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We are the 99 percent

#HoodiesUp — Justice for Trayvon Actions in 40+ Cities

Posted 10 years ago on July 14, 2013, 10:42 a.m. EST by OccupyWallSt
Tags: justice, racism, trayvon

Trayvon Flyer

Trayvon Martin:

  1. Was an honor student with a 3.7 GPA.
  2. Was accepted at a college on a full ride
  3. Was a volunteer of 600 service hours
  4. Was a devoted member of his church
  5. Was a loyal friend & a loving son
  6. Was an INNOCENT boy

No more divide and conquer. We stand for all. We stand in support of the family of ‪#‎TrayvonMartin‬ and his memory. He did not die in vain. He was the 99% with promise and potential. Capitalism and Racism legitimize each other. We need something brand new and we need it now.

Join one of the many actions against the unjust acquittal of George Zimmerman for the killing of Trayvon Martin today in over 40 cities. Come to express your sorrow, your rage, and your continuing demand for justice for Trayvon and beyond.

http://trayvonoc.wordpress.com/

#HoodiesUp #NoJustice

Events

Albuquerque, NM: Civic Plaza

Atlanta, GA: Westend Park

Austin, TX: State Capitol

Baltimore, MD: War Memorial Plaza

Barcelona, Spain: Plaza Revolución

Boston, MA: Dudley Square, Roxbury

Burlington, VT: City Hall

Chattanooga, TN: Miller Park

Chicago, IL: Daley Plaza

Cincinnati, OH: Fountain Square

Columbus, OH: 375 South High Street

Dayton, OH: Courthouse Square

Denver, CO: 2pm in City Park

Detroit, MI: Grand Circus Park

Durham, NC: CCB Plaza

Fort Myers, FL: FGCU Campus Library

Frederick, MD: South End Park

Houston, TX: City Hall

Indianapolis, IN: 2PM, downtown on circle

Lansing, MI: Lansing City Hall

Las Vegas, NV: City Hall

Los Angeles, CA: Leimert Park & King and Crenshaw Blvds

Madison, WI: State Capitol

Memphis, TN: Memphis Police Department (meet Monday)

Miami, FL: Torch of Friendship, Bayfront Park

Milwaukee, WI: MLK and Vine

Minneapolis, MN: TBA, Monday

Nashville, TN: Downtown Courthouse

New Orleans, LA: Washington Square Park

New York, NY: Union Square

Oakland, CA: Oscar Grant Plaza

Newark, NJ: Market and Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA: Love Park

Phoenix, AZ: Department of Justice

Pittsburgh, PA: Freedom Corner

Portland, OR: Peninsula Park

Poughkeepsie, NY: Mansion Square Park

Providence, RI: Central High School

Rochester, NY: Liberty Pole

Salt Lake City, UT: Federal Building

San Diego, CA: City Heights, across from Mid City PD

St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Justice Center

Seattle, WA: Westlake

Springfield, MO: Downtown Square

Syracuse, NY: 2pm at Onondaga County Courthouse

125 Comments

125 Comments


Read the Rules
[-] 4 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

''Six Million Trayvons : How The George Zimmerman Mindset Has Rigged The Justice System Against Young Black Men'', by Judd Legum :

George Zimmerman killed one boy, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Although a Florida jury found Zimmerman not guilty, his attitude — that a young black male is an object suspicion and contempt — not only cost Martin his life but has infected the entire United States criminal justice system.

Law Professor Michellle Alexander makes the point powerfully :

  • https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=480944621993500&id=168304409924191 - ''It is the Zimmerman mindset that must be found guilty – far more than the man himself. It is a mindset that views black men and boys as nothing but a threat, good for nothing, up to no good no matter who they are or what they are doing. It is the Zimmerman mindset that has birthed a penal system unprecedented in world history, and relegated millions to a permanent undercaste.''

Dare you read the rest America ? Hit the ICH link above !

minima maxima sunt ...

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23767) 10 years ago

President Obama made a very powerful and personal speech about this verdict and the experiences of African American men and boys living in the U.S. It would be worth everyone watching. Here's a link to it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHBdZWbncXI

[-] 3 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 10 years ago

president obama is closer to zimmerman

with his hunt down with drones stand your ground policies

[-] 5 points by beautifulworld (23767) 10 years ago

You are right to point that out. Good job. I wish he practiced the ideals he spoke of in that speech.

[-] 1 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

Finally an authentic voice that speaks from both experience and from the heart. I may always call him Obomber ('cause he is exactly that !) and he may be a bit of an Obummer generally but for once (as per your very good link, which I recommend to all) - he is a li'l more deep, profound and right than his usual Oblahblah. I somewhat hubristically re-recommend my ICH link by Judd Legum's insightful article above and also here append :

veritas vos liberabit ...

[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23767) 10 years ago

Very well said, Shadz. And, from Foley:

"What’s happened is that our racism has been driven underground, into our unconscious minds. Many if not most Americans harbor some unconscious racism."

"We need to make it widely understood that unconscious racism isn’t a reflection of a person’s evil character, that it isn’t a “choice”; it’s an affliction, a disease, an infection from the wider culture, including ghosts from the past."

"Making it OK to admit that we’re a nation of racists would be a huge step toward eradicating racism and fostering true justice. Let’s try this strategy and turn the tragic “stand your ground” case into an opportunity to move forward."

He might actually be onto something here.

[-] 1 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

''A Parable For Trayvon'' - was how the following excellent article was titled in my hard copy 'Guardian' paper and thanx for your important excerpts above and I can not recommend the below highly enough :

I very much agree with your final sentence btw bw & hope others will avail themselves of the links above.

multum in parvo ...

