He Was Who We Thought He Was…

Well Well Well! It is being reported today that the killer of Trayvon Martin has been arrested today. In the mists George's brother, Robert, tweeted after his the Z-man's detention that the public shouldn't "jump to conclusions." Wasn’t he the same guy along with his dad saying the same sort of thing leading up to the murder trial?

However, the fact is that CNN and other media outlets are reporting that George Zimmerman was taken into custody Monday after an apparent domestic altercation with his wife and her father at a home in Lake Mary, Florida. Lake Mary police spokesman Zach Hudson said,"As of right now, (George Zimmerman) has been placed in investigative detention". I can’t recall a person of color, particularly with his history, being placed in such favorable detention.

The incident comes two months after Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer, was found not guilty of murder in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida. Lake May is a town near Sanford, Florida. Hudson said a gun was found in the Lake Mary home, but he added that it was not a part of the altercation. But clearly the altercation was serious enough for the wife or ex-wife to be to feel threatened by his actions.

In a 911 call released by police according to the Orlando Sentinel: Shellie Zimmerman tells a dispatcher that her husband had "his hand on his gun and he keeps saying step closer." "Step closer and what?" a dispatcher asks."And he's going to shoot us," Shellie Zimmerman replies. Shellie Zimmerman says her husband punched her father, leaving a mark on his face. 911 Dispatch Call 

Hudson said, "Anytime we have anybody suspected of doing anything, we place them in investigative detention until a complete investigation has been done.”

Let’s recap:

1. Shellie Zimmerman filed for divorce last week in Seminole County.
2. That filing came after she pleaded guilty to perjury on August 28 for lying about the state of the couple's finances during a bond hearing in April 2012. She had claimed she and her husband were broke, when in reality they had collected about $135,000 in donations.
3. George Zimmerman was acquittal of the charges of Second Degree Murder in the killing of Trayvon Martin on July 13.
4. In late July, he reportedly helped a family escape from an overturned SUV. A report from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office confirmed his involvement, which later reports say was untrue.
5. Zimmerman was given a verbal warning for a traffic violation in Texas and reportedly told officers he had a firearm in his glove compartment.
6. Last week in Florida he was issued a $256 ticket for speeding.
7. There are reports that he has been arrested for assaulting a law enforcement officer in the past.
8. There are reports that a former girl friend obtained a Restraining Order for a violent act.

Although George Zimmerman was acquitted two months ago for killing Trayvon Martin, his soon to be ex-wife is getting $4,300 a month in living expenses out of the funds raised for Zimmerman’s defense.

TMZ reports that Shellie Zimmerman separated from her husband August 13 and is collecting the monthly payment from the Zimmerman Legal Defense Fund in the divorce settlement. The solicitation on PayPal states the fund is to be used “for George Zimmerman’s ongoing living expenses, legal costs, and fees for this matter.” George Zimmerman’s official legal defense website says, “Currently George and Shellie are renting a secure residence at a reasonable rate. Their day-to-day living expenses are relatively modest as they want to preserve as many funds as possible for an aggressive defense.”

So theoretically, as of now, Shellie is making a $51,600 a year just for being George Zimmerman’s ex-wife. Not a bad gig or a nice hustle. This guy just might be “who we thought he was” and with the above mentioned; it says one or two things. It speaks to “privilege” or “color”.  Either way, as the Bible says “You Reap What You Sow”. And that’s my thought provoking perspective…

Our Human Cry For Justice

The shocking comments made by the defense attorney for Zimmerman is exactly the problem I have with this case - white privilege. The attorney made a statement that was as ridicules as, in my view, the verdict: “If George Zimmerman Were Black He Never Would've Been Charged With A Crime.” With this insane theory I have to say the criminal justice system is indeed criminal!!!

Not too long ago, a black person’s “place” was in the field or in the back of the bus. If a black man was found “out of his place,” he could be jailed or lynched. In Martin’s day — in our day — a black person’s “place” is in the ghetto. If he is found “out of his place,” he will be treated with suspicion, frisked, arrested — or in this case DEATH and the murder is found NOT GUILTY.

