Martin/Zimmerman

After a weekend to reflect on this controversial decision by a Florida court, I am trying to make sense of this. There are many questions that we want answered. Some of us are demanding justice. Some of us are demanding that the Federal Government get involved. Some of us are happy with this verdict. Which one of us is right?? Unfortunately, as I look at this, there is no answer to THAT question. It only creates more questions.

First, I am looking at the background. You have a young man who has been kicked out of school and sent to live with his father because his mother couldn't deal with it anymore. On this night, his father went out to dinner and left him to his own devices. You have a neighborhood watchman who is volunteering his services to help his neighborhood and keep it safe. He is said to have a "hero complex" but is no racist (according to a Sanford police detective). Which person do you assume is a more upstanding citizen?

Second, I look at the setting. A Hispanic neighborhood watchman is out on patrol with a registered firearm.  He sees an African American teenager walking on the sidewalk of the complex.  Zimmerman had already been aware of several burglaries in the area and gang members in the community usually dressed in black and wearing "hoodies."  Knowing nothing else, would you follow him too?

Next, I look at the trial. Six women, five of them mothers, two are gun owners. Both the prosecution and the defense present their case. They question and cross examine. They present witnesses and discredit them. They show evidence and give differing versions of the actions that night. After all the evidence is presented, they deliberate. On Saturday evening, they return with a verdict of Not Guilty on all counts. Are we still blaming the Defendant for not being found guilty? Are we blaming the Prosecution for not doing their job? Are we rioting against the Defense team for defending Zimmerman? Are we calling for the Judge to step down for not throwing out the verdict?

As a Japanese-American growing up in rural Maine, I have not really seen racial tension. I have been picked on for being different in my 99% white city but never to the extent that we see now on TV, newspapers, online articles, or described in movies. I am the uncle of four children who are the offspring of my sister and an African-American man from Trinidad. I have no idea what it is like to really be put down by "The Man" in any sense of that phrase.  Honestly, I hope I never do. In moving to Milford, MA over a year ago, I still have that same hope.

What I see in today's society is African-American people calling each other the N-Word. What I see is kids these days swearing at their own parents with no respect.  What I see these days are kids being told that they are doing a good job and will be rewarded no matter the outcome of a grade, score, or performance. What I see are kids demanding that we hand them everything without them working for their goals. What I see are parents who are too afraid to discipline their own children because another parent will call DCFS and have them investigated.

What I want to see is a kid working hard for their goals and willing to start at the bottom to get there.  What I want is for a parent to stand up and take responsibility for their lack of discipline of their own child.  What I want to see is a parent saying, "A C in math is not good enough.  You are smart enough to do better. How can I help you?" What I want to see is a parent getting the attention of his child who is acting up in a store and telling him to act correctly, then having another parent congratulate them for doing their job.

Lastly, what I don't see is the Trayvon Martin's parents taking responsibility for not disciplining their own child. Mom passed the buck to Dad when she couldn’t handle him anymore and Dad went out to dinner without his son. It is pretty tough to keep an eye on your son when he isn't around you.

I am not necessarily unhappy with the verdict to this case.  I know its not a popular opinion in society right now but if I saw this in my neighborhood, I may just do the same thing as George.  No, I don't hope to be on the front page but I do hope to help my fellow neighbor. I am unhappy with those saying "Justice for Trayvon." Ummmm...Zimmerman went to court and was found Not Guilty.  That is justice.  Now, I believe you want Revenge; Revenge for a death that was probably way too soon in his life, but Revenge nonetheless.

As you lay in bed tonight, think about all of this. Think about your kids and how your actions today can have an effect on them later in their life.  Think about how you can instill the discipline and drive in them to be the best they can be in terms of productive citizens. Conserve some of that energy that is directed toward Zimmerman and use that to talk to your kids, take a walk with your kids, ride a bike or throw a football with your kids. Join a bowling league with your kids. Sit down and study with your kids. Stand your ground with your kids when you know they are doing something wrong. Love your kids…sometimes to the point where they hate you. Its ok to do that, you know. My 9 year old son probably hates me once a week.

I don't propose to know the answer to who is responsible for what happened in Sanford, Florida in February of 2012. I do propose to ask some questions to you so that you might figure out how it might not happen in your community.