After 16 hours of deliberation over two days, the verdict is
in and George Zimmerman is a free man, absolved of all charges.
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| TJMS |
The verdict was delivered at approximately 9:45 p.m. in a
courtroom absent of Sabrina Fulton and Tracy Martin. Perhaps the late hour verdict was by design,
in an effort to minimize the public’s response.
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| Elated George Zimmerman is declared Not Guilty |
Almost immediately
the internet was charged with outrage, disbelief and embarrassment.
Protesters on the lawn outside the courthouse
in Sanford and in communities all across the country, who had demanded a
conviction, were in an uproar. Many more
of us were unable to comprehend how a grown man, armed with a gun, could profile,
stalk, shoot and kill a kid and then walk away free.
Catherine Williams, of Miami, states she is embarrassed to
be a Floridian today, a sentiment that is shared by a segment of the population
of the Sunshine State. Cathy recalls Florida flubbed not one, but two election
vote counts. Shaking her head, Cathy remembers
that Casey Anthony, who was from another Orlando community, lied extensively
about the disappearance and death of her daughter Caylee, only to walk away
free. And now this travesty; a gunman is
walking free from another Central Florida courtroom. “If you want to kill a
kid, move to Florida,” an embarrassed and sarcastic Cathy Williams stated.
After the verdict, George Zimmerman and party were whisked
away to an undisclosed location. His
legal team contends his life will never be the same. I agree.
Yes, he may have to seriously watch his back for about six months, but in
the end, I believe Zimmerman will rise up as a celebrity. He will perhaps write a book or two, and
eventually, I envision him on speaking tours as a voice for the NRA, gun
enthusiasts, and “Stand Your Ground”
advocates all over America.
The response to the verdict across the country has been
mixed. According to a poll mentioned on
the Sunday airing of “Today,” 51% of
Americans agree with the findings of the 6 woman jury, while 49% strongly disagree.
Many within the African-American community remain mournful and
have placed Trayvon in a long line of martyrs, including the likes on Emmit
Till, Medgar Evers and James Chaney.
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| Trayvon martyred with Emmitt Till |
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Protesters don
hoodies in memory of Trayvon
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| Mockery known as Trayvoning |
While sadly, another segment of American society has stooped to “Trayvoning,” mocking
the loss of life in this American tragedy.
When, if ever, will this racial divide, hatred and
insensitivity end? Why is it so difficult
to heal this festering American wound?
On a positive note, sporadic acts of vandalism in Oakland,
California, did not overshadow peaceful demonstrations and demands for justice throughout the remainder of the country. All over the United States diverse groups of Americans stood together in demonstrations and protests.
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| Outcry in NYC |
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| Weeping for Trayvon in Sanford, FL Reuters |
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| Los Angeles demonstrators after the verdict |
In light of the peaceful assemblies across America, perhaps there is hope for us after all. Maybe on the heels
of this tragedy, we can UNITE and move forward in the right direction.
I’m not hatin, I’m jus sayin…
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