The notion of a Post Racial society is a fallacy that is much bigger than the elephant in the room. African Americans have endured suffering beyond biblical proportions and in many cases sanctioned by the American jurisprudence that leads us to today where the continued struggle of the engrained concept of privilege and supremacy is the cornerstone of the nation’s justice system. Make no mistake the Zimmerman case was more about institutional racism than justice.

We know there have been many injustices in American history. So much so that a war was fought over race. We witnessed martyrs and black people killed for nothing from Emmitt Till to Medgar Evers to James Byrd to Dr. King – all murdered. This is a moment in time where people of color must take a position to say “the struggle must continue” and we must speak at full volume in numbers to force change.

Regardless of how much we are held down, it is our responsibility to find a way to get up, even if the system is designed to protect the system. The great Bob Marley reminded us to “Stand-up – Stand-up for your rights”. You use social media for all sorts of reasons. Now is the time to use it for a cause to change the world.

Trayvon we know justice was denied. I am so sorry that this happened to you. I am so sorry that America did not protect you. I am so sorry that you lived in a country that did not value your life. The racist justice system has failed you and us once again. Your legacy is not dead and as you look down upon us, and know we got your back!!! And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

Listen to Judge Mathis: http://www.v103.com/pages/sh.html?article=11483441

The Citizens Counsel Of Sanford

This will be a short perspective concerning the disgrace rendered by the all white jury - minus one - in Sanford, Florida in support of Zimmerman. I'm stunned and disappointed. NOT GUILTY. Just like those who got off for the Bombing of the 16th Street Church in Birmingham back in '63. It’s been fifty years since the murder of Medgar Evers and nearly sixty years after Lil Emmitt Till and we can see that nothing has changed down in Dixie. It's a sad day in the history of American.

This system of justice continues to fall short of the truth, especially when a child can be going about his daily business and be killed because of a false assumption. Beatrice King, the daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King said this in a statement "We've got some difficult days ahead. Let us seek God for his guidance during this time. God is a God of Justice, mercy and grace.” I make this statement with all due respect but those were her father’s words and if I can recall his nonviolent posture got him killed.

Frankly, I just have a simple question: Why are we surprised by the verdict? The system has never worked for us. We see the dirty cops in this police state in which we live; the crooked lawyers; prosecutor’s whose job it is to fill prisons and the judges who work in concert with them. Didn’t Richard Pryor tell us that in court it is not justice – “it’s just us”. There is a statute that tells us that justice is blind.

Minister Malcolm X so eloquently talked about the crimes America inflects upon Black people and the system that covets them. He once said, “Anywhere south of Canada is in the south”. If that is true then the deep south would be the confederacy that held such strong feeling about a black man’s place. Therefore, based on that analogy Sanford, Florida is in the bawls of hell after reaching that verdict in the George Zimmerman murder case.

I will never go to Disney again!

Let me leave you with this: How is it that Michael Vick can do jail-time in prison for killing dogs when he was not there when the dogs were killed. A black woman in Florida fires 'warning shots' at abusive husband gets 20 years. Plexico Burruss shots himself and goes to jail – prison mind you. I don’t even like OJ but he got 33 years for stealing his own stuff. Lil Kim goes to prison for not cooperating (snitching) and this f***ing a**hole Zimmerman kills a child who his defense says had a weapon, which was the sidewalk gets found “Not Guilty”.

I am deeply ashamed that in our country a young boy cannot walk to the neighborhood store to buy skittles without it being a death penalty. All of black America voted and praises our president who has done virtually nothing for people who looks like him. Mr. President where are you now and did our vote count? With what the Supreme Court has done it seem more like 1963 than 2013. So for all you uppity Negro who though America has accepted you. Hmmm!!!

I will end here with a heavy heart with the message from Trayvon’s father: “Even though I am broken hearted my faith is unshattered I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY BABY TRAY. God blessed me & Sybrina with Tray and even in his death I know my baby proud of the FIGHT we along with all of you put up for him GOD BLESS!!!”

Only in America can a dead black boy go on trial for his own murder. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

 The Verdict would have surely been different "IF"!!!

We Want Justice For Trayvon Martin

We have seen justice denied many times since African Americans were dragged onto the shores of this country. It has happened in many ways from lynchings to many other forms of terror and as we see continues today.

I will pray for justice to be served in the Zimmerman Murder Case. Therefore, Thought Provoking Perspectives will show support for the Martin family who only asks for justice to not be denied as it has throughout our sorted history.