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 10 years ago

"What else can we call it but pervasive racism when confronted with the overwhelming social consensus that so easily and completely displaced the real, unarmed kid carrying candy and a soda with ugly projected fears of much more?" says Patricia Williams.

She is right, and to follow, are all the right wing comments regarding President Obama's heartfelt speech. They are angry with him for saying that Trayvon could have been him, Obama, 35 years ago. Really? Isn't that the truth? Wasn't Obama once a black teenage boy? He's telling the truth there. Aren't we looking for the truth?

Why do so many people want to avoid the truth of our history? Perhaps it is that the innate guilt that white Americans feel over slavery and Jim Crow and segregation and the overall treatment of African Americans, in general, makes them feel animosity toward the victim, kind of wishing the victim away, because the victim is a constant reminder of all the bad that was done, the bad actions, bad behavior, and bad thoughts.

If healing is going to happen it is actually white people who need to face their history. African Americans have been doing that for centuries.

[-] 2 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

"President Obama Has Very Little Moral Authority" says Dr. Cornel West (amongst other things !) :

I highly recommend this video of Dr. West in conversation with Amy Goodman and sincere thanx for your very powerful and insightful comment, which warrants real reflection and clear, calm consideration.

fiat lux ...

[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23767) 10 years ago

I finally clicked on your reply to me and it is so appropriate today as Obama calls for a Congressional vote regarding a military strike on Syria. I'll repeat Cornel West's words:

"President Obama Has Very Little Moral Authority."

And, Congress, arguably, even less, but these are the people that will decide on military action, the same people who voted for war in Iraq which today we know was a sham.

[-] 2 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

'Recuperation into the spectacle' (Guy Debord) and co-option is alas, a real on going problem in many aspects of US Polytricks and further to your insightful comment, please also consider this short piece :

veritas vos liberabit ...

[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23767) 10 years ago

Thank god for people like Cornell West. It is a rare thing for a public figure to not be bought out and co-opted by the establishment.

[-] 1 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

"Work For Peace", by Gil Scott Heron (Video and Lyrics) :

fiat pax ...

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 10 years ago

"We should not allow ourselves to be mislead, by talk of entering a time of Peace, Peace is not the absence of war, it is the absence of the rules of war and the threats of war and the preparation for war. Peace is not the absence of war, it is the time when we will all bring ourselves closer to each other, closer to building a structure that is unique within ourselves because we have finally come to Peace within ourselves."

Nice. Gil Scott Heron

[-] 3 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

"If everyone believed in Peace the way they say they do,

We'd have Peace.

The only thing wrong with Peace,

Is that you can't make no money from it."

~

''Each one reach one, Each one try to teach one".

Nobody can do everything,

But everybody can do something,

Everyone must play a part,

Everyone got to go to work, Work for Peace.

~

''Spirit Say Work, Work for Peace ;

If you believe the things you say, go to work.

If you believe in Peace, time to go to work.

Cant be waving your head no more, go to work.''

pax, amor et lux ...

[-] 5 points by beautifulworld (23767) 10 years ago

And, to get that peace we need an economic system that puts people first. The military complex is closely linked to the economy and war provides profits to the greedy.

"Man gets tired, Spirit don't

Man surrenders, Spirit won't

Man crawls, Spirit flies

Spirit lives, When Man dies

Man seems, Spirit is

Man dreams, The Spirit lives

Man is tethered, Spirit free

What spirit is man can be."

Never lose hope. Keep on keepin' on.

[-] 3 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

Very nice and very appreciated indeed just now as I was getting a wee bit despondent after watching and reading the following but appending here not to get you down but because they sit so well on this thread and as it intersects with #S17 & OWS so perfectly :

''And, to get that peace we need an economic system that puts people first. The military complex is closely linked to the economy and war provides profits to the greedy.'' - 'cause it bears repeating too, war btw - both home and abroad & ommm for the victims of today's (9/16/13) DC murderous rampage.

e tenebris lux ...

[-] 2 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 10 years ago

thanks Dr. Cornel West

[-] 0 points by TikiJ (-38) 10 years ago

Yes he did. After listening to it, I thought to myself- theres the guy we elected in 2008.

[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23767) 10 years ago

Part of him, anyway. He's not off the hook for everything else, lol.

[-] 2 points by Toynbee (656) from Savannah, GA 10 years ago

How in the world can our justice system send a woman to prison for firing a warning shot at a violent and abusive husband?

And then turn around and let a stalking cop wanna-be to go free after disobeying police orders to not engage Mr. Martin, confronting and killing him?

[-] -1 points by Theeighthpieceuv8 (-32) from Seven Sisters, Wales 10 years ago

I think we should try people by computer; let the machines make the logical decision.

[-] -1 points by cruisecontrol (-49) 10 years ago

Guess you missed the testimony of the cop on the phone? She said in court that they are not allowed to give orders to citizens on the phone (liability issues). She said "we don't need you to do that" (follow Trayvon). Kind of hard if you are doing community watch and cannot provide the location of a suspect. Besides, after Zim lost sight of Tray, he was headed back to his truck when Tray assaulted him, sucker punching him in the nose.

[-] 1 points by Toynbee (656) from Savannah, GA 10 years ago
  • Your knowledge of the "facts" seem to be tainted by mind altering hallucinogenics.

  • Guess which way a Florida jury would have gone with a white victim and a black shooter.

