lied about anything. They then proceeded to collect witness statements and review 911 calls in their ongoing investigation. And THEN the media decided that this was too good a story to let pass and they turned it into a witch hunt. The "perceived" unfairness was generated by the media because the police did not throw a supposed white guy in jail for gunning down a black child.

JM...what made it so big is the outdated pictures used of martin and zimmerman. until recently, the pictures showed a VERY YOUNG KID.

And the picture of Zimmerman showed an overweight, out of shape Martin, so what?

No JJ, the perceived unfairness was brought to the attention of the media, by Martin's family. And, if it weren't for the media, the 911 tapes would have never been revealed. Stop blaming the media for doing its job.

JM - you nailed it. I could've cared less if it was a muslim shooting a swedish hermaphrodite, an asian shooting an columbian transvestite, or, as in this case, a hispanic shooting a black youth. It's the idea that one citizen can apparantly just stalk and then shoot another citizen without consequence, who he doesn't even know and who is unarmed, is what has most people mad.

JJMurray -

What has myself, and so many others, irate is the apparent incompetence of Sanford P.D. You also have a prosecutor ignoring the recommendation of the detective. Throw in Zimmerman's documented extreme paranoia (how many times did he call 911? dozens?), his recored racial epitaths (open to interpretation), the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and it's no wonder people are upset and are questioning the integrity and competence of the police in this situation. This ISN'T an open and shut self-defense case so it CANNOT be compared to others. The appearance is that an armed vigilante stalked, harrassed, and then shot and killed an unarmed black youth.

This case should have people, at the very least, demanding a change in the stand your ground laws. If all it takes is for someone to say, "I FELT afraid for my life" to justify shooting an unarmed stranger he pursued, then expect some serious unintended consequences like this.

How do you quantify Zimmerman's fear? How do you quantify Trayvon Martin's fear? Wouldn't you feel afraid for you life if an ARMED STRANGER was following you and asking you threatening questions??? Shouldn't George Zimmerman have SOME responsibility for creating the scenario???

It creates a ridiculous ridiculous Hobbesian (Thomas not Calvin) race to the bottom scenario.

JJMurray,

I don't entirely disagree with you. However, in this case, it is rather difficult to claim self-defense/stand-your-ground when the person doing the shooting FOLLOWED THE VICTIM AGAINST POLICE ADVISE and shot him dead.

Granted, maybe arresting him on the scene may not have been warranted. Arresting him a month later after additional information has filled in some of the details would have been - yet here we are in the first week of April still deliberating.

To use your own words, something doesn't fit here. It shouldn't have taken police the red-hot glow of national attention to follow-up on the 911 calls. It shouldn't have taken 3 days to notify the parents that their son was laying lifeless in the morgue. The police should not have been seeking to justify the killing by drug testing the cadaver but not the perpetrator. The shooter should not be able to walk home with his gun after shooting an unarmed teenager.

Put yourself in the shoes of the parents man!!! I have sons around Treyvon Martin's age. I would want answers. Those answers were not forthcoming. So they took it national. Hell, wouldn't you?

Like I said, there are many things here to blow up this story besides the race of those involved. Hopefully we will come to a fair resolution (for whichever side).

