Please link me any factual corrections, but this is what I have seen so far.
Originally Posted by irishlad
Factual corrections here are completely unnecessary, let's try using just a little common sense.
Now my speculation...
[/COLOR][LIST][*]I think 50:50 Zimmerman confronted Williams.
Originally Posted by irishlad
I don't know who "Williams" is, but I assume you mean Martin. 50/50? There's no question in my mind Zimmerman confronted this kid. The very fact that there was an altercation between them, whatever that altercation actually was is proof alone of this.
[*]I think it is unlikely Williams went for Zimmerman's gun.
Originally Posted by irishlad
Again, I don't know who "Williams" is, but the only way Martin could have known Zimmerman had a gun would have been to confront Martin and either show him he had a gun, or threaten him with it's use. Either way, Zimmerman would have been in the wrong.
[*]I think it is quite likely that when the confrontation occurred, Williams got physical first. Maybe because he's a thug, maybe because he felt righteous outrage, maybe because he was scared.
Originally Posted by irishlad
If Martin did get physical first, that means that 1. Zimmerman did indeed approach and confront Martin in some form or fashion. Martin could have very well felt his life was in danger by the white/hispanic guy with ADHD carrying a sidearm and approaching him for no reason. Did Martin not have a right to "Stand your ground" against the guy with the gun?
[*]I think a black guy in a hoody looked more suspicious to Zimmerman than a white guy in Khaki's and a golf shirt...but that does not make him a racist.
Originally Posted by irishlad
Actually, that's the very definition of racism. Some people are just too blind or too ignorant to see just how racist they really are. Think about what you said for a moment and tell me what exactly is any more suspicious about a black guy in a hoodie than a white guy in a golf shirt and khakis? Racism and prejudice is in fact the only thing that separates the two.
Now, if I may, a few comments on this completely misguided and irrelevant list.
1. Zimmerman was doing his duty - which was lawful
Originally Posted by dante0322
His duty as far as Neighborhood Watch goes was to observe and report, nothing more. Legal is one thing, stupid is something else.
2. Following Martin was his duty and NOT unlawful (if you say it is unlawful provide a reference to prove so)
Originally Posted by dante0322
He had no business following Martin, and this WAS NOT his duty. Zimmerman is not law enforcement, so I don't know what "duty" you think he had. I don't know about you, but if anyone who is not law enforcement is observed to be following me, it will always put me on the defensive and I will always suspect trouble from that person. It may be perfectly legal to follow someone, but the moment Zimmerman made the decision to do it, it completely voided any and all rights to any claim of self-defense.
3. Altercation was started by Martin
Originally Posted by dante0322
Explain how any altercation could have even POSSIBLY been started by Martin? The very fact that these two had an altercation at all proves Zimmerman was the cause of it. If Zimmerman did not follow and ultimately confront Martin, no altercation could have resulted. Zimmerman is CLEARLY to blame for any altercation that took place.
4. Zimmerman's head was being bashed in
Originally Posted by dante0322
"Bashed in"? Hardly. There's not even the remotest piece of information to support this. Zimmerman was not taken to the hospital in an ambulance or otherwise. Not only was he not admitted to a hospital, but he wasn't given so much as a single stitch. There was no blood anywhere on Zimmerman that anyone can see, nor is there any of Zimmerman's blood at the scene. I don't know about you, but this does not fit any reasonable definition of what I would consider "bashed in" to be.
As already mentioned, losing a fight you yourself started is not justification to start shooting someone. Regardless, Zimmerman's life was hardly in danger and lack of any real physical injury is proof enough of this.
5. Zimmerman's recourse was to defend himself
Originally Posted by dante0322
Defend himself against what? His own actions? You can't defend yourself against a situation you yourself are responsible for causing.
6. Fact - If Martin did not attack Zimmerman police would have arrived and the reason as to why Martin was there would have been discovered
Originally Posted by dante0322
Huh?
7. Fact - Martin was the aggressor - Zimmerman cannot bash his head in on the concrete if he is on top of Martin
Originally Posted by dante0322
See above.