[-] 0 points by cruisecontrol (-49) 10 years ago

Oh come on. Can't anybody disagree without being insulting? See below my conversation w DKA on this matter. You can have your opinion, but there are only one set of facts. I do realize the 911 operator ordering zim not to follow is just one of many oft repeated distortions of fact made by a media that seems bent on fomenting racial tension and invested in a guilty Zim and I cannot abide it

[+] -7 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Eat shit and bark at the moon.

[-] 0 points by cruisecontrol (-49) 10 years ago

Why? You have a problem with the facts?

[+] -7 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

You have a problem with the facts?

I don't - but it is obvious you do.

[-] 0 points by cruisecontrol (-49) 10 years ago

From cnn reporting: Among the first prosecution witnessed called was the 911 dispatcher who took Zimmerman's call before the shooting. Seat Noffke testified that he was trained to give general commands instead of direct orders to people.

When Zimmerman said he was following Martin, Noffke told him, "Okay we don't need you to do that." Noffke told the prosecutor he's liable for any direct orders he gives someone.

On cross-examination, defense attorney O'Mara pointed out that Noffke asked Zimmerman, "Which way is he running?"

"If you tell somebody twice to let you know if the person that they're concerned about is doing anything else -- do you think they're going to keep their eye on them?" asked O'Mara.

"I can't answer that," said Noffke.

"You did tell him twice to let you know if that guy did anything else," said O'Mara.

[+] -7 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Provide that tape - because the released tape I heard - the dispatcher told the murderer that they didn't need him to continue. That was when the murderer said " they always get away and hung up ".

[-] 0 points by cruisecontrol (-49) 10 years ago

Provide your tape. I cannot imagine cnn slanting anything towards Zim. Course there really is no point to this little debate. A public trial (televised even) has just concluded and a jury weighed the facts.

No point in relitigating here, but I do not like to see people making false statements to keep fanning racial tensions.

[+] -8 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Like I said - EAT SHIT AND BARK AT THE MOON - You Fucked-up POS

[-] 0 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Tell me we aren't living in one seriously f**ked-up world:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2362837/Trayvoning-latest-disturbing-social-media-trend.html?ICO=most_read_module

Unless it's a hoax meant to incite. But it wouldn't surprise me in the least.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Good article, shooz. To which I'll add a link from your link:

http://www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/thom-hartmann-second-amendment-was-ratified-preserve-slavery?paging=off

But it begs the question considering our slightly contentious relationship. Considering Missouri isn't mentioned in the article and in light of your comment to DK just below, what's your point in the comment being directed at me? I'd like to think it was simply for education and not some sort of veiled condemnation.

During the Civil War era, St. Louis was considered a Northern city in a Southern state, which is one reason the violence he was quite severe. During Reconstruction there was a lot of resentment over poor uneducated blacks coming here to "steal white folks' jobs" but that was in no way confined to St. Louis. That attitude permeated Northern towns and cities and Detroit was no exception.

If you'd paid any attention to some of my comments over the months you'd know the only reason I'm still in this hellhole of a state is strictly economics. Too broke to even consider moving on at this time. I have no love for St. Louis. My people aren't originally from here. My mom's ancestors came thru the Cumberland Gap from Virginia originally, settling as farmers in southern Illinois. Her dad was the first to move to this side of the river. And my dad's grandparents came straight off the boat from Ireland sometime after the Civil War as near as I can tell.

And for a bit of historical education since you seem keenly interested in this part of the country (no sarcasm intended), one of the towns decidedly low points. Technically it was Illinois, but East St. Louis has as much connection as any western suburb, so:

https://lcrm.lib.unc.edu/blog/index.php/2012/07/02/on-this-day-the-east-st-louis-riot/

http://www.eslarp.uiuc.edu/ibex/archive/nunes/esl%20history/race_riot.htm

By the way, those ruby slippers? That was Kansas.

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

My mistake.

I was thinking of the ruby slippers movie.

Kansas City IS in Missouri, but it is on the border............:)

[-] 0 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Mostly true, Kansas City is actually on both sides of the border, so there's a Kansas City, MO and a Kansas City, KS. I'll have to look up that movie, it doesn't ring a bell. I assumed you were taking about the Wizard of Oz.

[-] 1 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

That would be the one.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

SHhhh - just close your eyes and say - it doesn't exist - it doesn't exist - the SCOTUS says it doesn't exist. Tap your heels together at least three times while saying this...........................

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

"Funny - that is how we were looked at as kids."

Yeah, and I know part of it is perspective, but we weren't as bad as kids today. For one reason, we were better disciplined. Hell, you're not allowed to discipline your kids now and look what that's got us.

Here's a good example. When my nephew's son and his wife come over to visit, most times his son will pull out his phone and spend most the time texting his friends instead of socializing with us. That's rude and disrespectful, but all too common nowadays.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (5891) from St Louis, MO 6 minutes ago

Yep. What's good though is his wife usually tries to get him in line. Last time they were here, she threatened to get up, take the babes, and leave if he didn't put his phone down. She had to threaten the little bastard a half dozen times before he did, though, heheh.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

Daymn - that is not a kid - that is supposed to be an adult.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep. He's mid to late twenties, so, no excuse for disrespecting his dad like that.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Texting - yep a very sad sight - people all around - and no one talking to another - nope - gotta text. It's always something separating.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep. What's good though is his wife usually tries to get him in line. Last time they were here, she threatened to get up, take the babes, and leave if he didn't put his phone down. She had to threaten the little bastard a half dozen times before he did, though, heheh.

