Congress may actually pass an economic stimulus bill this week, which is good news for the short-term needs of the country. There is no question the economy is tottering, and could easily tip over from recession to depression, so a bill that focuses on saving jobs and creating jobs is desperately needed. The good news is that the bill will definitely help achieve some of those aims. The bad news is that it will lay a crushing debt burden on taxpayers for the future, which can only be addressed if government becomes far more efficient in the use of tax dollars than it has in the past. That could very well force, down the road, what many of us have wanted for years, a smaller, more efficient government. But somehow, that doesn't seem likely. Because Congress hasn't figured out that the model for government is, and should be, changing. And the best example is the stimulus package. Despite billions of dollars in cuts, it still contains way too much pork. And some of the cuts (to make way for that pork) seem to make no sense, such as dropping $40 billion to help keep schools from having to fire teachers. That's counter-productive. The bill is supposed to save or create jobs, not leave them threatened. Both sides of the aisle bear the blame. The Democratic leadership rolled over on way too many pet projects among its members, losing sight of the long-term goal of the bill. And Republicans kept insisting on sticking to the same failed policies of the past, and playing the same old games where personal and party political power carried more weight than the needs of the nation. One GOP leader actually admitted his goal for the bill, and the amendments he introduced, were designed to divide the Democrats and make them look bad. So much for caring about the people of this country. Both parties should be ashamed. It is time for Congress to look up from its myopic and petty party power games, and its proclivity for pork, and look at the desperate state of the nation, focusing solely on programs that stand a good chance of meeting the goal of keeping people working. Making things work should be a bipartisan issue. This bill should be about America, not the Republican or Democratic parties. -- Kelly Everitt

The family showed class

Posted Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at 8:30 AM

Few things have dominated the news over the last few days like the Zimmerman trial verdict.

It's been picked apart from every angle. Yet, a couple things appear clear. There is no dispute that the jury, faced with reasonable doubt, had no choice but to acquit Zimmerman. Whether or not that constituted justice is the point in debate, but the system isn't about justice, it's about a process that presumes the innocence of anyone charged with a crime and forces the state to prove otherwise.

Since one of the parties in this tragic confrontation could not testify -- being dead -- and there being no witnesses, it became very difficult to prove what the state believed happened.

Many factors combined to create this tragedy. There is no question that the victim, Martin, was racially profiled, which lead to Zimmerman following him. Racial profiling is a deep-seated problem that must be addressed, and will probably take at least one more generation before it, too, like outright racism, becomes totally unacceptable behavior and begins to fade into history. There is work still to be done here.

At that point, however, how the confrontation unfolded that led to Martin's tragic death is anybody's guess, which led to the jury's reasonable doubt.

But you can add to the tragedy the concept that a person has a right to use deadly force if they are frightened enough to feel threatened. Some people are frightened more easily than others. The relatively new Stand Your Ground vigilante laws are becoming virtually open season on other human beings whenever someone with a gun gets scared. That shouldn't be enough. There's a line there on the use of deadly force that needs to be much clearer than it is now.

But through all this, all the controversy, all the anger and bitterness by partisans on both sides, there has been one shining light. The Martin family has shown true class. They have quietly sought justice through the system. Despite their loss and their disappointment in the verdict, they have maintained the highest levels of dignity and honor. They have faith in their God. They have appealed for calm.

Their behavior, we believe, has gone a long way toward keeping the lid on what could easily have become an explosive situation. They are to be commended for rising above their grief and showing a path that leads upwards, away from tragedy.

-- Kelly Everitt

Comments

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Kelly, this case had nothing to do with the stand your ground laws. They didn't use it as a defense nor was it brought up in the trial. This case was purely about SELF-DEFENSE. I still don't understand how seemingly intelligent people can't grasp this fact.

This case also had nothing to do about race as the media to include you seem to think. Martin was profiled as a criminal; the 911 operator was the first to bring up the race issue when she asked Zimmerman what race he was. The media and those that want racial tension are the only people fanning the racial flames.

Have you notice the media also ONLY portrayed Martin as a 12 year old innocent boy when he was 17, stronger, bigger, and a not so innocent delinquent. The media never shows the pictures of Martin doing drugs, flipping the camera off, and posing as a thug.

This case was simple:

1. Neighborhood watch guy see's someone suspicious and calls 911 and follows to see where he is going.

2. Martin sees someone following him but doesn't call 911 but calls his racist friend and tells her some "cracker" is following him and he is going to find out why. Then hides in a bush until Zimmerman comes by looking for him.

3. Martin confronts Zimmerman and starts to hit Zimmerman (who is smaller). Martin has Zimmerman on the ground and is bashing his head into the concrete.

4. Zimmerman pulls gun to save his life and shoots Martin while he is on top of Zimmerman.

It is not about guns, stand your ground, or even race...IT IS ABOUT SELF DEFENSE FROM BEING KILLED BY A 17 YEAR OLD THUG.

