At U.S. gun convention, many see rush to judgment in Trayvon Martin case

[jpak]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-florida-shooting-nrabre83e03v-20120415,0,3743493.story

ST. LOUIS, Missouri (Reuters) - Gun-rights activists at a National Rifle Association convention said on Friday that protesters who demanded the arrest of George Zimmerman for the shooting death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin were ignoring the U.S. legal principle of innocent until proven guilty.

They said the protesters and the media had rushed to judge Zimmerman, a white and Hispanic neighborhood watch volunteer, as guilty in the death of 17-year-old Martin, who was black, without having been convicted.

"I wish all those folks demonstrating and making the inflammatory statements would keep their powder dry," said Owen Mills, an NRA board member, who runs a firearms training facility in Paulden, Arizona. Mills said he was not speaking for the NRA as an organization.

Martin's shooting in February sparked a national debate about "Stand Your Ground" laws permitting the use of deadly force in self-defense. The laws, which have been enacted in more than 20 states, are strongly backed by the NRA.

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[onehandle]

1. It's their wildest wet fantasy to hunt a human.

They don't get the outrage.

Shouldn't everyone want to hunt 'goblins?'

[jpak]

2. Yup

n/t

[safeinOhio]

3. I almost feel sorry for Zimmerman.

He is a victim of the gun culture and the NRA. They promote this stand your ground, shoot first, tuff guy image. Lots of talk about what is a legal shoot, in other words, how to get away with using your firearm legally. The real question, as Zimmerman is finding out, is if your use of a firearm is morally acceptable. The report of Zimmie spending his first night in jail, crying like a little kid is an example of it.

[FarPoint]

4. I keep it simple.

Zimmerman chose poorly....he had choices. He is an adult.

Trayvon cried too....for his life in 1-2 minutes. I won't give zimmerman one inch...I will not blink. That's me....call me rigid....

[uncle ray]

5. well he absolutely IS guilty of Trayvon's death.

the question is whether that death is considered murder, homicide, or self defense.