The LA Times laments the shoot first mentality. The New York Times also predictably keep piling on for changing the self-defense laws in Florida, even though they are roughly the same in New York. Robb has a pretty good response on the Florida law from an actual lawyer who isn’t a stooge of the media that can be expected to parrot what fits the media narrative.
Apparently the pressure is getting to be too much because the sponsor of the 2005 self-defense law is having second thoughts, and suggesting maybe the law needs some tweaking.
I want to echo something Robb mentioned in the comments:
I’ve already seen in on my fellow Floridian message boards – This spells the end of Stand Your Ground. Oh Whoa is Us. Bullshit. If you’re truly worried about politicians using this event to pass restrictive laws, then damn it, STOP WHINING ON THE INTERNET AND CALL YOUR REPS. Let them know that you will not stand for them to use a ONE TIME tragedy to violate rights. Put 1/10th of the effort into calling and writing them that you do bitching on message boards and blogs, and they’ll get the message.
One thing gun owners are very good at is wallowing in victimhood. We’re as bad as any other community that hasn’t always good a fair shake in that respect. But if you want to counteract the horror that the media is about to unleash on the progress we’ve made, then you need to step up and let representatives know how you feel. The sponsor of the Florida law thinks it is misapplied here. There’s a very good argument that is, in fact, the case. Probable cause is not that remarkably high a standard.
As I have mentioned previously, given the evidence I have seen so far, I am not at all supportive of Zimmerman’s actions that night, and I believe a 17 year old teenager died needlessly. But I am equally unsupportive of trying and convicting people in the media. I’ve been disgusted by the flagrant disrespect paid to due process of law that’s been occurring over the past several days in both the media and in public forums. The authorities are convening a Grand Jury to examine the facts independently. The DOJ will be looking over their shoulder. The State of Florida has taken over from the local yokels. The system is working. It is time for patience, and breathing room for investigators and prosecutors to do their work.
Sebastian: “…even though they are roughly the same in New York.â€
Can you explain why NY is not listed as a Stand Your Ground State? Is it because they never had a duty to retreat to begin with?
“The authorities are convening a Grand Jury to examine the facts independently”
I think this is what most were asking for. For a moment, it appeared as if the case had already been investigated by local police and the DA had already decided to not press charges. And had there not been an uproar, that might have been how this case ended.
However, most felt this case had enough questionable factors that it needed a deeper investigation and trial.
Zimmerman may be proved innocent. But this wasn’t clean clear cut case, and it needed due process. And for a while it looked as if that wasn’t going to happen.
Now, I oppose the marches, the political rhetoric, etc. Sadly, that’s just a part of the racial-political tensions this day and age.
“The authorities are convening a Grand Jury to examine the facts independently”
I think this is what most were asking for. For a moment, it appeared as if the case had already been investigated by local police and the DA had already decided to not press charges. And had there not been an uproar, that might have been how this case ended.
However, most felt this case had enough questionable factors that it needed a deeper investigation and trial.
Zimmerman may be proved innocent. But this wasn’t clean clear cut case, and it needed due process. And for a while it looked as if that wasn’t going to happen.
Now, I oppose the marches, the political rhetoric, etc. Sadly, that’s just a part of the racial-political tensions this day and age.
Trayvon’s parents (particularly his mom) should be applauded for being fantastic fighters. I don’t believe 90% of this stuff would have happened if they hadn’t raised a ruckus.
Seriously, the only way they could keep it on the front page was to raise racial issues. I don’t believe it is at the core of the issue (teen murdered by mall ninja neighborhood watch) but it was helpful in keeping it above the fold.
Weird, not sure how that double-posted. Must have bumped the mouse button twice or something.
“Local yokels” is very unwise phrasing. I understand that the police chief is publicly welcoming the FDLE or the FBI to come in and check his department’s work. Maybe they know what they are doing. Maybe they found no “probable cause” for an arrest because they know what the standards for “probable cause” are. I’m with you, in general, but be careful how you say things.
I didn’t really mean to imply anything by it. Just a commonly used rhyme for the local authorities.