-- Posted by Trouble2011 on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 9:57 AM
There is no reason in the world to carry a gun for Neighborhood Watch," said Chris Tutko, a retired police chief who now directs Neighborhood Watch for the sheriffs' association. "It gets people more into trouble than out of it."

A manual published by the association for its "USAonWatch" program makes that very clear.

"It should be emphasized to members that they do not possess police powers and they shall not carry weapons or pursue vehicles," the manual states. "Members should never confront suspicious persons who could be armed and dangerous."

Zimmerman is reportedly the self-appointed leader for the group at his complex of town homes. A sign at the gated entrance warns it is surveilled by Neighborhood Watch, and says, "We report all suspicious persons and activities to the Sanford Police Department."

That's a prudent step for any neighborhood. In fact, Neighborhood Watches are popular in Central Florida. In Orlando alone, there are 905 block captains listed with Orlando police.

Some groups are highly organized and walk their neighborhoods in scheduled patrols. More often, though, neighbors just get acquainted with one another, exchange phone numbers and learn to report anything out of the ordinary that they notice as they move through life's predictable moments: taking out the garbage, walking the dog or getting the mail.

Even the basis for Zimmerman's initial phone call is questionable.

Here's why: The sheriffs' association manual lists the type of suspicious activity that should be reported to police. Among the examples: "Someone peering into car windows" and "broken doors or windows."

No where does it list walking while black, which is all Trayvon appeared to be doing as he made his way back to the house of his dad's fianc�e after a candy run to 7-Eleven. Trayvon was armed only with a package of Skittles in his pocket.

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-03-14/news/os-trayvon-martin-beth-kassa...

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 10:24 AM
I don't want to argue this case except this.........did you know that mr Zimmerman has a police record for domestic violence,and another charge also??????? DOES THAT MAKE HIM A THUG???? I HOPE SO. Kids of martin's age pose in pictures all the time and you see thughish poses all the time, to include our stars both black and white.You need to take the time and trouble to look at everything before you start judgeing based on your bias.I have a friend of the family who is white, she complains all the time about the pictures her kid takes and his thugish behavior.

Zimmerman should have stayed in his car and that is what people are outraged about.They feel the kid was stalked and shot on purpose.IT's like a cop following you for no reason and when you question why you get arrested for resisting arrest or cursing at a lawenforcement individual,you must lead a pretty sheltered life to believe the media without question.......maybe they should have brought out some of mr zimmermans indescretions he was not any angel.HE is a time bomb it will happen again in one form or another.Perhaps if he didn't have a gun he would not have profiled and followed. The great equilizer MAYBE NEXT TIME SOMEONE SHOOTS BACK.

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 10:27 AM
Maybe Zimmerman should of listen to the cop on the phone. Stay in your car don't follow him.

"It should be emphasized to members that they do not possess police powers and they shall not carry weapons or pursue vehicles," the manual states. "Members should never confront suspicious persons who could be armed and dangerous."

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 12:03 PM
THAT DOESNT COUNT MRS M you know that.

In some peoples minds it is ok to stalk and shoot people.....the stalking alone should have been considered provocation.IT IS NOT OK TO INSTIGATE AND INCIDENT AND THEN WALK AWAY AS IF YOUR THE VICTIM.....tHE COPS DO IT ALL THE TIME AND USUALLY WITH THE SAME RESULTS. That is what people are upset about and some folks don't get it.IF this kind of thing doesn't happen to you ,you think it doesn't happen or the person must have done something.

I say if the kid had ran he would have shot him anyhow and said he must have done something.HE STALKED THAT KID AND THAT'S HOW WE GOT HERE. MY issue with you moral majority was your terminology so tell me why you didn't you call MR ZIMMERMAN A THUG OR DOESNT HIS RECORD qualify him?????? OR was he missing something such as a picture (SARCASM)The power to arrest,and a cancealed carry permit,in the hands of someone who thinks he should be something he is not is a dangerous combination.He will do it again we just emboldened him.WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND...MAYBE NEXT TIME THE PERSON WILL SHOOT BACK and George will get a taste of his own medicine and daddy wont be there to save him.

Last..... that was a very inept prosecution.GET in touch with it is not only the black community that is upset.SO those who are thinking so what. just another dead......IT could be your kid next......and you want to know why blacks stay angry not hard to figure out,I have to worry about walking after dark,among other things.......aint that a trip........But it aint happening to you !!!!!!!!!!

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 1:06 PM
How sad. I wonder if we can be as passionate about all the other killings made by groups of young people in the urban areas. Killings that I might add include drive-by shootings where Innocent bystanders are shot also.

Or knifings, rape, or theft by force. And incredibly nearly 11,000 young black men were killed by a rival gang, 94% was a black on black crime.

