End The Trayvon Pinata

In a column titled "Attacking whites in Trayvon's name a dangerous, stupid game" Darryl E. Owens of the Orlando Sentinel inveighs against "the new sport that's caught on in the aftermath of the shooting in Sanford of the unarmed teenager": 

What sport? Let's call it Trayvon Piñata.

How's it played?

Simple. Gather at least two or up to 30 players (usually black, but not always). Target some unsuspecting, blameless white person. Confront. Spout some racial pap. Stomp the stuffing out of him in Trayvon's name.

Rip-roaring fun!

It's all the rage — these outrageous acts of vengeance born out of misplaced rage.

He mentions two incidents in Florida of which I know nothing, the beating of Matthew Owens in Mobile Alabama [and the Alton L. Hayes III beatdown in Chicago]. Then:

It wasn't difficult to understand the frustration over a man walking away scot-free after killing an unarmed high-schooler. I, too, questioned the justice of a law that appears to take the concept of self-defense to ridiculous extremes.

But thumping random white surrogates for George Zimmerman isn't justice. And invoking Trayvon's name as justification tars his memory and the high-minded crusade to wring justice from a system that was willing to dismiss the death of a boy killed under sketchy circumstances.

And yet, Sanford's recent visitors, the reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, who rallied at a Los Angeles church Thursday marking the two-month anniversary of Trayvon Martin's death, haven't said squat about the beatings, at least not anything that I could turn up.

Because they command the microphone, their unnerving silence regarding Trayvon Piñata speaks volumes. Which is why other black leaders must punch through the hypocrisy and decry the violence.

Black leaders have an opportunity to play a useful role here, as Mr. Owens is doing. But the media generally, having splashed a lot of ink and filled a lot of air time promoting Trayvon Martin as the symbol of racial injustice, might want to reflect on why they are now mysteriously silent on the consequences of their misbehavior.

Comments

[Melinda Romanoff]

I'll be happy when it's "Americans" instead of "Black Leaders". I've had quite enough of the self-styled men's club, where they need the victim pool to remain in one place.

[archie goodwin]

Oh this is too precious, really Darryl,

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-03-23/news/os-ed-trayvon-martin-darryl-owens-032312-20120323_1_black-parents-survival-guide-wrong-word

[Threadkiller]

There is nothing more closely representative of white culture than a Pinata.

[AliceH]

From narciso link 8:44

Well, there are, for example, rules that we've learned for surviving driving while black. Show your hands and don't raise your voice. Avoid provocation. Better to swallow your pride than your teeth in a face-down takedown.

I find it sad that this "rule" is repeatedly asserted as something exceptional one needs to teach black children, when it is just standard "be on your best behavior" that applies to all drivers when pulled over for any reason. I assume it is driven by the belief that consequence for blacks failing to apply the rule are more severe than whites. I wonder, though, if that is (still) true or supported by data.

[AliceH]

I mean, Archie's link of course. ;)

[cboldt]

Then there is the pair of thugs in Illinois who admitted he beat a white guy as an act of "Justice for Trayvon."

Alton Hayes III, 18, allegedly approached a 19-year-old white male in Oak Park, Ill. and said "empty your pockets, white boy," Oak Park Patch reports. Hayes and an unidentified 15-year-old accomplice then proceeded to beat the man before running off, police told Patch.

After his arrest, Hayes reportedly told officers he was upset about the Martin case in Florida, and beat up the victim because he was white, CBS Chicago reports.

[Danube of Thought]

Minus 12 at Raz today.

Leads Romney by 2.

[Danube of Thought]

A very sad commentary. Jackson and Sharpton are invariably identified as black "leaders." Allen West, Thomas Sowell and Shelby Steele are voices in the wilderness.

[cboldt]

oops, I see that the article mentions the beating by Hayes. I was lulled into complacency by "two incidents in Florida plus Owens" summary ...

I agree that Trayvon is, for the most part, just another rally-cry for thuggish behavior. The random black on white beatings will continue, Trayvon or not. They tend to not make the news.

[Rob Crawford]

Actually, beating someone you assume is defenseless because you took offense to their presence is perfectly in line with St. Skittles' last act.

