Times Editors On Zimmerman Acquital - Keeping The Dream Alive

The NY Times editors won't let reality or their own reporting intrude on their fantasies about the Zimmerman trial and acquital:

Trayvon Martin’s Legacy

..

The jury reached its verdict after having been asked to consider Mr. Zimmerman’s actions in light of Florida’s now-notorious Stand Your Ground statute [That is technically correct insofar as "Stand Your Ground" is part of the overall explanation to the jury of justifiable and excusable force]. Under that law, versions of which are on the books in two dozen states, a person may use deadly force if he or she “reasonably believes” it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm — a low bar that the prosecutors in this case fought in vain to overcome.

These laws sound intuitive: who would argue that you may not protect yourself against great harm? But of course, the concept of “reasonable belief” is transformed into something deadly dangerous when firearms are involved. And when the Stand Your Ground laws intersect with lax concealed-carry laws, it works essentially to self-deputize anyone with a Kel-Tec 9 millimeter and a grudge.

The law sounds intuitive? The law sounds very similar to the NY State law for self defense. Some excerpts (my emphasis):

S 35.10 Justification; use of physical force generally. The use of physical force upon another person which would otherwise constitute an offense is justifiable and not criminal under any of the following circumstances:

...

6. A person may, pursuant to the ensuing provisions of this article, use physical force upon another person in self-defense or defense of a third person, or in defense of premises, or in order to prevent larceny of or criminal mischief to property, or in order to effect an arrest or prevent an escape from custody...

 And they provide more detail on self-defense. My emphasis again, with comments as to the applicability to the Zimmerman case in brackets.:

S 35.15 Justification; use of physical force in defense of a person.

1. A person may, subject to the provisions of subdivision two, use physical force upon another person when and to the extent he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to defend himself, herself or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by such other person, unless:

(a) The latter's conduct was provoked by the actor with intent to cause physical injury to another person [The state failed to prove that Zimmerman initiated the confrontation, unless we accept their notion that it is illegal to exit one's car]; or

(b) The actor was the initial aggressor; except that in such case the use of physical force is nevertheless justifiable if the actor has withdrawn from the encounter and effectively communicated such withdrawal to such other person but the latter persists in continuing the incident by the use or threatened imminent use of unlawful physical force [the state failed to prove it was not Zimmerman getting battered on the sidewalk and screaming for help]; or

(c) The physical force involved is the product of a combat by agreement not specifically authorized by law.[N/A]

2. A person may not use deadly physical force upon another person under circumstances specified in subdivision one unless:

(a) The actor reasonably believes that such other person is using or about to use deadly physical force. Even in such case, however, the actor may not use deadly physical force if he or she knows that with complete personal safety, to oneself and others he or she may avoid the necessity of so doing by retreating [This is their favored alternative to Stand Your Ground, but of course it has no relevance when the shooter is lying on the ground screaming for help]; except that the actor is under no duty to retreat if he or she is:

[The following exceptions would not apply to Zimmerman]

(i) in his or her dwelling and not the initial aggressor; or

(ii) a police officer or peace officer or a person assisting a police officer or a peace officer at the latter`s direction, acting pursuant to section 35.30; or

(b) He or she reasonably believes that such other person is committing or attempting to commit a kidnapping, forcible rape, forcible criminal sexual act or robbery; or

(c) He or she reasonably believes that such other person is committing or attempting to commit a burglary, and the circumstances are such that the use of deadly physical force is authorized by subdivision three of section 35.20.

Well. Even with New York's duty to retreat, Zimmerman would have had a strong self-defense story that the prosecution never proved to be false. Here is the Times Liz Alvarette in today's paper:

At the trial, the fight between Mr. Martin and Mr. Zimmerman that preceded the shooting produced a muddle of testimony — and grist for reasonable doubt. It remained unclear who had thrown the first punch and at what point Mr. Zimmerman drew his gun. There were no witnesses to the shooting and no definitive determination of which man could be heard yelling for help in the background of a 911 call.

The only version of events came from Mr. Zimmerman, who did not take the stand, denying prosecutors a chance to cross-examine him. His statements to the police spoke for him at the trial. Defense lawyers also had a powerful piece of evidence in photographs of Mr. Zimmerman’s injuries: a bloody nose and cuts and lumps on the back of his head.

...

The evidence of Mr. Zimmerman’s injuries may have helped his case, but it was not legally necessary. He needed to show only that he feared great bodily harm or death when he pulled out his gun, which he was carrying legally, and shot Mr. Martin.