Instead of absorbing what the media has thrown out, why don't you read a court transcript or two? Instead of accepting a couple old men who are bent on keeping the wounds of hate and prejudice open and raw. Even though there are nearly three generations of young people have never spit on a colored person, demanded that they get to the back of the bus or made them use a separate facility. They enjoy the benefits of higher education, careers in medicine, politics, law and sports.

Maybe we would all be better served if the fathers of this country who do not help raise their children would step up and be men.

At some point, we all need to count our blessings, put aside the past hurts and learn how to be Americans of any color race or creed.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 2:52 PM
We are all on the same playing field if we just say that we are Americans first.

How many people of a minority status have good-paying jobs, careers and educational benefits in the United States today?

In the time of Martin Luther King Jr, it was rare, today, it is rare that a minority is kept from being successful by racial bias.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 2:59 PM
SORRY KH GAL.....IT IS NOT RARE .....IT HAPPENS EVERY DAY OR AT LEAST IT IS PERCIEVED TO HAPPEN.Your implying WE should be happy with what is going on because some have good paying jobs.JUST like the majority group all who are qualified should be in those positions however it has been proven that people want us to work for less and if given a choice they will.... hire there majority group member over a minority and at times no matter that the minority is more qualified.example;;;; HERE IS ONE WE HEAR ALL THE TIME.......YOU ARE OVER QUALIFIED......AND USE THAT AS A REASON NOT TO HIRE. Now I will not albi those that show up to interviews unprepared and those who show up and act like they are owed something those people are there own worst enemy.WE have people in this town who will not hire a black,will not spend a penny in there business I know I went through it,and I know someone going through it right now.When you get people who will proudly say....I aint going to spend my money in that monkey's place.or I aint having any monkey's work for me except to take out the trash,I don't care if they starve to death they cant work for me.PLEASE get in touch with that is happening today right now,right here.I can appreciate what you think KH GAL BUT YOU ARE MISINFORMED.I wish what you feel were true.YOU have had a 400 yr headstart we cannot catch up in 40.I get it in the music world because I wont play rap, they presume I WILL AND SHOULD.

WE have said AMERICA FIRST from the beginning but we have not been accepted fully as that being a part of us and I use my military exsperienceses to bear that out.We suffered,were treated as less than but we served and died anyhow......what more can be asked for.?????? what can happen is respect,STOP GRABING YOUR POCKET BOOK WHEN I pass,you don't lock your car till you see me,I hold the door you walk out,a white holds the door you say thankyou small things yes ,do they add up yes and they show a pattern of subtle,disrespect.I am just sharing with you some things you may not have looked at or thought about that is all so don't take it wrong.LOOK around you don't take my word for it.......you have a good day.

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 4:58 PM
I would hope it is justified and that you did not instigate the incident......other than that what's the problem.You don't kill people because you feel like it,an you don't set people up to kill them........have a good one

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 6:40 PM
Lamont, Zimmerman has a Concealed weapons permit in Florida and you can't get one with a domestic dispute. Nice try making up facts.

-- Posted by Trouble2011 on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 8:55 PM
Lamont, carrying a defensive weapon is a must for what Zimmerman was doing. Being attacked by someone he was keeping surveillance on is why he needed it.

-- Posted by Trouble2011 on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 8:57 PM
I DIDNT MAKE UP A FACT IT IS ON THE RECORD IT WAS TALKED ABOUT THE CHARGES GOT DROPED.I AM not knocking MR Zimmerman I WANTED TO KNOW WHY IT WAS NOT BROUGHT IN I also wanted to know why martin becomes a thug but mr Zimmerman got a pass. His picture truth be told looked just like a Hispanic gang banger ,if you want to sterotype,the bald head, baggie pants and t shirt. According to the neighborhood watch book, carrying a weapon is one of the things your not sopposed to do along with following people.POINT BEING IF MR ZIMMERMAN HAD STAYED IN HIS VEHICLE AS HE WAS TOLD AND THE HAND BOOK STATES WE WOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION,EVEN JUROR B-37 STATED THAT.

Zimmerman stalked that kid and probally instigated that incident the same way police get you to get ****** off and then charge you with resisting or disorderly conduct.Then they say I didnt do anything.......hello !!!!!!!.Zimmerman will do it again we just EMBOLDENED HIM.BUT that's ok maybe the next person will shoot back and Zimmerman will be on the other side of the issue.That should be interesting.I don't care about Zimmerman I CARE ABOUT LAWS THAT CREAT ZIMMERMAN.

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jul 17, 2013, at 10:15 PM
The family has shown great restraint since the shooting... much more than the media or any of the legal teams involved. I'm sure the verdict was hard for them to accept, but they have stayed calm and have requested that the public do so also.

