UPDATE: Jury deliberations continuing right now. Will the six jurors, all women, make a decision based upon emotion or the law? That is the difference in approaches used by the prosecution and the defense with the defense opting for using a legal approach in a courtroom as it should be. This case is just one step in determining if we will remain a nation of laws or just another nation of people. God help our way of life if we make the wrong choice.
I've been following the trial of George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida and see that a number of unusual actions have been taken which should disturb anyone with any concern about our legal system. Actions of this type have the potential to invalidate the entire system of justice that Americans worked so hard to perfect. They are just another example of how some are trying to eliminate the rule of law. Let's just look at a list of some of the things that happened and everyone can judge for him/herself:
The Justice Department took an active part in the groundswell of public opinion before charges were even brought against Zimmerman. The early investigation of the case indicated no charges would be brought but then Al Sharpton, with the approval and support of Justice community relations types (does community organizer ring a bell?) proceeded to conduct a protest which resulted in the then police chief, Bill Lee being forced to leave his position. He was asked to bring forth charges by some local officials, even though he told them that was in violation of the Constitution. No grand jury was convened, State's Attorney Angela Corey put together a weak case full of innuendo and filed charges directly. This is, of itself, quite out of the ordinary.
During the trial, the defense team was routinely denied many requests, including: a request for jurors to visit the site at the time of day of the crime to get a good look at the scene; requests for entry into the record of Trayvon Martin's character including his school record of fights and some email records which supported a record of violence; and even a request to start the case late one morning after being in court the day before until 10 pm. Since attorneys routinely use time after court to plan for the next day's session, this put them at a severe disadvantage.
Even Zimmerman himself was belittled by the judge with her denial of defense objections to her direct questioning of the defendant about his right to testify even before the defense had rested its case. Even Greta Van Susteren stated on her evening show on Fox that this behavior by the judge was outrageous. Furthermore, the court even allowed the prosecutors to proffer additional charges after the defense had rested. Where is the fair play and justice in that.
Then there is the press which from the beginning tried to paint Zimmerman as negatively as possible. From refusing to show pictures early on of his injuries, to showing pictures of Martin at age 12, and finally to calling Zimmerman a white Hispanic, there behavior was despicable and in no way showed a lack of bias.
And finally, there is the President of the United States who just couldn't help but throw his two cents into the equation knowing full well that this would help to bias the case against Zimmerman. Remember, this is the same President who always tries to say he wants to bring the nation together when he does just the opposite routinely.
Is the fix in on this case or will the jury truly look at the evidence fairly in reaching a verdict? Only time will tell, but I do know this. Behavior of this manner by people who are supposed to be seeking the truth fairly and dispassionately is absolutely despicable.
I pray to God that the result isn't more of the same hate and discontent that we see more of every day in this country. I fear we are only one step from the edge of the precipice and we may very well not be able to survive as a nation if we slip into a crevice so deep. If that happens, God help us all.
I've been following the trial of George Zimmerman in Sanford, Florida and see that a number of unusual actions have been taken which should disturb anyone with any concern about our legal system. Actions of this type have the potential to invalidate the entire system of justice that Americans worked so hard to perfect. They are just another example of how some are trying to eliminate the rule of law. Let's just look at a list of some of the things that happened and everyone can judge for him/herself:
The Justice Department took an active part in the groundswell of public opinion before charges were even brought against Zimmerman. The early investigation of the case indicated no charges would be brought but then Al Sharpton, with the approval and support of Justice community relations types (does community organizer ring a bell?) proceeded to conduct a protest which resulted in the then police chief, Bill Lee being forced to leave his position. He was asked to bring forth charges by some local officials, even though he told them that was in violation of the Constitution. No grand jury was convened, State's Attorney Angela Corey put together a weak case full of innuendo and filed charges directly. This is, of itself, quite out of the ordinary.
During the trial, the defense team was routinely denied many requests, including: a request for jurors to visit the site at the time of day of the crime to get a good look at the scene; requests for entry into the record of Trayvon Martin's character including his school record of fights and some email records which supported a record of violence; and even a request to start the case late one morning after being in court the day before until 10 pm. Since attorneys routinely use time after court to plan for the next day's session, this put them at a severe disadvantage.
Even Zimmerman himself was belittled by the judge with her denial of defense objections to her direct questioning of the defendant about his right to testify even before the defense had rested its case. Even Greta Van Susteren stated on her evening show on Fox that this behavior by the judge was outrageous. Furthermore, the court even allowed the prosecutors to proffer additional charges after the defense had rested. Where is the fair play and justice in that.
Then there is the press which from the beginning tried to paint Zimmerman as negatively as possible. From refusing to show pictures early on of his injuries, to showing pictures of Martin at age 12, and finally to calling Zimmerman a white Hispanic, there behavior was despicable and in no way showed a lack of bias.
And finally, there is the President of the United States who just couldn't help but throw his two cents into the equation knowing full well that this would help to bias the case against Zimmerman. Remember, this is the same President who always tries to say he wants to bring the nation together when he does just the opposite routinely.
Is the fix in on this case or will the jury truly look at the evidence fairly in reaching a verdict? Only time will tell, but I do know this. Behavior of this manner by people who are supposed to be seeking the truth fairly and dispassionately is absolutely despicable.
I pray to God that the result isn't more of the same hate and discontent that we see more of every day in this country. I fear we are only one step from the edge of the precipice and we may very well not be able to survive as a nation if we slip into a crevice so deep. If that happens, God help us all.
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