“Classic self-defense,” Mr. O’Mara said.

Soon after Mr. Zimmerman was arrested, there appeared to be a chance that the defense would invoke a provision of Florida self-defense law known as Stand Your Ground. Ultimately it was not part of Mr. O’Mara’s courtroom strategy, though it did play a pivotal role immediately after the shooting.

The provision, enacted by the Florida Legislature in 2005 and since adopted by more than 20 other states, allows people who fear great harm or death not to retreat, even if they can safely do so. If an attacker is retreating, people are still permitted to use deadly force.

"If an attacker is retreating, people are still permitted to use deadly force".

Without researching that I will bet that is more Times fantasizing. Life and the lkaw are full of surprises but where is the imminent threat of grave harm if the attacker is retreating? Legal eagles? Pressing on:

The provision also allows a defendant claiming self-defense to seek civil and criminal immunity at a pretrial hearing.

Mr. O’Mara said he did not rely on Stand Your Ground as a defense because Mr. Zimmerman had no option to retreat.

"Retreat was not an option" would have been the argument made in a New York court.

We don't honestly expect the Times editors to let facts or the law interfere with their fantasies, but I an keeping my own dream alive.

I AM NOT A LAWYER, BUT... Eugene Volokh is a law professor:

Who should bear the burden of proving or disproving self-defense in criminal cases, and by what quantum (preponderance of the evidence, clear and convincing evidence, or beyond a reasonable doubt), is an interesting question. But on this point, Florida law is precisely the same as in nearly all other states: In 49 of the 50 states, once the defense introducing any evidence of possible self-defense, the prosecution must disprove self-defense beyond a reasonable doubt.

That is separate from the duty to retreat, obviously.

KEEP PANDERING ALIVE! The DOJ will pretend to keep the hate crimes investigation open even though not even the pom-pom girls (and guys!) at the Times can take it seriously:

With Criminal Case Closed, Justice Department Will Restart Hate Crime Inquiry

By ERIC LIPTON

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department said Sunday that it was restarting its investigation into the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin to consider possible separate hate crime charges against George Zimmerman.

Possible hurdles:

In a statement on Sunday, the Justice Department said that now that the state criminal trial was over, it would continue its examination of the circumstances in the shooting. “Experienced federal prosecutors will determine whether the evidence reveals a prosecutable violation of any of the limited federal criminal civil rights statutes within our jurisdiction,” the statement said.

The department sets a high bar for such a prosecution. Three former Justice Department officials who once worked in the department’s Civil Rights Division, which is handling the inquiry, said Sunday that the federal government must clear a series of difficult legal hurdles before it could move to indict Mr. Zimmerman.

“It is not enough if it’s just a fight that escalated,” said Samuel Bagenstos, who until 2011 served as the principal deputy assistant attorney general in the division. “The government has to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant acted willfully with a seriously culpable state of mind” to violate Mr. Martin’s civil rights.

Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. hinted at those challenges last year.

“We have to prove the highest standard in the law,” Mr. Holder said at a news conference in April 2012. “Something that was reckless, that was negligent, does not meet that standard. We have to show that there was specific intent to do the crime with the requisite state of mind.”

Florida failed to get traction with their 'state of mind' charges, but who knows?

The Times offers this example of a successful prosecution:

Criminal charges under federal hate crime law have increased significantly during the Obama administration. Between 2009 and 2012, the Justice Department prosecuted 29 percent more such cases than in the previous three fiscal years. Last month in Seattle, for example, Jamie Larson, 49, pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges that he beat a cabdriver, who was from India and was wearing a turban.

Mmm - a drunken miscreant beat a cabbie. Tha assailant had a long criminal record, there were no self-defense issues at all, and there had been no acquital on related criminal charges. Is this meant to inspire confidence that Zimmerman can be prosecuted? Or does it show us what a real hate crime might look like?

The Times does not vex their readers with news that came out during discovery in the Zimmerman trial:

After interviewing nearly three dozen people in the George Zimmerman murder case, the FBI found no evidence that racial bias was a motivating factor in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, records released Thursday show.

Even the lead detective in the case, Sanford Det. Chris Serino, told agents that he thought Zimmerman profiled Trayvon because of his attire and the circumstances — but not his race.

Serino saw Zimmerman as “having little hero complex, but not as a racist.”

They interviewed "nearly three dozen" people? Interview more!

Read more here: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/07/12/155918/more-evidence-released-in-trayvon.html#.UeNKlFOhUeN#storylink=cpy

 

Comments

[NK]

Englightened-- they're BOTH gonna need translators. No chance Dee Dee gets his British Public Schoolboy lexicon, and I doubt Morgan speaks Ebonics.