There has been a lot of "finger pointing" throughout this ordeal: George Zimmerman profiled Trayvon Martin (black kid in hoodie.) Martin profiled Zimmerman with his telephone comments (cracker.) Zimmerman called 911 and was asked not to follow or engage (per Neighborhood Watch rules which also call for participants to not be armed.) Zimmerman continued to follow but lost sight of Martin and got out of his car to investigate. Martin allegedly jumped out of some bushes and attacked Zimmerman, beating his head on the concrete. Zimmerman then pulled his weapon and shot Martin, killing him.

To me it sounds like Martin was "standing his ground" and was attempting to defend himself from someone he felt was stalking him. Since Martin is dead and cannot give his side of the story, the jury felt the evidence presented by the prosecution wasn't enough to convict Zimmerman and he was acquitted.

Now the verdict has been rendered, it is time to let the story go and allow the family to work through the remainder of their grief process, without the media circus and publicity.

-- Posted by kelgram1 on Thu, Jul 18, 2013, at 12:15 AM
KH Gal, I'm surprised that you would tell others to do more research when you seem to be so misinformed on this subject.

I know someone that has a very conservative view of the world and has a hard time seeing that this is still a very racially biased country. Even that person said "Zimmerman was a want-a-be cop and wanted to shoot his gun so he did it."

Trouble2011 doesn't it worry you at all that Zimmerman probably has his gun back?

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Thu, Jul 18, 2013, at 7:59 PM
Sam you don't get it, he needs his gun back. He is getting threats and the black pathers have put a bounty on his head. ALL ILLEGAL.

The DOJ without juricition has asked them not to return his gun as of today. He should go get a new one. He was found not-guilty.

I have no problem with hime having his gun back, I respect a good marksman and anyone that protects himself.

It has nothing to do with color, race, or politics.

-- Posted by Trouble2011 on Fri, Jul 19, 2013, at 1:42 PM
Good marksman? He apparently had the muzzle of the gun up against the 17 year old child's outer sweatshirt. Hard to miss there.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Fri, Jul 19, 2013, at 4:07 PM
stalker |ˈst�kər|

noun

a person who stealthily hunts or pursues an animal or another person.

* a person who harasses or persecutes someone with unwanted and obsessive attention.

Lamont..

Here is the definition of a stalker and I don't think Zimmerman fits the description. He wasn't very stealthy and I don't believe he was obsessed about what he was doing, matter of fact Martin knew he was there.

I guess then your comments would make me a stalker. About a year ago three young men were walking in my neighborhood. Things didn't look right so I followed them and sure enough they started stealing from unlocked cars. So I called the police and told them what was going on. you want to take a guess on who's description they wanted? let me help you it wasn't the boys it was mine, so when the police arrived they could find me and I was able to tell them where the boys were at. Those boys are now in jail, So I guess it pays off to be a stalker as you put it...

-- Posted by Tazdad on Mon, Jul 22, 2013, at 9:24 AM
You may have your definition confused Taxdad, with your actions. You followed and watched and then called the police when you actually saw a crime and you let the police do their job. That's a big difference between what Zimmerman did.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Mon, Jul 22, 2013, at 11:53 AM
TAXDAD.....YOU gave a problem with a word ,well for the way I saw it that word fit.For me the actions he had already called in was enough ILL say it again George Zimmerman should have stayed in his vehicle as instructed.For me at the point he got out to follow he stalked .WHAT YOU STATED WAS YOU WERE WALKING AND HAD NOT BEEN INSTRUCTED OF ANYTHING, YOU IN MY OPINION WAS DOING WHAT RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS DO.I know they asked for your description they have a tendancy to want to know more about you then the perpetrators your calling on and that is a big deterrent by itself.THERE reasoning is they don't want to go after the wrong person but they make you feel like you are the perpetrator.

I will say this I CANNOT JUSTFY THIS SHOOTING.....I HAVE TRIED TO SEE ZIMMERMANS POINT BUT I CANT GET PAST HE STALKED IN IN MY HUMBLE OPINION,AND PROBALLY INSTIGATED THIS INCIDENT. THE KIDS DEAD AND MR ZIMMERMAN WALKS AROUND WITH HIS CHEST PUFFED UP,HE HAS NO REGRETS AND THAT'S OBVIOUS.AND YES I FEEL AS THE PRESIDENTS DOES THAT COULD HAVE BEEN ME,THE PROBLEM IS, I FEEL THAT JEOPARDY DAILY.

There is a difference with what you did and what he did.

-- Posted by lamont on Mon, Jul 22, 2013, at 3:15 PM
You are right Zimmerman should have done what he was told. he didn't and that was his mistake and I like you don't condone the death of Martin. I do feel he needs to carry some of the blame in this situation. Why did he confront Zimmerman? why didn't he just keep walking. My guess is he was looking for a fight, if he would have just kept walking he would be alive today. Weather y'all want to admit it or not the boy played a part in his death, he to made a bad choice. THEY BOTH DID...

My situation and this one are the same, the only difference is the three young men kept walking they didn't turn to confront me. Because if that would have happened it would have made the papers and someone would have gotten hurt.