[cboldt]

-- A very sad commentary. Jackson and Sharpton are invariably identified as black "leaders." --

I like to think this is just another media-created fiction, and the reality is that a majority of blacks hold Sharpton and Jackson in contempt.

But, other than a spark of optimism and awareness that the media portrayal of reality is usually false, I don't have any basis for that conclusion.

[Danube of Thought]

Sharpton was in L.A. yesterday, denying responsibility for the Crown Heights riots and defending Tawana Brawley's story.

[Info]

"This website is operated by the Mark O'Mara Law on behalf of the George Zimmerman Legal Defense Fund

I want to take a moment to clear up some of the confusion regarding the monies raised on Mr. Zimmerman’s website..."

http://gzlegalcase.com/

[Jack is Back!]

OT: "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways..."

[Jack is Back!]

The Real Archie Goodwin.

Kentucky Wildcat next year!

[Captain Hate]

Then there is the pair of thugs in Illinois who admitted he beat a white guy as an act of "Justice for Trayvon."

Waiting for Shakedown Jackson, Extort We Much Sharpton, El JEFe and the MFM to take some responsibility for snuffing out the future of those two and their victim.

[Kermit T. Frog]

"Well, there are, for example, rules that we've learned for surviving driving while black. Show your hands and don't raise your voice. Avoid provocation. Better to swallow your pride than your teeth in a face-down takedown."

Rather telling that this 'talk' is based upon the premise that the appropriate thing to do would be to give the offending peace officer whatever he has coming to him for having the audacity to stop and question your behavior... it is racism if the cop arrests you for for chewing his as (or trying to kick it)?

[DebinNC]

Owens on Mar. 23 of his son: "And I see a boy who, in five years, will be the same age Trayvon was when his dream of a future in aviation crashed in a heap on a rainy night because someone saw darkness in his blackness."

Then came Mar. 26 and the Miami Herald article on Trayvon's 3 school suspensions this year, not including the women's jewelry/screwdriver cache found in his bookbag which resulted in no punishment since the police couldn't find the items on stolen property lists.

And about Trayvon's purported "dream of a future in aviation"? I hope Ms. Fulton will someday "talk" about why she removed Trayvon from Miami Carol City HS (86% black) which offered the aviation program and transferred him to Krop HS (28% black) which didn't.

[PaulV]

Tratvon did want to be high, but not a career in aviation

[Clarice]

It's just a matter of time before yutes around the country decide that smashing store windows and stealing tvs is a decent response to GZ's acquittal

[Gus]

Let me guess. WILD WILD GUESS.

Darryl Owens. NEGRO?

[matt]

"Well, there are, for example, rules that we've learned for surviving driving while black. Show your hands and don't raise your voice."

I have been told that all my life by cop friends, so it is hardly a black thing.

On another completely OT note, saw a tremendous film at our local film festival called "The Man Who Shook The Hand Of Vicente Fernandez" starring Ernest Borgnine.

It's about a old, bitter man who struggles with regret, his emotions, and his relationships and about his very rocky transformation. To me, it was a tremendous "small" movie. Not perfect, but extremely well done.

The best part was meeting Mr. Borgnine afterwards. I looked it up this morning and he is 95 years old. Wow!

[Gus]

I have a really cool idea!!! Let's start a LIBTARD PUBLICATION and hire a couple of BLACK PEOPLE to write BIASED STORIES in which ALL BLACK PEOPLE ARE WRONGED!!!!

Has that been done yet???

[cboldt]

Some action on the Zimmerman Trial Docket, but no new files. I think I've untangled the minutes correctly, but caveat emptor.

