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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJustice For Trayvon - Massive, PEACEFUL protest in NYC. Times Square is effectively shut down.

911 Operator @911BUFF
RIGHT NOW! RALLY FOR TRAYVON MARTIN HAS REACHED TIMES SQUARE WITH THOUSANDS OF PROTESTERS. NYPD BEEFING UP SECURITY. #911BUFF
redwitch
(15,261 posts)Nice to know there are so many decent people, sometimes I forget.
starroute
(12,977 posts)StopMotionSolo
http://www.ustream.tv/stopmotionsolo?utm_campaign=ustre-am&utm_source=9943232&utm_medium=social
Tim Pool
http://new.livestream.com/accounts/4272316/events/2245495/feed_embed?width=640&height=900
They've left Times Squares and seem to be on West 57nd Street (about 3/4 of a mile further north). There's been some talk of marching to Harlem(which would be another 3 miles), but it sounds like they really don't know where they're going.
It's a warm night, though, and the cops don't seem to have any interest in them now that they've driven them away from the tourists. No telling where this could wind up.
Hissyspit
(45,790 posts)JaneyVee
(19,877 posts)targetpractice
(4,919 posts)Baitball Blogger
(52,345 posts)I'm glad to see some kind of reaction, because this thing will only get worse if the Zimmerman supporters think there are no consequences, at all.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)Don't get me wrong what happened was a tragedy, but there are so many other issues that should get people into the streets and protesting rather than this one.
Skittles
(171,710 posts)I do understand your sentiment that people should get out into the streets in protest more but don't take away from the anger people feel over this travesty
Owl
(3,768 posts)totodeinhere
(13,688 posts)time recognizing that this country has many other problems that should also be bringing people out in the streets.
Baitball Blogger
(52,345 posts)Posteritatis
(18,807 posts)ram2008
(1,238 posts)None of these problems which we can change have gotten more than a few hundred people in the street. Yet the unchangeable verdict of a jury is getting thousands.
Squinch
(59,522 posts)ram2008
(1,238 posts)Has nothing to do with the justice system, maybe Florida states 'Stand your Ground' law but thats it.
The justice system is failing in other aspects, for example minorities being locked up at a much higher rate than white people, but this trial isn't really an example of that.
Beyond reasonable doubt is the reason Casey Anthony, OJ, and unfortunately Zimmerman are free.
Squinch
(59,522 posts)ram2008
(1,238 posts)Rather than spouting off worthless one liners
Squinch
(59,522 posts)ram2008
(1,238 posts)Thanks
Squinch
(59,522 posts)ram2008
(1,238 posts)Let's be specific here instead of making broad generalizations as you've done throughout this whole thread.
billh58
(6,655 posts)a Zimmerman apologist, but disrupting a pro-Trayvon justice thread is so very right-wing. Ring a bell? Have you been here under different screen names?
You sound very familiar Bubba...
ram2008
(1,238 posts)nor am I a right winger. Also, I've been a member here (mostly lurker) since 2007.
billh58
(6,655 posts)mean to disrupt, or you would stop posting in this thread and start a new one stating your anti-Trayvon opinions and gripes about the demonstrations. Many self-proclaimed "lurkers" are just disrupters with zombie accounts as backups.
You still sound familiar. Have you been here under a different name, or names?
ram2008
(1,238 posts)I'm not "anti-trayvon" as you put it, but I can see how the court came to their decision.
And yes, this is my only name. You can have the mods trace my IP if you feel so strongly that I have multiple accounts.
billh58
(6,655 posts)don't you go start your own thread and stop shitting on this one? Unless your mission-in-life is just to piss people off, and you've already accomplished that.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)The rest are responses to other people posting at me. I don't think my original post is a big enough deal that it warrants its own thread.
please. You are offensive and attempting to prolong your bullshit Zimmerman-apologist garbage. Everyone else on this thread is here to mourn Trayvon's murder and protest the travesty of justice allowed by the asshat politicians of Florida. Instead of taking the hints, you continue to spread your garbage with every post.
