The Bond Conundrum
Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 7:41AM Judge Lester’s bond order regarding George Zimmerman will be released by the Seminole County Clerk of Courts today. Will it allow Zimmerman to be released or will it keep him in jail until the outcome of his trial? I don’t even consider Stand Your Ground a viable defense, so forget that.
In my opinion, the judge has an easy route to take. He can allow Zimmerman to be released on bond, but set that bond as high as $1,000,000 (or higher.) It would clearly take the onus off the court and lay it directly into Mark O’Mara’s lap. How, you say? It’s quite simple, actually. If Lester disallows bond, he may come across as a hard-nose — unbending and cold. On the other hand, if he grants bond, he could be perceived as having the wisdom of Solomon. I think he’s a shrewd intellectual. By washing his hands of it, Mark O’Mara would be left holding the cards. That means $100,000 will come out of Zimmerman’s bank account to free him. What does that mean? Would it cut into the defense team’s budget? Immensely! Will the defense come to a screeching halt? Will O’Mara try to convince Zimmerman to remain in jail so a proper defense can continue? There lays the conundrum. The money really belongs to Zimmerman. It would be his call to make.
Dave Knechel | in Bernie De la Rionda, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, George Zimmerman, Judge Kenneth R. Lester, Jr., Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Mark O'Mara, Seminole County Courthouse, Seminole County Jail, Slimm v. Zimm, Stand Your Ground, State Attorney Angela Corey, Trayvon Martin, Zimm v. Slimm, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (89)
CherokeeNative: You said: Hopefully, through voir dire, the prosecutor will be able to keep the extreme lefts and rights from getting on the jury and we will have a jury of "reasonable minds" and not another group from Pinnellas County.
This is also my deepest wish, and something I have begun to pray for. Honestly, I'll be more surprised if my prayers are answered than if I see the flip side.
Also--I believe some of Zimmerman's supporters are even calling for the Judge to step-down, (or trying to find a way to make it happen.
Shades of yesterday, I guess.
The comments are horrifying! One example:
"George is innocent. the politicians are pandering to the negro's and liberal. the law is quite specific here. George felt his life and freedome were being threatened by an enraged pot smoking negro who happened to be pounding the s**t out of him. I feel that all elected government officials and their minon''s are threating me and my freedomes.........................If we as Americans keep going down this path that BaLack Obamba is leading us down we can be assured that Cuba will be our 51st state."
Our public education system has a lot to answer for.
O'Mara has a right to collect donated funds but my problem is the publicity stunt to get more funds has taken a turn for the shady. He no longer pretends to frame this as a tragedy as evidenced by this statement "For those who have given in the past, for those who have thought about giving, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman was justified in his actions, for those who feel they would do the same if they were in Mr. Zimmerman's shoes, for those that think Mr. Zimmerman has been treated unfairly by the media, for those who feel Mr. Zimmerman has been falsely accused as a racist, for those who feel this case is an affront to their constitutional rights -- now is the time to show your support."
Of note is his suggestion that others should do the same thing. This crosses the line between defending his client into an entirely different sphere as now this has become a call to arms for the NRA people and racists alike.
Who makes the suggestion that others would have shot and killed an unarmed (black kid) under the same circumstances? By now, O'mara *clearly* knows that Zimmerman's life was never in any real danger. Thus I find it particularly disconcerting and distasteful to spin this in such a way that ANYONE would feel no remorse about the killing of a teen who did nothing more than go to the store.
While his courtroom demeanor is impeccable, I really do think that we may just have a snake underneath all of the fine trimmings who was never presented with the opportunity to show his true colors.
It is not unreasonable to think that the NRA might be even be providing guidance to O'Mara as these inflammatory statements have nothing to do with the legal presentation of this case.
I vividly recall when O'Mara first came on the scene, he talked about the community healing but that was before the NRA money started to flow.