Defense attorney O'Mara, Mark M was present for motion addressed the court regarding the state's motion. The court did not entertain the state's motion for gag order at this time. Attorney O'Mara made an ore tenus motion to have discovery remain sealed as it pertains to the witnesses names and addresses. State attorney addressed the court on the ore tenus motion. Attorney Ponce for the media submitted case law and argument on the defense ore tenus motion. The court orders the matter will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Attorney O'Mara advised the court of a change in defendant's financial status. State attorney made an ore tenus motion for court to raise the bond. Court reserved ruling at this time and orders attorney O'Mara to provide genesis of the account, who is in charge of the account, date of payments and how money became aware to defendant. The court ordered any administrative paperwork will be stricken from the court file, containing any addresses of attorneys involved, tag numbers, etc. Court will prepare a written order of the rulings of matters presented. Case remains as previously set for arraignment on May 8, 2012 1:30pm courtroom 1A. Done and Ordered on this 27th day of April 2012 in open court.

[cboldt]

Facebook page for Zimmerman's Legal Defense. I expect the comments will be interesting, over time.

[Porchlight]

And and all because the Obama adminstration decided a race war was needed and sent friends of the DOJ to rustle one up.

Thanks, Obama.

[archie goodwin]

Yes, he had a small cameo in REDS, where he almost stole the show for a bit.

[Jack is Back!]

cboldt,

Explain something to me: If the 8th is the date of arraingment and both GZ and MO'M have waived their prescence then when do they do the Immunity hearing? Can the State argue during arraignment for immediate move to trial and skip the Immunity hearing?

[DebinNC]

From last June...I was Marty: An interview with Ernest Borgnine

Marty would make my top 10.

[cboldt]

-- If the 8th is the date of arraingment and both GZ and MO'M have waived their prescence then when do they do the Immunity hearing? Can the State argue during arraignment for immediate move to trial and skip the Immunity hearing? --

There arraignment date provides a deadline for filing motions to dismiss based on immunity and defect in indictment grounds. Those motions can be filed any time before that, as a matter of right, and after that with leave of the court. The court is inclined to accept and rule on that sort of motion, no matter when filed, so "deadline" is a bit misleading.

The timing of an immunity hearing is up to the court, with agreement from defense and the state that each is ready to proceed. In this case, defense may want to wait until after it has deposed DeeDee - although I have argued that DeeDee's testimony is irrelevant to the self defense motion.

The state does not have the right to move for Speedy Trial upon Demand; a 60 day period between filing the motion and start of trial. Absent this demand, the rules call for trial within 175 days of arrest. That date can be moved out for cause.

[cboldt]

-- Can the State argue during arraignment for immediate move to trial and skip the Immunity hearing?
The state can't strip defendant of his right to argue immunity under self defense grounds. The way I read the case law, even if the trial starts, and defendant moves for and obtains a grant of immunity from the judge (some time during the course of the trial), then the defendant has immunity. The trial is over, the jury is not charged with rendering a verdict.

That would be an inefficient process, and I'm sure the court would prefer to dispose of the immunity motion before swearing in a jury for voir dire.

[cboldt]

Italics off Ick

[Bruce]

The state does not have the right to move for Speedy Trial upon Demand; a 60 day period between filing the motion and start of trial. Absent this demand, the rules call for trial within 175 days of arrest. That date can be moved out for cause.

Don't know how it is in Florida, but my impression where I am from is that the state typically has a fairly steep burden to get the "speedy trial" deadline waived. Usually, when you see it, it comes, at least to some extent, from the defense. Which is the way it should be - it is to protect defendants against long confinement waiting for trail, and not the prosecution against dallying in building their case. Besides, if they don't have probable cause, and, therefore at least a good start on a case, they shouldn't bring charges, until they do.

[cboldt]

-- Besides, if they don't have probable cause, and, therefore at least a good start on a case, they shouldn't bring charges, until they do. --

Prosecution in this case also doesn't have the excuse of needing time to depose and process testimony from unknown defense witnesses.

The state has a weak hand. I think putting the state on hurry up would a strategic advantage to Zimmerman. It would also result in pressure (not that it's needed) on the court to have the Immunity Hearing completed and a ruling.

O'Mara should have a very good handle on the state's case by May 8th. He's in the driver's seat.

[MarkO]

It seems that octoroons should be particularly cautious. I abhor black on black violence.

[Bruce]

I would also note the difference here between how these young (black here) males think that they can deal with cops, and how George Zimmerman did after shooting Martin. He told the cop that he had a weapon and a concealed carry permit, and then followed the cop's instructions exactly in turning over the weapon. Always more than respectful and as non-threatening as possible.

