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More details about Zimmerman emerge during bond hearing ("Racist" meme just flew out the window)
CNN ^ | April 20, 2012 | Michael Pearson

Posted on 04/20/2012 5:29:41 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet

For nearly two months, George Zimmerman has been largely a cipher, a riddle whose voice has been heard only in 911 calls reporting a young man acting "real suspicious."

On Friday, the world learned more about Zimmerman as he, his wife and parents testified during a hearing in Sanford, Florida, to decide whether he would be released on bond while awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge in the February 26 death of Trayvon Martin.

Zimmerman's wife depicted him as a man she has never seen angry. His father said he was a truthful man who had long been concerned with helping others. And his mother said he had organized a campaign to "get justice" for a homeless man who had been beaten in Sanford, as well as mentoring a 14-year-old African-American boy from a dangerous Orlando neighborhood.

Zimmerman has acknowledged killing Martin during an encounter in his Sanford neighborhood, saying he shot in self-defense. Critics have depicted the Hispanic neighborhood watch volunteer as a racist who profiled Martin because he was African-American.

His family said nothing could be further from the truth.

"I know that he is very protective of people, very protective of homeless people and also of children" -- regardless of their race, Gladys Zimmerman said in testimony meant to prove to Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. that Zimmerman would not be a threat to the community if allowed to leave jail while awaiting trial.

She said he has been a mentoring the 14-year-old for three years even though the program he had joined shut down after only nine months because of the economy.

She said she begged him not to go because of the danger.

"He said, 'Mom, if I don't go, they don't have nobody,'" Gladys Zimmerman said....

(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Extended News; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: blackkk; florida; georgezimmerman; trayvonmartin; zimmerman
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To: at bay

I have been my neighborhood watch captain for the last five years. In that time I can easily remember at least two dozens calls placed to 911 or my local PD over suspicious activity or at the request of resident in my neighborhood.

Do you think neighborhood watch captains sit at home watching television until something happens, then goes and writes a report on it? Watch members, especially Captains are go-to people for residents to receive help or just pass on information about suspicious people lurking around, newest cookie recipes, and any crimes committed on their property and a whole host of other issues. Instead of having dozens of individual residents calling 911, having a “command center” makes like much easier for all involved.

That Zimmerman only called 46 times, in an area prone to crime, says more about his restraint than the meme the press, and you, and spreading; that he is a wanna-be-cop, loose with his gun.

I also carry, concealed, in Florida (at all times) but especially on nights when my watch groups walks our neighborhood. If I am attacked by a 17 year old black male, punched in the nose so hard I hit the deck and then repeatedly find this young man bashing my head into the sidewalk, should I wait for him to complete his task or draw my weapon to defend myself?

I do not know where you are getting your “facts” of this case but they are so far off base you should be a guest on MSLSD.


121 posted on 04/21/2012 5:58:39 AM PDT by Brytani (Liberals - destroying America since 1776)
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To: at bay

Whoa..first you need to chill out fella.

Second..are you referring to Vinnie Politan on HLN?


122 posted on 04/21/2012 6:02:05 AM PDT by mac_truck ( Aide toi et dieu t aidera)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
From the article "While some would say O'Mara showed all his cards in Friday's bond hearing, I think it was a smart strategy because he's basically trying to tell the public not to jump to conclusions here, as most have already done so based off media coverage of the case. "

Actually, it was a smart move because the investigator was ill-prepared for the hearing and testified under oath. It really does not get much better than that. The prosecution cannot change his story later because that could be perjury.

123 posted on 04/21/2012 6:41:11 AM PDT by AndyJackson
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To: 2ndDivisionVet
if O'Mara can convince the jury the prosecution has a weak case without ever applying Stand Your Ground, he can keep his client off the witness stand. His goal was to poke so many holes into the affidavit and the initial investigation that some may now be questioning whether Zimmerman was unfairly charged.

This is not quite right. The defense attorney cannot leave a trial with his strongest defense unstated. This is all pre-trial, and with this testimony on the record under oath O'Mara can now move to dismiss the charges for failure to state a case.

124 posted on 04/21/2012 6:48:05 AM PDT by AndyJackson
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

Bless you. I feel the same way.