Mr. O'Mara should take his plea for money down. It does make it sound like he has no problem with shooting and killing a teenager. I get he is defending his client but by now he has to realize his client is a known liar. Mr. Zimmerman lied to the Officers about being arrested. He lied to Trayvon's parents about his age and he allowed his family to lie to a court.
Dave do you really think Mr. Zimmerman could walk away from this? Is it true Murder 2 comes with a mandatory 25 years before he could be paroled?
Cherokee Native it helps having you around, you know a lot about the law. Do you think Mr. O'Mara could get in some kind of trouble with the Bar Association for his plea on the web site? IMO it seems that he has no problem with killing a teen. I believe he mentioned how Trayvon looked in the 7/11 video. I wear a Hoodie to stay warm, most teens do. I do not think a Hoodie is gang associated, are they?
[In 1999, then Governor Jeb Bush enacted a law that stipulates penalties when using a gun in the commission of a felony. 10 years for carrying one, 20 years for firing one and 25 years to life if the victim is injured or murdered. Even if Zimmerman pleads to a reduced manslaughter charge, if it's a felony, the same rule applies.]
Elmosmommy, thank you for posting the AxiomAmnesia link. That is one of the most insightful articles I've read on GZ. He agrees with Dave that GZ is paranoid.
Porky, I couldn't agree more. That appeal to those who would repeat GZ's actions is sickening. Appealing to the worst factions in our society goes well beyond his duties to provide a competent defense.
I am also very tired of the comments to the effect that there will be race riots if GZ is not convicted. Except for 2 or 3 NBP, the "Justice for Trayvon" crowd has been peaceful. They are more likely to be found at church than throwing Molotov cocktails in the streets.
I am also tired of the Zimmerman family's extreme preoccupation with safety. I can't remember another high-profile case whether the family of the defendant found it necessary to hide their faces, where the defendant and family members wore bullet-proof vests, etc. Paranoia may be a family trait.
Michelle, the hoodie thing is so strange. I can drive down the main street here on any chilly night and see dozens of hoodies on display. I am sure that every teenager around her owns at least one. What could be more comfortable and practical? And I am too old to know this, and my sons are completely oblivious to fashion, but I think they may be in style?
I have noticed that even Trader Joe's employees wear hoodies with the TJ logo collecting shopping carts in the parking lots. For those not familiar with TJ, it's a chain of grocery stores and the employees wear uniforms, which include Hawaiian shirts, t-shirts, hoodies, etc., all with the TJ logo. What could be more mainstream?
GZ load up the defense fund
Plea a deal
Pay MOM
Invest find money
do time like 20 years
retire on defense fund investment
Better off than the rest of us law abiding citizens
Only in America
Porky, Molly - ITA with both of your comments. I just wanted to add that from Daddy Z's demeanor on the witness stand, coupled with the fact that he had to know about the money scam, I believe that the family's attitude towards the justice system and the paranoia are all results of Daddy Z's upbringing of his children. I believe they all feel that Trayvon was expendable, and in fact, that GZ did the community a favor of ridding the neighborhood of one less thug. Hence why there is no remorse.
We, the people, are very fortunate to have a very astute Judge who will not let the wool be pulled over his eyes. I guarantee that MOM's most recent posting will not go unnoticed by the Judge. I believe MOM has lost site of his very good reputation in exchange for money and fame - that is extremely unfortunate.
Did anyone else notice that Lester even commented that the "safety" issue is not as pronounced as the defense has attempted to make out?
I found this to be an interesting write-up from The Miami Herald.
The Miami Herald - Judge: Zimmerman was going to jump bail with other people’s money
Quote:
Longtime bail bondsman Jack Benveniste said there’s nothing in the law that requires collateral, so Zimmerman should be able to pay the 10 percent bondsman fee and be released.
“This kid can’t disappear. That’s a safe bond,” said Benveniste, who owns All Dade Bail Bonds in Miami Beach. “He’s very visible: It would take two minutes to find him. I think he’s being punished by the judge. I’d write that bond with my eyes closed.”
The bond, Benveniste noted, will make a dent only in the attorney’s fees.
