I read the report. I’ve also seen the media coverage, the social media firestorm.
The statement that Congressman West issued appears to me to be carefully crafted to curry favor without making a firm stand. “If all that is reported is accurate...” is an interesting statement from a man who has been put through the liberal media wringer.
“It seems...seemingly, with no reason”.
A careful reading of Congressman West’s statement shows that he’s saying that if Martin was shot for no reason, it’s an outrage. I think anybody would agree with that. He neglects to say that if Martin assaulted Zimmerman before the shooting, it’s a different story. In the same breath he calls for an investigation without undue political influence (like speculative declarations from Congressmen?) and without media bias. He says this, speaking to the media that has hardly been impartial or level headed so far.
That’s the sort of stuff I’d expect from a politician.
Of course, like everybody else posting here, I wasn’t there...but neither was Congressman West.
My own opinion is that Mr. Zimmerman showed poor judgement at best...his life is ruined, even if he was acting in good faith and with pure heart, and I’m at all certain that he was.
A guy may be legally entitled to walk dangerous streets after dark, flashing cash and whistling “I’m In The Money”, and then cry “Self Defense!” after the predictable happens, but that doesn’t make it smart or right.
This is sad all the way around.
I concur with your comments. I don’t believe Zimmerman was out “hunting”, but made an error in judgement. It may also be the case that the 17 year old also made a bad judgement, but as yet there isn’t any facts which point to just who initiated the physical confrontation. I was a neighborhood watch captain years ago. We started the NW program in our neighborhood because there was a huge problem with drug trafficing on our street. We worked very closely with our Law Enforcement liason and the other residents who were tired of the thefts, and day and night traffic on dead-end street because of those living in the area who were dealing drugs. At no time did anyone participating with the NW attempt any kind of contact with those we were trying to clean out. We kept records, and called police. It took quite a few months, but eventually we had put so much pressure on the miscreants there that those who lived there moved out, leaving no reason for those looking to buy to be there.