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THINK PROGRESS, March 28, 2012 -- It’s been more than a month since Trayvon Martin was shot dead by George Zimmerman. Tonight, ABC News release video footage of Zimmerman arriving at the police station. The video depicts a cleanly-shaven man who “shows no blood or bruises” on his body. While media coverage of the case has been intense, there are several key questions that have yet to be answered about the case. Here are five of the most important: 1. What was the purported “conflict” that required the initial prosecutor to step down? On March 22 — after several weeks on the job — state attorney Norm Wolfinger stepped down from his role as prosecutor in the Trayvon Martin case. Wolfinger relinquished his post after meeting with Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi. He said it was necessary for him to step aside to preserve “the integrity of this investigation,” adding he wanted to avoid “the appearance of a conflict of interest.” He did not explain why his continued involvement would damage the integrity of the case or explain the potential conflict he was seeking to avoid. Did anyone at the prosecutor’s office know Zimmerman or his family? [Orlando Sentinel] 2. Why did the prosecutor ignore the recommendations of the lead homicide investigator? ABC News reported that Chris Serino, the lead homicide investigator on the Trayvon Martin case, recommended that Zimmerman be charged with manslaughter on the night of the shooting. Serino filed an affidavit that night stating “he was unconvinced Zimmerman’s version of events.” As the lead homicide investigator, Serino was: 1. In the best position to evaluate Zimmerman’s credibility, and 2. Intimately familiar with Florida law. Why was he ignored? [ABC News] 3. Why did then-Police Chief Bill Lee make public statements directly contradicting the official recommendations of the police department? On the day the Sanford Police concluded their investigation and handed over the case to the prosecutor, then-Police Chief Bill Lee stated publicly that there was no “probable cause” to arrest or charge Zimmerman. (Lee has subsequently “temporarily” stepped down from his post.) But the Miami Herald reports that on the same day the Sanford Police formally requested that the prosecutor charge Zimmerman, something known as a “capias” request. [ThinkProgress] 4. Who leaked Trayvon Martin’s school records? As public outrage increased, Zimmerman’s sympathizers launched a smear campaign against Trayvon Martin. This included details of several occasions where Martin was suspended for minor infractions (defacing a locker, possessing an empty “marijuana baggie.”) None of the information seemed to have any particular relevance to the night Trayvon Martin was shot to death. Was this a ham-handed attempt by the police or the prosecutor to defend their lack of action against Zimmerman? The Sanford City Manager announced he would launch an independent investigation into the source of the leak. [Miami Herald; NBC12] 5. Why was Trayvon Martin’s body tagged as a John Doe? The Washington Post’s Jonathan Capehart notes a police report “that was completed at 3:07 a.m. on Feb. 27 lists Trayvon’s full name, city of birth, address and phone number.” But yet, Trayvon’s body was reportedly “tagged as a John Doe” and his father wasn’t informed of his death until after he filed a missing person report later on the 27th. Why weren’t Trayvon Martin’s parents contacted immediately after the police confirmed his identity? [Washington Post] Special prosecutor Angela Corey has promised to release additional information about the case once she makes a decision about whether to charge Zimmerman, something that could happen at any time.
Posted By: Richard Kigel
Wednesday, March 28th 2012 at 11:15PM
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ABC News just confirmed that Trayvon did make a 911 call on being attacked and maybe that might be the key to having Zimmerman brought to justice. I truly hope Zimmerman gets what he damn well deserves.
Thursday, March 29th 2012 at 9:21PM
Siebra Muhammad
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Thanks for this blog. Would you be able to provide a link for this article? It would be much appreciated!
Friday, March 30th 2012 at 7:48PM
Jen Fad
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Thanks!
Saturday, March 31st 2012 at 6:34AM
Jen Fad
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Thanks for bringing these questions to the forefront and in keeping with the thinking process.
There's an imbalance of power that has always existed and investigations aren't always disclosed completely either, as to not to excite the general public. What really happens to our young people's organs? Surely with the demands, it would be such a waste to not harvest them in a timely manner so that those who are waiting on the "Infamous List" could benefit from them. (you think?) A healthy young person at that! Donor or not!