End of Quote
So, if there is 'nothing in the law that requires collateral'--I guess there are no worries about where the rest of the money will come from?
And this little quote from the same article:
Quote:
“Trayvon Martin is the only male whose youth is relevant to this case,” Lester wrote. He said Zimmerman and his family do not have “anywhere near” $1 million to post as collateral.
End of Quote
I'm so glad the judge added this in about whose age is relevant. I'll never forget Mason pointing to the murderess in the exaggeratedly lowered chair, and referring to her as a 'mere' child. Surely Mr. O'Mara will not try this stunt at trial!
Strange that last part of my 2nd quote, in regards to my first quote.
Michelle: LOL--Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but I have a 'hoodie'. A black one. And I'm old enough to be a grannie. On rainy days/nights, I even put the hood up. ó‿ó
Porky: I went back and re-read that exquisitely written order. I think I quoted the right part:
Top of Page 7 - Quote:
Furthermore, there is some concern that his release on bond will provoke anger within the community, but all demonstrations to this point have been non-violent and peaceful. Therefore, this factor carries little weight;
End of Quote.
Link
I can't think of a single little thing that Judge Lester did not address. This judge is no push-over. Oh, how I hope it continues. MOO, of course.
Molly> Hoodies will never go out of style. They sell them at the book stores on campus, some public schools sell them with their mascot on them.
nan11 my Mom wears hoodies and she is OLD! She would like everyone to believe she is 30, but my older sister is 23. You can do the math.
May I ask a question? Why do so many people think teenage kids are bad? Why do they think it does not matter if someone shoots us? I do not see a difference in Trayvon and myself we are the same age. I could have been walking to the store at 7. If this is the general feelings of people than I am scared. My life could be in danger for a long time. I still have baby fat on my cheeks, so I look younger than 17. At 5'2 and 118 pounds I do not look threatening but when I put my hoodie on, Mr. Zimmerman and his like would see me of no value to society. Adults are scarey.
You know, the more I learn of this case, of this cop wanna-be, Zimmerman, the more I realize that it was a good thing for Sharpton to get involved. But, imo, the SPD needs to answer to the DOJ and the public about why they let go this murdering idiot (racism?).
Good to see that Sharpton did one thing right in his civil rights career. Hopefully, he will keep it low key and not do his usual inciting. I think he found out its not gonna work in the Orlando area.
MOM has turned my stomach like Baez did with his petition for funds...
One more thing- I can imagine that Shellie saw all that money coming in and thought she didn't need to work anymore. Guess she learns lessons the hard way. GZ's parents and grandparents should be PO'd with having to put up their houses through remortgaging for his sake only to know that he was going to flee. Oh. Maybe not. GZ reminds me of Casey Anthony-mom and pops to the rescue!
Miami Herald - Donations to Zimmerman’s website increase 20-fold
Quote:
“Since the $1,000,000 bond was made public on July 5, supporters have donated approximately $20,000,” O’Mara said. “In the two months prior to the Court’s Order Setting Bail, the George Zimmerman Defense Fund had received approximately $55,000.”
End of Quote
And not to overlook this, (in spite of the Judge's comments as mentioned up-thread by Porky):
Quote:
A temporary safe house has been located where Zimmerman can stay until a more secure location is identified, O’Mara said.
End of Quote
I believe Mr. O'Mara is now attempting to 'try this case through the media'--inspite of his earlier comments to the contrary. It's the only thing that makes sense.
I hung on every word this guy said as he commented on the infamous baby murder case--now I'm kicking my own self in the behind. >.<
Michelle, hoodies hadn't better go out of style! I've been wearing them since I was a teen in the '70s. My hubs and I have a closet full of them! Ofcourse, I'm at the age now that I don't worry much about what's in style...lol!
Michelle, for some adults, kids are scary.
Zimmerman bonded out of jail. People are still sending him money. At least it won't pay for a vacation in Peru.