[Enlightened]

(I'm bored. Fishing for drama.)

Dee Dee and Piers got ya covered...tune in for the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

[AliceH]

--no GZ DNA on Martin, for example--

I recall the ME said they only swabbed/checked for DNA where they had first confirmed blood evidence. No blood, no swab.

Since hands were not bagged, since it was raining, since wet clothes were stored in plastic, that means the most plausible places one might find GZ DNA were destroyed.

[Extraneus]

The "discussion" we should be having:

No kidding. Imagine the reactions if a law was passed specifically allowing an armed person, including a bystander, to kill anyone involved in this knockout game.

A. Great! That'll put a stop to this kind of behavior and save some lives.

B. Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis? That law needs to be overturned! Justice for Trayvon!

[Rob Crawford]

The uncritical coverage of the Zimmerman verdict protests is reminiscent of the MSM's fawning over OWS.

No surprise; the Occutards are part of the marches, desperately seeking attention.

[jimmyk]

the Occutards are part of the marches, desperately seeking attention.

And the media all wax nostalgic for the 60s.

[maryrose]

NK:
I mentioned the Vanity Fair article last week but could not link it due to Typepad problems.
Marko; you are correct:detailed truth that will prove devastating to Obama and Hillary. Liars all and recently interviewed NulanD says she didn't talk directly to Hil about Talking points but that another person {a man } did have knowledge of revisions.

[Enlightened]

Am I missing something? Since Dee Dee was States star witness, if she goes on PM's show - wouldn't that impact the Federal trial? (if there is one)

[BB Key]

man = Hill's Deputy Chief of Staff

[Jose Rodriguez]

Someone like Ted Cruz needs to get out there and ask why, after Zimmerman was found not guilty in a court of law and no evidence of racism found by the FBI, are Reid, Holder and Obama continuing to persecute Mr. Zimmerman? Is is only because Mr. Zimmerman is Hispanic? Is Mr. Zimmerman the one having his civil rights violated? Are Reid, Holder and Obama the only true racists in this fiasco?

[CR]

I'd to propose a reality series like one of those on PBS like "Manor House" or "Pioneer House". In this one, a group of limousine liberals or journalists from Manhattan, Santa Monica and DC would get to live for 6 months in George Zimmerman's neighborhood. No guns, neighborhood watches or cop wanabees allowed. At the end we get to hear their thoughts about Stand Your Ground and self defense laws. I just can't think of an appropriate title.

[maryrose]

These demonstrations are pointless. They will not bring back Trayvon. A money donation to your local Girls Club or Boys Club or Youth Recreation programs would be a better use of your time and energy. It is summer, these kids should be working part -time{thanks to Preezy that is the only employment available} and playing baseball or soccer.All the young people I know are engaged in positive, fun activities. This demonstrating is a waste of time. The jury has decided. Race based politics and ginning up the Black vote so that Bammy can win a second term is not a good enough reason to sentence an upstanding young man who ibn defense of his own life was forced to take another's life. Trayvon was a felon, a thief and a suspenede student. He had little parental supervision, was smoking marijuana{also illegal and robbing houses which is where the jewelry came from. We need to focus on the real facts. "the expression "you don't need to do that" does not translate to "Get in your car and leave".

[pagar]

http://therightscoop.com/allen-west-where-was-naacp-and-media-when-two-black-teenagers-shot-a-white-baby-in-the-face/

In Chicago they have shot babies, senior citizens, involved people, uninvolved people, they just don't seem to care and no one else seems to either. WHY?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-man-shot-critically-hurt-in-south-deering-20130714,0,7705175.story

[Clarice]

My memory did not fail me--MOM said if civil suits were brought he'd seek and get immunity.http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=2543971812001&odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cfeatured

[Clarice]

Despite the media's efforts, it seems impossible to gin yup a real race riot these days.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323848804578607712534481472.html?mod=wsj_share_tweet

[Rob Crawford]

In Chicago they have shot babies, senior citizens, involved people, uninvolved people, they just don't seem to care and no one else seems to either. WHY?

Because that's the way the city's "government" is arranged. Half the alderman are selected by the gangs, the other half promise to keep the working people safe from the gangs. The Revrums keep the low-information voters convinced that taking on the gangs would mean they all get gunned down.

Anything that puts the cash flow from the gangs to the pols at risk (like armed citizens) is the direst emergency imaginable; anything that keeps the gangs in power (like random murder) is fine and dandy.

