Opinion

The Trayvon Martin case: letting justice prevail

The Issue: Neighborhood-watch volunteer George Zimmerman’s killing of teen Trayvon Martin.

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My heart goes out to Trayvon Martin’s family for the loss of their son last month (“Trayvon Was Your Son, Too,” March 28).

If I had a son, he, too, would look like Martin.

The killings of unarmed teens who haven’t done anything wrong must stop right now.

I am outraged that the police didn’t arrest George Zimmerman, and I hope the police, the prosecutors and Florida do the right thing by bringing Zimmerman to justice by sentencing him to jail time for murder.

David Bowman

Brooklyn

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Why in the world would President Obama claim that Martin looked like the son he doesn’t have? These types of comments are reckless and hurt the chances of a fair trial. What’s the difference whom the victim looks like?

If Obama wants to answer questions about a homicide that he knows nothing about, he should comment on the 15,000 other homicides that happen each year in the United States.

Start acting like a president, Obama.

Brenden Hammerle

Springfield, Mass.

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The circumstances involved in the tragic death of Martin are being investigated, but the rhetoric is based on a foregone conclusion of guilt.

The criminal-justice system is best served when the facts are presented in an impartial manner, contrary to the current frenzy for headlines and political gain.

The outcry for Zimmerman’s immediate arrest may jeopardize his getting an impartial hearing, and it has prompted fringe elements to place a “bounty” on his life.

Hopefully, this does not signal a return to the Old Western era of justice.

J. Gargiulo

Whitestone

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If it looks like a racist cover-up, acts like a racist cover-up and smells like a racist cover-up, it is a racist cover-up.

The Sanford police department’s excuses and failure to arrest an apparent cold-blooded murderer have made it look like the most racist and/or incompetent police organization on the planet.

M. Sanchez

Los Angeles

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People are marching in the streets, and schoolchildren are protesting. Forget due process and constitutional guarantees.

The media have replaced the criminal-justice system. It’s France, 1789 — the only thing missing is the guillotine.

Henry Wager

Rocky Point

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The same people who call Zimmerman a murderer are those who said that the Duke lacrosse players were rapists and that the police attacked Tawana Brawley.

Zimmerman may have acted within the law. There is no controversy, just reverse racism.

Patrick Grant

Brooklyn

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Volunteer patrols should be unarmed, regardless of gun-carry permits, and only act as eyes and ears. Members should also be identifiable by distinct clothing.

Remember, that young man also had the right to “stand his ground” if he felt threatened.

Phil Serpico

Queens

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We have a complex case where the facts are unknown, yet people are screaming for justice and our president has personally involved himself. Has he become so weak that he continues to be influenced by rabble-rousers on an issue that should be left up to investigators and the police?

If our laws cannot deliver justice for all, they aren’t worth the blood spilled in their defense.

Camille Olive

Galena, Mo.

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In the early 20th century, they shot us for eyeballing their women.

Today, they shoot us because we wear hoodies or because we run into our own homes.

Delano Cadore

Brooklyn

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While we mournfully contemplate Martin’s tragic, senseless death, please spare a thought and a prayer for those deaths deemed not worth our attention by a fickle media or useful to someone’s political, social or financial agenda.

Allison Barrows

Keene, NH