[+] -5 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (5912) from St Louis, MO 2 minutes ago

No, probably not. I was lucky when it came to employment. Didn't have to look too hard to find it. And guaranteed if someone offered me a job now I wouldn't screw it up. Youth are pretty short-sighted a lot of times, it's part of being young. And that old saying applies a lot to older people. I know I catch myself saying "if I knew then what I know now" at least once a week, heheh. But I may have more regrets than you, I don't know. I do have quite a few.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

" But I may have more regrets than you, I don't know. I do have quite a few. "

That is the nature of life and of being imperfect. But - how likely would you have thrown away a 20.00 plus per hour job? Anyway - its late - I can't cure my niece - I am going to bed. Later on.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I would never have thrown away a 20+ an hour job. That's what niece did? Oh, jeez, what a dumb ass.

Anyway, it is getting to be that time. See ya tomorrow, DK.

[+] -5 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (5912) from St Louis, MO 13 minutes ago

Yep. It's like the old saying "you don't know what you have till it's gone." Wise words and a concept you and I are all too familiar with.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

I can not believe either of us would have failed to recognize the opportunities before us. Not even at 18.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

No, probably not. I was lucky when it came to employment. Didn't have to look too hard to find it. And guaranteed if someone offered me a job now I wouldn't screw it up. Youth are pretty short-sighted a lot of times, it's part of being young. And that old saying applies a lot to older people. I know I catch myself saying "if I knew then what I know now" at least once a week, heheh. But I may have more regrets than you, I don't know. I do have quite a few.

[+] -5 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (5912) from St Louis, MO 2 minutes ago

Damn. She doesn't (yet) realize how lucky she's been to even have good job opportunities. She's not getting any younger, so pretty soon those opportunities will be fewer and farther between.

That's just like nephew's other son, 'Cadillac boy.' He keeps quitting and getting fired from job after job. The dumb ass doesn't realize he's fast on his way to being completely unemployable. When his resume's full off "quit after two weeks," "quit after six weeks," "bad attitude," "fired," etc etc. etc. nobody's going to even look twice at his application. Straight in the trash it goes.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

It is so fucking sad - they do not realize what they have - they do not understand how many 100's of thousands even millions of people would kill for an opportunity like theirs or would die to have an opportunity like that for even one of their children.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep. It's like the old saying "you don't know what you have till it's gone." Wise words and a concept you and I are all too familiar with.

[+] -5 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (5912) from St Louis, MO 19 minutes ago

" . . . a dependent personality attracted to the wrong guys and situations."

Man, that's an all-too-common theme. I have a good friend the same way. About the same age too. A little older with three kids from one loser jail-bird. But she's begun to turn her life around, thankfully. Her biggest problem is finding work due to a criminal record from when she was being stupid about eight years ago.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

That is what is so disgusting ( well not all but ) - this girl has been blessed with her job opportunities - and has fucked em up all on her own - really makes me wanna tear my hair out.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Damn. She doesn't (yet) realize how lucky she's been to even have good job opportunities. She's not getting any younger, so pretty soon those opportunities will be fewer and farther between.

That's just like nephew's other son, 'Cadillac boy.' He keeps quitting and getting fired from job after job. The dumb ass doesn't realize he's fast on his way to being completely unemployable. When his resume's full off "quit after two weeks," "quit after six weeks," "bad attitude," "fired," etc etc. etc. nobody's going to even look twice at his application. Straight in the trash it goes.

[+] -5 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

-] 2 points by gnomunny (5903) from St Louis, MO 0 minutes ago

That's great. Sounds like your sister is going to put her foot down, but is willing to take care of the grandson. That's the way families should be. You can only help relatives so much, and when they refuse to help themselves, well, they need the wake-up call, I think. Good luck to the niece, if only for the boy's sake, 'cause she's gonna need it.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

Thx - it is do or die time - she has got to realize that it is up to her to make the proper choices - that no-one is in the position to live her life for her. She has the education - she has had family support - now she needs to stand-up.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep, 35 is definitely time to get her shit together. Way past time, actually. She should've straightened her shit out when she had her baby.

[+] -5 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (5891) from St Louis, MO 0 minutes ago

Yep. He's mid to late twenties, so, no excuse for disrespecting his dad like that.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

He is a husband and a father - but hey I can relate - I have a niece of 35 years of age - and she has a child and has had a series of father figures for her son ( a F'n Series ) - she is a mess and has had good strong family support to try to help her get on her feet and stay there - but she just throws it all away - time after time - now her mom has had enough - she feels like she has been enabling and has come to the decision that her daughter needs to stand on her own - or - not - but she is not gonna be used or be an enabler anymore - the grandson? is welcome to stay with her.

[-] 3 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

That's great. Sounds like your sister is going to put her foot down, but is willing to take care of the grandson. That's the way families should be. You can only help relatives so much, and when they refuse to help themselves, well, they need the wake-up call, I think. Good luck to the niece, if only for the boy's sake, 'cause she's gonna need it.

[+] -6 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (5903) from St Louis, MO 5 minutes ago

Yep, 35 is definitely time to get her shit together. Way past time, actually. She should've straightened her shit out when she had her baby.

↥twinkle ↧stinkle permalink

" She should've straightened her shit out when she had her baby. "

One would think - Right? But she turns out to be pretty much a dependent personality attracted to the wrong guys and situations. Well like I said - she has had a proper education and that does include counseling. She just has to accept her responsibilities for her well being as well as her sons.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

" . . . a dependent personality attracted to the wrong guys and situations."

