Random Thoughts

Trayvon Martin Remains Invisible to Seminole County Police Department...It's Very "Suspicious."

2012-03-21T11:18:55Z

In Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison describes the maelstrom that led to the murder of Trayvon Martin: “I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me. Like the bodiless heads you see sometimes in circus sideshows, it is as though I have been surrounded by mirrors of hard, distorting glass. When they approach me they see only my surroundings, themselves, or figments of their imagination—indeed, everything and anything except me.”

On February 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin died at the hands of George Zimmerman’s 9 mm handgun. George is a self-appointed volunteer neighborhood crime-watch captain. According to various news reports, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin walked to the neighborhood 7-11 to grab some candy and ice tea. As he walked home, Zimmerman spied and labeled him a “suspicious” individual. Minutes later, Trayvon lay face down with a gunshot wound to the chest. The Seminole County Police Department did not arrest Zimmerman.

What made Trayvon suspicious? Was it the way he walked “looking about” as Zimmerman lazily described in his call or was it the Arizona Ice Tea in his hands? Is Zimmerman’s suspicion a product of a warped imagination cultivated from watching too many crime shows? Truthfully, only one person knows and for now, he is not talking.

The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office has released six of Zimmerman’s calls to the police. In the first call, he reports an open garage door. He says the area is poorly lit, but goes on to describe the make, model and color of the car in the garage. Another call involves two “suspicious characters” at the gate of the neighborhood “hanging out and loitering.” He describes two African American males, in a white Impala, in their mid- to late twenties. Later, he reports kids playing in the streets around dusk. He wanted this call to remain anonymous. In another call, he reports an incident in the 1900 block of Retreat View Circle involving an African American man going to the back of a Caucasian resident’s house. He makes a point to say the resident is Caucasian. Zimmerman also reports African American youths at the community’s back gate.

In each call involving African American males, Zimmerman does not want to approach them. What happened since that call? In the February 26 call, the self-appointed neighborhood captain decides to pursue a “suspicious” black male. According to Zimmerman, these “assholes” always get away. Attorney Mark O’Mara states there are some unanswered questions regarding the events that led up to Trayvon’s death. A voice analysis can determine who pled for his life. Which leads to the question of why this was not the first course of action?

According to an exclusive interview with ABC NEWS, Trayvon told his girlfriend that a man was watching him so he covered his head with his hoodie. Zimmerman cornered him, and Trayvon asked, “What are you following me for?” Zimmerman replied by asking what Trayvon was doing in the neighborhood. Before Trayvon could answer, Zimmerman pushed him causing his headset to fall to the ground. The line went dead, and when Trayvon’s girlfriend called back, she got no answer. Zimmerman claimed self-defense, but Trayvon’s family and other members of the community call it murder.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice are reviewing the case for a hate crime. Seminole County police decided not to arrest Zimmerman stating the shooting was self-defense based on the “Stand Your Ground Law.” They also cite witness statements and Zimmerman’s bloody nose.

In 2005, Florida expanded the Stand Your Ground Law to include public confrontations. Under the statute, a person can use deadly force during a public confrontation, if they feel threatened. Police cannot make an arrest if the shooter claims self-defense and there is no proof to prove otherwise.

What about the 911 call, the girlfriend’s statement or the fact that the Retreat at Twin Lakes Neighborhood Watch does not sanction the carrying of guns? Zimmerman is a criminal justice student. Do police really think he did not know about the “Stand Your Ground” law? How do you pursue a man, push him, and when he pushes back, kill him and claim self-defense?

Zimmerman’s father, who was not present at the shooting, writes:

“The tragic events of February 26 are very sad for all concerned. The Martin family, our family, and the entire community have been forever changed.

The portrayal of George Zimmerman in the media, as well as the series of events that led to the tragic shooting are false and extremely misleading. Unfortunately, some individuals and organizations have used this tragedy to further their own causes and agendas.

George is a Spanish speaking minority with many black family members and friends. He would be the last to discriminate for any reason whatsoever. One black neighbor recently interviewed said she knew everything in the media was untrue and that she would trust George with her life. Another black neighbor said that George was the only one, black or white, who came and welcomed her to the community, offering any assistance he could provide. Recently, I met two black children George invited to a social event. I asked where they met George. They responded that he was their mentor. They said George visited them routinely, took them places, helped them, and taught them things and that they really loved George. The media portrayal of George as a racist could not be further from the truth.