The Black image is my way of showing my support until justice is correctly served.

Not too long ago, a black person’s “place” was in the field or in the back of the bus. If a black man was found “out of his place,” he could be jailed or lynched. In Martin’s day — in our day — a black person’s “place” is in the ghetto. If he is found “out of his place,” he may be treated with suspicion, frisked, arrested — or in this case DEATH.

Rest In Peace Trayvon! And that's my Thought Provoking Perspective...

The End Is Near

The George Zimmerman murder trial has put race front and center in the American conversation. The opinions of guilt or innocence are split right down the middle alone racial lines. Those of the other hue feel the assassin, in my view, is innocent and had every right to shot the young black man – dare I say, just because he was black; even though the young man was doing nothing wrong. On the other hand African Americans and parents or should I say sane people see it as crime as an outrageous act of a monster.

The question, if you believe in the justice system to be fair and just, will be answered in a few days as the case nears a close. This case reminds me of the attitudes of many during the OJ Simpson trial, the Rodney King atrocity, or I could compare this to the immoral actions of the monsters that killed Emmitt Till.

In Till’s day, a black person’s “place” was in the field or in the back of the bus. If a black man was found “out of his place,” he could be jailed or lynched. In Martin’s day — in our day — a black person’s “place” is in the ghetto. If he is found “out of his place,” he may be treated with suspicion, frisked, arrested — or worse.

When you look at the killing Trayvon Martin and all the lies that has been exposed I am fearful of what may happen next. After the Emmitt Till murder the Civil Rights Movement was launched. The OJ case showed us in many ways how justice can be served with enough money. Then we saw Rodney King on video beaten nearly to death by the so-called authorities and the thugs were found innocent, which by the way often happens to blacks at the hands of the law.

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that the scales of justice is unbalanced. African American’s know when it comes to justice – “it’s just us”. Because we are most often not the recipients of anything fair or just. In fact, it has been that way since people of African descent were called colored and Negros, whereas this is no secret as it is recorded even in His-story.

I remember the results of each of the mentioned situations. I can particularly remember Simi Valley’s outcome and the horror that followed. I hope, if the murderer, who bragged that killing an innocent black child was God’s will, gets the verdict he deserves. If not, we could well see a devastating outcome that America may not be prepared for, in that the violence would be unprecedented.

I, for one, pray for peace and ask that the outcome also be God’s will. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

Unfairly Treated Rachel Jeantel

This post serves one purpose, which is to say SHAME on those who have been so cruel to the nineteen year-old young woman who was thrust into a world-wide media circus.

She is not a Hollywood actress, obviously has language, cultural and educational barriers. The disrespect many have demonstrated on social media reached an unbelievable low. I have about sixty thousand social media connects and most have discussed me. We expect this behavior from those of the other hue and racists but I am shocked that it has come from the African American community.

This woman did not ask to be the last person to hear the voice of her young friend who was brutally murder by, in my view, a monster. She is not well versed in the arena of a courtroom. I am sure many of you know the emotional impact of a death; have had a family member or friend to die, which should allow you to understand the emotional trauma of such an event. You should be ashamed of your comments about how this young lady looked; as if she not one of God’s children.

I think she held her own and stood her ground under very difficult circumstances. Understand that she was there as a witness to her friends murder. I, for one, found her testimony creditable. I will not go on and on about this but to say I am proud of this young woman for having the courage to come forth with the truth as she understood it to be.

I am particularly ashamed of the African American community who wore those hoodies professing their support for the murdered of Trayvon Martin, particularly black women, who claims to be strong black women. Your disrespect of this sister is reprehensible. Those who are guilty know who you are and should be ashamed!

I say to you, all of you, put yourself in her place and for those who say God or Jesus in every sentence. He or she who is without sin cast the first stone. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

THE NERVE OF THIS MAN

Let me say from the first sentence that I in no way condone nor endorse the newly released book by Robert Zimmerman Sr., called “Florida v. Zimmerman: Uncovering the Malicious Prosecution of my Son, George”. Rather to say it is, in my view, disgrace. I am not a reviewer although I do have the right to an opinion, which is the reason for this post or maybe a rebuke of this shocking and shameful essay.