Man, that's an all-too-common theme. I have a good friend the same way. About the same age too. A little older with three kids from one loser jail-bird. But she's begun to turn her life around, thankfully. Her biggest problem is finding work due to a criminal record from when she was being stupid about eight years ago.

[-] 0 points by shoozTroll (17632) 10 years ago

Welcome to Missouri?

I guess SCOTUS is wearing those ruby slippers.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

One size fits all - now available at Payless your back to skoool shoe store.

[-] 0 points by cruisecontrol (-49) 10 years ago

It never ceases to amaze me what kids are posting online, especially now that they should realize it is traceable back to them forever. Just keep saying "what are they thinking?" That is in VERY bad taste

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep. Bad taste is an understatement. How cold. Man, I feel sorry for Travon's family. Like they're not going thru enough as it is.

[-] -1 points by Theeighthpieceuv8 (-32) from Seven Sisters, Wales 10 years ago

I think this is a perfect example of white folks call black humor.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I find it a callous indifference to heartbreak and tragedy. I'm sure they find it humorous, unless DKA is correct and it's being taken out of context. Either way, to say it's in poor taste is an understatement.

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 10 years ago

like when people point to someones charity when they die

as if the person had no value of his own

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Interesting comment, Matt. Something to think about.

[-] 0 points by Theeighthpieceuv8 (-32) from Seven Sisters, Wales 10 years ago

These kids today... and it's true.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Yep. The youth of today have definitely been corrupted to a great degree. Indifferent and self-absorbed.

[Removed]

[+] -5 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Funny - that is how we were looked at as kids.

[+] -5 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Wow - I think the article as well as the media - took those pictures the wrong way - looking at them - I do not see any attempt at humor - what I do see - are kids protesting a murder - " look at this America - killed for carrying candy and an iced tea ".

[-] 0 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

"it would have been very obvious - googly eyes - stupid tongue sticking out - etc."

I'm thinking they're not protesting at all. You got me curious so I Googled "Trayvoning." Here's a quote from one site:

~ Hurr durr, says the Internet, it’s just a joke! Mocking this dead kid is funny and totally removed from its racial context! Wait, no it’s not. Because when provoked, the Facebook group members started spewing their own justifications: They’re combating “racism against whites.” “White people are becoming more and more oppressed.” ~

From this site:

http://hypervocal.com/news/2012/hilarious-new-trayvoning-trend-sweeps-the-racist-idiotic-nation/

One thing's for sure, if you Google it, there doesn't seem to be too many people taking it lightly. On most sites, people are pretty upset about it. Hell, last year someone apparently made a shooting range target of Trayvon. That's definitely not any form of protest, that's just extremely bad taste:

http://hypervocal.com/news/2012/can-human-beings-sink-any-lower-trayvon-martin-is-now-a-gun-range-target/

And if that story is legit, they sold out in TWO days. And if someone can make light of the Boston bombing in a music video, they'll make light of any tragedy. Listen to the words here (it's short, only 30 seconds):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGVQH6drQJc

"Boom. Beautiful, symbolic. It's beautiful, symbolic."

Sick fucks.

[+] -6 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Funny - consider that it is white kids as well as kids of color that are staging these photos. And none of it is demeaning to the victim. Looks to me like - daymn an iced tea and a bag of candy and - DEAD.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I just got done watching a YT clip and the young guy on it said he could find one picture of a black kid doing it. All the rest were white.

It's good you keep an open mind and are trying to see a positive in this, though. But there aren't too many others that see it that way, from the little I saw. Either way, I find it in poor taste. And if it's in protest, these youngin's should make that clear, I think.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

It seems pretty clear to me. But that is just me - I suppose. Kids saying all he was doing was going to the store for a drink and some candy - and - BAM.

[-] 0 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

Interesting viewpoint. I hadn't considered that, and I'd like to think that was closer to the truth. Call me cynical, though, and I'm sure you'd understand considering what a twisted world this is becoming. If anything, these kids should make that clear. I don't do FB and such, so I can't tell if this was taken out of context myself. Maybe someone else here could dig a little deeper?

[-] -1 points by Theeighthpieceuv8 (-32) from Seven Sisters, Wales 10 years ago

Nah, it really is the shit now. You should not underestimate the creativity of our children.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

If the kids were - goofing? - the pictures would not have been restrained somber. IMO.

[-] 1 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I dunno. It's hard to tell the mood from a still picture. I get the impression they're just kids goofing off, but being young and naive, don't realize how insensitive it looks.

[+] -5 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

Seriously - if they were fucking around - making fun of Trayvon - it would have been very obvious - googly eyes - stupid tongue sticking out - etc.

[-] -2 points by Theeighthpieceuv8 (-32) from Seven Sisters, Wales 10 years ago

Wow. He sounds so militant, doesn't he?

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[-] 2 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

A jury has found George Zimmerman not guilty of all charges in connection to death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. But while the verdict came as a surprise to some people, it makes perfect sense to others. This verdict is a crystal-clear illustration of the way white supremacy operates in America.

Throughout the trial, the media repeatedly referred to an “all-woman jury” in that Seminole County courtroom, adding that most of them were mothers. That is true—but so is that five of the six jurors were white, and that is profoundly significant for cases like this one. We also know that the lone juror of color was seen apparently wiping a tear during the prosecution’s rebuttal yesterday. But that tear didn’t ultimately convince her or the white people on that jury that Zimmerman was guilty of anything. Not guilty. Not after stalking, shooting and killing a black child, a child that the defense insultingly argued was “armed with concrete.”

