Gordon Forgey

George Zimmerman was found innocent in the shooting death of black teenager Trayvon Martin in Florida.

The jury of six women deliberated for 14 hours. According to one of them, they anguished over their decision, trying scrupulously to apply the law.

Anger over the verdict was immediate. As soon as the verdict was announced, riots broke out around the country. “Justice for Trayvon,” became the chant. Both the President of the United States and the Attorney General called for calm as did many mayors. Riot police were called out in some cities.

More protests are planned for Saturday by Reverend Al Sharpton. Pressure is being applied against the Department of Justice to bring a civil case against Zimmerman in federal court.

The verdict, some claim, is proof that blacks in America cannot get justice. Anger and emotions have boiled over on both sides of the case.

Even though racism was scrupulously avoided in the courtroom, it is at the center of the protests and debate. Zimmerman was tried for the actual physical encounter and found innocent. Yet, many contend the suspicion, fear and racism that precipitated that encounter was the crux of the case. As a result, the American justice system is now on trial.

The verdict is in, but the case is not over. It will be with us for a long time. Obviously, we are not ready to give an affirmative answer to Rodney King’s decades-old question, “Can we all get along?”

Gordon Forgey

Publisher