125 posted on 04/21/2012 6:52:16 AM PDT by varina davis (A real American patriot -- Gov. Rick Perry)
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To: varina davis

Visitors to Zimmerman’s defense fund website has now jumped from about 4,000 after his bond hearing to more than 9,000 this morning.


126 posted on 04/21/2012 6:57:18 AM PDT by varina davis (A real American patriot -- Gov. Rick Perry)
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To: at bay
Anyone else feel as I do?

Yes, the Black Panthers and also liberal media lowlifes who refuse to look at the facts.

127 posted on 04/21/2012 7:00:35 AM PDT by Sirius Lee (Sofa King Mitt Odd Did Obamneycare)
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To: jonrick46

GOing along with your drug premise is a not mentioned fact that the local CVS was recently busted for selling eight times the amount of Oxycotin that would be prescribed for every man, woman and child in town.....Someone was making big money in the community.

Wikipedia had the information on their website...DOn’t know if it is still there.


128 posted on 04/21/2012 7:22:45 AM PDT by hoosiermama
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To: Brytani

“concealed, in Florida (at all times) but especially on nights when my watch groups walks our neighborhood.”

GZ wasn’t walking. How many times have you been in your vehicle, called 911, are ordered to stay in your vehicle, you feign compliance but then get out of the vehicle and confront the “suspect” ?

(BTW, I have followed impaired drivers down the road for as long as it takes CHP to catch up. Sometimes they realize they’re being followed and pull off the road. Under what circumstances would you advise me to exit my vehicle? I never have nor will I ever...Oh wait, I should if I’m really tired of the “a—holes always getting away”)

Funny how no one defends GZ against my tagline, which is exactly what he said when his self serving apology was challenged. You wanna bet that dda knows GZ never apologized while in police custody?


129 posted on 04/21/2012 7:27:02 AM PDT by at bay (Did you say you're sorry to the police? "No sir.(then) I don't remember...(then) I believe I did.")
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To: TigersEye
As much as I hate to say it, “at bay” is correct that Dale Gilbreath, the investigator, did testify that a witness saw 2 runners during the same time frame. There is no testimony that the witness could identify who the witness saw, or even where the runners were running from or to.

Unfortunately, the CNN transcript went to a break, and only the very last part of the exchange is on the CNN transcript:

“GILBREATH: They — I cannot identify who they were, but it was at the same time frame this occurred.”

I did catch it on tape, and this is my transcription:

O’Mara: Briefly, Your Honor. A couple of questions: You were just asked concerning “continued to follow” that Mr. Zimmerman continued to follow. um What evidence do you have to support that?

Gilbreath: He was told not to follow him. He continued on for a period of time.

O’Mara: How long?

Gilbreath: I don't know. I would say less than a minute before he hung up, um which is prior to the encounter between the two.

O’Mara: Okay, um, Any other evidence besides that there was a phone call that he was on for a minute? Any other evidence? Any other witnesses?

Gilbreath: Two

O’Mara: To the fact that he, quote, continued to follow?

Gilbreath: We have a witness statement who observed — that was on the perimeter of this — who observed shadows, or figures, excuse me, running by her residence.

O’Mara: And do you know which way or who they were or anything?

Gilbreath: They — I cannot identify who they were, but it was at the same time frame this occurred.

All I can say is that even a blind pig finds an acorn once in awhile.

130 posted on 04/21/2012 7:45:36 AM PDT by Aunt Polgara
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To: doug from upland

Why does Trayvon have gold teeth at such a young age? Were his God-given ones knocked out or was he allowed to eat way too many Skittles? Or is this just a hip-hop, gangsta thang? He’s an adorable cutie-pie, then within a year or two, he’s p#$%*d at the world, flipping us off, flashing some gold in his mouth.


131 posted on 04/21/2012 8:17:04 AM PDT by getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL (chirping birds + basket weavers who sit + smile + twiddle their thumbs + toes They're coming to take)
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To: 2ndDivisionVet

News flash - BHO is half honkey.


132 posted on 04/21/2012 8:18:43 AM PDT by getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL (chirping birds + basket weavers who sit + smile + twiddle their thumbs + toes They're coming to take)
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To: at bay

An innocent child? 17 and 6’3” is a “child”? And... Doing nothing? So creeping around between buildings peeking into windows isn’t suspicious in your neighborhood?