You can continue to make a complete moron of yourself, but I'm through with you.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)And perhaps take a look in the mirror in regards to your last sentence
sulphurdunn
(6,891 posts)You remained civil throughout. I can't say the same for everyone. I think people are just very angry over this, and they should, but they should also have been willing to entertain your point, which makes sense, but you should remember that angry people are not thinking people until they calm down.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)Im starting to get irritated after I've been attacked, accused of lying, and had my character assaulted just for expressing a different opinion.
I've tried to stay civil throughout but am starting to lose my cool. Maybe it's time to take a step back from the computer
.
sulphurdunn
(6,891 posts)of opportunity. Anger is the little brother of fear and hatred. I believe that explains why Trevon Martin is dead, why Zimmerman killed him and why he got away with it.
Bully Taw
(194 posts)Squinch
(59,522 posts)debate.
Enjoy your stay here at DU.
billh58
(6,655 posts)in teams now. These zombies are showing up all over DU, especially in threads that point out that their hero Zimmerman got away with state-sanctioned murder.
Squinch
(59,522 posts)tactics that a very particular kind of poster uses to hijack threads and prolong their arguments.
Usually I let it pass, but this topic is not something I am going to allow to be trivialized by these idiots without comment.
The idea that this is not worthy of being protested is sick.
Response to ram2008 (Reply #19)
devilgrrl This message was self-deleted by its author.
brush
(61,033 posts)I can't understand why you don't understand that a racist decision to free a killer is not a huge deal and a reason to protest in the streets.
And of course there are other reasons, but this is the one that got people out. You should be thankful for that and figure out a way to build on the frustration and anger that people are showing. They certainly aren't only angry about this.
lumpy
(13,704 posts)n
Whisp
(24,096 posts)Blue_Tires
(57,596 posts)you want to organize a march about those other topics in your own hometown, be my guest
Spazito
(55,497 posts)not to many thousands of others.
Horse with no Name
(34,239 posts)Squinch
(59,522 posts)name not needed
(11,665 posts)Response to ram2008 (Reply #5)
devilgrrl This message was self-deleted by its author.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)As well as a myriad of other things.
Response to ram2008 (Reply #31)
devilgrrl This message was self-deleted by its author.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)Response to ram2008 (Reply #35)
devilgrrl This message was self-deleted by its author.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)Really don't understand where you got patronizing attitude from.
Rosa Luxemburg
(28,627 posts)this was a horror. I was shocked.
Other issues are pressing as well.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)But I guarantee you we will not see protests for the other pressing issues :/
You don't think the senseless killing of an innocent teenager is worth taking to the streets to protest?
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)ram2008
(1,238 posts)Right back atcha.
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)my bet is that you are not black, neither you nor anyone you love will be affected by someone like zimmerman and hence you think this is not such a big deal.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)And my friends and loved ones come in ALL colors
And I'm sorry I just don't see the massive racial injustice everyone is talking about. I see the needless death of a teenager and I see Zimmerman who I believe is an asshole and acted wrongly being set free by a jury because the prosecution was unable to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Zimmerman was not acting in self defense in line with Florida law.
It happens all the time to bad people like I've said.. Casey Anthony... OJ and Zimmerman
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)you are not paying attention.
there is a massive assault on blacks in america, and one that is making a resurgence. The ending of VRA, the trayvon martin case and the Marissa Alexander case have just brought up a systematic oppression of a people
ram2008
(1,238 posts)I just don't think this Zimmerman case is an example of that. People keep twisting the words of my original post around to make it seem like I don't think there are any racial problems in this country. Marissa Alexander would be a better example, but I haven't researched that case enough to form a solid opinion yet.
