Will Trayvon Martin ever get justice?

[Tony74]

I find this whole incident bizare. The justice system is so screwed up it's not even funny. How is George Zimmerman allowed to be free after killing a kid with a bag of skittles and soda? Self-defense? He came after the kid after he was told not to. That is not self-defense. What punishment works best for George? And then he is a hispanic, which is even more crazy. How would it be if one of his latino friends were in that same situation and a white neighborhood watch leader did what he did to Trayvon? All of a sudden it doesn't seem right now do it?

[Thuso]

This question is really "Will Black men ever get justice?" When all of us live in the shadow of "looking suspicious" -- whether walking in a hoodie, in a board room, or driving an expensive car -- then justice will remain elusive.

It always takes an incident like this to direct the attention of our nation to our most annoying challenges. One of the underlying issues here is the influence of the National Rifle Association and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the shadowy Koch brothers–funded network that brings together right-wing legislators with corporate interests and pressure groups to craft so-called “model legislation.”

For the most part, ALEC’s model legislation is designed to ease taxes and regulations for corporations, while weakening unions and undermining tort laws. But the council also dabbles in electoral and public safety issues. And “Stand Your Ground” proposals were added to the agenda after Baxley and Peadon passed the Florida law seven years ago.

These organizations have collaborated to enact "stand your ground" laws in 21 states, and unleashed a form of vigilantiism that can result in what happened to Trayvon Martin. These types of actions always affect us disproportionately. The underlying message is "keep them in their place and defend your castle."

Yes, we have many problems in our Black communities -- just last weekend, 41 people were shot, and 6 killed in Chicago -- but that does not excuse the unjust actions that occur when "driving while Black, or walking while black." Young Black men have been profiled throughout the history of our existence in this country. We will continue to be profiled, but let's hope this incident helps to slow the rush to deadly action by police officers, and get these vigilantes off the streets and in jail where they belong.

There is always a tipping point that draws attention to the need for corrective action. We have reached that tipping point, and hopefully, some changes will be made -- at least in how these incidents are investigated. It is too bad that it cost the life of one of young Black men with a promising future ahead of him.

[Tony74]

I heard about the tragedy that occured in Ilinois. As bad as this incident is. Some people, mainly black parents, are upset how this incident is getting so much attention in the media all across the country and outside of USA. Parents are upset because they lost sons too for no reason and no one showed all the support for their sons.

[Thuso]

Some news stories take on a life of their own. There is no way to predict in today's "flash mob" world when something will go viral. We must stay focused on the lessons learned and apply them if we can.

[troydad7]

I believe Trayvon Martin will get justice. It won't be swept under the rug like the police department thought (or hoped) it would. Trayvon did not die in vain.

This case is helping people take another look at this "Stand Your Ground Law". What constitutes self defense and is Equal Justice really equal. Of course we know the answer. But others are still in denial.

It's touching watching the crowds of people, politicians and activist join to fight this injustice.

My hope and prayer is it will help keep us fired up to continue fighting for economic, political and social injustice we face as well.

-Rest in Peace Trayvon Martin

[Tony74]

Justice sure comes slow for us. The police better do the right thing and quit stalling this case. The price people pay just for being black is uncalled for.

[troydad7]

Originally Posted by Tony74

Justice sure comes slow for us. The police better do the right thing and quit stalling this case. The price people pay just for being black is uncalled for.

I'm glad that cooler heads are prevailing and we continue to agressively seek justice in a non-violent and peaceful manner. The world is watching proudly how we're doing it. Rollin' non-violently. That's what I'm talkin' bout.

[Tony74]

That is a good thing. Although there could have been some sort of violence throughout all of this at one point thanks to Spike Lee doing what he did. I understand his anger, but that was just wrong.