I am watching MSNBC right now, the host is giving me a freaking heachache.
The media has already started dancing in the blood of young Mr. Martin, saying that FL's "Stand Your Ground" law is a "crazy self-defense law"...
When Lawrence O'Donnell used that phrase "crazy self-defense law" (2:56) tonight and called the spread of this law through the USA a "contagion" (1:18), I nearly threw my dinner at the TV. (I've included time stamps for Beretta92FSLady)
http://video.msnbc.msn.com/the-last-word/46803754/#46803754
I guess they don't remember WHY the "stand your ground" laws were pushed through in the first place--it was a way to allow women who were the victims of domestic abuse to use lethal force in self-defense against their crazy abusive husbands. Previously, it was not legally acceptable for a wife to use lethal force against her husband--even in self-defense--in their own home. The "Stand Your Ground" laws changed that.
But now, the media trying to paint SYG laws as if they are some sort of "license to kill", which is a blatant lie. They are demonizing this law and saying that the LAW caused the shooting, and the LAW is "shielding" the shooter. More lies and logical fallacies...
This shoot has a LOT of unanswered questions. Did the victim confront the shooter when he was approached, or did he just keep walking. Was the victim beligerent, or did he physically respond in any way? Did he make verbal threats? We don't know, and probably never will...
I find it difficult to believe that there was no real investigation done. Perhaps the Prosecutor, Norman Wolfinger, has some sort of personal connection with the shooter or his father.
After all, Sanford PD and the Brevard/Seminole County--18th Circuit Court Prosecutor's office is sort of known for this sort of judicial mismanagement...