I think the thing that drives me crazy here with the "driving while black" meme, is that as an over 60 year old white professional, I know these rules, and follow them whenever I interact with the police. All of us do. And, indeed, I have heard from more than one cop that the best way to get their suspicions up, is to act defensive or offensively when confronted by cops. And, that is because a majority of the people do like most of us do here, and act as non-threatening as possible. The cops figure that anyone, and esp. young males, being confrontational are trying to hide something. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid.

Not that there isn't some "driving while black" extra vigilance by the cops going on. Knew one black attorney who drove a BMW, and would routinely get pulled over because the cops figured that a well dressed black man in a BMW might be a drug dealer. But, that isn't what we are talking about here - rather, it is about the guys who look like ganstas, acting like them, etc., being upset because they are treated like they might actually be what they are dressed up and act like. (And, yes, I think that there is evidence that Trayvon Martin might have fit in there).

[DebinNC]

IIRC, NC doesn't have a speedy trial statute. Last I saw, cases take an average 500 days to finally come to trial. Nifong would have been fine with the 3 he knew were falsely accused rotting away or being killed awaiting trial.

[matt]

Thank you, Deb. That was a wonderful interview. It matches my 3 minute impression of who he is.

[DebinNC]

Thank you, matt, for the movie suggestion. My dh and I especially enjoy hidden gems of the heartwarming sort. I'm having trouble finding "The Man Who Shook the Hand.." though. Thought surely Amazon would have it, but didn't find it there.

[Gus]

Poor Ben, nobody reads his tripe. Tie a pork chop around your neck Ben. The stray dogs will listen to you!!

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

[Danube of Thought]

Deb, is that 500 days applicable to criminal trials? The right to a speedy trial in criminal cases is a constitutional one; many states have codified that right with a fixed limit. Five hundred days strikes me as mighty long.

In the old system in L.A. It often took more than five years to get to trial in civil cases, but they finally revamped that system to good effect.

When I am pulled over by a cop I place both hands on the steering wheel and do not move until instructed by the cop.

[poppa india]

Ben, please briefly explain what Bruce doesn't get-Thanks.

[narciso]

That's generally smart policy, I don't care you are,

[AliceH]

That's generally smart policy, I don't care you are

So why do these columnists keep writing about "the talk" as though it's a unique "driving while black" protocol?

btw, i know that's an easy snark target, but I really am interested in any serious hypotheses.

[DebinNC]

DoT, the bottom comment on this page sums up the sorry state of affairs in NC re the right to a speedy trial. It was a big issue during the Nifong/Mangum Hoax, and to my knowledge nothing has changed since.

[henry]

Poppa, "you just don't get it" is feather passer for "your logic and supporting facts are incontrovertible, but I'm sticking to my fantasy worldview". I often heard that in grad school.

AliceH, acting white is bad-- so practical behavior must be described in terms of victimology rather than common sense.

[poppa india]

Ben, the discussion is not about profiling, being stopped by the police unfairly, or anything like that. It is about how to act once anyone is stopped. Hands in sight, act civilly, all the stuff that I, a white guy, told my teenage son, who looks whiter than I am.

[Have Blue]

Ben - Maybe he avoids being around Democrats and their racist thoughts and policies.

[Neo]

This will last until somebody gets the "ScarFace treatment"

"Say Hello to my little friend !!"

[Captain Hate]

"Get down on the ground, nigger"

Robert Byrd?

[Neo]

This will last until somebody gets the "ScarFace treatment"

"Say Hello to my little friend !!"

[poppa india]

Actually, when I had "The Talk" with my teen-ager, I started by having him watch the Chris Rock vid, "How Not To Get Your A** Kicked By The Police" on Youtube. Maybe Ben should take a look at it.

[henry]

As a spirited youth I heard "Yur in a heap o' trouble boy!" more than once. Angry cops don't care if you have no melanin.

[bgates]

I thought this covered "the talk" pretty well.

[Captain Hate]

Even "Gentleman's Agreement' could help with how people are treated when perceived through a racist window

Do you ever run out of stereotypes?

