Trayvon Martin: Too Late For Justice

The Trayvon Martin tragedy is a stark reminder that every episode with the potential to grab headlines can be separated into two distinct categories:

1) The Act
2) The Handling of The Situation

At this point, no one is sure of exactly what happened to cause the death of Trayvon Martin. So, the “act” itself is a mystery—and the isolated outcome (in this case, the death of a young man) is irreversible.

What’s abundantly clear is that #2—the Handling of the Situation---has been completely and totally botched by law enforcement. Truly defying belief is that despite the uproar caused by the “non-arrest” of George Zimmerman, there has still been no move to take him into custody-if for nothing else than his own protection.

Fan the flames.

It may be cynical to view such tragedies through the lens of public relations, but the proper handling of this particular powder keg could avert further violence. This elevates mere “public relations” then—to an essential ingredient to keeping the peace. As long as Mr. Zimmerman remains a free man, there is real danger for him, his family and anyone connected to this incident.

The “twin towers” of ambulance chasers for racially charged situations: the Reverends’ Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton—would not be posing for the TV cameras if Mr. Zimmerman had been taken into custody. In fact, most of America wouldn’t even be aware of this tragedy at all.

The latest police video showing Zimmerman arriving at police headquarters—without any apparent injuries—seems to contradict his version of events-namely, that he was bloodied from having his head slammed against the sidewalk in a life or death struggle with Martin.
Conclusive it is not, but the seeming absence of physical injury underscores that fact that something strange indeed has occurred.

Were the alleged perpetrator a celebrity, there might be some justifiable criticism for the police’s failure to arrest him. But, a neighborhood watch guy with no political clout?

For God’s sake, take him in.



Public opinion for both the victim and his killer has swung wildly in every direction. Martin was originally portrayed as a saint—literally martyred on the way home from the store. Zimmerman was cast as a racist with a vendetta.

Another news cycle—and another viewpoint.

Suspended from school, the chinks in Martin’s armor began to show up—and friends of Zimmerman stepped forward with an alternate version of events. Charges of character assassination have been lobbed from both sides.

That the police chief originally involved decided to step down makes little difference if the situation continues to be handled in the same way.

So, how should it have been addressed? My sequence for a better—and safer outcome is as follows:

1) The Act (unfortunately, no change in outcome here)

2) Police arrest Zimmerman pending an investigation

3) Police Chief meets with the media---expresses sadness at the incident and promises the community that a complete and thorough investigation will follow

4) Zimmerman is held in protective custody and protection is extended to his family in the area. Such custody is not termed “protective” to the public

5) If attempts at bail are made, a decision would be made whether or not to charge Zimmerman with—at the least—ignoring instructions NOT to have followed Martin-delivered by the police dispatcher and captured on tape.

A police officer involved in a justifiable shooting is suspended and his weapon is surrendered until a complete investigation is conducted. This is standard procedure, so while officers may not like its parameters, at least they know it is uniformly applied in all situations. The same metric needs to be applied to ANYONE involved in a death, especially when a firearm is used.

Failure to follow the instructions of the police dispatcher to stand down is reason alone to charge this individual with SOMETHING. Unless a strict set of guidelines for neighborhood watchers to adhere to is set forth, a vigilante atmosphere is guaranteed.

What is needed now---late as it may be—is some common sense. Fewer Sharptons and Jacksons. In fact, if the TV cameras would go away, so too would those whose agendas might not be in reality what they are proposed to be.

There is no bringing back Trayvon Martin. The life of George Zimmerman has also been irretrievably altered. He may spend a good chunk of it behind bars. Maybe he deserves it and maybe he doesn’t.

Let’s arrest him and allow the process to begin.

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@cumulus.com