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Not Guilty -- Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Townhall.com ^ | July 12, 2013 | Pat Buchanan

Posted on 07/12/2013 7:30:11 AM PDT by Kaslin

hat the prosecution in the Zimmerman trial asked the judge to allow a verdict of "third-degree murder" -- i.e., child abuse, since Trayvon Martin was 17 -- testifies to the prosecution's failure and panic.

For George Zimmerman's defense has proven, beyond a reasonable doubt, that he shot Trayvon Martin not out of malice, rage or hate -- but in a desperate act of self-defense.

Zimmerman was being beaten "ground-and-pound," mixed martial arts style. His head was being banged on the cement. Screaming again and again for help, he pulled out his gun and fired.

Even the prosecution is now conceding Trayvon might have been on top, and is now scrambling for a compromise verdict on a lesser charge than second-degree murder, a charge that never should have been brought. Indeed, this trial should never have been held.

What we have witnessed in Sanford, Fla., is the prosecution of an innocent man for murder because the politically and socially powerful demanded it.

That Trayvon is dead is a tragedy, and an avoidable tragedy. But it was not murder. And it does not justify railroading a man who, whatever his mistakes that night -- and George Zimmerman made them -- committed no crime.

The case comes down to four questions. And the answers, supported by the evidence, testimony and common sense, point straight to an acquittal.

First, who was the aggressor?

All agree it would have been better if Zimmerman had never left his car or followed Trayvon that night.

Yet, ask yourself:

Would a pudgy, out-of-shape 28-year-old with a gun, facing a 17-year-old athletic kid, 4 inches taller, with a longer reach, throw a punch and start a fistfight with him?

If Zimmerman threw the first punch, what would be his motive? If you have a gun and your adversary does not, is not the sensible stance to keep your distance so you can be free to pull the gun? Who armed with a pistol starts a fistfight with a suspicious stranger?

Moreover, Trayvon's body showed no signs of having ever been punched, while George's nose looks like he was sucker-punched.

Second, who was on top in those final moments of the fight?

If Zimmerman was on top and Trayvon was on his back, Trayvon would have been found on his back. He was found dead on his stomach.

If Zimmerman was on top and Trayvon was on his stomach, he would have been shot in the back. He was shot in the chest.

How could Trayvon have been found lying on his face, with a bullet hole in his chest, if Zimmerman was sitting on top of him? Only if George Zimmerman, after shooting Trayvon, would have turned him over as he lay dying. No one has even suggested that.

Why was the back of Zimmerman's jacket soaking wet, and the back of Trayvon's dry, if Trayvon was on the bottom? Why were the knees of Trayvon's pants wet, if he was on the bottom?

Third, who was screaming for help?

His mother, brother and father say it was Trayvon. George's mother, father and half a dozen friends say it is George's voice on the tape, screaming for help.

Trayvon's father and brother apparently told investigators initially that the voice was not Trayvon's, or they did not know. And the eyewitness John Good says the guy on the bottom in the red jacket, George Zimmerman, was the one screaming.

But, again, let us assume it was Trayvon screaming.

Why would he be screaming? If he was being beaten up martial arts style on the ground, would Trayvon not have had cuts and bruises?

What, exactly, was George Zimmerman doing to this 17-year-old football player that he should be screaming for help?

Where is the physical evidence that Trayvon had been hurt in any way before he was shot? Is screaming how a tough 17-year-old male reacts in a fistfight, even one he is losing?

Trayvon was a stranger in that neighborhood, and George was the neighborhood watch guy. Which of the two is more likely to be yelling for help from the neighbors?

Fourth, was the use of a firearm justified, even if Zimmerman was losing the fight and being beaten up?

Were his injuries that serious? Was he really is danger of grave bodily harm?

Experts disagree. But the real question is: What did Zimmerman think at the time? And judging by those piercing screams, was not that screaming man frightened, even terrified?

Trayvon's parents think these were the desperate cries for help of a son about to be killed. But if they were Zimmerman's cries, could George not have had those same thoughts?

George Zimmerman should have informed Trayvon he was the neighborhood watch. Trayvon should not have pummeled him. Both made mistakes. One is dead. To send the other to prison for what happened that night would be an act of vengeance, not justice, an invocation of the old lex talionis -- an eye for an eye.

That's not what America is supposed to be about.


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Editorial; US: Florida
KEYWORDS: georgezimmerman; trayvonmartin; trial; zimmerman
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To: Kaslin

Comments over at the DU indicate that approximately half this counrty are completely convinced that GZ is guilty despite the evidence... If justice is served, things are going to get real ugly.


21 posted on 07/12/2013 9:29:59 AM PDT by Sopater (Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? - Matthew 20:15a)
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To: Vigilanteman

Here’s where I disagree with Pat Buchanan. If St. Martin was, indeed, the aspiring gangsta which all the evidence seems to suggest, curtailing such a career is not necessarily a tragedy.

Innocent lives may have been saved.”””’

AMEN


22 posted on 07/12/2013 9:30:03 AM PDT by ridesthemiles
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To: GladesGuru

A revolver doesn’t leave brass at the scene.


23 posted on 07/12/2013 9:39:36 AM PDT by Farmer Dean (stop worrying about what they want to do to you,start thinking about what you want to do to them)
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To: Farmer Dean

It’s a lot less likely to jam, too, which is why it’s my carry pistol of choice.


24 posted on 07/12/2013 9:42:33 AM PDT by Windcatcher (Obama is a COMMUNIST and the MSM is his armband-wearing propaganda machine.)
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To: PLD
To bad he was shot but it was his fault I would have done the same as GZ if I had a druggie on me..

I would have done the same thing if I had the church lady beating on me and I couldn't stop her and was in fear for my life.
25 posted on 07/12/2013 9:48:38 AM PDT by Sopater (Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? - Matthew 20:15a)
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To: GladesGuru

I am of the opinion the reason this is happening is because we let it.

Next time the race baiters come out of the woodwork, call them on it to a point of embarrassment. Anyone backing them, go after them also.

I learned a long time ago that if someone is going hate you regardless of your position, if you go on the attack you have nothing to lose.


26 posted on 07/12/2013 9:51:31 AM PDT by EQAndyBuzz (The reason we own guns is to protect ourselves from those wanting to take our guns from us.)
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To: GladesGuru
Zimmerman was right. Martin was wrong, and started the attack in which he died.

Finally, someone who understands the truth of it! Your clarity is to be welcomed.

Regards,
GtG

27 posted on 07/12/2013 9:55:49 AM PDT by Gandalf_The_Gray (I live in my own little world, I like it 'cuz they know me here.)
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To: Sopater

What you said made me laugh. I know I would do the same as you even if it was a church lady..


28 posted on 07/12/2013 9:59:35 AM PDT by PLD
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To: PLD

... with the expecation that I was fully justified in my actions, no less. :-)


29 posted on 07/12/2013 10:02:09 AM PDT by Sopater (Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? - Matthew 20:15a)
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To: 426cuda
It’s time to change the system and have some type of professional juries.

Bad, very bad idea! Even worse than the current "jury of his peers". "Professional jurists" would further advance the corruption of our current judicial system.

Why not put the burden of proof on the defense and make it "guilty until you prove yourself innocent"?

The road to hell is paved with good intentions!

Regards,
GtG

30 posted on 07/12/2013 10:06:24 AM PDT by Gandalf_The_Gray (I live in my own little world, I like it 'cuz they know me here.)
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To: Sopater

Of course..


31 posted on 07/12/2013 10:10:59 AM PDT by PLD
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To: Kaslin

While GZ is so clearly not guilty of any crime he shouldn’t have even been prosecuted, I think he’s still toast.

Very least is the jury comes back with manslaughter. No way does he walk.


32 posted on 07/12/2013 11:33:24 AM PDT by absalom01 (You should do your duty in all things. You cannot do more, and you should never wish to do less.)
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To: GladesGuru

Very simple. If you do have to shoot, and wish to walk away and not get railroaded like GZ is getting railroaded by the professional race baiters, you don’t have to waste time looking for brass in the grass.


33 posted on 07/12/2013 4:51:10 PM PDT by patriotsblood
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To: patriotsblood

Walking away is a bad idea in an age of security cams in every quadrant.

Just my opinion. YMMV.


34 posted on 07/12/2013 4:55:40 PM PDT by GladesGuru (Islam is antithetical to, and Islam is irreconcilable with, America. Therefore - Islam Delenda Est)
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To: Gandalf_The_Gray

Appreciate your feedback. Just thought I’d run it up the pole and see if anyone salutes it.


35 posted on 07/12/2013 8:10:57 PM PDT by 426cuda
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