If you didn’t hear about it when it started gaining attention during finals week or Spring Break (if you did, what were you doing paying attention to politics during either period?), the sensation of the Trayvon Martin case is currently gripping the country. You might be asking yourself, why should you care about a 17-year-old from Florida? But you see, dear reader, the facts of this case are not as simple as the “if it doesn’t fit you must acquit” of the O. J. Simpson trial or Casey Anthony’s negligence. No — for you see, according to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, this is the racially motivated act of violence of the century, akin to the barbaric torture and killing of Emmett Till 57 years ago.
Got your attention? Good. Now let me explain how this entire case is a completely inappropriate rush to judgment. When first reported on, the Trayvon Martin case was presented in one way and one way only by every major news channel (except Fox): Trayvon Martin — a 17-year-old black “child” according to many news outlets — was walking home with iced tea and Skittles when he was followed and then attacked by George Zimmerman, an overzealous white neighborhood watchman with a history of thinking every black person is suspicious. Using Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law as reasoning, Zimmerman proceeded to shoot down the defenseless and completely non-aggressive Martin in cold blood.
There are numerous problems with this version of the story. First, in their rush to portray this incident as a continuation of the days of Jim Crow, Jackson, Sharpton and the media have conveniently glossed over the fact that Zimmerman is, in fact, Hispanic. So much for demonstrating that the Old Confederacy still lives on. Second, most media has failed to report that Zimmerman, the supposed murderer, sustained injuries to the back of his head and to his face during his encounter with Martin. According to Zimmerman, these injuries were sustained while Martin was beating him, pounding his head onto the pavement and yelling “tonight you die” — circumstances that would seem to suggest that Zimmerman had reason to fear for his life. Finally, but most importantly, I hope that I don’t have to remind any of you that every citizen of the United States has a constitutional right to be presumed innocent until they are completely and unequivocally proven guilty. By trying Mr. Zimmerman in the court of public opinion so extensively, especially considering the facts of the case seem to have been lost in translation, most of the country — perhaps even you, or if not, probably someone you know — has already come to inappropriately pass judgment on him.
Is George Zimmerman guilty? I don’t know — and neither do you. Every single citizen of the United States is entitled to presumed innocence until proven guilty and trial by a panel of impartial peers; without such a right, our society would quickly degrade into lawlessness, anarchy and the tyranny of the mob. So the next time you hear something about the Trayvon Martin case, stop and consider that without all the facts, you have no right to impugn Mr. Zimmerman until murder is proven. Because if you convict him wrongly today, who or what do you expect to defend you if you are wrongly accused tomorrow?
Daily Nexus conservative columnist Jeffrey Robin is thankful that at least Fox News has maintained its journalistic integrity.
In Response, Left Said:
The way my counterpart writes, it’s an amazement that the world doesn’t descend into “lawlessness, anarchy and the tyranny of the mob” every Tuesday morning as you’re reading the Nexus. Convicting someone in the public consciousness is one thing, but we’re dealing with a case where there would be no investigation whatsoever if everyone hadn’t gotten so angry about this. We’re dealing with a case where the State Attorney assigned to Sanford, Florida, directly overruled a request to press charges upon George Zimmerman.
The police video that is purported to show Zimmerman’s head injuries has been called into question, but even if it is valid, that’s evidence that should be brought into a court of law — not just circled around news websites and conservative blogs. It also doesn’t excuse him for pursuing an innocent young man (after being told not to by a 9-1-1 dispatcher) and likely attacking him in some way given the evidence. Zimmerman’s claims of what Martin shouted somehow seem less credible than the young woman who Martin called to say he feared for his life.
People are right to be pissed off. Because if you ignore the potential murder of a young, unarmed teen today, who or what do you expect to press charges against the attacker if your son is gunned down in the street (with an iced tea and a pack of Skittles), “dear reader”?
“… and likely attacking him in some way given the evidence.”
Thank you for proving Robin’s point. You ASSUME Zimmerman did something to initiate the confrontation based upon some evidence you conveniently fail to provide.
I agree that no one knows if Zimmerman is guilty or not.
Where we disagree is that the majority of people are truly screaming for a conviction. Most people are frustrated that this man did not get arrested. Especially since there is a lot of evidence that is contrary to his story.
However there are a lot of people screaming he is innocent and should not be charged. These are the people that should be getting our ire.
What evidence is there to contradict Zimmerman’s story?
Thus far, EVERY witness who has given a report to the police has backed Zimmerman’s story up.
patently untrue…. Zimmerman’s “case” unravels a little more every day with people/evidence negating his “story”.
Do not be concerned Vicki you will will get your conviction. If florida does not bring forth a guilty conviction the feds will come to your rescue with a inditment for hate crime. rest your lttle mind
well put…
oops, didn’t mean to reply to my own comment. My last comment was to “neo”
It is not true that we do not know whether George Zimmerman is guilty or not. We do not know if he’s guilty of murder, but he is certainly guilty of lesser offenses, and perhaps murder. He is guilty of reckless endangerment. He pursued a pedestrian while in possession of a firearm, which created a significant risk of physical injury to the person being pursued. No question about that. He may be guilty of impersonating a police officer, in that he pursued the victim, giving the appearance of wishing to detain him in some way. He is likely guilty of… Read more »
Sorry but there is no such crime as “reckless endangerment” listed in the FL statutes.
maybe not, I don’t know but this IS a crime of murder.
“Every single citizen of the United States is entitled to presumed innocence until proven guilty and trial by a panel of impartial peers; without such a right, our society would quickly degrade into lawlessness, anarchy and the tyranny of the mob. ”
Jeffrey,
Can we take this to mean that you support bringing Zimmerman to trial so that the facts of the case can be presented in a court of law, EXACTLY as Martin’s family is demanding?
I am puzzled about the incident. I don’t think someone with a gun would be yelling for help. I don’t think Zimmerman is telling the truth.
Trayvon Martin Death
A modern day “Ox Bow” incident, as the news media collectively has evolved into the public forum lynch mob. The sad reality is this kind of trial may influence the real one. We saw what damage the media can do with the Casey Anthony case. In all likelihood without the excessive intense news coverage Casey would have been found guilty, and the horrific death threats against those that defended her would not exist. What a travesty that the news services turned Casey into a celebrity, and now they might “get away” with lynching an innocent man.
Sanford Florida Teen Killing The frenzy of pre riot behavior is reminiscent of the O.J./ Rodney King incidents. The only thing different is the victim and assailant are both men of color. Another major change is how the news media is handling this case, it’s like they have evolved past being mere paparazzi, into some kind of sponsors of vigilanteism/ lynch mob mentality. The new terrorists in America may very well be the news media, with their ability to turn one small story into a nationwide event. In that they have already tried and convicted Zimmerman on Tv and radio,… Read more »
ZIMMERMAN IS A MUDERER.HE IS A BLACK MAN KILLER.
Personally I think Zimmerman is innocent. Trayvon was a drug user and supposedly a gang member, he had the agility and strength to outrun George, and instead chose to stand and fight. In all likelehood Trayvon struck the first blows, like Zimmerman claims, and that would mean there is no reason to take this case to court.
No such evidence that Trayvon was a drug user or a gang member. There’s tangible evidence of Zimmerman’s violence – well documented and all over the internet. “In all likelihood Trayvon struck the first blows” – who does that sound more like per the tangible evidence??? Of course, Zimmerman.
Listen Stupid people whats the confusion We are all Black somewere in the family tree since he Human race Began in Africa{the Mother country} Second we all have blue blood when blood hits air it turns red!! Third this Dick head was just out to kill!! Since when does a watch person carry a gun !! SO Lots of people are to blame not just zimmerman!! Starting with politicians and local govermment policies!! If he listen to first Dispach told him to Back Off So he was just out to Kill!! Good for the teen if he did strike first… Read more »
Actually the history of us all coming from Africa was recently proved worng, check your facts first! New discovery of human bones that precede those found in Africa. You sound like a very sick black man that needs to find a psych before you hurt someone.
Whether people want to believe it or not they are reasons why Zimmerman wasn’t arressted and still has not been arrested although I believe the grand jury, feeling intense pressure, will indict him. The reasons are that Zimmerman has wounds commiserate with being attacked and there is a witness that saw Martin on top of Zimmerman beating him. Those are the facts as the police know them. Not all the fantasy scenarios that people have dreamed up that nobody but Zimmerman or Martin could know. Fantasy scenarios such as Zimmerman “stalking” Martin waving a gun. Could that have happened? I… Read more »
Just because you chase someone down to confront them does not give you a right to kill them. Zimmerman deserved to be beat for harassing Martin. If it was a cop it would be a violation of Martin’s constitutional rights. Zimmerman was not there legally and pursued Martin, putting himself in the situation. This is hands down murder. Before you comment, study Florida law first. Look it up, you will not sound so ignorant. The evidence against Zimmerman is that he was there, it’s not hard people. The only person who can claim self defense is dead. No citizen has… Read more »
Be assured Vicki you will get your conviction if Florida is not succesful in its crucifacation then the feds will with there hate crimes miscarrage of justice charges that will come next