The Verdict

Less than ten minutes ago the Zimmerman jury rendered a "Not Guilty" verdict.  I'm stunned, partly because of a question the jury sent to the judge earlier this evening, asking for clarification on the manslaughter charge.  I would have bet good money on a manslaughter verdict or a hung jury.  Never, ever "not guilty."  Not after watching this process unfold.  

 

Change must come.  Somehow and soon.  A black man—young or old—should be able to walk  in a residential area, walk anywhere in the U.S.,  without being assumed a criminal.  Any American, any human being, should not be killed, because of an assumption.  Or plain old racial prejudice. 

 

Angela Corey,  Florida state attorney, is speaking to the media, sounding to me like the runner up in a beauty contest.  Jeeeeez.   I expect someone to hand her a bouquet of roses next.  Now she's sounding like a gracious hostess presiding over a Saturday night dinner party as she answers the media's questions.  Corey was just asked whether she had spoken to Trayvon Martin's mother since the verdict.  She said she had not, still grinning like the cartoon cheshire cat.  Apparently she was too busy getting to the microphones—"Our hearts go out to the victim's family . . . " sounds  sing-song and far too upbeat.  She seems to be eating this up, loving the spotlight.  I wouldn't be surprised to see her to take a bow at the end.  

 

Lead prosecutor Bernie De La Rionda just spoke—some emotions that match the situation, thankfully.  He accepts the verdict but is disappointed.  Can sense the anger beneath his disappointment, or is that my own?  His passion is evident.  He is not grinning. 

 

Ms. Corey is now back at the mike, and I swear she hasn't stopped smiling.  Somebody please tell her she's not on the defense team.  Maybe she's nervous.   At best, her affect seems inappropriate for the gravity of the situation.

 

Defense attorneys are now holding their media conference.  Can't listen to this.  I've hit a hard wall of sadness, and it's time to breathe consciously for a few minutes and get myself ready for bed.  Change must come.  We must see to it.