The events of February 26 reported in the media are also totally inaccurate. Out of respect for the on-going investigation, I will not discuss specifics. However, the media reports of the events are imaginary at best. At no time did George follow or confront Mr. Martin. When the true details of the event become public, and I hope that will be soon, everyone should be outraged by the treatment of George Zimmerman in the media.

Our entire family is deeply sorry for the loss of Trayvon. We pray for the Martin family daily. We also pray that the community will grieve together and not be divided by more unwarranted hate.

The Zimmerman family will have no further contact with the media prior to the resolution of the investigation. It would be greatly appreciated if the media would respect our privacy.”

How many black friends or family members must one have to bypass the bigot category? Having black family members mean nothing if you do not accept them.

The police department dropped the ball, but they are not the only ones. The Retreat at Twin Lakes community failed this young man. One caller laughingly states, “I’m not going out there.” The woman who called while Trayvon screamed for help told her husband to get back inside and close the door. Self-preservation outweighed the need to help. Would it have been different if it were a woman or a white man screaming? No one knows. What I do know is that a 17-year-old child died wondering why no one would help him in this “nice” community.

Did you know?

The police failed to test Zimmerman for drugs or alcohol. Listen to the call. Does he sound normal to you? Testing is common procedure after a shooting.
Zimmerman made 11 percent of the 402 police calls from The Retreat at Twin Lakes community.
The Trayvon Martin case is the third largest petition for change on Change.org.
Police placed George Zimmerman under arrest in 2005 for resisting arrest with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer. Who is the suspicious person in this scenario? Police dropped the charges for unknown reasons.

Update:
State Attorney Norm Wolfinger announced that the Grand Jury will hear the Trayvon Martin case. However, the journey to justice will not be an easy trip. An Orlando criminal defense attorney believes Zimmerman may face a second-degree felony manslaughter indictment, which carries an incarceration of up to 15 years. However Florida's Stand Your Ground and gun law could result in a dismissal if all goes in Zimmerman's favor. Combined, these laws make it difficult to gain a conviction.

A 2010 review reports an increase in justifiable homicides since the implementation of the law. Specifically, justifiable homicides increased three-fold. Several things come into play. First, did Zimmerman have a reasonable belief that Trayvon would kill him? Second, were Zimmerman's actions reasonable in the situation? The events of the night are riddled with speculation and anger. No one really knows what happened, except two people. One of them is dead and the other is not talking.

Words of Wisdom from a Parent with a Little Sanity

2012-01-12T14:33:21Z

Image: Tina Phillips / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When you become a parent, be prepared to do ALL that stuff you said you would never do. Have you ever said you wouldn't go up to your child's school looking crazy? Well guess what! Sometimes you can't help it because your kids have driven you crazy. You don't look like that on purpose. Hell in some cases, you might not know you look crazy until the school secretary stares at you with a wide-eyed look. True story, my oldest left something at home and I had to take it to her. The lady at the desk looked at me with this crazy expression...I was drying my hair when my daughter called and forgot to remove the wrapping strips from my hair.

Remember saying, "I will never say or do the things my parents said" before you had children? Guess what your favorite words are now..."Because I said so!" "I'm the mama and you're the child!" "Sass me again and the police will have to pull me off you!" "This gun is loaded!" Well, maybe I'm the only one that says the last two. My point is, history repeats itself repeatedly.

If you are successful, you will raise children you are happy to claim. If you are really successful, you will raise children other people want to claim. I look at my children every day and wonder how they made it so far with me as a mother. Then I look at my mother and realize it's because she lost her mind raising me.

The key is to find a happy medium. Say "no" to drugs, but "yes" to alcohol and naps as much as possible. If you put the alcohol in your coffee, no one will know. Learn to take naps standing up, sitting down and while talking to other people. Keep them brief because children can wreak a lot of havoc during a nap. Above all, accept your mistakes and remember you're only human.

Seed

2012-01-02T20:08:16Z

Seed. Ania Ahlborn.

Kindle Edition, 2011.

169 pp.

Available for $2.99 on Amazon

Synopsis

While driving home one night with his wife and two daughters, Jack Winters gets into an accident on a dark, lonely road. Jack totals the car, but no one is hurt. All seems well until one daughter becomes ill. What he thought to be the flu turns out to be something more sinister.