I don't know if my last post got through. I will disclose for the sake of the discussion that I'm Black. I'm American first though. It's rather obvious to me that certain hate groups are using the Trayvon Martin case in Florida to provoke a race riot. Also, the media is helping it along with more stories like this. I agree that justice should be and should have been done for this young man no matter the race. It pains me to see so many clueless people that are so easily stirred in all races because of the hate that's already in their hearts. The timing of this incident couldn't have been more perfect. The parties in question know what they're doing and are sitting back laughing at the ones that are being provoked by this. I also don't use the "n" word when talking to other people. I also agree that we as black people shouldn't use it in music or in talking with each other like it's alright because it's not. The word is really color blind if you look it up and refers to a class of people and not race. It's an election year and it's rather obvious again about the timing of the aftermath of the incident in Florida. I didn't vote for our current President. I'm not trying to make history by having the first black president. I could care less if he were green. What I do care about is joblessness, high gas prices, and illegal immigration not being address to name a few things. The President also doesn't have absolute power. He walked into a sh*tstorm without toilet paper anyway that was left to him. I don't agree with a lot of his policies and won't be voting for him again, but, who do I vote for? Is there a viable candidate to vote for? The President may believe it or not have some ideas that could help us, but, with the other party fighting him, the house and congress fighting him, how can he get anything through? That was just a side thought. In getting back to the topic, I'm not mad at white people. I try to love all people and take each person as an individual when meeting them and not collectively as a race or group. I don't think that we will evolve any further until we wake up and see who our real enemies are. I know that it will probably surprise you, but, it's not the people of the opposite race. It's the people that are trying along with the media to stir us up to fight each other. Please, I beg you, wake up people!!! They want us to fight and be divided for their gain. They want us to continue to concentrate on these stories. It will continue. The stories like this will continue to get us off of the real issues. We need one another. I need you all. We are Americans and United we Stand.

Seems I am getting dumber the older I get or someone think I'm dumb enough to swallow that. I searched all over but could find anywhere that cuffing someone and transporting them to jail was considered an investigation. A police officer that questioned people at the scene, recommended he be held on manslaughter charges. He felt so strongly about it until he took out an affidavit in order to protect himself--usually unheard of for a police officer. The prosecutor overrode him in favor of Zimmerman without questioning anyone, as far a the record goes. He nor the Chief of Police have given any reasoning as to why. So, this citizen begged to ask the questions: Did they converse with Daddy Zimmerman and then overrode the police officer? Inquiring minds want to know!! Is this a cover up of grand proportion? inquiring minds want to know. Voice analysis: When the first analysis was completed many commenter said it was unbelievable. What is it about the second analysis that makes it irrefutably beliveable????

Bubba

You need to learn some history about why people react this way. There is a history of cops covering up the killing of black men for years. What you don't seem to understand is that if you are a targed group from the time you are born by racial profiling, harrassment, objectifing, etc. You are more careful and you walk a little different.

Someone on here said something about MSNBC shouldn't have printed this. Shame on you!! This is why things like this are under reported. Then people say "I don't think this goes on here, not in America." Why? because some papers and news agencies deem it not important enough when in actualality it is very important because then you might understand that it happens a lot. If we do not speak up and let these incidents be known and not allowed to be swept under the rug or underreported we are destined to allow it to continue.

@polar bear-5374262

There has been covering up in the past. It's shameful. It may happen in some corners of the US still to this day. But things have changed so much. I bet you haven't heard about the mob riots in WI last year. Where groups of african-americans attacked people of lighter color. I bet you didn't hear how zero hate crime charges were filed against the attackers. What do you make of that?

They will charge him/ her with a hate crime.

If that was true then every time the KKK comes out with there flags or hoods and hate speech, then they too could be charged with a Hate crime.

Yet they are not, so again I don't see how changing a sign will be a hate crime.

Plus what happend if the person who did this is BLACK???

What you don't think some idiot, would do that to try to get people to start a riot.

Regardless of the cost, someone broke the law by tampering with the electronic road construction sign, and they need to be charged.

Motorists have an expectation that the messages on those signs are correct and reflect current road conditions.

Those signs are not an enhancement to a personal Facebook page.

Sparkey: lets waste thousands of dollars to find who did this, just to charge them with a misdemeanor.

Question...why aren't African Americans charged with a hate crime when they kill a white person?

What they should be charged with is vandalism. Hate crime for using the n-word? Just a word and not a crime. someone may not like it, still not a crime. Breaking a lock on the sign and messing with a highway safety device is sure as hell a crime.

GEO90871-

It depends on what the motive for the killing was. A mugging gone bad, for example, is obviously not going to be charged as a hate crime unless it can be shown that the mugger chose his/her target based on their race/sexual orientation/whatever.

Terry-

Vandalism was the crime, but if the crime was motivated by racism, then it becomes a hate crime. The racism in and of itself is not a crime at all; hate crime statutes do not change that.