If the Pro-GZ donors don't like being played by the media, I wonder how they like being played by MOM? After all, bailing GZ out didn't start this morning, it had to have started yesterday immediately after Judge L's Order came down. So MOM's pandering for more money was just that - shameful.
Here is a decent link with a short video of Mr. Zimmerman leaving jail:
WKMG - George Zimmerman released from Seminole County jail
Quote:
Part of Zimmerman's collateral to post bond was Gladys and Robert Zimmerman's house, according to the bond posting. Magic Bail Bonds of Sanford posted Zimmerman's bond.
End of Quote
Apparently they did need collateral--hard to know what to believe sometimes.
I can't imagine that they have $1M in equity in that house - or even that the house is worth $1M. So maybe the bondsman accepted less than full collateral? Or maybe there is a "secret Santa" who put up his waterfront mansion.
Dave, how much are houses worth in Lake Mary, where the senior Zimmermans live? Is it possible that their house is worth $1M? I thought that FL real estate values were very depressed.
Dave: I’m not sure if I’m allowed to link this site here, but I found the explanation of the collateral business very understandable. (I won't take any offense if you delete.) :-)
I’m hearing that George’s father's house is not really even close to being valued at $1M. (Just a little over $100,000.00--based on the depressed market.)
However, if I’m understanding the quoted statement correctly, it is really up to the bondsman. I suppose he feels that Mr. Zimmerman would hopefully think twice before disappearing and leaving his father homeless. As the old saying goes—every man’s home is his castle, (no matter what it’s true value.)
WFTV - George Zimmerman posts $1M bond, released from jail
Quote:
Under normal circumstances, a defendant would have to come up with the entire $1 million in collateral. However, it's possible Zimmerman's bondsman allowed the family to put up less than that in property. It’s up to the bondsman and the risk he's willing to take if Zimmerman were to skip out on the bond. If that were to happen, the bondsman would have to assume financial risk for the difference.
End of Quote.
An interesting little tidbit from CFNews13:
CF News 13 - George Zimmerman released from jail
Quote:
West said they may ask the court to extend the boundary and allow Zimmerman to go beyond Seminole County.
End of Quote.
Another very good video to watch by LLMPapa:
You Tube Video by LLMPapa - Zimmerman's Legion of Lies
And a reminder of what has really been lost here:
USA Today Video: Sharpton: Trayvon Martin shown little respect
Quote at 1:50 minutes in:
If nothing else, an unarmed young man has been taken from us. If nothing else, an unarmed young man who had promise in life, will not live up to that promise. Why would anyone say if you would have done the right thing—help me. What does that even mean?
End of Quote.
I found Rev. Sharpton to be elegant in his message. I’m so glad the family has him to support them during this terrible time.
NewPuppy> Thank you for your reply. My Mom did a good job considering my "evil ways." Skittles in the shower head, vaseline the toilet seat, fire crackers in a big soup pan and gluing shoes to the floor.... For a while the house seemed sad so my brain went to work. Honestly I am the normal teen. We just want to laugh, not be bullied and to be loved. Strangers do scare us, you may not know we are scared but we are none the less.
So you are not a fan of short shorts, my Mom does not like them either, but they are comfortable. Plus it is so hot outside. They cover more than a bikini.
There is a store very close to wear we live and I have walked there to get snacks, not everyone knows me in my neighborhood. Mr. O'Mara making the comment just made me wonder if adults really felt threatened by teens. I know we are all not good but neither are adults. I read Trayvon made good grades at school. Boys do not normally do well unless they plan on going to college. They do enough to get by.
Many people could learn a lot from this, my hope would be that everyone could work to make neighborhoods safer for all. One last thing -dogs scare me. My mom has a ShihTzu who thinks he is a Great Dane, but has razors for teeth. I love him, he hates me. It is my fault, glued a bone to his water dish a long time ago and he has never forgot it. I feel your pain with dogs.
My Mom worries about us, to much most days. Give and take is a good thing but most people are not like the people here. There is little to no respect for kids, well most adults just think we are trouble.
