There is an intriguing irony to the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial. Zimmerman was found not guilty of either the second-degree murder or manslaughter of Trayvon Martin. A black boy legally killed by a white man. Young Martin was profiled by Zimmerman and suspected of being a burglar, one of those “punks” who “always get away” with crimes. The not-guilty verdict has shocked a great many people in this country.
From now on Zimmerman will be looking over his shoulder wondering if he’s being followed by a person suspecting him of murder and possibly wants to kill Zimmerman. He must wear a bulletproof vest. He will need to stay as unobtrusive as possible. He will certainly be limited in his lifestyle and his employment opportunities.
It is a terrible thing that Martin’s life and future were taken at just 17. It’s a terrible thing that Zimmerman’s life and future as he envisioned it has been taken from him.
There’s a saying that you can’t understand a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes. Perhaps there is hope Zimmerman will some day understand the other side of the equation.
