To (hopefully but not probably) avoid another strawman, I'm not saying that these people are not generally stalwart supporters of the "rule of law" etc in other cases - I couldn't know that. My problem is that they ignore in their arguments that the "rule of law" they so defend is systematically asymmetrical and defend it on very convenient "abstract" principles, independently of the actual real-life environment, pretending as if these principles were universally and symmetrically applied across the board to everyone. They handle this as some kind of excercise in abstract logic - and "forget" that all those principles they seem to defend are just empty words in every other case.

It's not Zimmermann and his guilt and punishment that's important here. It's the very deep asymmetry of the situation - the deep and obvious and quite clearly racist asymmetry of the police actions, the general media presentation, the interpretation and application of laws and so on that's disgusting.

“Racism is still with us. But it is up to us to prepare our children for what they have to meet, and, hopefully, we shall overcome.” Rosa Parks

gee, did I dream that ms. parks said something like, “i will no longer be a party to my own degradation!”? oh well, the above quote addresses the only reasonable path toward a more harmonious community. fear is an emotion and all living organism experience fear when threatened. fear brings a rush of adrenalin which focuses the mind in the here and now giving the frightened one a sense that events take place in slow motion . some people become petrified, unable to move, others freak out, while others advantage that fear-adrenalin to run faster than they’d thought possible or repel the attacker like some kind of überminch. congress, therefore, has no power to legislate an emotion out of existence. when it comes to racism, sexism, islamophobia or other irrational hatred, none can overcome someone else’s phobia. glad to read so many here who conquer racism from within, speak to the “children” caught in the trap of paranoia, with calm resolve.

@ robert riversong thank you so very much for doing your homework and sharing the results with all of us. after all, the very word prejudice indicates judging without bothering with facts and i agree the “stand your ground law” should never have been passed.

@ two americas you did confuse me with “racism does not work both ways” but feel better after reading, “the concept of ‘reverse racism’ is itself racist,” because that carries a not-so-subtle message that racism is naturally a white privilege, but illogical for a person of colour. also, i dislike the “we are a nation of laws” excuse. we are a nation of people wishing for a respectful, cooperative society.

the “spirit” of criminal justice legislation is that we feel safe and secure in our homes and while out and about. yet paranoia spreads like wildfire across the land. can’t you guys ‘n dolls almost smell it in the air? when i go out, i smile and “flirt” with every man, woman and babe i meet, make eye contact and say hello. This 5’3” almost 100 pound lady has picked up many a hitch hiker, especially when i see a person more cautious people would look the other way and bump the gas pedal. thereby hangs many a great tale for i am enriched by knowing them.