Tonight, a huge disservice was done to the American
people-George Zimmerman was found NOT GUILTY in the shooting death of Trayvon
Martin. I, like most people, am shocked at the verdict. My shock however is
outweighed by sadness, not just because Trayvon’s admitted killer is free, but
because I feel this verdict sends the wrong message.
A NOT GUILTY
verdict implies it’s okay to be accosted because you don’t look like you belong
or you fit the description of someone who committed a crime. This NOT GUILTY verdict implies it’s okay to
shoot someone after you lose a fistfight (even if you were the aggressor); a NOT GUILTY verdict implies it’s okay to
base your actions on preconceived notions, even if they are wrong. I’m not sure
what the jurors were thinking but I hope the decision didn’t come easy. Right now
I bet they are rethinking everything that occurred and wondering whether or not
they made the right decision. I wonder if they are even aware of how
controversial the trial had been. What I do know is they are now at home with their families and friends and no doubt dealing with all sorts of emotions. My heart goes out to them for I wouldn't want to be in their shoes right now.
The upcoming week will surely bring more media
coverage, more outrage, and definitely more attention to race relations in
America. My hope is that the outcome of this trial will spark more fruitful
debates on gun control as well as race relations because at this point, Trayvon’s
death is no longer about guilt or innocence but about tolerance and
sensitivity.
My prayers go out to Trayvon’s family and friends. May God’s
grace and mercy see you through these hard times and offer you comfort when
only HIS love will do.