I been reading all these Blogs an Zimmerman & Martin for months and I keep asking myself the same question? What makes this tragedy so horrible that even the president speaks out. and here we have a infant shoot in the face by two teenaged and I have yet to read any blogs on the incident. And the president has yet to make any comments on how tragic it was. ( I have included the news article below) So what are we as a nation using to determine what crime is greater than another? in the instance below and infant was killed. Is it really all about public outrage that makes one crime greater than another. and if so what does that say about us when the death of an infant carries very little outrage. And a young man looking for a fight and looses, the country flips its lid..

http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/22/us/georgia-baby-killed

-- Posted by Tazdad on Mon, Jul 22, 2013, at 8:10 PM
We only have Zimmerman's word that Trayvon confronted him. This is what his girlfriend said that she heard on the phone.

"He said this man was watching him, so he put his hoodie on. He said he lost the man," Martin's friend said. "I asked Trayvon to run, and he said he was going to walk fast. I told him to run but he said he was not going to run."

Eventually he would run, said the girl, thinking that he'd managed to escape. But suddenly the strange man was back, cornering Martin.

"Trayvon said, 'What, are you following me for,' and the man said, 'What are you doing here.' Next thing I hear is somebody pushing, and somebody pushed Trayvon because the head set just fell. I called him again and he didn't answer the phone."

The line went dead. Besides screams heard on 911 calls that night as Martin and Zimmerman scuffled, those were the last words he said.

Trayvon's phone logs, also obtained exclusively by ABC News, show the conversation occurred five minutes before police first arrived on scene.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 10:34 AM
TAXDAD....correct me if I am wrong but didn't they catch those 2 idiots?????I THINK THEY DID AND CHARGED THEM WITH MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE. I AGREE THAT WAS A MUCH MORE GREVIOUS OFFENSE AND MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE IS APPROPRIATE FOR ME.

I think we could ask FOX news why they didn't go after that story???? BECAUSE YOU ARE RIGHT WHAT ARE WE ABOUT AS A SOCIETY WHEN WE DONT GET UPSET AT THE THINGS WE SHOULD.For me it says our values are misplaced..........MY stand has always been you kill a child under 10, death penalty is automatic. HOW'S that for someone who is considered a liberal..........later

-- Posted by lamont on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 3:03 PM
and the girlfriend told the truth and nothing but the truth...right.. But anyway this case is no different that any other case that has happened in the last year. but for some reason the right people got involved and turned it into a mass media frenzy. Looking back at all the articles and photos printed they all presented Zimmerman as the bad guy so it is no surprise to me that everyone blames him. the media today can print almost anything and someone is going to believe it as fact and try to change the world base on that story, And if someone like Rev Jesse Jackson or the President of the US believes that story is fact, then it doesn't matter what the real truth might be.

Lamont it says the same to me our values are misplace and when the media finds a way to get those misplaced values all stirred up who knows what will happen..

-- Posted by Tazdad on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 9:07 PM
I will tell you tomottow of a case in florida that invoves stand your ground that is so wrong that it should be a crime to talk about. I NEED TO GET MY THOUGHTS TOGETHER ON IT.iT has been awhile .........later.

-- Posted by lamont on Tue, Jul 23, 2013, at 9:34 PM
THE CASE......a blAck guy lived across the street from a park,A WHITE GUY WAS IN THE PARK SHOOTING HOOPS WITH HIS DAUGHTER WHO WAS 10. The black guy goT upset because of the noise that was being made by the ball bouncing off the back board so he leaves his house and confronts the white guy.THE WHITE GUY SAYS PUBLIC PARK AND KEEPS ON SHOOTING THE BLACK GUY GOES HOME AND COMES BACK CONFRONTS THE WHITE GUY AGAIN AND THIS TIME INSTIGATES A CONFRONTATION. WHITE GUY DEFENDS HIMSELF VERBALLY AND THE BLACK GUY SHOOTS HIM in front of his daughter AND SITES STAND YOUR GROUND. I say MURDER and I am also upset that he was not charged. I HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN THE MEDIA Rev Sharpton and others do not site these kind of incidents as civil rights violations because they are. IT GIVES THE IMPRESSION THAT A WHITES CIVIL RIGHTS CANNOT BE VIOLATED.......This happened about the time of the MARTIN case. I WANT EVERYONE OUT THERE TO KNOW SOME OF US ARE MORE INTRESTED IN THE MORAL JUDGEMENTS RATHER THAN THE RACIAL ONES BECAUSE THE MORAL ONES IMPEDE US ALL.........HAVE A GREAT DAY.