In the last few days, Latinos in particular have spoken up again about Zimmerman’s race, and the “white Hispanic” label in particular, largely responding to social media users and mass media pundits who employed the term. Watching Zimmerman in the defense seat, his sister in the courtroom, and his mother on the stand, one can’t deny the skin color that informs their experience. They are not white. Yet Zimmerman’s apparent ideology—one that is suspicious of black men in his neighborhood, the “assholes who always get away—” is one that adheres to white supremacy. It was replicated in the courtroom by his defense, whose team tore away at Rachel Jeantel, questioning the young woman as if she was taking a Jim Crow–era literacy test. A defense that, during closing, cited slave-owning rapist Thomas Jefferson, played an animation for the jury based on erroneous assumptions, made racially coded accusations about Trayvon Martin emerging “out of the darkness,” and had the audacity to compare the case of the killing of an unarmed black teenager to siblings arguing over which one stole a cookie.

When Zimmerman was acquitted today, it wasn’t because he’s a so-called white Hispanic. He’s not. It’s because he abides by the logic of white supremacy, and was supported by a defense team—and a swath of society—that supports the lingering idea that some black men must occasionally be killed with impunity in order to keep society-at-large safe.

Media on the left, right and center have been fanning the flames of fear-mongering, speculating that people—and black people especially—will take to the streets. That fear-mongering represents a deep white anxiety about black bodies on the streets, and echoes Zimmerman’s fears: that black bodies on the street pose a public threat. But the real violence in those speculations, regardless of whether they prove to be true, is that it silences black anxiety. The anxiety that black men feel every time they walk outside the door—and the anxiety their loved ones feel for them as well. That white anxiety serves to conceal the real public threat: that a black man is killed every twenty-eight hours by a cop or vigilante.

People will take to the streets, and with good reason. They’ll be there because they know that, yes, some people do always get away—and it tends to be those strapped with guns and the logic of white supremacy at their side.

by Aura Bogado

(Copyright 2013 'The Nation')

[Copied verbatim under 'Fair Use' from : http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/07/14 - and also see : http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/26/opinion/krugman-lobbyists-guns-and-money.html for the 'Corporate Connection' to Gun Laws]

Furthermore, the Police told Zimmerman to stay in his car when he called them but he then got out with a concealed loaded gun & killed Trayvon but who gets to 'stand whose ground' in those circumstances ?

Requiescat In Pace, Trayvon Martin ...

[-] 2 points by BearDickinson (125) from Ewing, VA 10 years ago

For me, shoddy police work at the crime scene likely doomed much of a chance to convict Zimmerman. Trayvon Martin's body was left on the ground for 3 hours during intermittent rain. His body was covered with a blanket which seems to have disappeared. His hands were never bagged for trace evidence. Both Zimmerman and Martin's clothing were placed in plastic bags while still wet. When opened over a month later for examination by a forensics team, the fabric was still wet and smelled of mildew. also - We know Zimmerman gave several statements which evolved and changed each time he spoke. Why did the police never thoroughly question him with regard to the missing 2 minutes from the point he hung up with non-emergency 911 to the point where the altercation began ? It would only take him 25 seconds to walk the path he claimed to walk. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/09/trayvon-martin-cops-botched-investigation_n_1409277.html another well written/informative article - "It’s true that there was also evidence on the other side: None of Zimmerman’s DNA was found under Martin’s fingernails. None of Martin’s DNA was found on the gun. These facts contradict key aspects of the account Zimmerman gave police. Why believe him about the rest of his account? And even if you do give him the benefit of that doubt, why did Zimmerman feel so very threatened? Why did he pull his gun and shoot to kill ?" Also - blame the state’s bad laws for Trayvon Martin’s death. We have ALEC to thank for this..... Ya think if Trayvon had been white, the police would have done a better job at the crime scene ? http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2013/07/zimmerman_acquittal_blame_florida_for_trayvon_martin_s_death.html

[-] 1 points by TikiJ (-38) 10 years ago

Murder 2 shows that the prosecution was more excited about being in the spotlight and shooting for the stars than they were a conviction.

You could see it in that ladies eyes right after the trial. No remorse, no feeling of defeat for losing, no anger from being beaten... Just smiles. And all-to-eager to start her question and answer session.

I thought that after the trial, that little bit just proved this entire thing was set up from the get go to get people upset. That lady was out of her freakin mind.

[-] -2 points by cruisecontrol (-49) 10 years ago

Sure win-win for leftwingers. Get the base riled up over alleged racism. If Geo was convicted, give everyone 2nd thoughts about using deadly force in self defense situations. Geo aquitted, more fuel for gun grabbers. Just see the NY Daily News cover on it... http://willyloman.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/holy-shit-race-baiting-new-york-daily-news-style/

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[-] -2 points by TikiJ (-38) 10 years ago

Oh stop, like a majority of mindless right wingers werent all caught up in this too, and now celebrating like they actually knew the person or that he was even in their town.

[-] -2 points by gameon (-51) 10 years ago

zimmerman was aquitted because the state couldnt prove its case .as for st. trayvon,........his grades have nver been released,no one knows his gpa, the full scholarship? unverifiable . the rest of this list, also unverifiable posted as fact. the purpose of the post is to stir the pot of civil unrest,at the behest of the govt which tried their hardest ( along with the msm) to convict zimmerman before the trial.

[-] 3 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

That Zimmerman 'stood his ground' and acted in self defence is also ''unverifiable'' - in fact he was told by the police to stay in his car - that much IS 'verifiable' !!!

However, he chose to leave his car and shoot this boy. The young lad is dead - killed by the choices GZ made yet you clearly would like to think ill of him & that, says more about you than you'll care to admit !

