General Discussion

Captain Stern

(2,255 posts)

118. I agree.

Fri Nov 22, 2013, 05:17 PM

Nov 2013

I think Zimmerman actually thought that he was catching one of the 'bad guys'. I think his goal was to 'detain' Martin until the police arrived. I think Martin fought him to defend himself (he had no idea Zimmerman was part of a neighborhood watch...he was just some creepy guy that was following him). I think that if Martin had wrested the gun away from Zimmerman and killed him, Martin would not have been found guilty of murder. In my opinion, Zimmerman realized his error and changed just enough of his story to be found not guilty. However, I think that he could have been found guilty of manslaughter if the prosecution had bothered to present any other possible version of the events other than the one Zimmerman gave.

That said, I can't prove any of the above because I wasn't there. It's just my best guess.

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I don't think Zimmerman really intended to kill Trayvon. [View all] IdaBriggs Nov 2013 OP

what does that even mean, "wanted to be the good guy"? cali Nov 2013 #1

I do not believe most people see themselves as villains. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #5

i don't see myself as a fucking hero JI7 Nov 2013 #6

There are exceptions to every rule. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #8

i would say those who view themselves as heroes the way Zimmerman does JI7 Nov 2013 #12

Even after the trial and all of zimmerman's . . . brush Nov 2013 #83

Most true heroes do not view themselves as a "HERO." ... spin Nov 2013 #94

many men want to be hfojvt Nov 2013 #97

I get that, and I agree, but so what? cali Nov 2013 #9

Agreed about the "more horrible." IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #14

yes. he's a human being. so are all the other billions of human beings on the planet cali Nov 2013 #16

"Confess his sin" of being responsible for the killing of Trayvon. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #30

GZ didn't "allow a situation", his bias and anger issues created the entire "situation" out of thin bettyellen Nov 2013 #136

Most people DON'T see themselves as villains. louis-t Nov 2013 #60

Think your analysis is plausible and quite possible right on indepat Nov 2013 #127

Pot calling kettle black. Vattel Nov 2013 #15

Uh no. A resound fucking no. cali Nov 2013 #17

And was following Martin callous? Or did it express concern for his neighbors? Vattel Nov 2013 #22

actually they told him hfojvt Nov 2013 #106

"both were playing at being cowboys" 4 t 4 Nov 2013 #149

how would you know? I've seen nothing that indicates that they'd disagree. cali Nov 2013 #159

he was a deeply insecure spoiled brat little creep. his wife had dissed him earlier that that day KG Nov 2013 #2

I make no apologies for him. I feel sorry for him. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #7

Well.........maybe. PDJane Nov 2013 #138

oh please, he doesn't feel bad about what happened to Trayvon at all JI7 Nov 2013 #3

Agreed! Agreed! Agreed! nt brush Nov 2013 #85

I don't know how anyone can really know that OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #109

Fuck George Zimmerman trumad Nov 2013 #4

I appreciate your analysis, but bluedeathray Nov 2013 #10

That's not analysis. It is free form speculation and creative writing Pretzel_Warrior Nov 2013 #58

+1 n/t Gormy Cuss Nov 2013 #119

Interesting theory, but I disagree. I think Zimmerman is a spoiled brat with raccoon Nov 2013 #11

Get a grip madokie Nov 2013 #13

The OP is not OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #126

He is an EGOMANIACAL MANIPULATIVE LYING GUN NUT AND COP WANNABE ! That's what this BASTARD is ! RBInMaine Nov 2013 #18

Good Post. I agree with everything except the part . . . brush Nov 2013 #90

The forensic evidence clearly shows Trayvon was above him. However, Zimmerman could not have RBInMaine Nov 2013 #131

I think Zimmerman already had the gun out too. Captain Stern Nov 2013 #140

He wanted to do it. hobbit709 Nov 2013 #19

Oh Joy The Zimmy Apologists Are Back rbrnmw Nov 2013 #20

I haven't seen anyone on this board OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #129

Thank you for an alternative take on the whole mess. Buns_of_Fire Nov 2013 #21

To use a racist term (sorry) I think the bastard was coon hunting. Motown_Johnny Nov 2013 #23

That's pathetic. Scuba Nov 2013 #24

Sorry to Godwin the thread, but the nazis thought they were the "good guys" too. redgreenandblue Nov 2013 #25

I was going to do the same thing. cali Nov 2013 #28

Truth. Self deception is a powerful thing. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #52

Why speculate about what happened? Vattel Nov 2013 #26

As a criminal defense attorney, I will tell you that I would want you as a juror. msanthrope Nov 2013 #27

