Trayvon Martin

I’ve been reluctant to say anything about the murder of Trayvon Martin. Part of the reluctance stems from the criticism of Elon JamesWhite, or other African American spokesmen. On one hand they want us (white, male, progressive minority) to stand solidly with the brothers in the cause of “liberty and justice for all.” On the other hand, when we do, in our own way, we are “‘co-opted’ the march. ‘With chants of ‘We are the 99 percent’ and signage to that effect.” But more than that questionable line from someone of some credibility within the Black Community, I am really distrusting of the mob mentality, and media trial George Zimmerman. 

We have a judicial system in the United States. It may be clumsy, imperfect, deferring to wealth and privilege, but it does work… sort of. If there is any hope for justice (which will never bring Trayvon back to his parents) it remains in the courts and not the media, or even the streets. Officer LaurencePowell and Sergeant Stacey Koon guilty, who beat Rodney King (or stood by and allowing the action as was the case for Sargent Koon) were eventually convicted. Kenny Lay and Jeffery Skilling were eventually convicted of the fraud committed by Enron. Edgar Ray Killen was eventually convicted of manslaughter in 2005 for racially motivated murders committed in 1964.

I was nowhere near Florida on February 25, 2012. Most of you were not either. We did not witness what happened. Hell, if we had been there, maybe nothing would have happened. I can say Zimmerman, who did confess to the shooting using the “Stand your ground” laws as a justification, is not a bright man. Neighborhood watches or not, Sand Your Ground or not, when a situation can get menacing, it is best to call it in, and watch. I suspect, eventually, Zimmerman will learn that the hard way. Unfortunately, however, no matter what happens, Trayvon will still be in the arms of the eternal; dead far too young for no reason whatsoever.