As the murder trial for George Zimmerman begins and prior to its start the defense has released prejudicial information that in no way would be admitted in court disparaging to the deceased child. Let say it more clearly – THE VICTEM WHO IS DEAD! If this guy was so innocent these tactic would not be necessary.

In an article written by Judd Legum in ThinkProgess reports the following:  

The most striking chapter in this publication is called “Who Are The True Racists,” an apparent effort to rebut claims that his son’s actions were racially motivated. Previously, Zimmerman Sr. “believed generally racism was a thing of the past.” He says that, personally, he hadn’t encountered much racism, even though his wife is Hispanic. But after his son shot and killed Trayvon Martin, however, Zimmerman learned that racism is “flourishing at the insistence of some in the African American Community.” He then goes on to list various black leaders and organizations that he believes are racist:

Congressional Black Caucus. “[A] pathetic, self-serving group of racists… advancing their purely racist agenda.” He later adds that “all members of Congress should be ashamed of the Congressional Black Caucus, as should be their constituents.” And finally: “They are truly a disgrace to all Americans.”

The NAACP. “[S]imply promotes racism and hatred for their own, primarily finical, interests” and “without prejudice and racial divide, the NAACP would simply cease to exist.”

NAACP President Benjamin Jealous. “[W]hat I would expect of a racist.”

Trayvon Martin’s funeral director. A “racial activist and former head of the local NAACP.”

Benjamin Crump, Natialie Jackson and Darrly Parks, attorneys for Travyon Martin’s family. “The scheme team.”

The National Basketball Players Association.

Black Chamber of Commerce.

National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers.

National Black United Fund.

United Negro College Fund.

While stopping short of explicitly calling President Obama a racist, Zimmerman Sr. does say that Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have “shamelessly” sought to exploit his son’s case “to obtain great advantage in the African-American community.”

Zimmerman Sr. says that because of Holder’s decision to investigate whether Trayvon Martin’s death violated federal civil rights laws, the FBI did not have “adequate resources to investigate clearly identified potential terrorist [sic] in the Boston area.” Now, “tragically, we have suffered the consequences of Mr. Holder’s politically motivated decisions.”

It is my understanding that the elder Zimmerman was a Judge. Therefore, he should know what happens when a death occurs from the use of a handgun. If the Pop’s is so confident that his son is innocence the former judge might want to see what has been reported from the autopsy report and the DNA findings. If I can recall the EMS and his son's PA admitted in their findings that he (the son) may have injured himself to make it appear that the child he murdered give him cause.

Racism is rooted in white privilege which seems to be the arrogance of what he speaks and could be the Zimmerman family trademark ingrained, unfortunately, in the old man’s heart. It really takes a lower element to profess this kind of disrespectful thinking! Therefore, from this rant I ask who might the real racist be? And that’s my THOUGHT PROVOKING PERSPECTIVE…

WHAT IF?

We have heard for nearly a year and a half every pundit and pontificator give their opinions on the Trayvon Martin’s death and the Gorge Zimmerman second degree murder trial.

Let me be clear; everyone has a right to their point of view and by all accounts the reactions are usually split along racial lines. A Fox News anchor commented that Zimmerman has suffered enough. I suppose implying that Trayvon’s death means he suffers no more or his family. SHOCKING!

I’ve seen a half century of history and witnessed what many African Americans see as the scales of justice being unbalanced – just look at the scales held by Lady Justice. We know the system is designed to protect the system and since slavery that system has existed in one form or another. As a result, often times people of color receives what might be called justice deferred!

This place Sanford Florida has a long history of recorded racial intolerance going back to the days of Jackie Robinson and beyond. I am reasonably confident that if that police department had come to the scene of that crime there is no doubt that there would have been an immediate arrest for murder. In fact, there may well have been and additional death or a beating of the suspect, which occurs often times for lesser crimes all the time.

Let’s go back to the Rodney King situation not long ago – need I say more. We watched him beaten nearly to death and he did not kill anyone. Yet, the system found the culprits not guilty! I am very afraid, if history is any indication, the charged man in this case will be found not guilty and the consequences of that verdict will be disastrous.

Let’s look at this from a completely different perspective.