Actually, all these departments are connected and well versed with every possible scenario and procedure in placed already. We, as parents or whomever, that is faced with this situation is not, or has ever been equipped with the knowledge or expertise to pull back the sheet and check these things. Therefore, all these are known by the officials, (coroners), ambulance, hospitals and yes funeral homes already.( did I mention the media?) Bottom line its ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS!
All these people work together and protect each other in the process and trust there are guidelines that they all MUST abide by.
Thanks for opening eyes to a system that is in place and brings many, many questions to explore and seek answers to. This is the perfect opportunity to"THINK ON THESE THINGS!"
The truth always comes to the light. Its just a matter of time.
Well... this is the time to demand the answers because we put these people in place and it is exercising our RIGHTS to ask as citizens and members of this corporation.
That's why!
Saturday, March 31st 2012 at 12:42PM
Min.Dr.LaDonna Blaylock D.D.
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thank you, Min. Dr. LaDonna Blaylock...beautifully said!!!
This one hurts because it was so absurdly blatant. And the local PD was totally incompetent. Who knows if they intended to conduct wuch a poor and unprofessional investigation for ulterior motives OR whether they are just an incompetent police department. Ether way,justice need to be served.
Saturday, March 31st 2012 at 3:38PM
Richard Kigel
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also thank you Dr. LaDonna, i agree with Mr. Kigel- "beautifully said!!!" --- with such eloquence and elegance........
"Well... this is the time to demand the answers because we put these people in place and it is exercising our RIGHTS to ask as citizens and members of this corporation."
oh such a powerful thought in 2012
--- One thing out of the hoodieSilliness should be to get the majority of the President Baraka Hussein Obama lookSimilars; VALID ID, and REGISTERED...........
Sunday, April 1st 2012 at 8:18AM
powell robert
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:)
You're welcome.
We're a very easily distracted nation and it doesn't take much for us to become blinded by illusion.
(silliness)
Its time to take the blindfold off and realize that this is no longer a game. Through allowance we've always had the power to do so. ( We wait on permission that will never happen)
We've always had the power to create change.
It's time to realize it like our President tried to instill in our minds.
They listened but did not HEAR!
Sunday, April 1st 2012 at 10:38AM
Min.Dr.LaDonna Blaylock D.D.
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Dear Dr. Min. Blaylock:
YES AND AMEN!!!
Sunday, April 1st 2012 at 2:07PM
Richard Kigel
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:)
Exactly, this is why we need our President to be re-elected, so he can reiterate what he said the first time and finish what he set out to do. He's focused, knows who he is and doesn't have time for tricks from clowns.
We need to get on the same page with him because HE"S the Man with The PLAN.
Maybe they'll hear him the second time around.
He knows how to let the hater be his motivator.
We should learn that as well.
Sunday, April 1st 2012 at 7:20PM
Min.Dr.LaDonna Blaylock D.D.
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Rev. Dr. Blaylock: I am with you 100% on that!!!
Sunday, April 1st 2012 at 10:01PM
Richard Kigel
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Doc, I totally agree with you.
Speaking of our President, it wouldn't surprise me that IF AND WHEN this case goes to trial, we can expect the verdict to be delivered around the November elections!!!
Monday, April 2nd 2012 at 11:39AM
Siebra Muhammad
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The shooting took place in Sanford, FL. Here is some history of the town I ran across from this article (2008):
http://mysanfordherald.com/view/full_st ... .
Sanford's namesake, Henry S. Sanford, was a Connecticut lawyer and diplomat who moved to Florida after purchasing 12,548 acres along the St. Johns River in 1870. The community was incorporated in 1877 and two years later he formed the Florida Land and Colonization Co.
...
When Henry Shelton Sanford purchased the land grant that is now the city of Sanford in 1870, he envisioned Lake Monroe as a busy harbor with riverboats bringing commerce, tourists and immigrants. He based all his plans on riverboats and railroads since he died in 1891, five years before Henry Ford built his first car.
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Henry Sanford was at the height of his diplomatic career during the Lincoln administration and was an active promoter of the new Republican Party in Florida during Reconstruction. He supported voting rights, education and entrepreneurship in Georgetown, the African-American community he designed as part of Sanford's town plan.