So if these kids went in and changed the message to say "Girls suk dix" is that a hate crime towards females? Both are offensive. In the end, this is a misdemenor that wouldn't even be getting news if it didn't relate to the biggest news piece on air right now. Sorry if it offends you, but that's where it ends. Now, let's have our police go focus on the real criminals that are murdering, raping, burglerizing, etc. Get over your ego's people

Ash-

Thanks, but my question was meant more as a comment. Every case is different but when African Americans are killed by whites, you always here hate crime mentioned. I do not believe I have ever heard that when an African American kills someone who is white.

I thought that was msnbc's job lately.

easy for you to say, you're probably white. You never walked in the shoes of a black man for a minute. Im not black, but I can only imagine what its like to be thought of as a thug every time you go into a place full of crackers.

spatter24 - the ignorant manner this shooting was investigated is what caused the uproar. And, I'm a white woman. Had this been a black man who had shot a white teenager the shooter would be in jail. And, the initial investigators wanted to charge Zimmerman but were told they couldn't. You have to wonder why? Was it maybe because Zimmerman's father had been a judge or because his mother still works for one?

"From what I hear"

These are hallucinations. Here is the solution to your mental disease: stop watching fox news and you will feel better instantly.

....maybe, just maybe, Trayvon is guilty of attacking Zimmerman, but none of you geniuses out their have a clue as to what actually happened....so keep up your racist rants, they suit you....

spatter

For your information the majority of "these" kids do work and go to school. Stop generalizing!! We are all individuals. Be careful your "racist" is showing. Stop watching fux news.

SeekingSanity:

It was the on-sight Police officers and not the investigators. The Police do not decide who should be charged in this type of case, that is the job of the local DA's office. In claims of self defense, there is seldom an initial arrest.

So your claiming that every time a Negro person shoots/kills a Caucasian person, there is an arrest and charge??? How silly are you... if see you choose a correct username.

Maybe they were the only ones he saw wandering the neighborhood at night? That's just as likely a reason as your obviously bigoted one is.

You do not have your facts straight that's for certain.

Bill, could it not be possible, that maybe, just maybe, the only people he saw acting suspiciously were African Americans? Maybe there weren't any white or Mexican people acting suspiciously. None of us know all the details, so it's pretty ignorant to be making assumptions like that. Let's wait for all the facts to come out before casting judgement.

keep repeating the same old misinformation...that's why this story got blown out of proportion to start with. According to another news release, he made 7 calls since August to the police and only mentioned race when he was asked to specify which race by the investigator.

Oh, wasn't this story about the sign? Focus Bill....

wow havent you heard nbc has been outted for their slanting of the story theyve even apoligized for it get informed its a smart thing to do before you post stupidity

Just the facts people.

@JJ - Wow, I didn't realize that walking at 7ish at night were high crime hours for black criminals. Your posts are so informative NOT!

People can be such pathetic victims. "Ooooh, that SIGN violates me. Woe is me."

Someone's probably on the phone right now with a lawyer to sue....

Let's take the word whore. If I say it in casual conversation, it's no big deal and no one cares. Now, suppose I say "JJMurray, your deceased mother was a whore!" How would you feel? Would that stir up any feelings in your soul? Same argument applies to those who say "Well, African Americans use the word in reference to themselves so why is it so bad?" Does that make sense?

Dave 2267 please reference WHORE.

GTIH - It wasn't her mother, son, brother, or any relation at all. It was a person she read about in the news and that's the only relationship they have. Try again with a relevant example.

As for the second part of your post - No, it makes no sense to me that some blacks use the N word as a greeting and yet insist that only THEY can use it and not be derogatory. They do not OWN the language or the word. If it is derogatory then it is derogatory plain and simple. If they want to redefine it as a greeting then fine, let's do that and let EVERYONE redefine it so that it is no longer a bad word. That, in my opinion would be a good thing. But redefining it ONLY for a select group based on their skin color, no, that's simply racist.

