Florida Finally Acts

It has taken far too long (considering the facts of the case were known over a month ago), but the state of Florida has finally taken the first steps toward finding some justice in the racist murder of unarmed teenager Taryvon martin. His murderer, George Zimmerman, has been arrested and charged with Second-Degree Murder. He made his first court appearance yesterday, where a judge ruled the state had enough probably cause to proceed.

This case is far from over. Zimmerman's arraignment has been set for May 29th, and his attorney has said he will plead "not guilty" at that time. Then there will be a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to go to trial. The state should have no problem establishing their case at the prelim. The real test will come at the trial, when a jury (which the defense will try to make sure is lily-white) has to decide on Zimmerman's guilt. Frankly, I wouldn't bet any money either way on what their decision will be.

A lot has been said about the crime and the arrest by a lot of people. Personally, I think Al Sharpton probably sums things up the best. He said:

"There's no victory here, there's no winners here, they've lost their son. This is not about gloating, it's about pursuing justice. We have not won anything. All we've done is establish we must have the right to justice and redress in this country."


"The prosecutor and governor did not make a decision based on public pressure, but they decided to review it based on public pressure. The credit should go to the nameless, faceless people, black, white, Latino and Asian, all over this country, that put hoods on and said, 'Take another look at this'."