In February 1890, he wrote to his son these words: "They have fulfilled my expectations & have become, many of them, prosperous citizens…and I think they should be encouraged in their efforts to elevate themselves.”
Monday, April 2nd 2012 at 11:41AM
Siebra Muhammad
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Another insteresting fact is that the city of Sanford was incorporated in 1877, the SAME YEAR of Reconstruction and many of Mr. Sanford's best hopes for the black community came to an end. He died before the town of Goldsboro was incorporated in December 1891.
Monday, April 2nd 2012 at 11:45AM
Siebra Muhammad
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Here is some more irony:
Not only was Mr. Sanford born on a Sunday, June 15, 1823, the shooting of Trayvon also happened on a Sunday.
1+8+2+3=14, 1+4=5
2+0+1+2 = 5
For what is worth....
Monday, April 2nd 2012 at 11:48AM
Siebra Muhammad
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Siebra...man...that is fascinating!!!
Thanks for adding some depth and background to the issue.
Monday, April 2nd 2012 at 12:51PM
Richard Kigel
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This is great!
Now this is the kind of dialog that I don't mind being a part of.
When all the other nonsense comes into play, that's when I need to exit.
This can account why I don't participate here like I use to.
Great research Sister Siebra, everything is connected and the history is an intricate part of it all.
Not to dwell on it, but to reflect on it, find the correlation and realize that it no longer exist.
It is the changes we develop today that will be history tomorrow. The past is gone into oblivion. However, we can use history to reflect on and revise what will be needed but it's all about moving forward productively.
We need to acknowledge that color has nothing to do with it because we're all finally in this boat together.
It's going to take All Of Us to navigate for HUMANITY.
Peace to all in your journeys.
Doc
Monday, April 2nd 2012 at 2:24PM
Min.Dr.LaDonna Blaylock D.D.
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Thanks "Doc"...
I love how everyone respects each others views and builds on comments that enable us to deepen our understanding of the topic at hand. That is what real conversation is all about!!!
Monday, April 2nd 2012 at 4:15PM
Richard Kigel
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Yes! Its exciting isn't it? ( intellectual dialog-no nonsense attached!)
We can get things accomplished that way because it's constructive.
Now Sister Lena just gave us some more things to think about as to how and why.
Wow.... the plot thickens and behind the darkness is the light!
Good Post Brother Richard!
I hope we blow this out the water! Lol!
Monday, April 2nd 2012 at 6:43PM
Min.Dr.LaDonna Blaylock D.D.
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UPDATE FROM THE WASHINGTON POST:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/eri ... ml?hpid=z6
NBC told this blog today that it would investigate its handling of a piece on the “Today” show that ham-handedly abridged the conversation between George Zimmerman and a dispatcher in the moments before the death of Trayvon Martin. A statement from NBC:“We have launched an internal investigation into the editorial process surrounding this particular story.”
Great news right there. As exposed by Fox News and media watchdog site NewsBusters, the “Today” segment took this approach to a key part of the dispatcher call:
Zimmerman: This guy looks like he’s up to no good. He looks black.
Here’s how the actual conversation went down:
Zimmerman: This guy looks like he’s up to no good. Or he’s on drugs or something. It’s raining and he’s just walking around, looking about.
Dispatcher: OK, and this guy — is he black, white or Hispanic?
Zimmerman: He looks black.
The difference between what “Today” put on its air and the actual tape? Complete: In the “Today” version, Zimmerman volunteered that this person “looks black,” a sequence of events that would more readily paint Zimmerman as a racial profiler. In reality’s version, Zimmerman simply answered a question about the race of the person whom he was reporting to the police. Nothing prejudicial at all in responding to such an inquiry.
In an appearance on Fox News’s “Hannity,” Brent Bozell, president of the conservative Media Research Center, called this elision on the part of ”Today” an “all-out falsehood” — not just a distortion or misrepresentation.
And it’s a falsehood with repercussions. Much of the public discussion over the past week has settled on how conflicting facts and interpretations call into question whether Zimmerman acted justifiably or criminally. That’s a process that’ll continue. But one set of facts in the is ironclad, and that’s the back-and-forth between Zimmerman and the dispatcher. To portray that exchange in a way that wrongs Zimmerman is high editorial malpractice well worthy of the investigation that NBC is now mounting.
