Outcome of the Verdict

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Trayvon's Killing and Florida's Tragic Past - CNN

I read this article by Isabel Wilkerson and began to think about the setting for the Zimmerman/Martin tragedy.

Some of the things that have happened between the races in Florida are horrible. I didn't realize this before as I thought of Florida as being Disneyland and retirement condos.

But, as the jury deliberates and they may for awhile, I am wondering about the consequences of the verdict:

If not guilty, will people start picking fights and shooting people?
If guilty, will there be riots?

I think both outcomes are possible, but I wonder if, regardless of the verdict, this has set off a fuse that never really went out.

Sages, what do you think?

I'm guessing there will be a hung jury

If the jury acquits there may be a Travon Martin Memorial Riot.

I'm not sure if that's a prediction or a pun. Or maybe that's just my twisted mind.

Regarding the Treyvon Memorial Riot, that seems like a valid prediction.

Either way this verdict goes, I think there will be consequences. Living as close to the States as I do, I am always fearful of their collapse. After all, Canada has the longest unprotected border in the world. I find these to be very interesting times.

There's nothing for Canadians to worry about.

It's your neighbors to the south that will have to deal with this, and if the U.S. of A. didn't fall after the King Riots (I & II), Simpson Acquittal, and Canada's own export - the "Occupy" protests - we'll survive the fallout from the Martin-Zimmerman trial as well.

So just sit back, put on your tuque, pop a Molson and fry up some back bacon while marveling at that noblest of all animals - the Beaver - and let us "Bloody Yanks" do what we do best.

That is, deal with internal strife and criticism from outsiders.

Hopefully:

1. Civil rights for African Americans will improve, especially in the judicial and penal systems.
2. Stand-your-ground laws will be reconsidered.
3. Mr. Martin is at peace in the world to come.
4. Mr. Zimmerman will be able to move forward with his life.
5. The right-wing media will recognize the irresponsibility of all the fear-mongering about race riots.

I'm probably going to cross any State with a "Stand your ground law" off the bucket list as murderers have a perfect get out of jail free card - kill the witness & claim to be standing your ground. Being a casualty there is a scenario I feel I would quite dislike.

The stand-your-ground laws are regarded by many people, myself included, as an legal excuse for lynching in the 21st century.

Possibly. Given that this was straight-up self-defense in this case, it doesn't have relevance. Zimmerman's lawyers dismissed a stand-your-ground trial.

How is stand-your-ground 'modern day lynching'? Are you implying that black people don't own guns or that all assaults are perpetrated by black people? Think before you speak next time maybe.

It's sad situation all around. Zimmerman shouldn't of taken the law in his own hands and Trayvon shouldn't of beat up a stranger.

Considering the cost to him personally, I'd hardly say that Zimmerman got away with anything; if things truly happened like he said they did, he's actually been victimized quite badly.

I am talking about the laws in general, not Zimmerman. The Zimmerman team never even had a stand-your-ground hearing.

A lot of white people are afraid of Black people. I have looked at the sources of the movement which led to the laws.

Some accounts start with Zimmerman started the assault, even if Trayvon was on top at the time he was shot.

You mean the he calls cops, cops pretty much recommend he doesn't follow, he follows kid, and fight ensues?

Under the best case scenario, he's an overzealous prick with a chip on his shoulder about those people getting away with things. Under the more likely case he's a wanna be tough guy whose reckless desire to be Judge Dredd has cost a boy his life.

Does the law say only white people can stand-your-ground? How can the law be racist?

Because I have looked at the history of the law. If you have access to peer-reviewed literature, you can do a search, too.

For example:

"Deadly Force and Public Reason"
Smith, Anna Marie. Theory & Event 15.3 (2012)