You've perfectly illustrated why this argument of disrespect and hurt feelings will NEVER be understood by those who have never had to deal with it. You are probably the same person who says African Americans and Jewish people should just get over slavery and the holocaust. It doesn't matter if the person was a relative or not, the hate references ME. You are so very fortunate that you don't have to see everything through the lens of race and color, but please do not patronize or make light of those who do.

Here's an example to which you might be able to relate. It's the 4th of July and you're in full your typical Independence Day spirit. You're non-patriotic neighbor decides he wants to burn a flag on his property. Are you upset? You shouldn't be because it's just a symbol and it doesn't relate to you personally. I'm sure you also stand up for the idiots who protest at the funerals of soldiers. Hey they weren't related to you so why should you care? Any of this make sense?

GTIH - Now see, here's the problem YOU have...."the hate references ME"...No it doesn't. In most cases it is directed at an individual, plain and simple. That does not mean that there are no racists out there, of course there are and they aren't all white. There will always be people who will hate everyone of a particular race. It isn't logical but it is reality and people need to accept that there will always be people out there like that and the best way to deal with them is to not give them this kind of power over your life. I've been called all kinds of names, especially in forums like this, but so what? I don't take it personally because I know the person calling me names has their opinions and their prejudices and they are directed at a "generic" image which I happen to fit. You can't seem to get past that and understand that it really isn't all about you.

As for your examples - I served over 20 years in the military and while I would not be happy about a neighbor that burned a flag, I also do not take it as a personal attack on ME. I would have a resulting very low opinion of the person who did that and I would not associate with them in the future because obviously they have a very different point of view than I do, but again, I don't take it as a personal attack DESPITE all the years I spent defending that flag.

Concerning the protesters at funerals...same thing. I don't like them and I disagree with them but it isn't my funeral or that of someone I know. THOSE people have the right to take it personally because that attack is directed right at them, even if their message is a generic one of hate or disagreement. Again, I would have nothing to do with those protesters and I would support those who oppose them because I disagree with their point of view, but it isn't about ME personally.

Finally - since you have no idea what nationality or race I am do not attempt to know what I have or have not experienced in my life. THAT is stereotyping.

jjmurray

The history of the word was and is directed at all black people. That is why they are offended by it.

Your ability to rise above every negative perception, comment, circumstance, stereotype and situation makes you exceptional indeed. You've proven yourself the better person. I can only one day hope to rise to your level of tolerance and acceptance of ignorance. Good day.

they have NO RESPECT i mean how dare they say such garbage like that saying the N word how dare they use those words dare they use Cracker on a rural word In IOWA don't use bad words like that

This is why our Country is in trouble because we are all focused on race. Lets focus on jobs and keeping up with our Asian countries who dont sit here and focus on race. Yes the black were slaves and the whites lose allot of opportunities to go to school for free becuase they are not minorities. As far as the wealth is concerned there are now more black athletes and music stars than whites or Asians or Mexicans. Who cares? Move on...

No!! most of us could never rise to that level!! Only Jesus had this level of humility and humanity. Good afternoon, Jesus!!!!

JJMurray-

The whole point of hate crimes is that their target is not just the individual against whom they are committed, but an entire group of people. In using a racial slur, the person who changed this sign was ostensibly making a public expression of personal hatred toward all black people, not just Trayvon.

Denying rasism is the new racism.Racism is alive and well in 2012. The orgins of racism goes way back to Biblical times. Racialism is the belief in or practice of racial superiority. Racism is an excessive and irrational belief in the superiority of one's own racial group. A doctrine, program or practice based on such belief. How many of you resemble that definition?

Hey ya'all on the MSN page did you see the reflection in the hood of the car? hahahahahahha Let me tell you if it sounds like a duck it must be a duck.

white people sure are losing their minds over this....

I think were all tried of the African American card..I am...black think all owes them the world,,it was wrong..but there are truly thousands of white kids killed by cops,etc..and we dont scream racial.sick of all this stuff.he dead .already ,do what ever needs to be done,,sick of them crying racial card.

What are you, stupid?? Or lying about being black.??? Or both???

To those of you claiming I am "holier than thou" all I can say is you should work on your attitude then. I am not perfect but if you are going around being "personally" offended by every joker out there who makes a comment then your lives are much sadder than any life I would care to live. obviously you don't, you just don't want to accept that.