Consider : The Police told Zimmerman to stay in his car when he called them but he made a choice to get out with a concealed loaded gun - now who gets to 'stand whose ground' in those circumstances ?! 

et temet nosce ...

[-] 1 points by gameon (-51) 10 years ago

the police never told zim to stay in his car.

[-] 2 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

Really ? You really need to listen to this in its entirety !!!

Right click, open in new tab and play, listen and digest !

''Are you following him ? We don't need you to do that'' ~

multum in parvo ...

[-] -2 points by gameon (-51) 10 years ago

'we dont you to do that" is NOT the same thing as being told to explicitly to stay in your car.

[-] 2 points by shadz66 (19985) 10 years ago

The choices Zimmerman made killed Trayvon. Period.

"O, wad some Power the giftie gie us

To see oursels as others see us !

It wad frae monie a blunder free us,

An' foolish notion."

(Robert Burns)

Or should that last word read 'nation' ?!

multum in parvo ...

[-] 0 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 10 years ago

whether or not trever fit the cookie cutter good boy is irrelevant

this is not about passing judgement on another's life

[-] 0 points by gameon (-51) 10 years ago

so,..what's it about?

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[-] 1 points by Toynbee (656) from Savannah, GA 10 years ago
  • Zimmerman's fate was predetermined by a dysfunctional justice system.

  • Read "The Collapse of American Criminal Justice" (Harvard) by the late Harvard Law Professor William J. Stuntz. (ISBN 9780674051751, Publication: September 2011)

  • This book demonstrates why the justice system fails to work for poor folk, and particularly black Americans.

  • And when you disproportionately incarcerate black people -- who tend to vote for Democrats -- you rig the elections against poor folk and Democrats.

[-] -2 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 10 years ago

voter frued is the least of current democracy problem

try straight up party fixing and locks

is there a confidence pole on whether anyone thinks voting tallies are representative

[-] 0 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

The insanity continues ( grows? ) :

Florida police chief: George Zimmerman is ‘a Sandy Hook waiting to happen’ by xxdr zombiexx

2 Bad U shitheads threw away the prosecutions case - Hey ???

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[-] 0 points by RadBrad (12) 10 years ago

Would anyone care about this or even heard about this if his last name was Hernandez or Garcia.

[-] 0 points by TikiJ (-38) 10 years ago

No.

[-] 2 points by GirlFriday (17435) 10 years ago
[-] -2 points by Theeighthpieceuv8 (-32) from Seven Sisters, Wales 10 years ago

What's even sadder is that nobody would have heard of this if Martin had killed Zimmerman.

[-] 0 points by bigdog187 (47) 10 years ago

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing and posting the news/effort with all of us here...

[-] -1 points by YanickToutain (-5) 10 years ago

I had written an article on my blog RevActu http://revolisationactu.blogspot.fr/2013/07/trayvon-martin-hattie-carrollemmett.html DIMANCHE 21 JUILLET 2013 Trayvon Martin, Hattie Carroll,Emmett Till,George Zimmerman,William Zanzinger, Bob Dylan and Barack Obama's racism against African's workers "The fight against racist judges, racist jurors is the fight for the liberation of Africa! It is the struggle to overthrow Obama!"

YT infra "William Zanzinger who at twenty-four years Owns a tobacco farm of six hundred acres With rich wealthy parents who provide and protect him And high office relations in the politics of Maryland Reacted to his deed with a shrug of his shoulders And swear words and sneering and his tongue it was snarling In a matter of minutes on bail was out walking But you who philosophize disgrace and criticize all fears Take the rag away from your face Now ain't the time for your tears" Bob Dylan "Already drunk before he got to the Emerson Hotel that night, Zantzinger, 24 years old and 6′2″,[1] had assaulted employees at Eager House, a prestigious Baltimore restaurant, with the same cane.[2] The cane was a 25-cent toy.[1] At the Spinsters' Ball, he called a 30-year-old waitress a "nigger" and hit her with the cane; she fled the room in tears.[2] Moments later, after ordering a bourbon that Carroll didn't bring immediately, Zantzinger cursed at her, called her a "nigger" also,[1] then "you black son of a bitch," and struck her on the shoulder and across the head with the cane. In the words of the court notes: "He asked for a drink and called her 'a black bitch', and 'black s.o.b'. She replied, 'Just a moment' and started to prepare his drink. After a delay of perhaps a minute, he complained about her being slow and struck her a hard blow on her shoulder about half-way between the point of her shoulder and her neck." She handed him his drink.[5] After striking Carroll, he attacked his own wife, knocking her to the ground[2] and hitting her with his shoe."[1]Wikipedia. (..) "In the courtroom of honor, the judge pounded his gavel To show that all's equal and that the courts are on the level And that the strings in the books ain't pulled and persuaded And that even the nobles get properly handled Once that the cops have chased after and caught 'em And that ladder of law has no top and no bottom Stared at the person who killed for no reason Who just happened to be feelin' that way witout warnin' And he spoke through his cloak, most deep and distinguished And handed out strongly, for penalty and repentance William Zanzinger with a six-month sentence Oh, but you who philosophize disgrace and criticize all fearsv Bury the rag deep in your face For now's the time for your tears." Bob Dylan "In June, after Zantzinger's phalanx of five topflight attorneys won a change of venue to a court in Hagerstown, a three-judge panel reduced the murder charge to manslaughter. Following a three-day trial, Zantzinger was found guilty. For the assault on the hotel employees: a fine of $125. For the death of Hattie Carroll: six months in jail and a fine of $500. The judges considerately deferred the start of the jail sentence until September 15, to give Zantzinger time to harvest his tobacco crop." Time magazine As if George Zimmerman enjoyed a right to self-defense Trayvon Martin did not have". Philippe Bernard Le Monde

When I was 16 to 17 I was member of a band - "The Soul Folk". It was the second band where I played guitar. (After the 1st one that became "Question"*) We played songs of traditional - "Banks of the Ohio" and others. And the Hugues Aufray's translation of Bob Dylan's songs. Each performance, we played the "The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll" translated into French by Hugues Aufray At this time, racism was unknown : We spoke together with people we met.... We didnt remember... later.... the color of his-her skin ! Color of skin doesn't matter for my generation in 1969 !

