[NJblue]

Originally Posted by DougB

Anyone find these homeowners cowards who did not go outside to stop the fight between Zimmerman and Martin, or do you feel they did the right thing staying in the safety of their homes and calling 911?

No, I don't think they were cowards. The one person (Good) did step out and tried to break it up verbally and then did the prudent thing by calling 911. To get physically involved in a situation like that could end up with you being the one dead. For all anyone knew at the time, both parties could have been armed and you could be caught in the crossfire.

Actually, the one person who I think acted pretty stupidly was the one who, knowing that a shot was fired, still approached the scene. For all he knew, a "bad guy" did the shooting and would turn on him with his gun. I wonder why neither attorney asked him why he did this.

I was also amazed that the first cop to arrive (also knowing that shots had been fired), did so without his gun drawn. I would think that standard practice in such situations would be to wait for back-up to arrive and then approach the situation with guns drawn.

[NJblue]

Originally Posted by memason

With the exception of having a weapon, how is what George Zimmerman was doing [that night] any different than our own Community Watch Program ?? ...and, since anyone can get a conceal carry permit, are we absolutely sure none of our Community Watch folks carry on duty ????

Our Community Watch would never get out of their vehicles.

[DougB]

Originally Posted by NJblue

No, I don't think they were cowards. The one person (Good) did step out and tried to break it up verbally and then did the prudent thing by calling 911. To get physically involved in a situation like that could end up with you being the one dead. For all anyone knew at the time, both parties could have been armed and you could be caught in the crossfire.

Actually, the one person who I think acted pretty stupidly was the one who, knowing that a shot was fired, still approached the scene. For all he knew, a "bad guy" did the shooting and would turn on him with his gun. I wonder why neither attorney asked him why he did this.

I was also amazed that the first cop to arrive (also knowing that shots had been fired), did so without his gun drawn. I would think that standard practice in such situations would be to wait for back-up to arrive and then approach the situation with guns drawn.

I agree with your second and third paragraphs and wondered the same things. I am on the fence with the first one. I would like to think if two people were fighting 15 feet from my backdoor with one screaming for help, I would attempt to break it more than verbally if need be.

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by DougB

Anyone find these homeowners cowards who did not go outside to stop the fight between Zimmerman and Martin, or do you feel they did the right thing staying in the safety of their homes and calling 911?

The homeowners were not cowards. Why would they put themselves in danger? I would not go out and try to break it up nor would I let my husband. It's dangerous not knowing what really had happened. They both could have been carrying weapons and there could have been more than one death. 911 was the right answer.

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by Monkei

Yeah stayed in his truck where he was safe with his gun that he should not have had.

He had every right to carry a weapon. He had a carry permit. I have carried my weapon in my car because I have a permit to carry one.

[DougB]

Originally Posted by Happinow

The homeowners were not cowards. Why would they put themselves in danger? I would not go out and try to break it up nor would I let my husband. It's dangerous not knowing what really had happened. They both could have been carrying weapons and there could have been more than one death. 911 was the right answer.

Not sure, but people put their own lives in danger everyday to help others.

[NJblue]

Originally Posted by DougB

Not sure, but people put their own lives in danger everyday to help others.

That's probably why those, who in hindsight saved a life, are lauded as heroes while some of those, who end up dead, are called foolish. I think there is a big gap between heroism and cowardism - i.e. just because you are not a hero, it doesn't make you a coward.

There was an incident many years ago where a woman was being attacked in a major city, possibly New York (I forget whether it was a rape or a murder or both). The attack went on for quite some time and she continually cried for help and her cries were heard by many residents, yet not one even called the police. These people were clearly cowards and indifferent to human suffering.

[mrsanborn]

The prosecution witnesses are verifying Zimmerman's re-enactment of the night of the incident. Speculating, Martin never told Zimmerman that he was visiting his father at the complex which would have defused the situation. I believe that if Martin would have been up front with Zimmerman regarding this and since it was raining, it's possible, that Zimmerman being the watch guy may have offered a ride to Martin. You don't murder someone when you are on the bottom of a physical confrontation having the .hit beaten out of you. This is a self defense issue. Zimmerman has already claimed that Martin went after his weapon when he (Martin) saw it. What would the discussion be if Martin would have shot Zimmerman from a superior position?
Ask why it took so long for Zimmerman to be arrested. Outside pressure. Why didn't the State go after Zimmerman for manslaughter which they have a better chance at conviction? Outside pressure. Where's the outside pressure now? Hey, this is only my opinion but if Zimmerman is convicted of murder 2 it's because of fear.

[tucson]

I agree w/you. I believe all the marches that took place by those who were crying, "racial this and racial that" put pressure on the State to arrest GZ for murder and who knows maybe a phone call was made by BO to the State DA's office, just my opinion...

[Happinow]

Originally Posted by NJblue

That's probably why those, who in hindsight saved a life, are lauded as heroes while some of those, who end up dead, are called foolish. I think there is a big gap between heroism and cowardism - i.e. just because you are not a hero, it doesn't make you a coward.

There was an incident many years ago where a woman was being attacked in a major city, possibly New York (I forget whether it was a rape or a murder or both). The attack went on for quite some time and she continually cried for help and her cries were heard by many residents, yet not one even called the police. These people were clearly cowards and indifferent to human suffering.

Agreed.......

[buggyone]

Originally Posted by Happinow

He had every right to carry a weapon. He had a carry permit. I have carried my weapon in my car because I have a permit to carry one.

And look where carrying a gun has taken him! He has lost over a year of his life, been vilified by many, been threatened, lost most of his money, and is now on trial facing many years in prison.

That permit did not do him any favors, did it?

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by buggyone

And look where carrying a gun has taken him! He has lost over a year of his life, been vilified by many, been threatened, lost most of his money, and is now on trial facing many years in prison.

That permit did not do him any favors, did it?

[buggyone]

I have absolutely no idea of what those emoticons symbolize in regard to my post.

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

You are right, but I do feel it is less prevalent for each generation I.e. 50 years old, 40 years old and so on. So, it will not go away, but since my generation is infested with prejudice, it will certainly be a leap in the right direction. I am happy I have lived long enough to see the direction we are headed.

Don't count on bigotry, prejudice and racism to go away with our kids' and grandkids' generations.

There will always be Christians around to stereotype and brand as "haters", "homophobes", "bigots" and "racists" for stating their disagreement with current society's behavioral trends, and that is the most popular group that today's "open-minded", "tolerant" Hollywood-educated groups aim for.

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by buggyone

I have absolutely no idea of what those emoticons symbolize in regard to my post.

OK. I will translate back into words.

Says I was shocked that you said it.

Tells you to get ready to duck for indicating there can be a problem with the carry law in Florida for some.