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)you said something shitty, then kept defending it and now dont even have the class to apologize for it.
those cases were not decided by mostly an all white jury. Do you agree with that or not? I watched the trial and even though admittedly I'm Black, would have voted guilty based on the evidence. I don't think those white women were more educated or any better than I am.
The area was 20 percent Black. There was no excuse for that case being decided by an all white jury and I believe the other cases you cited had 12 jurors also. It wasn't a jury by Zimmerman's peers either. A lot of people believed that trial was fixed also from the conduct of the prosecution team. They were very passive and didn't defend the rights of Trayvon Martin.
They should have bought in Zimmerman past violent history. Instead, the judge allowed a fishing expedition into Trayvon's past history, which the prosecuion used as an excuse not to bring in things relevant to Zimmerman's behavior. You want an example? The incident with the motorist is a very good example. The incident with his ex and now I know he stayed with an former Seminole police officer, that attended Serino on his investigation as Zimmerman's friend. This whole case stinks. People want justice. Zimmerman needs to be accountable, instead of smiling. THe guy shows no remorse in taking this kid's life which angers me. I don't care how his supporters feel., an inustice was done. I said it would be a travesty if he got off and that is what it is.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)I don't get where you get the idea the case was fixed from the start. As a matter of fact it's common knowledge that the judge was actually on the prosecutions side. For example Trayvons texts which painted a different picture than that of a helpless little boy weren't allowed in the court.
I like others started with the assumption that Zimmerman had to be guilty. However anyone watching the court proceedings with an unbiased eye can see that the prosecution did not have a solid case. No witnesses, disjointed evidence etc. There was no way for them to prove Zimmerman did not act in self defense in line with Florida law. Any combination of colors should be and would've came up with the same verdict. Yes Zimmerman is a jackass who caused the death of Trayvon, but that is not enough to get a conviction; the justice system is innocent until proven guilty and unfortunately that means a lot of guilty people get away if the prosecution cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt.
"People want justice" is extremely vague. The outcome of a jury is final, even President Obama said it. If we want justice then protest Florida law.
need to go somewhere and STFU.
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)that the fear in their community after this verdict is real. as is their sorrow.
i certainly heard from all my black friends.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)I know there is fear in their community, but I also believe that fear about THIS CASE has been unwarranted.
Like you said the removal of parts of the VRA is a much bigger issue, yet there were no mass protests for that. My frustration comes from my belief that the anger is misdirected, not that there shouldn't be any.
Liberal_Stalwart71
(20,450 posts)friend, you would understand why she and the entire black community is afraid for their lives and the lives of their children.
I don't believe you have a friend at all. And if you do, you're surely not to her.
Stop dismissing or discounting her feelings. You are in no position to do that.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)We were holding eachother cheering and tearing up in Times Square the day Obama was reelected. So for you to say my opinion on the Zimmerman case means were not friends is absolute horseshit just like your post. You don't know me or her, nor are you on any authority to speak about our friendship.
Second I never said I discounted her feelings, all I said is the anger is misdirected and this case isn't an example of grave racial injustice.
Liberal_Stalwart71
(20,450 posts)her feelings. I don't care if you voted for Obama or not. This is about her feelings on THIS issue. The fact that you discount, demean, belittle, disregard this woman's feelings mean that you're not truly her friend.
Yell at me all you want. A true friend wouldn't be dismissive.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)I did not discount belittle demean or disregard her feelings. I understand where she's coming from but I respectfully disagree with her opinion and have formed my own opinion on the issue. Huge difference.
Liberal_Stalwart71
(20,450 posts)are a liar like zimpig.
?
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)How about you go gather up all these "friends of all colors" you have, and lay out to them how you think it's bullshit that people are protesting for Trayvon Martin and that his killing is "not a real issue." I'm sure that will go over well.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)I'm not going to change my opinion based on emotion.
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)The emotions of disgust towards those protesting for Trayvon. The emotion of superiority over those of us who support such protest. And of course, the smugness over how you are - of course - the only stable rock in a sea of emotional hysteria.