We sang The Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll" without really thinking about the color of skin. We were not like the murderer of Trayvon Martin. He knows that the skin color gives him a right to self-defense .... offensive! It can follow the grandchildren of slaves at night in the streets. Bush gave him this right. OBAMA HATES AFRICANS AND GIVE THEM THUGS AS GOVERNMENTS IT IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF RACISM

And Obama has endorsed this pathological delirium: Barack Obama hates Africans so he puts the thugs at the head of all African countries: Ouattara in 2011 .... Obama is the real leader Jean-Marie Bourry, the Klaus Barbie Ivory Coast: who is behind the murderers of 16 December 2010, UNOCI civilian injured pro-Gbagbo on 29 December. It was Jean-Marie Bourry - the racist enemy of Africans that Obama supports when he makes graves swinging body bulk! To erase the evidences of their murderous puppets- the Dozos. Obama makes racism serving banks. The profits of U.S. banks from slavery in Africa! Slavery? What is another name used for workers paid less than $ 70 per month! What is another name that the word "slave" for 20 employees receiving regular wages for one single workers. The fight against racist judges, racist jurors is the fight for the liberation of Africa! It is the struggle to overthrow Obama! It is the fight for USGOHOME! SOLDIERSGOHOME! The author of these lines was sentenced to DELETE NAME "Jean-Marie Bourry" RevActu blog! He and Africans murderers, murderers of children in Africa will soon learn the meaning of the Streisand effect! And the revolution will clean wounds!

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[-] -1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 10 years ago

killing should always be illegal

[-] 0 points by gameon (-51) 10 years ago

how about self defense?

[-] 1 points by MattLHolck (16833) from San Diego, CA 10 years ago

lol

killing should be illegal

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[-] -3 points by jUSTICE4GZ (-3) 10 years ago

justice was served for george zimmerman and thats all that matters. You cant run up on someone and not expect them to come back and in this case the little gangsta wannabe got his life taken over him trying to be a thug. dont make this a racist thing either, yes he was of spanish decent NOT WHITE!!! either way no matter the color George Zimmerman got his justice. Viva La Raza

[+] -4 points by pigeonlady (284) from Brooklyn, NY 10 years ago

When an older relative told me of the verdict, she couldn't believe it either. She expressed curiosity at having a 6 woman white jury; I find it a ploy, playing on the white woman's paranoia of black men. Zimmerman identifies as a white Hispanic. He wants to be a bigwig in the white good ol' boy world. Unfortunately defense did not do their job, likely a sellout. When there is an automatic death penalty possible on cops and fake cops, the bastards will think twice before escalating events and destroying lives more promising than their filthy little mundane own.

[-] 0 points by gameon (-51) 10 years ago

the prosecution did not have to accept any of the jurors that they did. they could have been challenged.

[-] -1 points by georgejustice (-1) 10 years ago

Zimmerman identifies as a white Hispanic???? Pidge, "white Hispanic" was invented by the New York Times after the media found out Zimmerman was not a good old WASP. Since they had to keep the racial tensions boiling for Obama's reelection, they decided Zim was a white Hispanic.

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[-] 0 points by pigeonlady (284) from Brooklyn, NY 10 years ago

When you fill out a form with an ethnic section it will ask if you are Hispanic; then proceed to ask if you are white, black, or native Hispanic. I went to business school with a girl who was black Puerto Rican and an eighth Native also. The ones who want to lose their ethnicity and be only white have issues that make them want to be their persecutors, or at least the guys who never get stop and frisked and set up. They want the white male power thing. BTW, biz school for me was 25+years ago so it's not a new idea.

[-] 2 points by gnomunny (6819) from St Louis, MO 10 years ago

I know its highly disproportionate, but don't kid yourself that white boys NEVER get hassled or set up by the cops. When we were young, we were constantly harassed by the cops.

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[-] -1 points by gameon (-51) 10 years ago

the term was invented after it was found out that zimmerman ( usually a jewish name) wasnt jewish.

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[+] -4 points by gameon (-51) 10 years ago

Then you are easily manipulated.

[+] -4 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

STFU - people in entertainment should announce taking such actions. Announce publicly boycotting of states for piss poor laws. I think it could go much further - but this is a good action announced by SW.

[+] -4 points by gameon (-51) 10 years ago

will stevie be doing cncerts in chicago where over 300 blacks have been murdered? oops, wrong scenario, the blacks are murdering their own . doesnt fit the agenda.

[+] -7 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 10 years ago

TWEET

DKAtoday ‏@DKAtoday

Today: #HoodiesUp — Justice for Trayvon Actions in 40+ Cities | http://OccupyWallSt.org : http://occupywallst.org/article/today-hoodiesup-justice-trayvon-actions-40-cities/#.UeL9PhyuxK4.twitter

Protest the injustice system.

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