Travon Martin

The Trayvon Martin killing is indeed an important event. But as a story I found it tedious because developments haven’t kept pace with media attention. This situation changed yesterday with the announcement by a state appointed prosecutor that second degree murder charges will be filed against Zimmerman, who is now in police custody.
 
Many of us on the left have come to tentative guilty conclusions. An armed man chasing, shooting and killing an unarmed teenager lends itself to this sort of thinking. But I believe that we will come out best by keeping our conclusions to ourselves until there is more time to gather information. Predictably the right has already leaped to Zimmerman’s defense with nothing but an opinion.* Still “beyond a reasonable doubt” is a high standard at which I direct the following conundrum. Can any person maliciously kill another in the absence of witnesses and successfully claim self defense? The paucity of witnesses in this case is a by itself cause for raised eyebrows. Were there none? Has information been withheld?
 
Whatever can be said for reserving judgment on Zimmerman’s guilt or innocence, there is no defending the performance of law enforcement prior to yesterday's announcement. Should a person taken to police headquarters after having killed another be sent home to get a night’s rest? I’m surprised, disappointed and saddened by the fact that only 35% of white Americans polled believe that racial consideration was involved in his treatment by law enforcement. Do 65% think a black on white killing in most Southern cities would have been treated as delicately?
 
This case doesn’t figure to go away any time soon. I for one would be pleased if Zimmerman pleads guilty by virtue of insanity. This idea is not far-fetched judging by his recent behavior. After all, racists are irrational by definition and convincing a jury that he’s a racist should be a lead pipe cinch.
 
 
*In a textbook sample of good old fashioned racism one of Zimmerman’s defenders, referring to Trayvon Martin, said “when you plant corn you get corn.”