Trayvon is dead and look how people are calling him a thug, a rapist and a thief. He can never hurt anyone again all because he went to the store in the rain and tried to defend himself. Sad. Thank you for talking to me.
THIS IS JUST BS that GZ was able to bond out in one day! Something stinks in China that a low life, wanna be cop, with no assets can bond out. WHO PUT UP THE COLLATERAL FOR 1Million bucks! MOM should have thought longer and harder about the public opinion of his dirtbag client. It would have gone a long way for his reputation to sit his ass in a jail cell while waiting for trial-this is just going to piss people off more- LIKE ME! JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON
WhistlersMother - I feel your outrage. I have two major gripes:
First, I am most troubled by the most recent statement of MOM on his legal defense website. As a criminal defense attorney, MOM has crossed the line in every sense of the words "ethical" and "professionalism." As a human being, MOM has lost all sight of the fact that a young teen, who had a very promising future, has needlessly lost his life because his client perceived him as a thug when in fact, he had every right to be where he was while walking home and talking to his girlfriend on his cell phone. MOM has thrown compassion for the victim out the window in exchange for greed and fame. As Porky aptly pointed out, when MOM first came on the scene, he spoke about the community healing, how the killing of this teen was a tragedy, and having compassion for his parents, but that is before the money started to flow in. That MOM has allowed his monumental ego and greed take over is particularly disconcerting and distasteful to say the least. If MOM's statement is not a call to racists, what is it? Think about that statement - For all those who would do the same - meaning for all that would shoot a youth who was doing nothing more than walking home while black with a bag of Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea. It was unnecessary in his process of pandering for more legal defense funds. It's disgusting, tasteless, and MOM should be called to account for it. I have no doubt that this is just a small indication as to what lengths MOM will go in order to see that his client wins at all costs. This is not an entirely innocent man, he has admitted shooting Trayvon and the inconsistencies of what occurred that night give cause to believe that he committed a murder. We will see if his self-defense claims relieve him of responsibility for the death of Trayvon. We are long past the days where the defense attorney would blame the woman who was the victim of rape for her manner of dress or demeanor realizing that such treatment lacks compassion and respect for the victim. It is no different for Trayvon. Because GZ perceived this teen as a thug and potential burglar, he followed and caused a confrontation where this unarmed teen was wrongfully killed. To imagine what fear must have been going through Trayvon's mind gives me the shudders. How dare MOM pander to the extremists who see Trayvon as expendable and not worthy of a life - and that is exactly who that statement is intended for. I am outraged. MOM's reputation as a respectable defense attorney has been tarnished. It is no longer about justice - MOM is attempting to turn it into a racist and political contest. I now perceive him as about the lowest form of life in existence and I am not proud that he is a member of the legal profession.
The phrase -for those who feel this case is an affront to their constitutional rights - is meant for the gun enthusiasts, members of NRA, and others who own firearms. While I am not outraged by this statement as I am the above discussed phrase, I am still troubled that MOM is pandering to this group of individuals for support. Anyone who has the most elementary knowledge of how our laws are created and enacted knows that this case is not going to make or break the SYG law. No matter the outcome of this case, the SYG law is going to be scrutinized - in fact, it is already being reviewed. MOM knows this, but for greed and ego, he is pursuing that group of people as donors.
The Florida Bar Association needs to reprimand MOM and demand that he cease and desist maintaining a GZ web site that discusses the case. I don't care if he keeps his little Paypal button and continues to collect funds from GZ's supporters, but the comments regarding the case need to stop.
Second, MOM is busy pandering to the groups I mention above instead of getting to work bringing this case to a final resolution - it is the press conferences - it is the need to trash the victim - it is the fact that GZ has profited from the death of Trayvon - and indeed, it is the greed that has taken over to the point that MOM no longer thinks he can defend this case for 1 million, now he is saying 2 million - those are the other issues I consider unfair and unethical.