WHAT IF ZIMMERMAN HAD BEEN BLACK AND SHOT AN UNARMED WHITE CHILD? WHAT SAY YOU?

A wise-man once said, “When you control a man’s thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his ‘proper place’ and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary.” (Carter G. Woodson)

And that's my Thought Provoking Perspective...

It Could Be A Long Hot Summer

I wrote a post last week reminding my readers that the murder trial of George Zimmerman is finally upon us and to support the Martin family in their quest for justice. I was surprised by some of the comments and emails I received and yes, the pros and cons were split right along color lines. One guy commented that “we should pray for Zimmerman” the accused murder of this child. Another sent a message saying I was playing the race card.

I know there is freedom of speech and everyone has a right to their opinion. But most reasonable people would take umbrage to such remarks particularly in light of the defenses unethical behavior, in my view, to fabricate information about the dead child. As widely reported the defense produced what they called evidence in a brash attempt to alter the image of Martin by linking him to guns, drug use, and a propensity for violence.

The defense team, in prior press conferences and interviews, revealed images on Trayvon’s phone of him smoking marijuana and allegedly holding a gun. Being that they lied about these things should make everyone question their ethics and trustworthiness on any issue or evidence in this case. Particularly, when the court agreed that none of this is admissible.

The there were also statements made recently by Zimmerman’s brother about “voodoo forensics” is more evidence of their desperation. They want to discredit as much evidence in the public eye prior to trial regardless of foundation or truthfulness. Should we discount his statement as the man’s feeble attempt to help save his brother from prosecution of killing an unarmed teenage boy? YES!

Despite the posturing from the Zimmerman defense team and a defiant and nationally supported stance from the Martin family, the trial could play out in a variety of ways once jurors are presented with the mounds of evidence in the weeks ahead.

We have not come as far as we think and if history is any indication we might be in for a long hot summer as the Trayvon Martin murder trial proceeds to conclusion. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

 

Justice For Our Child Trayvon

In two weeks, June 10, 2013, the second degree murder trial in Florida for George Zimmerman will begin. Today, the defense was in court where the Zimmerman camp asked a judge to delay the trial, which the judge denied. Other issues relating to admissible evidence was also heard relating to the murder of seventeen year old Martin’s past with much of it will not be admissible.

The ruling was among several important decisions by Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson during a two-hour hearing this morning at the Seminole County Courthouse. The judge ruled for the state on several key issues: The defense may not bring up Trayvon’s past marijuana use at trial, his school suspensions or alleged participation in fights, without clearing several legal hurdles and another ruling granting permission.

It is shameful, yet expected that the defense would put the child on trial. When it was Martin who received the ultimate injustice – DEATH - but then we have seen this before! Just remember the Emmitt Till case and the murders of Bunchie Carter, Fred Hampton, James Bird and countless others where justice was denied.

Let’s support the Martin family as we pray for justice. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

Two of a Kind

Let me start by give Webster’s definition of perjury. It is the voluntary violation of an oath or vow either by swearing to what is untrue or by omission to do what has been promised under oath. In other words LYING!!!

Today the Seminole County Sheriff’s Department arrested Shellie Zimmerman, wife of George Zimmerman, charged with murdering Trayvon Martin, on one count of perjury after they were advised by the office of State Attorney Angela Corey that a warrant had been issued.

The crux of the case against the assassin who murdered young Trayvon Martin rest upon creditability because Zimmerman is the only one and no one else can testify to the events of that evening. The murders supporters expect us to believe that what he says is true.

Yet, from all that I have heard and read there is no truth to nothing he has said and by revoking his bond, and now this, how can anyone believe anything the murder says. Today, Shellie was booked into John E. Polk Correctional Facility and released on $1,000 bond, officials said. I suppose this means the two of them were temporary together again.

George Zimmerman, 28, was charged with second-degree murder in the Feb. 26 shooting of Martin. He pleaded not guilty. Police say that he claimed on the night of the shooting that he acted in self-defense. The murder’s $150,000 bond was revoked after allegations that during an April 20 bail hearing that he and Shellie Zimmerman misled the court about their finances, neglecting to disclose they had raised at least $135,000 in a PayPal account.

