Murder Or Self-Defense?

It's now been almost a month since Trayvon Miller, 17 years old, was shot and killed in Florida by George Zimmerman, an adult. Zimmerman, a member of a neighborhood watch (surveillance group), thought Martin was suspicious and a threat to his community. He confronted him and the result was the death of the teen, wearing a hoodie and armed with a canned soft drink and a package of candy. Zimmerman alleges that he acted in self-defense. Those are the known facts surrounding the killing of the youth.

The local police department conducted a preliminary investigation and filed no charges against Zimmerman. Martin had no prior police record and up to the time of this unfortunate incident, no history of problem or unlawful behavior either at home or at school. State of Florida law allows for self-defense if the individual feels threatened for their safety.

Trayvon's family hired an attorney to reopen the investigation and the story has now gained international attention. Media coverage has been extensive and public reaction has led to large rallies in support of the late Martin. The ensuing publicity has forced the federal government to intervene, the Florida governor has appointed a special prosecutor to oversee the incident and the local police chief has temporarily resigned pending the outcome of the investigation. To Martin's family and the millions outraged, it's all "too little, too late."  

Murder or self-defense? Racial profiling? Mistaken identity? In the wrong place at the wrong time? Unfortunately, we'll never know all the answers nor the complete story. All we have is Zimmerman's account of the situation. Trayvon is no longer alive to offer his version of the events. Then there is the major question: why was Zimmerman armed to simply patrol his neighborhood? By law, he has a constitutional right to own a gun. Does this give him the privilege the right to fire at will? Are any of us safe anymore?

I agree with Trayvon Martin's family and countless others. Charge Zimmerman and let the justice system take care of the matter: render justice. That's the reason we have the process. Allow it to sort through all the facts and decide the case.

Consider this: if the situation were reversed and the teen had shot the adult, especially a black teen and a non-black adult, what would have happened? We all know the teen would have been arrested and charged without a second thought as to guilt or innocence. Why tolerate the appearance of a double standard in this instance? Unless, of course, that's exactly what it really is: one set of rules for one race and a different set of rules for another.

Respectfully,

Black Lover Naked