[maryrose]

clarice: Thanks for the clarification. Glad you are having so much fun with the future gourmet.
pagar:
Black on white crime is no big deal to NAACP or Holder. remember black first, last and always...
above should be suspended and in

[Porchlight]

CR, I love your idea. It could work in so many other situations as well. After Zimmerman's neighborhood, they could then go live in a border town in Arizona.

[Jane]

The people in charge of this country, give me the creeps.

[jimmyk]

These demonstrations are pointless. They will not bring back Trayvon.

That's not the point. The point of the protests is (a) to shake down or otherwise make non-blacks feel guilty and apologetic; (b) to help the Democratic party, unions, the usual lefty institutions.

The unstated view is that black teenagers have a right to sucker-punch and beat up unsuspecting people of any race or ethnicity, without being subject to the indignity of getting shot.

[NK]

Clarice-- so we are all agreed that GZ does not yet have immunity from the Jury verdict, correct?

PS: let us know how the menu came out, sounds delicious.

[AliceH]

--After Zimmerman's neighborhood, they could then go live in a border town in Arizona.--

And and and They can do a spinoff series, sending their kids to Public School in DC!!!

[maryrose]

Any new information on the filibuster kerfuffle in the Senate?
BB Key: Thank you for your imput on the man in question.

[NK]

AliceH@2:25-- BINGO. Mention DC Public schools to the DC Dem establishment for their own kids (especially the black establishment), and every fainting couch East of the Miss. will be needed.

[maryrose]

jimmyk;
I do not feel guilty and I do not apologize because I never owned slaves{unless you count my children{just kidding}. I think it makes them all look like slackers and lazy persons for not having a job or a place to be or a life...

[Some Guy]

The civil rights case that needs to be filed should be one against the DOJ.

They are the party who ‘acted under the color of law’ to deny someone their civil rights.

[Porchlight]

And and and They can do a spinoff series, sending their kids to Public School in DC!!!

Then it's off to gangland territory in Chicago...

[henry]

CR, how about "Suckers" or the ghetto / barrio equivalent?

[AliceH]

Call it "Life Swap".

[Janet --- -... .- -- .- ... ..- -.-. -.- ...]

I stand with with Sue!

Me too. The whole idea of hate crimes is terrible. LIke Pragar pointed out with social justice vs justice.

It especially stands out as being dangerous considering the NSA social media snooping & the Paula Deen brouhaha. Any American could be prosecuted for hating at some point in their life if the authorities want to ruin them. Anyone.

[jimmyk]

IANAL, but my reading of this:

http://www.lawserver.com/law/state/florida/statutes/florida_statutes_776-032

is that GZ gets immunity from civil action not from an acquittal, but from a ruling that he is immune from criminal prosecution. No such ruling was made, and in fact he obviously was subject to criminal prosecution, as wrong as it was. So it would seem that he does not have immunity, though perhaps a judge could grant him that. I would not be as confident as MOM that a FL judge would do that, even if the law prescribes it.

[NK]

.. but not Alec Baldwin!! he can hatefully damn a man for homosexual affectations, but NBC (Comcast) and Capital One will keep paying him millions!!

[pagar]

Or against the schools.

http://theothermccain.com/2013/07/15/miami-dade-schools-could-have-saved-travyon-martins-life-by-arresting-him/#.UePrOvevVCI.twitter

[NK]

jimmyK-- concur with all of that. Nelson would imprison GZ before she would immunize him... and GZ's already been acquitted.

[sbwaters]

>> Piers Morgan will be interviewing Dee Dee exclusively.

Because no one else wants to?

[Cecil Turner]

I would not be as confident as MOM that a FL judge would do that, even if the law prescribes it.

This time he has a jury decision that really can't be interpreted any other way, and the prospect of an immediate appeal if immunity is denied. IANAL either, but if I were, I'd be about as confident as MOM appears to be.

[JIB]

Piers Morgan will be interviewing Dee Dee exclusively.

In cursive?

jimmyk,

Back in the day, we did a study on building a barrage in the lagoon to keep the city from flooding due to tidal surges. Oh, the clamor it wrought from the Save Venice mob. They want to save the city but without taming mother nature. Gaia is so proud. Most of that Save Venice is American money.

Then the mayor had us do a study on a subway/pre-metro system from Mestre with stops in the various campos ending in Lido. The way it would work was that everyone is issued snorkeling gear and at each stop there is a pressure locker much like a torpedo tube that ejects the passenger in the "street". Swimming was optional.