Tuesday, April 3rd 2012 at 12:25PM
Siebra Muhammad
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It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that NBC purposely altered the Zimmerman tape out of context. Regardless of Zimmerman's guilt or no guilt, the media sure likes to play the race card and to create further divisions between blacks and whites. If we know anything about history, it's that the media is no "friend" to black people. Just look at the media's continuous mockery of the death of our sister Whitney Houston. That alone should let you know something.
Tuesday, April 3rd 2012 at 12:28PM
Siebra Muhammad
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I think when this is all over, Zimmerman is set to be quite a wealthy man.
Tuesday, April 3rd 2012 at 12:29PM
Siebra Muhammad
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It is too bad that our little brother in Florida had to be murdered. Our brother Trayvon Martin was murdered because George Zimmerman saw a bad, dark, non-white person, and determined that the Black young man was therefore bad and thus, put an end to his life. Zimmerman views Black people as bad, evil and worthy of elimination. It is the old white vs. black doll test replayed in society by law enforcement, by political and economic leaders and among the regular citizenry such as the case with Zimmerman’s decision to murder what he perceived was a bad, evil and undesirable Black person.
The hatred of Black people is just a reality that will never go away in America.
Wednesday, April 4th 2012 at 11:02AM
Siebra Muhammad
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Mr. Kigel---with all these OFF the subject comments; i believe you may want to add another "UNANSWERED QUESTION"
6. Why did the MEDIA not report an incident where twoNeighbors confronted each other and one shot the other?
the media like the slick Reverend Al Sharpton-nbc employee?
he got on this story to AGAIN, live off of the pain of Americans.....and nonsense...along with the journalisticChampion of BIA, siebra
Wednesday, April 4th 2012 at 3:30PM
powell robert
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As Lawrence O'Donnell pointed out last night on THE LAST WORD (which I will post here shortly) GZ has got himself a new high powered attorney. However, he and his guests, including a former NYPD officer and prosecutor and now criminal justice professor go over the list of established facts in the case so far. Clearly, GZ is in legal jeopardy one one point after another.
There is no doubt at this point that he will be charged and stand trial. And unless the prosecutor is totally incompetent, he will be found guilty of murder.
Thursday, April 5th 2012 at 11:59AM
Richard Kigel
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The most dangerous aspect of the "stand your ground" law, is if/when one of us, or our children, are approached by a civilian, not a law enforcement officer, even near your home (as was the case with Trayvon).
That civilian can follow/harass us, and if we die trying to defend ourselves against that harassing civilian without any third-party eyewitnesses present, and that harassing civilian survives, the harasser can lawfully get away with murder, by using the "stand your ground" law as a defense, just as George Zimmerman did.
I'm quite sure that, like myself and may others here, Trayvon was taught, by his parents, when he was a child, not to talk to strangers, if that stranger is not carrying a badge. And if a non-badge carrying stranger approaches him in a threatening way, to defend his self, via fight or flight, and by the look of Zimmerman's head in the latest ABC news video, Trayvon probably chose to fight, and justifiably so. Justifiably so, because the 911 recordings reveal that Zimmerman left his vehicle to pursue Trayvon.
The "stand your ground" law, if not repealed, will probably have people so frightened of becoming another Trayvon, that every man, woman and child will be walking around with guns, and other weapons, bringing a wild-wild-west scenario to a neighborhood near you.
Friday, April 6th 2012 at 11:46AM
Siebra Muhammad
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Opponents of the "Stand Your Ground" law are calling it the "Kill at Will" law.
That is a good name because anyone can use deadly force on another person for any reason and CLAIM self defense--if the victim is dead and there are no witnesses to contradict the killer, he walks.
Kill at Will.
Saturday, April 7th 2012 at 10:26PM
Richard Kigel
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Wow Brother Richard! Almost 300 hits and climbing! This is great!
Whatever name they give this law, is the same. ( they're like Siamese Twins and still gives a reason to kill)
However... this is a dangerous law as well as many others that are in place. When are things going to be revamped to correlate the changing times? Actually the entire structure will have to be and it will eventually be the people realizing that it's their call.
I'm grateful for you posting this as well as the countless others by those who are enlightened.