And to others who keep telling me that "hate crimes" are perfectly acceptable because they "target" an entire race, I repeat - all that does is elevate the lives of some above the lives of others. If you are murdered the person who killed you in MOST instances was not doing it because they made a mistake they did it because they HATE you but your killer doesn't face the same punishment because he didn't use a racial slur while he was sawing through your neck or raping your wife and kids. And you tell me that's FAIR?

Sorry, I disagree.

Radical you haven't been paying attention...Zimmerman isn't all white, he is half Mexican, are you still offended???

If you never see anything in this country that offends you then this isn't a free country IMO.

Steelermama, where did you hear he is half Mexican? He is not Mexican at all.

Because, Radical, that black man that killed England's father did so, after The elder England hit him with a stick, and the other guy hit him with a baseball bat.

It's close, its very very close, and burn in hades you shall. pitty you dont have a clue actually neither did Lu. burn baby burn

Well, I feel what you are saying here. Wouldn't it be nice if the Afro-Americans who lost their lives in Tulsa's Black Wall Street massacre had also gotten equal justice under the law?

This was a whole sale mass slaughter of human beings who were just trying to do what all Americans do, live the American dream, with their businesses.

They were murdered in mass by those who didn't think that these people had the right to have a good life--a mob of hateful White men.

Yes, the man who killed the father of the man now charged with the deaths of 5 Afro-Americans in Tulsa, should not be getting out of jail. He should have been put to death, especially if it was not proven to be self defense.

Nevertheless, as history has shown, it is usually the Caucasion person who walks away after killing a non-Caucasion-especially if the person is an Afro-American. Just ask the late Mami-Till Mobly for Emmit.

As for the Martin family, they only asked for the arrest of Mr. Zimmerman, not his conviction, nor have they played the "race card." But, Mr. Zimmerman's father didn't have a problem going there.

Any just person would not pre-judge Mr. Zimmerman before his trial, but as for his own words, they appear to be very bias and loaded with disdain for the "others"-Afro-American males. Just people just want to see him arrested, under due process of law, and let the court system make the decisions that the police department took upon themselves to do. If it had been Trevor Martin, a sweet-faced Caucasion male, and the shooter, was George Zimmerman, a black man, who shot the kid, police would have placed him under arrest. He would be in jail now awaiting trial.

Therefore, justice should have no prejudice, only the quest to get at the truth. As for the stop sign, this is indicative of the same mind set that led to the death of an unarmed individual, regardless of his race.

If it had been the reverse, I would have been angry. No matter who the person was, we need to focus upon giving justice, not wrapping ourselves in our racial egos and pride.

lle

As a heterosexual white Christian male living in the United States, let me tell you all about how unfairly this society treats me:

koolkid it isnt free speech if it is that means i can go to a black kid and say nig*er and he cant do @!$%# about it. no, its offensive to all people

GED?

TR Rose, your very comments is dividing Michigan (where this sign is located). You are dividing the undeserved rich bastard of Michigan, Michael Moore against the rest of 99% of Michigan. The rich 1% of Michigan are the Leftists Elitists such as Michael Moore

does elaine bonner feel as violated as the 11 year old girl raped by 18 bros in texas? i bet not where is the sympanty for her and her family national media, jesse, al etc no they dont want anyone to know about this!!!!!!!!!!!

Is there a link to this story KC or are you making it up?

The denial of racism is one of the elements of modern day racism.

Just in "Southern" Michigan such as the Detriot area and especially in Michael Moore's Mansion, In the U.P. of Michigan (Northern), racist do not exist

Mostly Missouri. Actually the last "cross burning" I read about was in....of all places....New Jersey. Stupidity and racists are still alive and well (if well is what one can call them). Personally living only 35 miles from Sanford, I do not think race had anything to do with this and blacks are diminishing their cause with all the protests.

Why likely created by a Black Panther? Real birth certificate?

Well, you just prove how racism is alive and well in this country.