[Jane]

If I had to come up with a prescription on how to change this country from the bastion of freedom it was to a racist bigoted yukplace, I couldn't have done it better than Eric Holder.

Impeach him!

[Clarice]

It won't be before nelson. As I understand it, the Martins would have to sue GZ (which like DoT I think would be il-advised) then GZ moves to dismiss on the basis of immunity. Since we've seen the "best evidence" the state could provide that this wasn't self defense, I think MOM's right--they'll get immunity.

More on self defense:http://www.speroforum.com/a/ABTQXCNTFM32/73128-Black-woman-stands-her-ground-kills-white-man#.UeREKWLi5ax

[Jane]

"Piers Morgan will be interviewing Dee Dee exclusively."

i hope he has a lot prepared since she hates to talk.

[Clarice]

Oh, Jane, you know I'm with you on that. And I bet once they started a trial in the House, there'd be a lot more that came out about the Civil Rights Division, etc etc.

[bgates]

Call it "Life Swap".

"Two Americas".

[MarkO]

Would Baldwin ever call Shep a toxic queen?

[Neo]

Eric Holder: We have top men working on it now.

Indiana: Who?

Eric Holder: Top... men.

[Cecil Turner]

And on that left vs right on the first punch issue . . . (Background: IIRC, one of the problems the State had with the recreation video was that it showed a left-handed punch by TM to start the fisticuffs. MOM cited a medical opinion that the blow came from GZ's right, which prompted this recreation.)

Anyone who's ever boxed (or even watched a match) knows that when speed is of the essence (e.g., to preserve surprise for a sucker-punch), a right-handed boxer will typically jab with the left rather than wind up a big right. Far from being a point that discredits that account, TM being a righty throwing a left is the most plausible scenario . . . in fact it'd have been a bit suspicious otherwise.

[DebinNC]

ABC interviewed Corey and her 3 stooges last night (LUN). They're doubling down on GZ's guilt, now contending he pulled out his gun before the fight started which is the reason Trayvon was screaming for help. I can't believe prosecutors are allowed to make unproven assertions like that post-verdict with impunity.

[Minimalist Poster]

Juror B37 has an agent!
but no book and no book deal - yet

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/george-zimmerman-juror-to-write-book_b74138

[DublinDave]

"Someone like Ted Cruz needs to get out there and ask why, after Zimmerman was found not guilty in a court of law and no evidence of racism found by the FBI"

No evidence of racism- dear God man you are really that dimwitted-have you literally no deductive reasoning or critical thinking skills at-fucking-all?

What made Zimmerman get out of his car, follow Martin and call the police? A bag of skittles with a violent past? An ice tea with a history of breaking and entering?

Travon Martin was a nigger. That's the hard horrible disgusting truth of why batman took it upon himself to carry a loaded gun while following a Trayvon at night and make that situation incredibly dangerous and potentially violent.

Trayvon was a nigger.

Do you honestly believe Batman would have followed a white boy in wholesome clothing or a white business man or a white woman? Of course not, he followed Martin because he was black. A kid just off his 16 birthday died because he had the misfortune to be born a different color and that's going to change.

Acting suspiciously? Seriously? Talking on the phone with your buddy is a clear sign you're about to rob a house? Really???? Talking on the phone warrants the cops being called? Eating skittles may get followed, intimidated and scared shitless by an armed man.

[Rob Crawford]

Imagine the reactions if a law was passed specifically allowing an armed person, including a bystander, to kill anyone involved in this knockout game.

Arguably, it's already legal.

o The target is typically surprised; a surprise attack removes any duty to retreat.

o A surprised target has done nothing to escalate the confrontation; there hasn't been a confrontation prior to the attack!

o Rendering someone unconscious seems to me to count as "grievous bodily harm", particularly since people have been killed or paralyzed in these attacks.

So, at least as I understand the laws, and remember IANAL, all the conditions for self-defense are met. So long as those conditions are met, you can also act to defend others.

The defense of others typically is questionable because of the escalation condition; unless you know there was no escalation before the attack, you may be intervening on the wrong side.

I wouldn't risk this in a Blue Hell, of course.

[DublinDave]

Sheesh...'are you really that dimwitted'...the irony....

[Enlightened]

Acting suspiciously? Seriously? Talking on the phone with your buddy is a clear sign you're about to rob a house? Really???? Talking on the phone warrants the cops being called? Eating skittles may get followed, intimidated and scared shitless by an armed man.

Disappearing for 3 minutes and not taking the high road home about 100 feet away, and then sucker punching someone is definitely the innocence of a child.