The order issued Tuesday by Assistant State Attorney John Guy charged Shellie Zimmerman with knowingly making false statements during the April hearing. Also today, the court released Seminole County Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester’s order revoking George Zimmerman’s bond. "There are several factors that weigh against his release ... Most importantly, though, is the fact that he has now demonstrated that he does not properly respect the law or the integrity of the judicial process."

 I can only suggest that justice be served and we as citizens lift our voices to repeal the “Stand Your Ground Laws” because, as this shows, next time it could be your child to which justice is deferred. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

VOTE!!!

http://johntwills.com

Bail Revoked!!!

So it is, justice I mean, a Florida judge did the responsible thing by revoking bond for the assassin George Zimmerman, who is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Trayvon Martin. Seminole County Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. ordered Zimmerman to surrender to the county sheriff within 48 hours.

Most observer in the case or I should speak for myself believed Zimmerman misrepresented himself from the very beginning, particularly how much money he had when his bond was originally set in April when he claimed to be indigent. I will go further and say about everything!

The murderer according to the prosecution cited as evidence recorded telephone conversations that Zimmerman had with his wife prior to the hearing. The conversations were recorded while Zimmerman was being held in the Seminole County Jail after being charged with second-degree murder on April 11. Now, everyone knows when you call someone from jail or receive mail the jailers are listening or will read the correspondence.

This, in my mind, gives reason to question anything that Zimmerman has said throughout this ordeal. Is charged with fatally shooting Martin, 17, on February 26 while he walked in a Sanford, Florida, neighborhood where he was staying during a visit with his father. Zimmerman, 28, a neighborhood watch volunteer claimed he shot the teenager in self-defense.

The trial prosecutor stated accurately that "The defense, through Mrs. Zimmerman, lied to this court about the amount of money that they had… I don't know what words to use other than it was a blatant lie." Outside the courthouse, the lawyer for the family of Martin said Friday's decision is significant. "Judge Lester's finding that George Zimmerman was dishonest is very important because his credibility is the most important thing in this entire case," said Benjamin Crump.

"Remember, this is only George Zimmerman's testimony that says Trayvon Martin attacked him. All of the evidence suggests that George Zimmerman pursued and confronted Trayvon Martin. Therefore, that's why this is such an important ruling today." In court documents, State Attorney Angela B. Corey acknowledged she was making the strongly worded assertions in describing how Zimmerman's wife represented his finances.

Zimmerman's defense team stated during an April court hearing that Zimmerman's "family members misinformed the court (the state would use a much stronger and accurate word to describe what occurred -- defendant's wife lied to the court) about defendant and his family's finances," Corey wrote in court papers.

She went on to say that Zimmerman had two passports, and the passport that he surrendered to the court at the April hearing was one that Zimmerman had reported stolen on March 8, 2004, court papers said. That passport was valid until May 2012, Corey said. Zimmerman was issued a second passport on March 26, 2004, and that one is valid until 2014, she said. The prosecutor asked the court that Zimmerman be ordered to surrender the second passport to authorities.

Prosecutors have informed federal authorities about Zimmerman's second passport in case he attempts to use it "to flee the country," Corey said. Regarding Zimmerman's finances, Corey alleged that recorded phone calls in April between Zimmerman, while he was in Seminole County Jail, and his wife showed that the couple "spoke in code to hide what they were doing" regarding more than $135,000 in a credit union account belonging to the couple.

The money was apparently donated by members of the public to Zimmerman's website that Zimmerman "fully controlled and participated in the transfer of money from the PayPal account to defendant and his wife's credit union accounts," Corey said in court records. "This occurred prior to the time defendant was arguing to the court that he was indigent and his wife had no money." But Corey stated in court documents Friday: "The money still belongs to defendant and he can demand it at any time."

The prosecutor said the judge "relied on false representations and statements" by Zimmerman and his wife when the court set his bond at $150,000. He was required to post only 10% of that. Corey argued that the court should revoke the bond or increase it "substantially." Lester appeared angry that the court had not been told about the money. "Does your client get to sit there like a potted palm and let you lead me down the primrose path?" he asked Zimmerman's lawyer. "That's the issue."

