Zimmerman to be charged

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

You have a right to protect yourself, but that shouldn't give you the right to pretend you're the local sheriff and chase after the riff raff. If you do, you should be held accountable if an unarmed person dies by your gun. Unless you believe that we should start arming citizens to act as their own law enforcement agency. That IMO, would be dangerous road to go down and most likely take us back a century or two. Heck, even during the 'Wild West,' the local sheriff could require you to turn in all your guns at his office before entering his town. Once someone takes on the role of enforcing the law, they no longer are an ordinary citizen just protecting themselves. Zimmerman clearly was not looking out for his own safety or he would have never followed Martin and he definitely wouldn't have gotten out of his SUV. He took it upon himself to behave like law enforcement, except with no certification, training, approval or legitimacy.

Unless he tried to physically apprehend Martin, your statements about Zimmerman wanting to be the local Sheriff are illogical and irrational. Again, its a free country, and the ability to watch and patrol's one community is not only legal its a long term cultural element of America.

The Wild West laws you mention are largely irrelevant as they were as unconstitutional as the laws allowing the purchase of "army or navy" caliber revolvers in southern states so that former slaves and poor people could not arm themselves.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Unless he tried to physically apprehend Martin, your statements about Zimmerman wanting to be the local Sheriff are illogical and irrational. Again, its a free country, and the ability to watch and patrol's one community is not only legal its a long term cultural element of America.

Ones liberty to move about freely without being harassed by police or even cop-wannabes should take precedent, at least if we do live in a truly free society. I'm all in favor of neighborhood watches as they are typically effective in lowering crime rates. However, neighborhood watches should not include carrying a gun, IMO. That's where you draw the line between citizen and law enforcement. By all means, carry a gun for your own personal protection, but once you start patrolling my neighborhood with a gun, and you are now acting as your own law enforcement agency. That to me, is scary, if that is where this country is heading toward. Law enforcement are well trained and regulated. I don't want one of my neighbors feeling it's within his rights to patrol our neighborhood using his gun as enforcement. ** that.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Ones liberty to move about freely without being harassed by police or even cop-wannabes should take precedent, at least if we do live in a truly free society. I'm all in favor of neighborhood watches as they are typically effective in lowering crime rates. However, neighborhood watches should not include carrying a gun, IMO. That's where you draw the line between citizen and law enforcement. By all means, carry a gun for your own personal protection, but once you start patrolling my neighborhood with a gun, and you are now acting as your own law enforcement agency. That to me, is scary, if that is where this country is heading toward. Law enforcement are well trained and regulated. I don't want one of my neighbors feeling it's within his rights to patrol our neighborhood using his gun as enforcement. ** that.

There is no evidence that the gun was used as enforcement. In fact there appears to be evidence to the contrary that it remained concealed.

Edited April 16, 2012 by Sousuke

[one...two...tree 2,762]

There is no evidence that the gun was used as enforcement. In fact there appears to be evidence to the contrary that it remained concealed.

Zimmerman's behavior and actions indicate that he was assuming the role of law enforcement. I understand that you believe that is well within his right as a citizen and if Zimmerman was unarmed, I might agree, but it is in that context that makes it different.

[MikelanNida 28]

Zimmerman- excuse me sir, i live in this neighborhood and i am doing neighborhood watch because we have had alot of crime lately, I dont recognize you from this area so thats why I am stopping you to ask you if you live around here, I have called the police and they are on the way....

Martin- I see, yes i am new here, i am staying with my dad in that house right over there....

Zimmerman- ok, I am going to wait here till the police arrive and tell them...

Martin- ok, i am heading inside to tell my dad, they can knock the door if they have any questions, goodnight....

zimmerman- goodnight....

just sayin.......