[Clarice]

Pistolas are out and loaded. Fair warning.

[Have Blue]

Ben - You keep talking about racism. Why are you so down on the Democrat Party and their hundred and fifty year legacy?

[poppa india]

Chris Rock = white folks?

[rse]

henry-

Just the person I came to see. LUN will demonstrate to you a close to real time example from your state of how Common Core will actually look like in the classroom.

And why I regard it as one of the greatest ruses and most lucrative rent seeking scams in the history of the planet.

Thought you might be aware of certain people who might be interested in that implementation reality.

[Danube of Thought]

"One thing I'm sure you didn't hear, at any point in your life; 'Get down on the ground, nigger.'"

Get it, Henry? You've never heard that, so not only are you somewhat inferior morally, your words of advice about how to behave toward policemen can be haughtily dismissed.

[MarkO]

I used to hear, "Thank you so much for pointing out who did this."

[Gus]

I sincerely doubt that Barry O'Drama ever heard the words 'Get down on the ground nigger".

yawn.

[Danube of Thought]

"I just love it when white folks tell blacks what it's like to be black."

It's especially sweet when Ben Franklin does it. Dude be down with the struggle.

[DebinNC]

Dot, I posted a link at 1:12 re NC's lack of a speedy trial statute. Hard to believe with CA trials being so very speedy, but it's true.

[Danube of Thought]

Deb, I went to that link but couldn't find the comment you were referring to.

[Gus]

I truly enjoy when Retarded Ben comes aboard. I don't read his tripe, but I love the comments by our regulars.
Danube especially. Ben Dover comes to a gun fight with a wet noodle.

[Ignatz]

--Hard to believe with CA trials being so very speedy, but it's true.--

So very speedy?
Let's see, took three years to get to trial on our partition and a further hearing was ordered that went another year and was finally wrapped up in just short of five.
Last suit was filed in July 2005, had trial in Jan 2009 and appeal just finished a couple of weeks ago, six and a half years after filing.
California's Delay Reduction Program is a joke and not a particularly funny one.

[boatbuilder]

Gus--your 11:22 comment about Darryl Owens was gratuitously offensive. Is there a point?

[Danube of Thought]

'"Driving while black' is when you get pulled over because of a profile."

In his imagination, it happens to Ben all the time--that's how he knows so much about it. That's the way it is when you have a deep-seated need to be a victim--you seek the ultimate moral authority of a Cindy Sheehan.

[Ignatz]

--Gus--your 11:22 comment about Darryl Owens was gratuitously offensive. Is there a point?--

Because he said Negro as in United Negro College Fund?

[Gus]

Boatbuilder. There was nothing offensive about my comment. You are dismissed. If you are offended, I suggest you get a helmet boy.

[Ignatz]

--I just love it when white folks tell blacks what it's like to be black.--

You mean like when white liberals tell black conservatives they're not authentic blacks?

I personally am particularly fond of white liberal folks telling white conservative folks what it's like to be black which seems to be a never ending illegitimate hobby of theirs.

[Clarice]

Do not date your dentist. Fair warning:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2136265/Dentist-Anna-Mackowiak-pulled-ALL-boyfriend-Marek-Olszewski-s-teeth-dumped-her.html?ICO=most_read_module

[DebinNC]

Know a black guy who should have been arrested but wasn't? That aggressive black panhandler who made Obama's beloved Toots so afraid at the bus stop after she'd already given him some money. The next morning she asked hubby Stanley for a ride to work, fearful of encountering the crazy guy again, but Pop was too appalled at her mention that the fellow was black to oblige. Obama asked Stanley if he could give her a ride instead, but when Stanley told him of her mention of the b-word he claims it was like being punched in the stomach, and readers are left wondering what happened to Toots that day. Did either men give her a ride to work, since neither apparently were employed themselves? Did Obama walk Toots to the bus stop so she wouldn't be harrassed? We'll never know, but we can guess since he left it out of his self-serving opus.

