I sympathize with the family of Trayvon Martin. His death was a needless tragedy and they have suffered a great loss. To Mr. Martin's family, the acquittal of George Zimmerman must feel like a miscarriage of justice.
In the aftermath of Mr. Zimmerman's trial, the primary discussion in the media has been focused on race and the belief that Trayvon Martin was killed because he was a black male. Race is a very important issue, but I believe there is another equally important issue here: the Florida "Stand Your Ground" law that allowed George Zimmerman to have a gun in his hands the night that Trayvon Martin was killed.
Every decision has an impact on every future decision. While I realize it is unpopular to suggest that guns kill people, it is a fact that regardless of George Zimmerman's beliefs about Trayvon Martin, he in all likelihood would not have killed this young man if he was not allowed to carry a gun. Without that gun, Mr. Zimmerman would have been forced to make a different set of decisions, such as leaving the matter to the police and a confrontation would have been avoided.
In my view, the "Stand Your Ground" law itself is a major issue here, and Florida lawmakers share accountability for Trayvon Martin's death.
Mr. Zimmerman may have pulled the trigger, but the Florida lawmakers who put the gun in his hand are equally responsible.
Ken Ebert
Ballston Lake