This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Not Guilty, But Not Free

I was sitting in my recliner while my son took a shower. Like millions of other people, I was anxiously awaiting the verdict in the George Zimmerman murder trial. I saw the headline and let out an ear-splitting, "No way!"

Joseph jumped out of the shower, wrapped himself in a towel and came running to find out what was wrong.

I told him, "George Zimmerman was found not guilty."

Find out what's happening in Kentwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Joseph said, "That makes no sense." As usual the child was right.

Now I'm going to talk about my views and my opinions. You don't have to agree with me. You don't have to flame me and tell me how stupid I am. You don't even have to read this blog. I just want the chance to have my say.

Find out what's happening in Kentwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I call them Trayvon and Zimmerman. I use Trayvon's first name because he was just a kid. Maybe he wasn't an angel, but he was only 17 years old. I can picture him walking home in the dark with his iced tea and skittles, while trying to escape from the rain. It's something I would have done. It's something Joseph might do now. Who ever knew that Skittles could be deadly?

No matter what the jury says, no matter what anyone else may think, Zimmerman is a killer. He pulled the trigger on that gun and shot an unarmed teenager. That is something he has to live with the rest of his life. I hope that as he celebrates his victory, he remembers the sound of that gunshot and the spray of blood as Trayvon died.

Was Trayvon the aggressor? Was Zimmerman in danger of death? No one will ever know for sure. Only two people were there. One is dead and can't tell his side of the story.

Was Zimmerman guilty of racial profiling? I tend to doubt it. He knew that a black man was a suspect in recent robberies in the area. He saw a black man walking in the dark that night. I can understand why he was suspicious. I'd even say he was right to call the police.

In my opinion, it all boils down to this -- Zimmerman was told to stay in his car. He did not. Had he listened to those directions, Trayvon would be alive today.

Florida has this law that allows people to stand their ground and fight back. I recognized that the truth doesn't matter here. It's all about perception. Zimmerman claims he thought Trayvon would kill him. Even if the fight wasn't that bad, what Zimmerman felt at that moment is the most important aspect of the case. I have a feeling that's why he was acquitted.

So, congratulations, George Zimmerman. You are not guilty, but you will never be a free man.  

Zimmerman is one of the most hated figures in American society right now. He'll never fit back into his old life-style. As his brother was quoted in the news, "He will always be looking over his shoulder."

I hope that two things will happen in regards to this case. First, Trayvon's family should file a civil suit against Zimmerman. There is certainly enough evidence to prove Zimmerman's guilt in civil court. He won't go to jail, but he will pay heavily and be officially declared at fault for Trayvon's death.

Second, I hope that this tragic story will lead to changes in Florida's gun laws that made it okay for Zimmerman to shoot an unarmed boy. Even better, perhaps it will lead the way to tougher gun-control laws on the federal level. This country has seen too much death lately. It needs to stop now.

Last night, citizens of Kent participated in a peaceful protest in honor of Trayvon Martin. They came together, not to argue, but to remember a life that ended too soon. I was unable to attend, but I am proud of my community. We need to focus on Trayvon and changing laws so this won't happen to our children. Let's forget about Zimmerman. He faces a life-time of problems. Not guilty, but not free.

 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Kent