-- Posted by lamont on Wed, Jul 24, 2013, at 3:48 PM
COOL BREEZE.......I don't have a problem with what you wrote except some of your facts are out of line but I do have a problem with the typical conservative name calling is it really called for??HE OTHER THING IS I believe THAT YOU ARE A FEMALE I COULD BE WRONG SO I AM GOING TO SAY THIS.......I fought in and out of the military during the civil rights movement and after for justice and equality please do not tell me or presume to tell me how I FEEL ABOUT HOW WHITE America has treated me you are not male you do not face the same jeapordy I DO AND NEVER HAVE. the fault for the state of mthe black community is two fold and yes we hold the key and were it went wrong has a lot to do with parenting and the need to feel the same as they overrode good common sense in what we strive for.THAT SAME GARBAGE IS STARTING TO BE PART OF THE WHITE COMMUNITY ALSO.The last two generations tend to hold the wrong people in high estemm because they made it........they made it financial and are bankrupt morally.....The disructution of black instituions ,banks,churches.social clubs,newspapers etc created what we have now.I am 71 yrs old and my children are some of the last to see what I AM TALKING ABOUT......ALL MY CHILDREN ARE COLLEGE GRADS IT WAS MY GOAL,MY GOAL,ALONG WITH PARENTING WHICH NEVER STOPS....MY GRANS WILL BE ALSO BECAUSE IT IS THERE PARENTS GOAL.....THAT DOESNT MEAN IT HAS BEEN EASY IT JUST MEANS WE SET THE TONE FOR OUR LIVES AND WE STICK TO IT.Have we suffered injustices you bet so please don't try to tell me this is all our fault because it is not, and the continued discrimination in employment,has done more to destroy the black middle class then anything out there.Am I a liberal not really ,do I FEEL ENTITLED ....ONLY TO A FAIR CHANCE AT THE American dream without being singled out for less than treatment.I AM A MUSCIAN AND I get real ****** when people expect that I play rap....and get insulted when I TELL THEM I don't.and won't.....I DONT PLAY RAP AND I DONT PLAY COUNTRY I will not play free byrd or mustang salley.....my mother didn't pay for music lesson for me to play that stuff. MUSIC LESSONS SOMETHING NOT HEARD OF ANYMORE IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY.........it builds character and appreciation,challenges your mind something we don't seem to want to do in these last two generations .........we fought to give this generation a more than a fleeting chance at success and it has been squandered and sometimes I GET VERY ANGRY ABOUT THAT......BUT PLEASE GO BACK AND LOOK OVER YOUR POST AND REALIZE THAT NOT EVERYTHING YOU SAID HAS VALIDTY IN HOW IT TRANSPIRED...........YOU WANT TO KNOW WERE I AM COMMING FROM ....READ COLLEN POWELL'S BIO.....HE WAS RAISED IN THE BRONZ AND I in Brooklyn.SAME KIND OF FAMILY WITH THE SAME KINDA GOALS HE WENT TO THE ARMY AND I TO THE AF. HE BECAME A GENERAL AND I BECAME A SENIOR MASTER, WE SERVED AT THE SAME TIME WITH THE SAME GOALS.READ THE BOOK WE COULD HAVE BEEN BROTHERS.......HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN......HAVE A GREAT DAY.

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 10:41 AM
CoolBreeze83647 unless you are Lloyd Marcus, you should give credit to Mr. Marcus for his words that you cut and pasted. Mr. Marcus's words are being reposted on many very conservative web sites.

Marcus's words were very biased and ill spirited to a number of people. I doubt if he speaks for MLK JR.

Black America's True Nemesis: Liberals, Not Zimmerman

By Lloyd Marcus

Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/2013/07/black_americas_true_nemesis_liberals_not_...

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 10:42 AM
Lamont, I believe that CoolBreeze83647 is not black but someone that doesn't like liberals or black people and decided to use someone else's words as his own to make that point.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 10:44 AM
Cool Breeze has a very familiar tone Could it be???

Anyways it still comes down to the fact Zimmerman was the instigator, maybe if he didn't try to act like he was a cop, Trayvon would still be alive today. At the age Trayvon was at the time of his death, he was a kid like most kids that age lots of testosterone, coming upon being an adult which means confusion and having to look tough to get by in the world we live in these days. At that age you don't get by being a sissy or a nerd, you gotta hang tough and have swagger! He wasn't a thug he was a normal teenage boy! Zimmerman was the adult who had a criminal record.

/ˈswagər/

Verb

Walk or behave in a very confident and typically arrogant or aggressive way: "he swaggered along the corridor".

Noun

A very confident and typically arrogant or aggressive gait or manner.

Adjective

Denoting a coat or jacket cut with a loose flare from the shoulders.

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 11:01 AM
Very familiar.

Lloyd Marcus is a very interesting person. He is a conservative and wrote and performs the "Tea Party" song and is very active in the Tea Party.

Much as I disagree with Marcus and his opinions, I really detest Cool Breeze lifting his material.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 11:35 AM
THANKS FOR THE INFO.....SAM.....There is a lot of truth to what was said however there are many cause and affects.ultimately the individual has to sort out the truth and how to deal with adversity. THEY can do it constructively or they can do it distructively our youth today, ALL OF THEM seem to want to take the lazy way out.That attitude affects some more than others and therin lys the future.NOBODY promised them ,just like us a rose garden......james brown said it well.......I DONT WANT NOBODY TO GIVE ME NOTHING JUST OPEN UP THE DOOR I'LL GET IT MYSELF........ That means through hard work and perseverance......later.

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 1:06 PM
I don't believe Zimmerman killed Trayvon Martin with malice in his heart.

I was disappointed in the initial determinations made during the case where it was decided there would be no charges filed against Zimmerman.

First, a human lost their life under uncertain circumstances. Where a trial exposes an innocent accused to the risk of conviction, there certainly should be a grand jury investigation.

Any mention that Trayvon Martin got what he deserved is repugnant.

Sadly, the United States must expend national resources in a continuing effort to nullify advancements of any effort that will have an adverse affect on the Civil Rights of Americans.

The sort of rationalization that our Founding Fathers engaged in (when the institution of slavery was exempted from the benefit of their realization that the "Laws of Nature and Nature's God" created all men equal) offers no excuse. We can all agree that governments do not grant us our unalienable rights.

Anyone who fears an overreaching tyrannical government should certainly find a place in their heart for their fellow citizens who were, in some states, the victim of systemic, state (government) sponsored efforts to deprive them of equal opportunity; for instance the equal opportunity to vote without being subjected to a requirement to "qualify" to vote.

How different would the United States be if the Founding Fathers had seen that all men were equal when they began their work in May 1787? What if all free people, as we all now acknowledge freedom, were free to pursue life, liberty and happiness? What if some families had not been subjected to conditions that would be considered state sponsored terrorism in the present day?

What if there had been equal justice for all from day one?

I've read through other forums that attempt to reduce this issue to a political liberal v. conservative argument. It smacks of hypocrisy when some "patriotic" individuals speak out regarding their fear of their oppression by their government in one breath, and in another suggest without qualification that a race of people is content to live on the largesse of the government; a government that, within relatively recent memory had violently oppressed and filled generations of that race with a well founded sense of dread.

"Move on! Get over it. I never owned a slave." they say.

I say they didn't have to.

-- Posted by Dave Thompson on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 4:57 PM
RIGHT ON DAVE.......MAYBE THEY WILL HEAR YOU THEY DONT LISTEN TO ME.sOMETIMES I think no matter how constructively you try to broach the subject of equality they don't want to hear it ,that's why you get I NEVER OWNED A SLAVE.......THEY DO NOW, OUR JAILS ARE FULL OF THEM......disenfrachised americans black and white who have become the new slaves of America.What they do upoun release is indigative of what disenfranchisement does to humans.A perfect real time study.ANYHOW SOME OF US KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING AND I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU, TAKE CARE..............except your always beating me to the point......smile....I bet we would have made a hell of a debate team...........later

-- Posted by lamont on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 6:36 PM
It would've been an honor to be on a debate team with you. Take care lamont.

And a comment regarding Antonio Santiago, the infant who was shot in the face.

It is tragic and a senseless crime. We haven't heard the whole story; when we do, we still won't be able to make sense of it.

The most obvious difference between the killing of Trayvon Martin and the killing of Antonio Santiago lies in the criminal justice that followed those cases.

George Zimmerman would not have gone to trial at all if it hadn't been for the insistence of those who felt there should be a trial to get the answers to an unwitnessed event where a person lost his life.

Unlike the Trayvon Martin killing, those who investigated Antonio Santiago's killing have not suggested that charges not be filed against those who are accussed of taking his life. Prosecutors of Antonio Santiago's accused killers have not declined to prosecute.

The contrasts are obvious.

Citizens must continue to insist on and work together toward a justice system that will avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

-- Posted by Dave Thompson on Thu, Jul 25, 2013, at 8:19 PM
The one thing I find interesting about all these comments is not one of us were there. And so we have formed our opinions based on media, and of course the media is 100% correct. It would never misinform the public. So we have all pick sides based on our race, background, weather we are for or against self defense laws, or what ever issue in our life we wish to regurgitate at the time. And no one can except the fact that these were two people that made bad choices. Not one of them but both of them and that lead to one being killed. I don't think it was ever about race until the media distorted it in that direction and of course we the people took it from there.

Zimmerman was getting his butt handed to him and he chose to defend himself and because of that a 17 year old boy was killed. If Zimmerman would have made a different choice and he ended up dead would we even have anything to blog about?? Who knows there is always that what if in life right.

