So, did he avoid close contact & confrontation here? Obviously not. That's my point. His actions, IF we're to believe reports, were not those of a passive observer.
So, my statement was not absurd.You cannot be both a passive observer AND have a confrontation.
As far as your as your own admitted conduct of carrying a gun shows comment...my conduct is really based on my training within the State of CT. Florida may be different, I don't know. I am only speaking as a CT. CCW holder.
My point is that you are jumping to the conclusion that it was Zimmerman's intention to obtain close contact and a confrontation; not that those events didn't occur. You attribute the close contact to Zimmerman's actions, but close contact may have come from Martin's initiative.
-- So, my statement was not absurd.You cannot be both a passive observer AND have a confrontation. --
I agree that one can't be passive while seeking confrontation. But if Zimmerman is retreating to his vehicle, having abandoned the attempt to maintain visual contact while on foot; and while Zimmerman is in that state of mind, Martin elects to provoke a confrontation, well, of course Zimmerman is no longer a passive observer. But not by his choice.
Why do you carry a gun? I submit that you hope all of the time to be no more than an observer, and the gun stays concealed. You carry because you are concerned that somebody else's initiative will force you to change from what you want to be, a passive observer. So, are you guilty of murder if you act in self defense? Obviously, you carry a gun, so you must want to kill somebody.