Yeah, you're practically a Vulcan, chief. Or a sociopath, since Vulcans aren't real.
during the whole trial didn't show any emotion either! Wow! How coincidental is that? You two could be twins.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)Is a rabble rouser who attacks people he disagrees with and forms his opinion based on his emotion rather than reason and fact. Wow, you guys can be twins too!
brush
(61,033 posts)Please go away.
You kinda don't fit in here at DU.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)I'm starting to think none of you actually watched the trial and instead are just listening to the talking heads on TV.
And sorry jsut because I don't agree with you, doesn't mean I'm not a liberal and don't belong here.
brush
(61,033 posts)And I watched much of the trial.
There were quite a few inconsistencies in zimmerman's story that any thinking juror should not have dismissed. zimmerman claimed Martin attacked and straddled him, beat him and forced him to pull his gun and shoot.
Well consider this:
Wouldn't a straddling Martin have blocked zimmy's arm from reaching for the gun under and behind his hip, because that's exactly where Martin's knee and thigh would be if he were the one doing the straddling. If what zimmerman alleges is true (not my belief), his arms may have been free to move in front of a straddler's thighs but that would be it.
He would have had to reach around and under Martin's knee and thigh and under his own hip to get to the gun tucked into the rear attached holster. That would not only take arms about a foot longer but arms of Herculean strength to lift up his big body, weighed down even more by Martin's) enough to get the gun out from under all that weight.
And wasn't wannabe boy also taking MMA classes 3 times a week for a year? Didn't he learn anything about leverage and how to use his weigh advantage instead of just allowing a teen boy who he outweighed by 40 lbs, and who he had superior adult male upper body strength over, to just pummel him like a helpless rag doll without any offering any resistance?
And after all that alleged head bashing on concrete, he just needed a band-aid for treatment, no concussion, no skull fracture, no hemotoma, no blood on the sidewalk? (and pls check out this story about heads hitting concrete just one time, not 20-30)
Sounds like he conked himself on the back of the head and nose with his own gun after he realized that he had fucked up big time by killing the kid instead of making the "heroic" citizen's arrest he had envisioned.
That would explain how it was his own blood on his own gun, not Martin's.
Sorry, zimmy's story does not compute.
These are some of the thinks that a thinking, just juror would not in good conscience be able to dismiss.
My opinion is these 6 women, 5 white and 1 apparently trying out for honorary whiteness, saw their duty, living in a racist city in red state Florida, and did what was expected of them, the hell with Trayvon Martin.
And check out this link if you're in doubt about the effect of a head bashing on concrete.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023254619
The jurors should be ashamed for believing zimmerman's cock and bull story.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)The point is no one was there to see, thus the jury cannot be 100% sure either way, so there was no beyond reasonable doubt. Thus a not guilty verdict.
Many of your points were countered easily on the trial. For example, the MMA thing. During the trial they got his trainer up there and he testified that Zimmerman was a weak fat guy who couldn't do crap.
Pinning it on the jury being racist is simply unfair, the prosecution did an awful job. Even before the verdict most lawyers were saying at best he would get manslaughter but most likely not guilty. THE JURYS VERDICT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RACE.
onpatrol98
(1,989 posts)Not a single, solitary issue is worth more to me than the life of our children. When the murderers of our children get off with no penalty...that's a real problem for some of us.
But, no doubt, there will be some who don't think this is significant enough to warrant attention.
There's always something more important.
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)its not you or your kids who will end up dead.
that's the mentally of people who dont think this is a big tragedy.
onpatrol98
(1,989 posts)I mean...just wow! Isn't that wild. As people grieve over the lack of justice. As we worry night and day about our kids getting shot down like dogs in the street...we get, "Oh, I wish people would worry about real issues".
WTH???
Can anyone breathing be that insensitive or was that crap just to get a rise out of us?
By the way, had George shot one of their dogs in the street, the outcry would never die down.