His wife, Aimee, sees something else. She knows something is wrong, but can’t pinpoint the exact cause until she uncovers Jack’s secret. By then, it’s too late.

The Review

In Seed, Jack watches his daughter deteriorate into someone he doesn’t know, or so he thinks. You will like and hate Jack at the same time. You like him for the person he tries to be, but you hate him for what he allows to happen to his family. For example, he’s a patient father and tolerant husband who puts aside his feelings to ease his wife and daughter’s fears. At the same time, he sees his youngest daughter transitioning into something sinister and does not attempt to stop it.

Ahlborn manages to paint an eerie picture without all the gratuitous gore associated with horror. The story flows well, but there are several unresolved storylines. ~Spoiler Alert~ For example, we never really know or understand how Jack’s torment began, or why his daughter experiences the same torment. There’s no real understanding of what the menacing figure in the book wants or why it chose Jack. The graveyard and dark, lonely roads are two overdone clichés the book did not need. You may find yourself liking the minor characters more than the main characters. Jack’s best friend, Reagan, has a likeable personality. In fact, Reagan should have been a main character. His wife, Aimee, has a large role with no real purpose.

Ahlborn is no Stephen King, but this author manages to weave a tale of suspense filled with several “wow” moments you have to read to believe. She manages to keep you hooked until the very end. The final chapter leaves you wanting more from this author.

All I Want for Christmas

2011-11-29T11:32:30Z

A little child stood in line waiting patiently waiting to speak to Santa Claus. He listened carefully as each child named toy after toy. When it was his turn, he walked up to Santa Claus and climbed in his lap. The man under the suit couldn’t help but notice his tattered clothes and the gloves with worn fingertips. He hoped the little boy’s list would be short because he was sure he hadn’t bathed from the looks of his clothes. He didn’t want the filth to get on his Santa suit.

“Ho, Ho, Ho little boy what do you want for Christmas?”

“My name is Justin and I want my friend Jessica to get a new heart because the one she has is filled with so much love that it doesn’t work any more. The doctor says that she doesn’t have much time left and if she doesn’t have the operation she won’t be able to love anymore. I was just thinking if she got a brand new one then she wouldn’t need to worry about it ever again. I told her that she could stop loving me until she gets a new heart, but she says that its okay there is still a little room left in her heart so she will still love me.”

“What else do you want little boy?”

“Just a minute Santa, I am not done. I want her mommy to stop crying because Jessie, that’s what I call her, says that it breaks her heart. If her mother keeps breaking her heart she will become sicker. Her mother can’t help it because she loves her, but I don’t think she understands that a broken heart doesn’t work. Jessica is older than me so she will need a bigger heart than mine. I offered to give mine to her, but she said if she takes my heart then I can’t love either. I want her dad to smile more because Jessie says that it hurts her heart to see him so sad. I don’t think he understands that a hurt heart don’t beat as much. Please make her husband’s heart stronger because he says that it breaks every time he sees her. I don’t want his heart to need fixing too.”

“I see,” said the man under the suit ashamed and fighting to hold back tears.

The little boy continued, “Jessica is a very special person because she comes to see me every week at the orphanage. She plays with me and tells me stories. She says that the stories are from her heart; so you see Santa she needs a new one so that she can keep telling stories. Don’t worry if you can’t do it Santa I understand that you have a lot of wishes to make come true. Jessie says that she needs a miracle so I figure if I talk to you and pray to God she will get the miracle she needs. I put my faith in God first, but I figure you can help too.”

The little boy started to climb down from his lap and then realized that he forgot something.

He handed the man in the suit a crumpled piece of paper “In case you can’t find her here is my address. You can leave the heart with me.”

The next day the boy was sitting in Jessie’s hospital room reading his favorite book to her when a man walked in. He said that he was a doctor and he was there to fix a heart filled with love. He walked over to the boy and handed him an envelope. Inside it was a letter:

Dear Justin,

Your Christmas wish was touching and selfless.

So I spoke with a friend and he decided to grant your wish.

He said to enter his kingdom you must humble yourself like a child.

The fact that you requested nothing made him smile.

So this Christmas he grants you the one thing that you ask

Someone that can fix your friend’s heart and make it last.

He also granted your friend’s wish too.

She asked for a little boy just like you.

I am honored that you made this request of me.

