Posted on 07/25/2013 7:57:43 AM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
The trial of George Zimmerman for the murder of Trayvon Martin concluded with a not guilty verdict. But Zimmerman is far from innocent and the entire case reminds us of the pervasive nature of racism in the U.S.
Zimmerman racially profiled 17-year old Trayvon Benjamin Martin. When he saw this African American teenager innocently strolling through his neighborhood, unarmed, he concluded, "There walks a criminal."
Carrying a concealed weapon, Zimmerman proceeded to follow. When told by the 911 operator to get back in his car, this wannabe cop instead confronted Trayvon, ultimately firing his gun point blank, taking the teen's life.
Local prosecutors initially did not pursue the case. But nationwide protests led to the gunman's prosecution by the State of Florida.
Zimmerman's acquittal now sets a dangerous precedent and gives new legal cover for open acts of racist violence under the guise of "self defense." The basic thinking behind the law goes back to Jim Crow and lynch mob "justice." It is part and parcel of the extreme right's attempt to turn back the clock on social progress.
But this is is not solely a case of individual bigotry. It highlights the complex interplay of segregation, institutional racism, cultural bias, rightwing laws and a policing and justice system stacked against people of color.
At the same time there is a broad sentiment across the majority of U.S. people for justice and fairness and a growing anti-racist consciousness.
It is no coincidence that the Tea Party and the extreme right are pushing austerity and the criminalization of the working class and poor especially in the most impoverished Black and Latino communities and at the same time advocate mass proliferation of fear, guns and vigilantism among whites.
It is clearly indicative of a high level of desperation. Racism has been the main weapon of division in U.S. capitalism since slavery and so it remains today.
That is why it is so important that tens of thousands of all races and nationalities have already hit the streets to protest the verdict. Hundreds of thousands more have signed petitions demanding the U.S. Justice Department file a civil rights suit against Zimmerman.
The National Action Network and other civil rights groups are calling for "Justice for Trayvon" rallies and prayer vigils at federal buildings in 100 cities across the country on Saturday, July 20.
In addition, a large coalition of civil rights, labor and religious organizations are advocating a massive march on Washington D.C. on August 24 to commemorate the great 1963 March for Jobs and Freedom.
In reaction to the Zimmerman verdict, a new multi-racial, anti-racist, pro-justice and equality movement for all people is taking shape across the country. Along with it comes the possibility of a new level of unity.
This movement is setting the stage for a big push at the polls in next year's midterm election.
The Republican right helps create the atmosphere conducive to open racism. They represent the most reactionary section of the 1%. They are the ones pushing attacks on voting rights, gutting social services and starving city budgets. They are the ones pushing the spread of unconstitutional "stop and frisk" and "stand your ground" laws and undermining civil rights generally. Not to mention they are on the attack against abortion rights, marriage equality and immigrant rights as well.
It's time to push back: put on your walking shoes, the stakes couldn't be higher.
Sign the NAACP petition calling for the U.S. Justice Department to open a civil rights case against Zimmerman.
Join the demonstrations at Federal Buildings around the country on July 20.
Come to Washington DC on August 24 to commemorate the historic "March on Washington" and to demand justice for Trayvon Martin and his family.
The Zimmerman verdict is having a big impact on the whole political direction of the country. The time to act is now.
If St. Trayvon of Martin had an illegal gun it might be GZ would no longer be alive.
“We will know you by your associations and friends”.. This is a confirmation of that theorem..
He tried to steal George’s Kel-Tec!
Like other things he did, he also, failed that.
Holy Carp.
I'm guessing the same clown who wrote this also said....
And isn't it funny that the Communist Party is in cahoots with the .... Colored People
Sign the NAACP petition calling for the U.S. Justice Department to open a civil rights case against Zimmerman.
Wow- that's not the same trial evidence I saw...
George *criminally profiled* Trayvon. As the evidence shows, George was correct.
From the communist party U.S.A.org. The same thing, almost word for word, put out by the alphabet net works.
Oh really? Please enlighten me as to what exactly he did that would be seen as "guilty", illegal or even harassing? Is looking at a black man from your car considered illegal or harassing nowaday?? Is walking in the same general direction as a black man considered harassing nowadays? WOW! I better watch my ass then, if I am walking in the street and I see a black man in front of me I better damn well change direction because evidently that gives him permission to immediately use my skull as a jackhammer upon concrete.
These people are truly evil.
With friends like these, who needs enemies!
I’ve also seen signs by the Revolutionary Communist Party, A.N.S.W.E.R., and the Workers World party in support of Skittle boy.
These people are not kooks. They are enemies of Americans.
Counterprotest?
After the new Right Wing Conservative Party takes over the CPUSA, ACLU and many others will be outlawed and their leaders forced to wear orange jump suits and bust up big rocks for 10 hours a day.
Cupcake and Moochell will be down in Sheriff Arpaio’s honeymoon suite wearing pink jump suits. Holder will end up as towel boy in a Galveston brothel.
"The significance of the Trayvon Martin case lies in the fact that national oppression of Blacks in America is not simply “racial” but economic, a key element of the establishment of the American capitalist-imperialist system." - Party For Socialism and Liberation
"The capitalist system is ultimately responsible for the murder of Trayvon Martin and countless others whose only “crime” is being a youth of color. Institutionalized racism, based on centuries-old white supremacist ideology, is central to keeping a tiny minority of the super-rich in power by impoverishing more and more workers with low wages, foreclosures, school and hospital closings, unemployment, underemployment, and mass incarceration and deportations." - Worker's World Party
"So long as the political and economic system of capitalism, based on private ownership of the means of production and production for profit rules, no amount of Black elected officials, or even a Black president, can bring about the liberation of African Americans." - Fight Back! News and Views from the People's struggle
"We must make Trayvon our rallying cry today to rise up for justice and equality with the aim of dismantling the entire system of American capitalism and racism, and fighting for a socialist future based on freedom, equality and the general welfare of society as a whole." - socialistparty.org.uk
cpusa? Did they immigrate/trespass from Dumbassistan? Hey asshats. GZ was driving a truck not a car and he was talking to the non-emergency dispatcher/operator not the 911 dispatcher/operator. If you clowns can’t ever get the simple stuff right, how could you possibly be trusted with more relevant information?
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