[Gus]

Ignatz, almost all of America's urban news rags hire a black columnist to "keep it real".
Darryl Owens reported and editorialized on the Skittles case, thru ebony colored glasses. To ME......THAT is offensive. Darryl Owens is not the REFEREE of RACE.
As for Boatbuilder, I will just assume he is much like other cowardly apologigists.
I have nothing to apologize for. As you know Ig, when I am wrong, I will apologize.

[boatbuilder]

Why did he feel the need? Was there something about Owens piece--which says what needs to be said, in my opinion--which called for what is pretty clearly intended as a snide race-based put-down?

[Papa Whskey]

... high-minded crusade ...

What a howler! From the president's dog-whistle to the media's mendacity to the AG's appearance with Sharpton to the special prosecutor's public cooing over NLN's parents, this has been the most squalid, racist campaign I've ever seen the black/liberal alliance conduct -- and there have been some bad ones.

[boatbuilder]

I guess I don't get it, Gus. What is your point if not to put him down?
What am I a cowardly apologist for?

[Danube of Thought]

I sure didn't suggest that CA civil trials were speedy, only that it no longer takes 5+ years in L.A. Superior Court.

[DebinNC]

DoT, I still see it at 11:41. Bottom line, NC Supreme Court has ruled accused can be held at least as long as 4 yrs. without trial. Durham released someone not too long ago after 5 yrs. w/o trial. Also, in NC there are no grand jury transcripts so venal prosecutors like Mike Nifong can get indictments via lies and defendants can never challenge them.

[Gus]

Boatbuilder, I get the drill. You love black folks and protect them against evil Conservatives.

Honk honk clown.

[DebinNC]

I sure didn't suggest that CA civil trials were speedy

He was quoting me, and compared to NC the CA trials are very speedy.

[boris]

... and the existance of racisim on "both sides" clearly justifies the necessity of race-nannies to scold and/or beat up anybody who steps out of line ...

[Ignatz]

--Ignatz, almost all of America's urban news rags hire a black columnist to "keep it real".
Darryl Owens reported and editorialized on the Skittles case, thru ebony colored glasses. To ME......THAT is offensive. Darryl Owens is not the REFEREE of RACE.--

I agree with that....

--As for Boatbuilder, I will just assume he is much like other cowardly apologigists.--

....but not that.

[Danube of Thought]

I'm a bit surprised that four years could survive a constitutional challenge.

[Captain Hate]

Was there something about Owens piece--which says what needs to be said, in my opinion

Meh, it's a mixed bag imo. He makes some good points, one of them very good, but he still doesn't deviate from the narrative that an injustice was done by GZ nor take responsibility for being part of something which has spread it.

[boatbuilder]

That's me, Gus--well-known easily-offended liberal apologist.

I'm still trying to figure out what the hell your point was. Were you concerned that some benighted soul wouldn't know and understand that Darryl Owens, who TM referred to as a "black leader," is a black man?

[DebinNC]

DoT: Spivey v. North Carolina ..in case you're interested in the NC Supremes' reasoning.

[Ignatz]

--But,that's changing the subject a little, amiright?--

Are you new here?
Changing the subject is my raison d'etre.
See?

[boatbuilder]

True, Captain--but that goes with the territory, and the article was pretty carefully worded so as to address the nature of the frustration rather than to opine regarding the specifics of the case. I know nothing about Owens other than what TM put in his post, and he seems to be making a lot of sense.
I'm still waiting for the great self-proclaimed healer of our country to show some similar stones on this issue.

[faketony]

This thread should have been titled,

~~ "Honkie Conk`in"~~

[Have Blue]

With the elbows again Ignatz??!

[Jane]

Gus, you sure do take a lot of punches, often without thinking it seems. A word to the wise: Try giving people the benefit of the doubt - at least until you have had an opportunity to get to know them.

[Have Blue]

Off

Bold

[DrJ]

off

[DrJ]

again

[Have Blue]

Off

Ities

[DrJ]

Have Blue, welcome to the "close tag" police!

[Have Blue]

Now if I could just realize that there were two tags open.

[rse]

Jane-LUN says this has gotten so far out of control that radical decentralization is the only way to go.

Amen on our yesterday's theme.