You wouldn't want me on the jury. Brigid Nov 2013 #41

To be fair, I have been called "the Eternal Optimist." IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #49

yes, murder one- at the least! This is part of why I would Never want to be anywhere near the system 4 t 4 Nov 2013 #150

A few things about the guy stick with me. nyquil_man Nov 2013 #29

I'd never thought of that - an undiagnosed social disorder? IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #50

Message auto-removed Name removed Nov 2013 #31

Hello ~ Tylenol Extrastrengt In_The_Wind Nov 2013 #36

Thank you, and welcome to DU. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #53

From what I've read, he's been a bully douchebag his entire life. JaneyVee Nov 2013 #32

I respectfully disagree. MoonRiver Nov 2013 #33

Nah... I think he loves guns and has an itchy trigger finger... Kahuna Nov 2013 #34

My guess as to what happened is along the lines of yours. Captain Stern Nov 2013 #35

I also believe that having his weapon drawn is what started the deadly conflict. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #55

The only thing that bothers me about that OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #125

A good guy would have offered him a ride. Lars39 Nov 2013 #37

Thank you. nt TBF Nov 2013 #48

A good guy would know that teens shouldn't get into cars with people OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #130

GZ shot and killed an unarmed kid. Brigid Nov 2013 #38

I do, from the moment he left his car. Rex Nov 2013 #39

He wanted to kill him before he met him... lame54 Nov 2013 #40

In few words, your post comes closet to my understanding. This guy is ruled by his unconscious KittyWampus Nov 2013 #45

Thanks... lame54 Nov 2013 #46

Yes, in the abstract treestar Nov 2013 #62

He's a women-hitting, cop wannabe thug. I know his type NightWatcher Nov 2013 #42

Message auto-removed Name removed Nov 2013 #101

We have a conscious and unconscious mind. Consciously he may not have intended originally to kill KittyWampus Nov 2013 #43

Well, I can't say that I agree with you on that at all. MineralMan Nov 2013 #44

I think you are very naive. Granted folks are complicated - TBF Nov 2013 #47

And let me guess, your love could change him, right? Myrina Nov 2013 #51

Um, no. Happily married to a good man, and zero interest IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #59

No, I don't think he wanted to be the good guy. kcr Nov 2013 #54

Cool story, bro Pretzel_Warrior Nov 2013 #56

I disagree arely staircase Nov 2013 #57

Watcha' smoking Ida? HERVEPA Nov 2013 #61

Eternal Optimist with a Compassion Kicker. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #65

Sorry Ida, real worl doesn't work like that. HERVEPA Nov 2013 #69

I will keep watching the story. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #77

I think a couple of years living in a right-wing community will Baitball Blogger Nov 2013 #103

I figured somebody wouldn't like this .... oldhippie Nov 2013 #63

People like 2 and 4 just don't get it treestar Nov 2013 #64

what is your view of zimmerman's mindset during the incident, praytell? dionysus Nov 2013 #68

I don't have a view of Zimmerman's mindset ..... oldhippie Nov 2013 #81

Oh, Wow! Thank you for sharing this - and I *LOVE* DU!!! IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #70

For what it's worth .... oldhippie Nov 2013 #88

Well, I am glad you were on the jury, and I love what you wrote! IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #92

I think you are very right OwnedByCats Nov 2013 #132

Whoever alerted on the OP should be ashamed of themselves. Captain Stern Nov 2013 #142

SMOOCH!!! IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #162

I do not feel Trayvon Martin asjr Nov 2013 #66

Go talk to his wife. cliffordu Nov 2013 #67

nice phrase there ... Tuesday Afternoon Nov 2013 #73

Yeah, I thought of that. cliffordu Nov 2013 #74

yeah, not surprised. Tuesday Afternoon Nov 2013 #78

LOL. When left with nothing, you never disappoint. cliffordu Nov 2013 #80

Hey you two - I'm the one busy offending DU at the moment! IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #86

Sorry, kiddo - cliffordu Nov 2013 #87

You two are some of my favorite posters. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #91

OK - Here's my beef: cliffordu Nov 2013 #98

Sometimes we accidentally brush against scars other people wear. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #115

A couple things: cliffordu Nov 2013 #117

Thank you. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #163

Post removed Post removed Nov 2013 #99

Yeah, probably. cliffordu Nov 2013 #100

I think a boy is dead because some asshole thought hewas entitled to kill said child Scootaloo Nov 2013 #71

I think his life is self-destructing from the incident, no matter how much denial IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #75

sorry to be rude, but that's a crock o' shit. dionysus Nov 2013 #72

It may be possible that you're right. Xyzse Nov 2013 #76

Ya..NO�.I know guys who brag that a gun is always available to them at an arms length. Tikki Nov 2013 #79

