Lawrence O'Donnell, Charles M. Blow and Eugene O'Donnell (apparently no relation to Lawrence) in 12 minutes and 1 second, explain everything you need to know about the Trayvon Martin killing.
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Duh.
But I will make it really easy for you. Zimmerman is going to defend this case based on self-defense, the problem is the 911 tape clearly showed he stalked young Trayvon. He was told to stand down, and kept following him anyway. There are other problems of course, as ably pointed out by the O'Donnells and Blow, but this is the salient one.
Duh.
When you're the aggressor, you can't plead self defense. It's like if you were one of the Menendez kids pleading for clemency because they're now orphans.
Duh.
That's it, it's that simple. NEXT!!!!
Duh.
So, why have there been no charges filed? Good question. See you after the jump.
The reason I'm blogging is because I am just outraged at a) the media coverage in general, especially from right wing media interests, b) because there has been no charges filed yet where the facts, in the light most favorable to Zimmerman, scream for a manslaughter charge.
The pundits can masturbate all they want over it, it is that screaming bright line clear. Trayvon could be a dope dealer, it does not change the legal result. Trayvon could be a card carrying gang member, it does not change the legal result.
Duh.
The right can say whatever it wants, it does not change the facts of the case nor how the legal process should go. This is why I've said "duh" so many times. It is that painfully megaobvious.
Duh.
Now, things are happening pretty quickly.
First, Zimmerman ditched his lawyer Craig Sonner, one with I believe zero criminal defense experience, and has upgraded to a known local Orlando attorney. I believe he will upgrade further, with perhaps a nationally known name, before this goes to trial. Joe Oliver also will no longer be making public statements as Zimmerman's representative/friend/little buddy.
Second, as I reported yesterday, the FBI has begun it's own investigation of Trayvon's killing, with an eye of filing civil rights charges against Zimmerman. I believe that investigation will be at some point be expanded to include investigating the Sanford PD and perhaps the State Attorney who decided not to charge Zimmerman, Norm Wolfinger.
Third, as reported today, two agents representing the Special Prosecutor were canvassing the neighborhood where Travon was killed, and interviewed several prospective witnesses.
I'm not going to get into detail as to when you will see charges filed, but I think it will happen probably within a week to 10 days. Federal charges will likely come down the road.
The process of getting justice for Trayvon will be commencing soon, and not soon enough.
Duh.