So, if I go out tomorrow and shoot a young black teen because he looks suspicious to me - I can expect to have all of my debts paid off and my living expenses paid. I don't know how anyone cannot see that as profiting from his kill. Even if he is convicted, GZ and Shellie have profited. Only in America. You have to admit that there is something wrong with our justice system when you can profit from your killing of another human being. We have managed to enact laws that prevent convicted criminals from reaping profits from their crimes, but because of that little loop hole that GZ has yet to be convicted, he can profit all he wants up until that time. Since when does a criminal defendant get his debts paid off and his living expenses paid once charged of a crime? We, the people, need to enact laws that prevent this type of financial boon as well.
Rant over - for now.
well said Cherokee !! I cant add to that because you said it all, and said it better than I can <smile >
"The phrase -for those who feel this case is an affront to their constitutional rights - is meant for the gun enthusiasts, members of NRA, and others who own firearms. While I am not outraged by this statement as I am the above discussed phrase, I am still troubled that MOM is pandering to this group of individuals for support."
CherokeeNation, the above is your statement. While you are entitled to your opinion, I would say I do not especially care for the inference that we who own guns or who are gun enthusiasts would be the main supporters of GZ. Believe me. O'Mara has offended gun collectors, gun enthusiasts and members of the NRA.
So, I will say OUCH !
***NATIVE
Newbie - Yikes - Don't shoot the messenger. I certainly did not mean to offend any gun enthusiasts - it certainly isn't their fault that MOM is directing his pandering to them as a group, but I do believe that he is attempting to make a "call to arms" so to speak with regard to this case. I did not, as you will notice, say that all gun enthusiasts are pro-Zimmerman because I certainly do not believe that is the case. In fact, there are many responsible gun enthusiasts who do not condone the course of conduct that GZ took that night. :-) I hope that those responsible gun owners are flooding MOM with letters and emails objecting to his statement.
CherokeeNative: Very well expressed, indeed.
CN wrote: We are long past the days where the defense attorney would blame the woman who was the victim of rape for her manner of dress or demeanor realizing that such treatment lacks compassion and respect for the victim. It is no different for Trayvon.
We think we are; we hope we are—but it seems that every once in a while a case comes along and makes us wonder. {sigh}
CN wrote: So, if I go out tomorrow and shoot a young black teen because he looks suspicious to me - I can expect to have all of my debts paid off and my living expenses paid. I don't know how anyone cannot see that as profiting from his kill.
You are absolutely correct. ‘Profiting from his kill’ is exactly what it is, and exactly what is going on. I would be willing to bet that Mr. O’Mara also knows this—as well as those fattening up Zimmerman’s fund.
Their interests lie far from truth and justice.
imho
lol...yes, I did notice that you did not say ALL gun enthusiasts yet you also did not say SOME, or extreme etc etc. I appreciate your explaining.
I think the plea for funds is actually a call to all "imbalanced" persons. Yes, to contribute to GZ it is my opinion you have something wrong with you.
Could it be that GZ wrote that script and insisted O'Mara put it on the site?
Cn what an extraordinary post. I too wondered whether Zimmerman was writing some of this stuff but I really doubt it. I do think that it is O'Mara who is driving this car.
M O M has no right to state to potential doners To those of you whom would do the same thing donate.....Its like J Baez at the start of caseys trial when he asked every witness ,,,,Where you present in the back yard when CAYLEE DROWNED....At this momment no one except his client knows what happened...M O M acts an speaks as if GZ version of events are gospell,,When the facts an words from his clients. mouth tend to show that Trayvon did not attack him unprevocked...J Baez was admonished for saying this over an over an told to stop...Its almost as if M O M knows whom is supporting GZ an knows when he says THOSE OF YOU WOULD DO THE SAME THING,,Dont care about the truth or justice ..they are not GZ supporters they are people whom hate people of African heritage.....An yes they would love to shoot an murder one if they could get away with it..Irony being that the entire human race began in Africa......