[Rob Crawford]

They're doubling down on GZ's guilt, now contending he pulled out his gun before the fight started which is the reason Trayvon was screaming for help.

I don't recall them arguing that in court.

I wonder if any of them have ever heard the term "defamation per se". They're about to get quite familiar with it, if not.

[MarkO]

Rob,

Right you are.

[Ignatz]

-- Far from being a point that discredits that account, TM being a righty throwing a left is the most plausible scenario . . . in fact it'd have been a bit suspicious otherwise.----

That's the point I was trying to make to Barbara, CT.
A person who has had a bit of training or is a wannabe fighter, like TM, is probably the person most likely to use their non dominant hand first.
A complete novice may use his dominant hand because it just feels right and a highly skilled fighter has learned how to lead with his dominant hand, especially when trying to knock someone out.
Like you, I would have been surprised if TM didn't lead with his left.

[Danube on iPad]

"wouldn't that impact the Federal trial?"

If, at that trial, she says anything inconsistent with what she says to Piers, it the latter can be used to impeach her trial testimony.

I don't think this jury verdict would even be admissible in a stand-your-ground hearing in a civil suit. GZ would have to start from scratch and prevail by a preponderance of the evidence.

[jimmyk]

I can't believe prosecutors are allowed to make unproven assertions like that post-verdict with impunity.

I agree with Rob, this should be further grounds for a lawsuit.

You have to wonder what Corey's motivation is. She can't change the outcome of the trial. It's hard to see any effect of her statements other than to foment violence. Does she really think it will get her a lot of votes? And that's worth the damage? She's scum.

[NK]

Plenty of pastyfaced white kids --acne and all-- wearing hoodies and into 'knockout' culture who look just as sketchy and crime risky (just go to Southie Mass, Dublin ROI, or Birmingham UK) as a hoodie kid with a higher melanin count. No sale DD, culture is destiny-- if you're a hoodie wearing, Purple Drank dope smoking, knockout game punching, gangsta wannabe,you'll find trouble soon enough in the USA, ROI, UK where ever, and you'll eventually kill someone or be killed. Obummer said we're in post racial America and Holder says we're cowards for not talking about race. So let's talk knockout, and Purple Drank and crips/blood colors, and those 50-100 young black men shot and killed every week by other young black men.The only 'racial' issue to any of this is too many young black men join gansta culture.

[Ignatz]

--A kid just off his 16 birthday died because he had the misfortune to be born a different color and that's going to change.-

I know lefties love aborting minority babies but is a zero tolerance, forced abortion policy really gonna fly?

Or has the DNC developed a pill to make black babies as pasty faced as your average drunken Irishman?

[DebinNC]

More from the ABC interview last night:
.............................................
"It's common sense [why the gunshot immediately stopped the screaming]. No one stops screaming for help unless they are certain they killed him," Corey said. "He had said he thought he missed."

The attorneys say Zimmerman's team exaggerated his injuries and that rain made the pictures of his bloodied head seem worse than they were. They also say his legal team underplayed how fit he was at the time of the shooting.

"They called him one "lucky man" for his acquittal and had a response to lead defense attorney Mark O'Mara's statement in an interview after the trial that Zimmerman might have to re-arm in response to the death threats he faces.

"He better be careful," Guy said
...............................................

West refused to shake Guy's hand after the verdict. He was right to do so.

[Nuff Said]

" That's the hard horrible disgusting truth of why batman took it upon himself to carry a loaded gun while following a Trayvon at night and make that situation incredibly dangerous and potentially violent."

Batzimmerman. Too funny.

"BAM ! POW ! Holy Batdoroppings, Batman. You sure nailed that Gotham Wannabee."

[Jane -walk like an Egyptian]

Dudu,

Your racism really offends me. Could you please take it elsewhere? Thanks in advance.

[bgates]

Hey, any of you Left Coast types know how I could shop this screenplay idea around?

George Zimmerman was a humble Latino man who worked for the underprivileged in his community until one day tragedy struck: He was viciously attacked by a member of a racial group that (A) we don't need so much any more, (B) will keep voting (D) anyway, and (C) plays well as the bad guy w the lucrative international market. He was quickly exonerated by an official investigation - but his troubles were only beginning.

A racist Republican governor (Christopher Heyerdahl) appoints a racist Republican prosecutor (an Ann Ramsey type) who will stop at nothing to put our innocent Hispanic hero behind bars. His only hope against these villainous Republican government officials? A couple of all-star trial lawyers (Chris Cooper and Patrick Stewart? Just spitballing here).