This community aren't the only ones reading these and the perspectives of BIA are definitely being viewed.
Suddenly people aren't as gullible and submissive as they once were and I'm sure there's a major concern of those who think and feel otherwise.
Nonetheless, a change is coming, its destiny.
Everyone on the planet is aware of this change coming and like it or not, ready or not... it's still coming!
I'm feeling it and I'm sure you feel it as well.
This is a good thing and I'm glad were a part of this history making change.
Our President was a clue and they still don't get it!
Sunday, April 8th 2012 at 2:02PM
Min.Dr.LaDonna Blaylock D.D.
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@Siebra and even worst is a case like this that is now being forced to go from being a 'case' of Stand your ground and no arrest to an arrest...
A young man stole this man's radio from his home...he chased the thief for a couple of blocks, stabbed the youth to death and it was deemed 'stand your ground'!!! (nup)
THIS IS EXACTLY WHY WE MUST NOT LIMIT THE DEATH OF TM TO SKIN COLOR, RACE OR GENDER, BECAUSE THE BIG PICTURE IS EQUAL JUSTICE TAHT FORCES THE ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS PROVIDED BY OUR CONSTITUTION! THE DEATHOF TRAYVON MARTIN SHOULD BE A WAKE UP CALL TO A-L-L ARE DUE EQUAL PROTECTIONS UNDER OUR LAWS AND IF WE DON'T LIKE THEM, THEN WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THEM BY BECOMING TH ELEADERS WE ARE WAITING FOR. (S-M-I-L-E)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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This death of Trayvon Martin is another example of disasters always bring about too, too long needed c-h-a-n-g-e...
The greater the disaster, the greater the change. (smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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Is state attorney Norm W. now trying to saY HE WAS NOT THERE in Sanford or that he was there but di dnot discuss the case of the killing of TM? All of these people in the case on trying to justify this killing, should all take the 5th. (smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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Now this was not altered in any way, because this was seen live coming out of Hannity's mouth, "Zimmerman has a bleeding on back of his head which proves he has a broken nose" LOL!!! (smile) We will not go into Geraldo justifing the killing of TM because he had on a piece of clothing protecting him from the rain. Oh, also the , "They always get away with it"...
Nope, none of this is relative to any of this that NBC is being accused of by Fox the network that still refuses to run this story except to manipulate the rallys/ marches/ speeches to achieve guess whaT...
ACCUSE SHARPTON AND JACKSON OF CALLING FOR VIOLENCE AS IN RIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...or is it more of our relying to the mass media to do our thinking for us? (nup!!!)
WAKE UP AMERICA, WAKE UP...there are always more thn one side of a story/ different recourse...
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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L O'Donnell had an arial shot of the gated community...looking at it and being able to see how the neighborhood is as a whole, Zimmerman did not even 'stalk' TM in a straight line as one may believe until they see the diagrham and the words coming from Zimmerman, don't match, so how did th epolice even come to this was not caused by Zimmerman from the first call of him saying TM was entering the community...( there was a sense a corner turned for TM to get to the apt. he was going to...again, here comes the all important 'time lines'...
and, even much, much worst for all is the people wo live here and around here say people walk through their gated community as a short cut to where they are going!!! (nup/ smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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"I" had just put this comment on one of my blogs...The FBI is most likely now trying to find proof of the collusion in the UNARREST OF ZIMMERMAN...
I doubt if the Judge or the state attorney or even the governor has this much aboslute power, but the NRA sure does have th emoney, lobby and power to turn the death of Trayvon Martin into a political campaign for the need to not leave home without your gun as they have been campaigning on for years now. example,
remember the first logical reasons fo rthe Killing of TM was the neighbor and person ( on tv 24-7)who claim the rash of neighborhood robberys committed by...you guessed it, BY BLACK MALES. (NUP)
Now it is being claimed Zimmeman was never a part of the neighborhood watch because there is no record of him being trained for neighborhood watch duty...
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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...Not to mention a chance to properly...EDUCATE!!!EDUCATE!!!EDUCATE!!! (S-M-I-L-E)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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Great blog, Rich. (smile)
Thursday, April 10th 2014 at 6:47PM
ROBINSON IRMA
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