Friday, July 19, 2013

What if Tayvon Martin had been the one with the gun?

President Obama had some interesting comments about the Zimmerman trial and killing of Trayvon Martin today.  Your can read them here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/07/19/read-and-watch-president-obama-addresses-the-trayvon-martin-case/

At one point he asks: [I]f Trayvon Martin was of age and armed, could he have stood his ground on that sidewalk? And do we actually think that he would have been justified in shooting Mr. Zimmerman, who had followed him in a car, because he felt threatened?

I think that is an interesting question.  Suppose Trayvon had a gun.  Suppose Zimmerman did not.  Suppose Trayvon had followed George Zimmerman.  Suppose they had gotten into a fight.  Suppose Trayvon shot and killed George Zimmerman.  Would Trayvon Martin be free now or would he be on death row? 

If a Black man stands HIS ground in a "Stand Your Ground" law state and a White man or teenager dies, would the Black man go free?  Would the Black man be tried before an all Black jury?  Would most Americans consider it acceptable for the defense attorneys for the Black man to essentially blame the dead White man for all that happened? 

What do you think?  I would like to see your comments.

No comments: