Heat Editorial:Trayvon Martin’s Rights Overlooked in Zimmerman Trial

After George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the murder of Trayvon Martin, thousands of American citizens displayed their frustration through protests, music creations, social media posts, and by signing a NAACP petition calling for federal intervention and more charges against Zimmerman.  There has been dialogue centered around whether or not this is a “black and white” issue.  Although many would prefer to remain aloof from such a controversial topic, it is clear that race has affected the outcome of this trial.  It is largely hypocritical for legal representation and the court to overlook Trayvon Martin’s right to defend himself.  During the time he was followed by George Zimmerman, Florida law implies it is not illegal to follow someone.  However, it is legal if a citizen believes within their heart and mind that they are at risk of losing their life to stand their ground by using a weapon regardless if the injury or harm inflicted on them is evident.  It does not take Aristotle or Einstein to disprove the fallacious reasoning within this law.  It is a faulty argument because it denies Travyon’s belief of “fear of being in danger” within his heart and mind.  The system clearly overlooked his rights, labeled him as a thug and aggressor.  Regardless of the prosecution’s courtroom actions or effectiveness, Florida discriminated against Trayvon Martin’s rights.  Citizens are wary of “open season” against African American teens in the near future.  In addition, similar cases continue to exhibit injustice as another teen has been reportedly murdered at the hands of a white Floridian recently.  To add insult the injury, Florida mother Marissa Alexander was sentenced 20 years for “warning shots” as she attempted to stand her ground against domestic abuse.  How can we justify and assert that race does not apply in the Zimmerman trial.  The “stand your ground law” and “self defense” argument truly do not apply but yet prevailed in Zimmerman’s trial.  It should not come as a surprise that citizens from multiple cultures are disgruntled. The protests represent a displeasure in the justice system.  The Heat Magazine encourages all citizens to keep the Martin family in your prayers.  Regardless of what you may think personally, it is apparent America has issues that need to be resolved.  That resolution ends and begins with the people that make up “the land of the free.” Sign Petition If You Want Justice For Trayvon Martin: https://donate.naacp.org/page/s/doj-civil-rights-petition?source=zimmermannotguiltypetitionrotator&utm_medium=Rotator&utm_source=NAACP&utm_campaign=zimmermannotguiltypetitionrotator http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/young-jeezy-releases-its-a-cold-world-in-tribute-to-trayvon-martin-20130714