La Lioness Priyanka
(53,866 posts)Squinch
(59,522 posts)JaneyVee
(19,877 posts)caseymoz
(5,763 posts)If you ask me that's a real problem. And I know African Americans don't appreciate Whites who find all excuses to look away when racism raises it's ugly head, or to say it's unimportant. It's a bit like watching a woman harassed in the streets while none of the other men stop and help.
If you ask me, unifying progressives as a group regardless of race is terribly important. It's not just practical, it's the right thing to do. Better to let any state and jury know that this decision is unacceptable.
Scootaloo
(25,699 posts)Then you should post it on the internet.
Seriously dude. I don't know what your angle is, but this just isn't the time or place.
problems? Hmmm. Vigilante justice, profiling, stalking, racism, murder not real problems huh? Okay, your intent is obvious and offensive.
uponit7771
(93,532 posts)ram2008
(1,238 posts)brush
(61,033 posts)Are you tone deaf? You do know where you're posting, right?
You're coming off as an insensitive zimmerman apologist.
You don't see that?
You're not off to a good start here. You sure you shouldn't be at Free Republic?
Squinch
(59,522 posts)the bigots insistence, even to themselves, that they are not bigoted.
noiretextatique
(27,275 posts)why must you diminish this boy's death and the acquittal of the sociopath who killed him by claiming this isn't a "real" problem? your post is sickening.
LanternWaste
(37,748 posts)You will of course, define for us, precisely what a "real problem" is, yes?
Politicub
(12,328 posts)The demonstration was important to show the public and powers that be that we demand justice.
That's what this thread is about. Not your other issues that you chose to litter across the conversation. There are message strings for each of those things on DU. So I would suggest that you go to forums that are more relevant.
ram2008
(1,238 posts)Again demand justice in what aspect? The jury already came up with a verdict.
rdharma
(6,057 posts)blkmusclmachine
(16,149 posts)treestar
(82,383 posts)on this.
We Are ALL Trayvon.
MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)One act of violence, and the media will seize on that and the violence will become the story. Wish I could be there with them.
Politicub
(12,328 posts)uponit7771
(93,532 posts)SunSeeker
(58,283 posts)Beacool
(30,518 posts)There have been several arrests, mainly for blocking traffic, but it has been mostly peaceful demonstrations.
tiredtoo
(2,949 posts)And to the guy who seems to be causing a fuss here. This is a REAL problem one of many real problems. As someone who has been on the streets protesting various problems I will say the turnout is somewhat dismal in most demonstrations. Many sound off loud and clear on the internet but for some reason or other tend to stay away from street demonstrations. I have a copd but am still am able to attend and participate in protests. the last one i attended was the march against monsanto, drove 50 miles to attend. Prior to that i was active in the occupy movement and participated in union rallies and sit ins. Had a previous commitment for today or would have looked for something going on around here and joined in.
Do not post here complaining about the lack of people on what you think is important enough to protest, get out there and participate. With just one more participant we will be stronger, and bring a friend.
Initech
(108,783 posts)Cha
(319,072 posts)thank you, AINIC
KoKo
(84,711 posts)Tarheel_Dem
(31,454 posts)for the loss of this innocent young man. His parents have now been victimized twice by this asshole. This certainly isn't the "post-racial" society many (Chief Justice John Roberts) were so eager to claim it was. With voting rights, minority rights, women's rights all under assault, I'm glad to see young people in the streets.
totodeinhere
(13,688 posts)resorting to violence. Plus of course violence is wrong.
MineralMan
(151,269 posts)It's an emotionally charged issue and such issues generate large groups to protest. This will get news coverage, I'm certain.
Tommy_Carcetti
(44,498 posts)I literally facepalmed when I heard her throw that one out.
Actually drove by Times Square Sunday evening and there were a lot of people. But since I don't live in the NYC area, I didn't know if that was more than normal, given that it was Times Square after all. I had no idea about the protest.