Health & Fitness
Zimmerman Trial Aftermath
A day after the verdict, the near round the clock coverage of the George Zimmerman trial continues albeit the initial trial is over. The jury deliberations under Florida statues resulted in a verdict of not guilty for George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin based on the rule of law. This does not in anyway diminish the loss of life in this case.
However, in just the last week of the trial, other events occurred that will have a more significant impact on our day to day lives: a coup dètat with assorted cold blood killings in Egypt, US and China talks on trade and cyberwarfare, an increase in capital requirements for banks to minimize the chance of a repeat of the 2007-2008 failures, Apple being accused of a price conspiracy in e-books and even the dominance of the Red Sox in Major League Baseball.
The amount of broadcast time and print space give to the George Zimmerman trial is disproportional given its importance. Where is the outrage about a black Florida woman sentenced to 20 years for firing warning shots against her abusive husband attacking her since she could not use the 'stand your ground statue'? Did you even hear about this case? Take a second and mentally compare the time and space taken up by the Zimmerman trial compared to recent United States Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action, voting rights and marriage, or the lack of reporting of the woman defending herself case.
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One day after the verdict, various groups are figuring out civil and violation of civil rights stratagems to bring sanctions against Zimmerman, which is their right. However, the coverage of this and associated ‘talking heads’ tends to approach an intellectual lynch mob to live in past rather than use the same efforts and energy to minimize racism and further implement equality and equal application of the law.
Martin's death is a tragedy which must not be forgotten, but we must, after a short time, move on and use our efforts to further positive changes in our hearts, minds and actions.
