Trayvon vs Zimmerman. Where do you stand?

[glockman]

One reporter was outraged that a person could shoot an unarmed "child" and not be instantly found guilty. That scares me. To think there are people in this country who don't understand that a 6 foot something teenager could take your life without a gun is terrifying. How can you reason with someone like that?

I personally think what Zimmerman did was stupid. Illegal? Let the court decide. I would never follow someone while carrying a gun. Fight if that is what the situation demands or flight if you are able. Never persue. If nothing else this case should be a good learning exercise in how you are always going to be tried in the court of public opinion. Even if he is found not guilty Zimmerman's life as he knew it is over.

 

[JL Rockies]

Sux when you're "hunting someone down like a dog" and they bash the crap out of the back of your head. UmightSuk@hunting

 

[Tacoma]

Well, you get up in someone's face thinking you're a badass with a gun and a Neighborhood Watch paper badge, you might get tossed to the ground and have your head smashed a little. That's why you call the cops.

We'll see how it goes I guess.

 

[JL Rockies]

Funny how these pics were surpressed by the prosecution... we're heading for a mistrial here whether or not Zimmerman is guilty. This is what happens when cases are brought by political pressure rather than evidence. You would think that Rev Al would've learned this by now.

He did call the cops... it's a matter of public record.

and I realize that the link no longer goes to the photos.... hmm and ABC News were among the first to prosecute Zimmerman.

Here's an example from our resident man of absolutes that reflect why this will go the way I say:

Well, regardless of what actually happened Zimmerman could have likely walked away at any time instead of shooting a minor. Or as mentioned, held him at gunpoint until the real police showed up. I hope he does get at least 20 years in prison, if he makes it that long anyway.

 

[Herzog]

The problem with this case is that the media is involved. So now it's just sensitization and advertising revenue for the news stations. Nothing more.

 

[JL Rockies]

MSNBC will be at fault.

 

[jeeper]

I hate court mumbo jumbo.. It's just a giant pissing match to see who has the biggest wanker.
My understanding is that zimmer followed the dude, lost track of him, and heads back to his car. Martin comes back at Zimmer and says "do you have a problem?" Zimmer says "no", Martin says "you do now" and starts bashing his heads in. Zimmer shoots. Game over.

Martin was a punk, and is no more

 

[jeeper]

Anybody been following this case? It has been very interesting to see the evidence and statements that have been brought out, and kind of crazy some of the stuff the judge wont allow as evidence.

 

[Unimog]

The problem with this case is that the media is involved.

^^ this. The problem is that because of biased media, we may never know all of the facts any more than the jury who has been fed what the judge thinks is ok. My big problem is with those demanding justice who will still scream they were wronged if he is found innocent by the court. It would almost be easier for Zimmerman to be convicted than go free now because of all the crazies out there. Either way, IMO, the aftermath may be more instructive than the trial.

 

[ZUKEYPR]

He'll walk because he didn't have "intent". Did he esculate the situation? Yes, Should he listened to the dispatcher and only observed? Yes But there is no way to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was over from the minute they placed the charge. If they had charged him with manslaughter they would of had them but the media and Martins pushed the issue of murder.

Amazing how the media only shows the innocent appearing 14 year old picture of Martin as opposed to the thug photos that are out there of when he was 17......not that it has any bearing on the case though.

 

[ZUKEYPR]

What point maby folks are going to miss is if it is determined to be a justifiable shooting look at how much money Zimmerman will spend defending it.

 

[TJDukit]

What point maby folks are going to miss is if it is determined to be a justifiable shooting look at how much money Zimmerman will spend defending it.

Just means you need to be that much more careful when carrying. When carrying concealed never start a conflict, never pursue even with the "laws" that are there to "protect" you, back off of a conflict before it turns to conflict.

I know I don't want to be responsible for someones life if I don't need to be.

Should Zimmerman be convicted of murder? No, he didn't murder the kid. Should he have taken steps to avoid this? Absolutely. It's bad from all sides but the law still stands on his side as far as I'm concerned but that's up the jury really.

 

[glockman]

When I used to shoot combat pistol competitions the discussion of when to draw or shoot would come up regularly. I personally don't think you should ever draw a weapon unless you intend for it to be fired the second it is drawn. If you live by this it will avoid all these types of incidents. If you think you can kick the guy/kids ass, then put the gun in the car and go kick his ass, just be ready to lose your CCW permit once he loses and files assault charges. If you can't kick his ass then stay in the car and/or drive away. If you are minding your own bussiness and the dude jumps you getting into your car, shoot him. If your not a cop don't think your bad ass because of the gun under your shirt. Expect to lose your job, your home and your financial security if you have to shoot someone. Is that better than being dead? I think so.

 

[TJDukit]

Gotta remember that when you carry you also carry a greater responsibility to be responsible.

 

[JL Rockies]

Gotta remember that when you carry you also carry a greater responsibility to be responsible.

My creator says I have the right to keep and bear arms. There's no greater or less responsibility only choosing to or not choosing to own a weapon.

If a person was afraid he was going to be killed and bashed another guys head in with a rock for him, it's the same.

 

[jentzschman]

I think he is not entirely blameless. He should not have continued following after the 911 dispatch told him to not follow. However. I believe he is not guilty on all chargers.

Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Tapatalk 2

 

[TJDukit]

My creator says I have the right to keep and bear arms. There's no greater or less responsibility only choosing to or not choosing to own a weapon.

If a person was afraid he was going to be killed and bashed another guys head in with a rock for him, it's the same.

Ok but if you come up to me with an attitude(rock) I'm not going to pull my gun. I'm also not going to pull my gun because some punk punches me in the face. Now I'm in much better shape than Z and TM could probably have kicked his ass. I also can't say what I would do in his shoes with someone on top of me not knowing if he was going to stop. But most people in this country don't carry guns and most people aren't prepared to beat me to death so I need to keep that in mind when a conflict happens when I'm carrying. Don't get me wrong, I've been prepared to kill to defend myself for a long time. I've had to think on that and prepare myself over the last few years but believe me I will protect mine and my own.

 

[TJDukit]

My creator says I have the right to keep and bear arms. There's no greater or less responsibility only choosing to or not choosing to own a weapon.

If a person was afraid he was going to be killed and bashed another guys head in with a rock for him, it's the same.

Just because you have the "god given right" doesn't give you the right to shoot any jackass. I'm still with you though, I have a right to defend myself with my gun that I carry all the time.

 

[ZUKEYPR]

I think you missed the point, even if you have a 100% justifiable shooting you may still have to defend that in court at substantial cost.

break

I think I hit the nail almost on the head. I said they should have charged him with manslaughter....unaware to me apparently Florida state law they can return a verdict of guily of a lessor charge, in this case manslaughter. Apparently the jury has asked for clarification on that charge. You don't have to proof "intent" to kill under that charge.

 

[jeeper]

Not guilty.

Good.