For those that thought that America automatically became a postracial country after the election of Barrack Obama as president and that racism immediately disappeared, if you need a more open and shut case of why that is not a realistic view consider the case of Trayvon Martin.
Visiting (with his father) his father’s girlfriend at a gated community in Sanford, Fl., Martin who was 17 years old, unarmed, and had no criminal record nor any record of problems at school stepped out to buy some skittles and a coke. Enter George Zimmerman, an overeager Neighborhood Watch volunteer with a criminal record and a history of annoying his neighbors and also calling 09/11 as he did that night to report Martin who he felt was acting suspiciously wearing a hooded sweatshirt (it was raining) and stopping to look around (he was a stranger in the neighborhood. I don’t consider that unusual if you need to get your bearings). Despite being told not to, Zimmerman confronted Martin, a struggle ensued, and Martin ended up dying from a shot fired by Zimmerman which he claims was in self-defense as he was attacked by Martin.
Several of the comments made by Zimmerman on the 09/11 calls indicate he was indulging in racial profiling. It’s also clear he was looking for a fight. Zimmerman has yet to be arrested and was released after questioning. In addition, the police did not administer a drug and alcohol test to Zimmerman which is normally the case when a shooting happens.
I don’t think we need to waste time here. The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division needs to get down there quickly and launch an investigation.
The Sanford police should also be investigated. They have deliberately spread misinformation about the case to protect the killer 1.) They reported Zimmerman had a “squeaky clean” record when in fact the opposite was true 2.) They refused to release the 09-11 tapes until pressured and in fact initially lied about what was on them 3.) They initially said Zimmerman fired two shots; a warning shot and a kill shot when in fact only a kill shot was fired 4.) They tried to pressure witnesses into changing their story in particular who was the one screaming that night Martin or Zimmerman. Most witness thought it was Martin whereas the police said it was Zimmerman.
At least, all the top brass in the Sanford Police Department should be fired in addition to Zimmerman being prosecuted for murder. I could also say something about Florida’s crazy self-defense laws and gun laws but that’s another topic.
I don’t normally sign petitions but this is just such an egregious case of racism, almost like a lynching, that I feel very strongly about it….Here’s a petition you can sign if you feel the same
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