To keep the narrative focus, we downplay the whole Martin family/Sharpton/etc business, so the audience can concentrate on Zimmerman vs the Republicans - he works with black kids, he votes for Obama, etc etc; no need to make this into some racially divisive thing. The villains are clearly the white Republican Tea Party types.

The big hole right now is the lead - George Lopez would kill for this, but he might not be sympathetic enough; Jorge Lopez is likeable and vulnerable, but too white....

"Stand Your Ground". Coming to theaters summer 2016.

Anybody know a producer?

[Enlightened]

WTF - How can they say that when they never even brought that out at trial?

And what if Zimmerman did have his gun out- Why didn't Trayvon just say "Hey Dude - chill out Cuz, I am just walking to my Dad's girlfriends house about 100 feet down the path (or whatever) - her name is Brandy" - Instead of sucker punching Zimmerman?

Do they really think a child like Trayvon was capable of stopping a man with a gun with his fists?

[rse]

One of the Ed Week columnists wrote today about the emotional trauma inflicted on minority youth from realizing that the mostly white jury had allowed GZ to get away with murder.

No regard of facts. No recognition a jury decided there was not a murder at all. Just trying to get teachers and administrators and minority students riled up by false beliefs.

[Some Guy]

Do you honestly believe Batman would have followed [sic] a white boy in wholesome clothing

If he were behaving identically to Trayvon, Yes, Batman would call the popo and keep an eye on him.

or a white business man

If he were behaving identically to Trayvon, Yes, Batman would call and keep an eye on him.

or a white woman?

If she were behaving identically Trayvon, Yes, Batman would call and keep an eye on her.

Slowly walking around private property during a rainstorm and looking into windows would make *anyone* look like a suspicious douchebag (and "followed" is not a fact in evidence). Next.

[rse]

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2013/07/trayvon_martin_verdict_renews_.html?cmp=ENL-EU-VIEWS2

is the post.

Renews trauma.

[Rob Crawford]

I cannot believe the prosecution team. They really do seem to want violence.

[Cecil Turner]

I don't think this jury verdict would even be admissible in a stand-your-ground hearing in a civil suit.

I suspect you're wrong on that narrow point; however, it doesn't appear to be as telling an argument as I'd expected. Good discussion here.

[Rob Crawford]

Some Guy -- at least one of the phone calls the prosecution DIDN'T play at the trial involved a group of suspicious males of mixed races, including white.

So, yes, Zimmerman did report suspicious behavior regardless of the skin tones of the subjects.

[Extraneus]

Eric Holder Once Again Calls Upon America (The Nation of Cowards) to Speak "Honestly" About Race; Offers No Honesty Himself

He mentions the DoJ's ongoing investigation into the matter without stating whether or not a legal decision has been made. He goes on to say that whatever the DoJ's decision, we must not let this latest opportunity to speak "honestly about race" pass, as we, the nation of cowards, have done so many times before.

[Extraneus]

Attorney General Eric Holder, in his first post-verdict comments, confirmed Monday during a speech in Washington, D.C., that his department continues to investigate while signaling concern for the position of the Martin family and those -- such as the NAACP -- pressuring the DOJ. He said the department is "mindful of the pain felt by our nation" over the "tragic, unnecessary shooting death" of Martin.

"The Justice Department shares your concern -- I share your concern," Holder said.

[Some Guy]

Yes we know that Rob, but apparently a chunk of the country is still in the discover process.

Remember they, like DD, started with the verdict (guilty) and are working their way backwards.

[Enlightened]

I think Corey is a lunatic. I suspect "rehab" should be in her future. Or maybe a game of Knockout just for the fun of it....

[Rob Crawford]

Remember they, like DD, started with the verdict (guilty) and are working their way backwards.

Where's the evidence they're even working their way backwards? From what I can see, they're stuck on "LYNCH".

[NK]

the shooting was unnecessary-- Indeed-- TM could have gone to the Condo, or called 911 if he felt threatened by GZ. But he didn't do that -- did he? Instead he saw a soft little fat guy that he could 'knockout' and Text later about while doing Purple Drank. Sorry, facts are stubborn things.

[Jose Rodriguez]

Nothing is more satisfying than trolling a troll.

That Dublin character has Jeantel level smarts.

[Rob Crawford]

I think Corey is a lunatic.

Look at the people she's hired vs. the ones she's fired. The one person who took the duties of the office seriously was fired.

But the two utterly incompetent MEs have been kept on staff...

[Monsanto Rules !]