The facts for this writing are attributed to news reported by CNN. I wanted to make sure my readers around the world were informed and know that we stand for justice, we will not relent until justice is served. And that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

SUPPORT – SIGN THE PETITION

As we continue to move further into the preposterous I am shocked and saddened at the judicial system in Florida. Now, I know these unfair situations do not only occur in Florida but it does hold the distinction of two of the most outrageous legal events - that we know of - in modern times. African Americans all to well, and have always decried the justice system, that has been blatantly unfair to us.

If ever the “Stand Your Ground” law in Florida had a chance of being applied fairly, this case shows that it has gone out the window as of last Friday. A court sentenced a black woman; Marissa Alexander a 31-year-old mother of three to 20 years for firing a warning shot at her abusive husband. I thought the law was supposed to have been passed for a persons to protect themselves, if they feared that their life was in danger. That’s what was represented on behalf of George Zimmerman.

In light of the aftermath of the long-delayed arrest of Trayvon Martin’s assassin, it is incomprehensible that Alexander, who neither killed nor injured anyone, has been convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Let me just remind you that just about a month ago the system did not want to arrest the murder of a child who only had candy and a drink. Moreover, he posed no threat. Unbelievable!!!

Marissa’s husband, Rico Gray, a man with a documented history of abuse including an assault on her while she was pregnant, threatened to kill her nine days after the birth of their daughter. This time, Marissa wasn’t going to put up with another beating. When threatened, she fired a warning shot into the ceiling to let Gray know that the abuse was over and he’d better think twice before coming after her again. He then ran into the street and claimed that she had threatened to kill him and his boys. On his word alone, she was arrested.

State Attorney Angela Corey, the same prosecutor who is prosecuting the Trayvon Martin case, offered a three-year sentence plea bargain but Alexander refused on the grounds that she had done nothing wrong. Alexander tried to invoke Florida’s Stand Your Ground law but the judge refused.

Even though Gray recanted and even though Alexander’s 11-year-old daughter took the stand and made a plea on her mother’s behalf, the judge said that he had no choice but to sentence Alexander for at least 20 years.

This verdict poses serious questions about an already questionable law that is applied unevenly. Jacksonville Congresswoman Corrine Brown has stated that Alexander’s case is a product of “institutionalized racism” and that she had been unable to locate a Stand Your Ground case where a black person is the beneficiary of the law. In the meantime, Marissa Alexander faces a long time in prison with little hope of getting out.

There is an online petition to Florida Governor Rick Scott to grant a pardon to Marissa Alexander. You can sign it here: Pardon Marissa Alexander – show your support and sign the petition!

I want to thank author Ann Werner where much of this article was gleaned. I hope you don’t mind Ann but I was compelled to share and show my support. Thank you and that’s my Thought Provoking Perspective…

http://johntwills.com

BUT FOR: A Legal Term

I was having dinner with a lawyer friend of mine today as the prosecutor was giving her press conference concerning the charges (finally) being brought against the Trayvon Martin assassin. I found it interesting how much we don’t know about things and often rely or accept what we hear from others.

Let me say that the press conference announcing the charges and arrest was long overdue. I thought it was a good PR in the sense that it was, in my opinion, a way to let us and the world know that no one wants a long “Hot Summer” if they did nothing.

My friend, the attorney, said something that I found very interesting. She said, “there is a test in tort law linking the tort and the damages (aka causation), which is stated as: "but for" the defendant's negligence, the plaintiff would not have been injured.”

I was too mesmerized at the time with her that it did not strike me at the time the power of that statement. Later as I thought about what she said I realized that “if the murderer had not stalked this young child – no crime would have been committed.”

I have written on the assassination of Trayvon and like most of the world had an opinion. But yesterday, where I live, a police officer shot a twenty-one year old man and he was immediately place on administrative duty for his actions, which as is almost always the case – justifiable – a good kill as cop’s say.

Now, let’s compare that to the Martin case and what we know. If these Bull Connor type down in Florida has followed something close to reason in light of the murderer’s obvious connections – wouldn’t the guise of injustice have remained hidden from view.

I am not a lawyer but my friend is a good one. Listening to her representation of this case, as she sees it, reminding me that justice is blind, we’ve been “had” and we are being hoodwinked. Trust and Believe when it comes to justice for African Americans what we get is “Just Us”.

And that is my Thought Provoking Perspective…

My Heart – Prayers – and Support are with the Martin family, and may their son Rest in Peace.

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