133 posted on 04/21/2012 8:34:24 AM PDT by Ramius (Personally, I give us one chance in three. More tea anyone?)
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To: TigerClaws
Shot of Obama there was in Africa campaigning for a Sharia law Muslim. The plan of action after a loss was to riot until gven a position of power.

That coming here next??

You betcha! Obama helped his Muslim cousin Odinga get power, so he knows what to do here. Look for scenes like this in American cities if Obama loses the election:




134 posted on 04/21/2012 8:45:17 AM PDT by COBOL2Java (FUMR)
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To: getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL
He’s an adorable cutie-pie, then within a year or two, he’s p#$%*d at the world, flipping us off, flashing some gold in his mouth.

Say! It coincides with Obama's term as president! Who-da thunk?

135 posted on 04/21/2012 8:48:51 AM PDT by COBOL2Java (FUMR)
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To: getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL; All
His “gold” teeth are not real. The kids who emulate thugs buy cheap foil to temp cover their teeth. Notice they do NOT go around each tooth, just cover over the front and back like we used to use Black Jack chewing gum on Halloween to give the appearance of missing teeth.

Having worked with young adults, IMO he was “acting out” wanting his parents attention. If I fault anyone in this tragedy it's mom and dad for not noticing his “cries for help” Spending time watching the big game together instead of going out and doing whatever his dad did that made it necessary to wait until morning to call police (think alcohol or drugs) would have prevented the incident.

Mom and dad are in denial big time. Their attitude and behavior are typical of dysfunctional families that have some form of substance abuse. When children of Trayvon’s age start noticing they take second place to a substance they often “act out”........Voice of experience talking. My son who had used with his father, chose to put himself in treatment at Trayvon’s age.
Freepers, if you suspect problems in your own family get educated immediately. The child you save may be your own.

136 posted on 04/21/2012 9:00:07 AM PDT by hoosiermama
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To: Aunt Polgara

But the witness doesn’t know who was chasing whom or if they were even related to this case. Remember there were other people out and about at that time. Witness, John, the young boy walking his dog. ....
WItness is not credible.


137 posted on 04/21/2012 9:05:11 AM PDT by hoosiermama
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To: hoosiermama; 2ndDivisionVet; doug from upland; Cboldt; TigersEye

>>But the witness doesn’t know who was chasing whom or if they were even related to this case. Remember there were other people out and about at that time. Witness, John, the young boy walking his dog. ....
WItness is not credible.<<

Can’t say I disagree with you, but it is a new wrinkle to this case. Perhaps the cops have more than the investigator said. I doubt it, but who knows?


138 posted on 04/21/2012 9:18:31 AM PDT by Aunt Polgara
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To: at bay
GZ wasn’t walking. How many times have you been in your vehicle, called 911, are ordered to stay in your vehicle, you feign compliance but then get out of the vehicle and confront the “suspect” ?

I assume people who persist in promulgating bad information are acting in bad faith. There was no "911" call, no "order to stay in your vehicle," and no evidence to support your contention that Z "confronted" the suspect.

What is your agenda, because it cannot possibly be the Truth?

139 posted on 04/21/2012 9:34:41 AM PDT by Trailerpark Badass
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To: GeronL
Has your local high school assigned students to research and write about this case? The liberal teachers obviously want to make kids come to the “right” conclusion, many of the kids paying no attention to news and stuff.

My daughter is in 8th grade, but said they have discussed the case in civics class. She said the general consensus of her classmates is it is going to be difficult for him to get a fair trial because of all the media hype. They are also concerned about the "bounty" on him and don't understand why nothing is being done about that and why the media is so quiet about it.

It's been very interesting listening to her talking about it and how her peers are reacting. She said one of the boys brought up how it could be used to attack the 2nd amendment - that young black man happens to belong to the same 4-H shooting club as my daughter. She said the teacher asked him to expand on that and it turned from a discussion of the case to Constitutional rights, and then to civil rights and whose may have been violated here. The attitude was "maybe" Martin's, but the "bounty" definitely violates Zimmerman's.

This is a rural area, with a decent sized African American presence, as well as a large number of Hispanics.

Oh, and did I mention, the civics teach is a black woman?

140 posted on 04/21/2012 9:46:44 AM PDT by Gabz (Democrats for Voldemort.)
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