Dave~~FYI~~
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GZ states Trayvon was on top off him pou di g away an then he read his mind .He felt as if Trayvon had seen his gun on his hip an was reaching for it.Anyway GZ grabs his gun an shoots him in the chest..And then he says Trayvon spoke ....YOU GOT ME....or YOU GOT IT...AND HE SAT UP???How can someone on top of you sit up?
Trayvon's parents must be sad. They lost their son and adults who really do not know him keep portraying him as a thug.
Trayvon defended himself, a stranger followed him and at one point chased him. Mr. Zimmerman never explained who he was or what he was doing. Complete strangers are sending him money. Mr. O'Mara is encouraging these donations. Why is it so hard for adults to put themselves in Trayvon's shoes? He was BEING chased by a man, who he did not know. I am scared just thinking about a strange man chasing me. Forget how the grown man feels, and what the grown man needs. He is the adult. Mr. Zimmerman made his choice, Trayvon Martin did not ask for any of this and as a kid his age I would bet my life he would love to have his life back. Trayvon probably had no idea why Mr. Zimmerman shot him. He did nothing wrong. Trayvon did not chase Mr. Zimmerman, he ran from him. The 911 call proves it.
Dave do you think Mr. O'Mara is going to ask the Judge to remove himself? I only ask because Mr. Zimmerman lied to the Judge. Would that make the Judge bias? If anyone knows the answer I would like to know your opinion. I do not know how that stuff works. I tried to look for an answer but I honestly do not know where to look.
Dave: I'm ducking a little bit. Here is a recap video from WFTV. I think it is pretty good. I'll never mind if you delete me, though.
21:52 Minute VIDEO Dated July 5: WFTV - Central Florida Spotlight – George Zimmerman’s new bond request
Quote: at 14:15 minutes in:
Bill Sheaffer: Yeah. Obviously O’Mara’s first duty is to his client and it is for an acquittal in this case. O’Mara is the ultimate professional, however; and he realizes—as we all do—that there are far reaching consequences to the questions in this case, and to a jury’s verdict. And certainly if there has ever been a case that transparency is demanded—it has to be this case. Because, when this verdict comes down—at least, whether you agree with it or not—everyone has to look at this and say—you know everyone got a fair shake and their time in court.
End of Quote.
Michelle: I hope you don’t mind if I share a few of my thoughts with you. I think most adults can really put themselves in Trayvon’s place, but they are choosing not to.
I hope you know that I am solidly on the side of Trayvon and hope to see some justice; however, let me tell you a true story that happened to me just the other day.
It was around midnight one evening and I was on my way out to locate my cats. Now, I live on a corner so it is fairly common for people to cut through my yard. So, as I opened the door and put a foot on my step—what did I see but two very tall young men wearing hoodies (hoodies up): coming right toward me. (Yep, it was raining.)
I truly got scared and hoped back into my house. It even took awhile for my heartbeat to settle down. LOL
Now, I think the difference is—I would never shoot them. Never in a million years.
And I think the people who are stuffing Mr. Zimmerman’s account, are the people that would. Because they are scared; and they are tired of being scared. But their fear does not give them the right to murder.
I am not very elegant in my prose, but I hope you get what I mean.
Also, some of those people saying nasty things about Trayvon are just trolls stirring up trouble—it’s hard to say what they really believe.
[You never need to worry about deleting any of your comments, nan11. You are doing wonderful work and I really appreciate it. Oh, and I hope you like my next post. It's a dandy.]
Hi Nan, I understand what you mean. The difference in what happened to you is they were in your yard. I would be scared too. In fact you won't catch me leaving home at dark.
Dave my last comment may have ran everyone off, you can delete me if you want. My comments are not about the legal aspect. Maybe after a semester or two of Paralegal classes I will understand the rest of the stuff better. It may be best if I just read and keep up and if this other stuff makes more sense I can drop in. I understood the bail stuff (sort of) he lied to a Judge. That equals big trouble. My comments are more emotional and girly stuff.