Forget about Batman.

What's needed is a Dexter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexter_(TV_series)

[Rob Crawford]

That Dublin character has Jeantel level smarts.

You insult Jenteal.

[NK]

RobC@3:56-- all true. she's a porcine sea hag Nazi, who has no self awareness of her outrageous abuse of due process.

[Extraneus]

Btw, I think the rules prohibit leading with a jab or banging a guy's head into the sidewalk except as a last resort. The knockout game is supposed to be a one punch event, so haymakers are recommended.

[Cecil Turner]

"It's common sense [why the gunshot immediately stopped the screaming]. No one stops screaming for help unless they are certain they killed him," Corey said. "He had said he thought he missed."

What a maroon. Does she seriously believed GZ was screaming because TM was alive? Is she incapable of seeing the obvious correlation between GZ shooting TM and TM ceasing the assault? (Would've loved to see that one in testimony. MOM: "Why did you stop screaming?" GZ: "He stopped hitting me.")

Moreover, Corey repeating every Crump talking point as if it made sense makes me wonder about hers. How did this bimbo ever get a reputation for anything other than weak-minded vindictiveness?

[Rob Crawford]

How did this bimbo ever get a reputation for anything other than weak-minded vindictiveness?

A thoroughly corrupt press.

[Captain Hate]

He said the department is "mindful of the pain felt by our nation" over the "tragic, unnecessary shooting death" of Martin.

"The Justice Department shares your concern -- I share your concern," Holder said.

I'm sure this provides a lot of comfort to Brian Terry's family.

[narciso]

No, not George Lopez, for a sympathetic person, try this fellow, he's older

[Gus]

Enlightened! Did they provide DEE DEE with "written" questions in advance??

[Rob Crawford]

Will the prosecution team be played by Roseanne Barr, Jim Carey and Andy Dick?

[Enlightened]

"No one stops screaming for help unless they are certain they killed him," Corey said"

Is it me or did Corey just confirm Zimmerman was screaming?

[Danube on iPad]

"I suspect you're wrong on that narrow point"

In light of the statute to which you link, I am definitely wrong. In the absence of such a statue, it would certainly be inadmissible. I'm not sure how a judge In a subsequent hearing, or a jury in a civil trial would treat the verdict once it is in evidence. A judge would understand that it plainly doesn't decide the immunity question, although in a civil jury trial it might be hard to get a jury to buy the idea that it doesn't decide the liability question. Interesting statute.

[Gus]

WeeWeeDoucheBagDave is on top of the caper.
He is still making shit up!!!!

Can a clown be-clown himself???

[Rob Crawford]

Is it me or did Corey just confirm Zimmerman was screaming?

Yes, she did.

They made the same mistake during the trial, AFAICR.

[Captain Hate]

Chris Farley is not available for Jeb Bush appointee Nelson's role.

The whole family really has a knack starting with Souter and then cruising past Roberts (Harriet Miers was not available for comment).

[Dave (in MA)]

a member of a racial group that (A) we don't need so much any more

Huh?

[Captain Hate]

TM should really delete dumbassdave's Kilgore Trout quality post. I again offer my services as a mod.

[Jane -walk like an Egyptian]

BGates,

Can I be on the jury?

[derwill]

Was anyone else struck by the creepy way Corey kept smiling all throughout her post verdict press conference. Not only was it inappropriate given the circumstances, but it flat out wasn't normal. More like something a sociopath would do--trying to fake what they believe would be a normal person's emotional response, and getting it horribly wrong.

[boatbuilder]

DuDu--Does your irresponsible arrogance render you immune from the strictures of common decency? Are you excused from responsibility for your childish use of vile and deliberately inflammatory racial epithets because you are using them to blight a blog whose positions you disagree with? (3:14 PM)

Shame on you. Grow up.

[rich@gmu]

drewill-

maybe medicated.

"Stand Your Ground". Coming to theaters summer 2016.

Anybody know a producer?

bgates for the win. Send the idea to The Asylum and they can make it a SyFy original or Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

[Dave (in MA)]

Cleanup on aisle Dumbass.

[Cecil Turner]

A judge would understand that it plainly doesn't decide the immunity question . . .

I think that's right, though the immunity provisions of the SYG statute muddies the water there, too. (I.e., the "uses force as permitted" bit is undefined, and the case law merely fleshes out how the determination is to be made in a criminal proceeding.)

I remain confident in the outcome of any prospective hearing, though I'll admit part of that confidence is dependent on MOM doing the pleading (and that despite a mixed track record with JDN).