Blame A Draconian Law

George Zimmerman

George Zimmerman is a free man after a Florida jury decided against convicting him on second degree murder or manslaughter charges.    I wouldn't have had it play out that way, but I respect the verdict for several reasons.    He was the only surviving witness to a struggle that ended in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.     The jury apparently found him credible enough, but I wonder if some of Zimmerman's actions may have made him more criminally liable for this tragedy.   I believe some of Zimmerman's actions were avoidable, including ignoring the caution of a police dispatcher, which is probably why the jury asked for clarification on the manslaughter option.     If there were no proven "ill will, spite or hatred", why is the Florida manslaughter law mandating 30 years in prison almost as severe as that for second degree murder?     In this case, the jury had little choice.    The justice system worked because the prosecution failed to prove its case, but that's not the only reason.    I believe George Zimmerman should have faced some penalty, but the manslaughter sentence was too harsh.     Blame Florida lawmakers for that, not the court.      Finally, I just want to say how on target President Obama was with his heartfelt remarks on race in America and this trial in particular.    The fact that he waited this long to sound off on the topic shows him to be a President for all Americans who just happens to be black.    Senator McCain was right: it was "impressive."    If the Martin family has some success in a civil suit and the streets stay nonviolent, there will eventually be a measure of justice for Trayvon.