If Zimmerman had chased Martin and then shot him in the back when Martin was running away, at least 93 percent of white Americans would think Zimmerman was guilty. Probably more like 99 percent. (Every race has a few nutcases, which is why I’m not saying 100 percent.)
Let’s not even make it that clear-cut. Let’s say Zimmerman had confronted Martin, and Martin takes umbrage and starts taking a few steps toward Zimmerman. Zimmerman then shoots him. Almost all white people would say “guilty.”
But if Zimmerman’s story is true that he gave up following, returned to his car, was attacked by Martin, and that Martin went for his gun, a legitimate self-defense argument arises.
Anyway, I wasn’t there so I don’t know whether Zimmerman’s story is true. But it’s up to the state to prove otherwise, and the evidence that the story is untrue is pretty weak at this point, unless they have evidence not yet in the public sphere.
So I wish people would understand that the VAST MAJORITY OF WHITE PEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO MAKE IT LEGAL TO RANDOMLY SHOOT MINORITIES.
After that you are free to say whatever you wish. But read it first.