So I guess in our nation today if you are in a altercation you must not defend yourself because if you do and you kill that person. you are a murderer and need to do jail time, and that is because the media says so not a trial of your peers,,,Man ya gotta love this stuff

-- Posted by Tazdad on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 9:39 AM
TAZDAD......I don't think anyone is saying that at all.I do think people are saying MR Zimmerman should have stayed in his car as instructed that is what I think is the underlying issue.BUT THAT'S ME.WHAT YOU describe for jail time has been pretty much upheld in this country for years......it's called manslaughter.THE media had nothing to do with it. I will not down play the media I CITED A CASE AND IT'S A TRUE CASE AND I am angry about it because the media did not run with it and yes I feel race played a part in it and it should not have. He should be charged in my mind.

-- Posted by lamont on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 9:53 AM
Zimmerman got away with murder because the prosecution didn't present their case very well.

Suppose 2 guys in a bar got in a confrontation because one was looking at the other one? They get to fighting and they end up on the floor, one on top the other. One has a gun and shots the other. Is that stand your ground? Or is it murder?

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 10:05 AM
I don't come to the conclusion that Tazdad does in his last paragraph.

In that context, my view is just the opposite. You may defend yourself. The jury found that Zimmerman was not guilty. Public opinion is not legally binding.

Based on my view of the case, I believe the person defending himself was shot and killed.

-- Posted by Dave Thompson on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 10:17 AM
It all depends MsMaryland who started the fight.. if the one who started the fight loosed then yes that to me would be self defense. Or maybe one tries to walk away but the other wont let him and he gets killed WOW we can go on all day on what if's.

Self Defense case happen every day without charges being pressed ( google it) it might scare ya how many. And yes Zimmerman probably should have stayed in his car. But no laws were broken because he didn't, It was a bad chose. So because Zimmerman didn't stay in his car that gave Martin the right to hide in the bushes and confront him. all I am saying is bad choses lead up to this tragedy. on both sides of the fence.

-- Posted by Tazdad on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 10:42 AM
Were their any witness that seen Trayvon hiding in the bushes?

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 10:49 AM
I saw on the news that you are mostly likely to get off in a shooting if you kill your victim than if you wound him. That's because killing him gets rid of the other witness.

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 10:52 AM
I was speaking with a police officer one evening after a concealed weapons class. We were speaking about self-defense, he said " a dead man tells no tails" So take that for what its worth,

Thats been my point all along MsMaryland, Did someone witness Zimmerman following Martian? There were only two witnesses and one of them didn't survive. And yet we all think we now with out a doubt that we know what happened and who's guilty. And as I said earlier we have based that off our background, race, ext. And the media has been more than helpful in providing us with all the info one could dream up so we can draw such factual conclusions. And guess what a jury of his peers (not the media) found him not guilty. So like it or not Zimmerman is out free and it doesn't really matter if we like it or not..

-- Posted by Tazdad on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 12:07 PM
If Zimmerman would of stayed in his car as the dispatcher told him, Trayvon would still be alive. Dispatchers give instructions on a daily basis, all kinds of instructions and usually the caller does what they are told. If the dispatcher told you to start CPR would you ignore or start doing it?

If the prosecution would of presented a better case Zimmerman would of been locked up. Yes there are a lot of if's. It's certain to me Zimmerman was found not guilty, however doesn't mean that he is innocent!

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 12:22 PM
I believe that if Zimmerman had not been armed that night he would not have acted with such seeming fearlessness.

-- Posted by Dave Thompson on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 12:30 PM
And if Martin would have just kept walking in stead of stopping to confront Zimmerman (Martin made this comment to his girlfriend on his cell phone, "he was going to confront the man that was following him") he would still be alive.

So you are say that the prosecution of a high profile case like this wasn't ready. I don't think so.. Maybe the prosecution presented all it had and it wasn't enough..

-- Posted by Tazdad on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 12:47 PM
THE prosecution was inept at best.There are a lot of professionals who are saying the same thing......both white and black.In any event it's done.........this verdict encourages the idiots out there,problem is who pay's..........later

-- Posted by lamont on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 1:30 PM
And if Zimmerman would not have had a gun the funeral could have been his.

-- Posted by Tazdad on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 1:36 PM
They should take a survey and ask how many people who live in that housing complex carry a gun...

Another Survey How many neighborhood watch members carry a gun ..........

-- Posted by MsMarylin on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 1:42 PM
Tazdad, your information is incorrect. Basing an assumption on false facts makes your assumption weak. See the following excerpt from the trial.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/us/at-zimmerman-trial-victims-friend-is-presse...

"But on Thursday Ms. Jeantel stood firm and said that she heard Mr. Martin say "get off." When Mr. West suggested that perhaps it was Mr. Martin who approached and confronted Mr. Zimmerman, Ms. Jeantel did not take the bait.

"If he was going to confront the man, he would have told me," Ms. Jeantel said. "He did not tell me that. He just told me that he trying to get home, sir, but the man was still following him, sir."

-- Posted by Sam_1776 on Fri, Jul 26, 2013, at 5:12 PM

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