Ferrosynthesis, tell me what the meaning of racism is in this country today. Is it the captivity of a black man or a white man or an asian man or a Jewish man owned and worked as slaves. I havent seen any of this in 48 years now. So I havent heard any asians, whites, Jewish people yelling and screaming and protesting for the last 48 years . So to ask you a question? When will the black race live amoungst the rest of the nation without crying for free handouts and acting as if they are owed a living. I knocked the chip off a long time ago and found that most people here are pretty cool to deal with as long as my skin color does not come into play by someone like yourself that screams racism everytime someone of a different color gets tired of hearing the chants from people like yourself that want a free ride. There are a plenty of black men in our community that work jobs and are doing fine. We have the united Free negro college fund to help us with our college. Alot of affirmative action laws that get us jobs over whites when it comes to getting jobs. So when will you knock the chip off of your shoulder and let it be.

MD

Have you ever heard of Meir Kahane? The Jewish defense league?

Where does free ride come in the discussion? I was talking about saying this obviously racist sign was planed by Black Panthers, and then come up with the birther nonsense. Those two thngs are so purely racist.

But one element of racism today is the denial of racism.

It's our own gov't that is fanning the flames on purpose because they want to incite a race war for an excuse for tougher laws and to implement martial law. Our media is ran by the Department of Justice, don't be naive that this is just for ratings. We as a whole society not only complain about the media not reporting facts but for the mass brainwashing to get a divided nation over political ideology and race throughout the years. There will be more highlighted crimes about white people kiling or assulting black folks but a small minority of racist hillbillies but they it's going to be reported as normal everyday events.

You realize, of course, that many - even most - desperately NEED to believe that. Take away all that justifies and where would that leave them? Why, it would leave them with no one to blame for their inadequacies, their horrendous crime rate, their unwed mothers and illegitimate children (seventy-three percent of the total), their high school drop-out rate - and on and on and on - but themselves. We wouldn't want that now, would we?! Only black "leaders" like Reverend Al want that....

Again, I Love Al Sharpton. He gets blamed for EVERYTHING by white people, it wouold be funny if it wasn't so sad. Guess what white people......he doesn't care!!! If any of you would care to notice, he speaks up for the poor of ANY race, of ANY color. But why would you care to notice that?

Lots of "Racist Hate Crimes" are the work of those who go out and do it to stir up trouble. And it works every time. People are like cattle. Run by a little dog! That's my final word.

BrotherzKeeperz....

I disagree.... I wouldn't call it an apex... more like the bottom of the abyss!! ;-)

Professor XDm9mm - the opposite of apex is not abyss, its NADIR.

So, the media are the ones who hacked the sign.... I'm not gonna lie.. I'd kill all you crackers if I had the means...

You are too funny LOLOLOLOL

Brother'skeeper,

I agree. They report news just for news sake no matter who it hurts, or what is the ultimate cost of reporting it.

Florida is the most southern state in the Union and Seceded it and joined the Confederacy. the Panhandle of Florida is no different from Alabama and Georgia.

Nope, Until you know WHO is the source, don't create racial discourse. Race Cards should never be played prior (or even after) you know WHO is the source. Typical leftists wanting to play the race card even BEFORE they even know WHO did that ugly comment.

lukewarmandyellow

Another person rushing to judgment. So you know who did this. A white guy right? You do not know who did this. It could have been anyone. Guilty until proven innocent is that your montra? Typical closed minded liberal who only joined the newsvine to incite race.

Naw, the Demtards are doing a good enough job already.

I am starting a new version of ebonics called webonics for whites. We are being oppressed by da blacks and the black presidunce. The muslim presz u wanted and u got. Lets start the sharia law. BTW zimmerman aint' claimed by the white party...hes a mixbreed hispanic. If you coloreds wanna make zimmerman white just cuz his daddy is and his momma aint that makes yalls high yellow prez white cause his daddy ain't but his momma is. You feel me homies????? You can''t have your welfare cheese and eat too...oh yeah thats right you can cause barak is da blacks savior. I laughed so hard at come of the coloreds the night he won election saying national tv we ain't gotta pay taxes no moh. roflamo