With all due respect, that is complete garbage FloridaJudy Nov 2013 #82

One tiny factor I'd add: Blue_Tires Nov 2013 #84

I think he joined the neighborhood watch with the hope that he'd eventually be able to gollygee Nov 2013 #89

You probably got a lot of it right. beemer27 Nov 2013 #93

I agree. Captain Stern Nov 2013 #118

If you were a chubby little twerp and all the girls laughed at you tularetom Nov 2013 #95

In my opinion the Zimmerman case should be discussed in every concealed weapons class. ... spin Nov 2013 #105

Instead, they teach you how to shoot center mass, just like Zimmy, and what to say to police. Hoyt Nov 2013 #133

Much depends on the individual instructor but the instructors that I have known ... spin Nov 2013 #143

I agree 100+% beemer27 Nov 2013 #141

Problem is, a lot of the toters don't care about anything but how quickly they can strap on a gun Hoyt Nov 2013 #145

I too have seen these kind of idiots. beemer27 Nov 2013 #154

I don't think it was premeditated... cynatnite Nov 2013 #96

Zimmerman didn't give Martin any thought at all ... Vox Moi Nov 2013 #102

Isn't his father a retired judge. That tells me he knows the system inside and out. I think he is a OregonBlue Nov 2013 #104

Absolutely HockeyMom Nov 2013 #111

He's got a screw loose, in that he seems to walk in a fantasy where he is a beweaponed hero Hekate Nov 2013 #107

I applaud this post. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #116

I do nt NoGOPZone Nov 2013 #108

I am sure he didn't want to kill him. NCTraveler Nov 2013 #110

I am not, sadly, he knew he would be in more trouble if Trayvon lived. and he was right. bettyellen Nov 2013 #144

I've had Z pegged from the beginning wercal Nov 2013 #112

I think he is a murderous sexual pervert scum HipChick Nov 2013 #113

most racists do not think of themselves as such La Lioness Priyanka Nov 2013 #114

So right. I learned that lesson at an early age. Guy in photo below claimed he was not a racist, Hoyt Nov 2013 #135

I don't think Trayvon Martin wanted to die. Gormy Cuss Nov 2013 #120

bullshit zimmy has a gun fetish that fits in to his macho image of himself gopiscrap Nov 2013 #121

Naaa, Zimmerman is a reckless, criminal, dangerous, gun-nut scumbag. johnnyrocket Nov 2013 #122

Zimmerman delights in disappointing folks like you. Might as well get ready. (nt) Paladin Nov 2013 #123

Everyone thinks they are a good person. Starry Messenger Nov 2013 #124

This is probably the weirdest post I've seen today on DU. MADem Nov 2013 #128

you think he pulled the gun to detain the kid for no reason- AND was a GOOD guy? How the fuck did bettyellen Nov 2013 #134

I mostly agree with your post.. sendero Nov 2013 #137

I disagree, but you have my RESPECT for posting this. Well done! nt Demo_Chris Nov 2013 #139

I heard a ballistics expert testified CFLDem Nov 2013 #146

Nice flamebait. NealK Nov 2013 #147

I also agree that his gun was out at the time of the confrontation. Incitatus Nov 2013 #148

This ignores his prior history (prior to killing Martin) of violent behavior. nomorenomore08 Nov 2013 #151

He molested a young girl. Tien1985 Nov 2013 #152

You picked the widest fairway, in a thunderstorm, walked to the middle and held up your three iron. cherokeeprogressive Nov 2013 #153

legally, intent only takes seconds to form. aiming point blank at his heart seems bettyellen Nov 2013 #155

So you're saying Zimmy got lucky and that he WAS hunting. cherokeeprogressive Nov 2013 #156

hunting? who said that? looking for trouble for sure, but.... bettyellen Nov 2013 #157

Many people on this thread believe he was "hunting" IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #161

he "had a bad day". Wow, way to minimize his decison to stalk an innocent. bettyellen Nov 2013 #169

The "bad day" comment refers to what happened BEFORE the events IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #170

and during- you minimize this crime consistently with this "bad day" and "misunderstanding' crap bettyellen Nov 2013 #171

Well, thank you for sharing your opinion. IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #172

He also called 911 after pointing a shotgun at his girlfriend, so? Hoyt Nov 2013 #160

I don't think training in martial arts automatically makes IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #164

Do they also carry a gun like Zimmy? Play policeman? Hoyt Nov 2013 #167

Why is the image of Thor going through my head at the moment? IdaBriggs Nov 2013 #165

One was a domestic abuser Tien1985 Nov 2013 #168

*prepares popcorn* n/t JesterCS Nov 2013 #158

Your magic crystal ball... 99Forever Nov 2013 #166