But I do not work alone you see.

I almost gave up on Christmas and God sent me you

You see Justin, I pray too.

Santa Claus.

By: Patrice Davis

Erotic Poetry? I Will Pass!

2011-11-21T13:00:25Z

After I made my decision to become an author I began reading everything I could get my hands on; mysteries, romance, how-to-books, poetry and sci-fi. The one thing I realized was that I do not like poetry, but let me clarify what I mean. I absolutely hate erotic poetry, well not all erotic poetry, but most of it. And why? Because there is no mystery to most erotic poetry. Beautiful metaphors that refer to a woman's intimate parts have been replaced by words like "p****" and "c***." The words no longer inspire a person to make love; it inspires them to "f***." Please excuse the language in this post, but it is necessary to get my point across. Why have poets resorted to such ludeness to describe something so beautiful?

I often find myself comparing modern poets to the poets of yesteryear like Lascelles Abercrombie's Emblems of Love:

She

ONLY to be twin elements of joy
In this extravagance of Being, Love,
Were our divided natures shaped in twain;
And to this hour the whole world must consent.

Image: Louisa Stokes / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Matthew Arnold Longing:

Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again!
For so the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.

Come, as thou cam'st a thousand times,
A messenger from radiant climes,
And smile on thy new world, and be
As kind to others as to me!

Or, as thou never cam'st in sooth,
Come now, and let me dream it truth,
And part my hair, and kiss my brow,
And say, My love why sufferest thou?

Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again!
For so the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.

Robert Browning Meeting At Night:

The grey sea and the long black land;
And the yellow half-moon large and low;
And the startled little waves that leap
In fiery ringlets from their sleep,
As I gain the cove with pushing prow,
And quench its speed i' the slushy sand.

Then a mile of warm sea-scented beach;
Three fields to cross till a farm appears;
A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch
And blue spurt of a lighted match,
And a voice less loud, through its joys and fears,
Than the two hearts beating each to each!

After all, isn't sex a mixture of emotions and feelings shared by two people who desire to be close with one another? Eroticism is a state of anticipation for sexuality. It's sexual desire, sensuality, and sexiness. It is not "f******." Animals f***. People make love. People desire each other. At least they should.

I am not saying that erotic poetry is a wasted art because that is not true. Real erotic poetry makes a woman look at her man with longing. It makes a man daydream about holding his woman in his arms and kissing her gently from her forehead to her lips. Erotic poetry creates anticipation of that special moment. Words like "f***" and "p****" and "d***" remove that anticipation and turns sex into an emotionless act devoid of longing, desire and most important...love.

Some argue there is no difference...sex is sex. I beg to differ. Making Love and Having Sex (f******) is very different and if someone says it is not that means all they have ever done is had sex. They have never made love.

Having sex is getting up and putting your clothes on when you are finished.
Making Love is falling asleep in your lover's arms, fully content and satisfied.
There is no kissing involved in having sex.
A kiss is worth a thousand words when two people make love.

Image: Dynamite Imagery / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Now keep in mind, this is just my opinion. I am not putting down poets who like to write about f******, a**, t**s, p**** and d***. I am just saying I don't want to read it, which is why I exercise my right not to read or purchase it.

Copyright © 2012. Random Thoughts All rights reserved. Share Reproduction of any post on this page are strictly prohibited without the author's permission.

To promote individuality, Arizona would have to prohibit the teaching of American History.

2011-11-21T12:38:42Z

Image: porbital / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Arizona passed a law prohibiting a school district or charter school from including courses or classes that either promote the overthrow of the United States government or promote resentment toward a race or class of people. There are four provisions to this law:

Promote the overthrow of the United States government.
Promote resentment toward a race or class of people.
Are designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group.
Advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of pupils as individuals.

Arizona would have to prohibit the teaching of American History to avoid creating resentment towards rich (class) white (race) Americans.

Now I might be a little naive on this subject, but wasn't the United States founded through rebellion? I guess Arizona will not teach children about the American Revolution. The history of the United States is filled with atrocities that children are taught early on, such as the taking of land from Native Americans. We also have that pesky issue of slavery that spanned over 400 years. In fact, many would argue that the United States was built on the backs of slaves. Yet, years later African Americans had to fight for their Constitutional rights.

Remember how Japanese Americans were taken from their homes and placed in internment camps during World War II. Those internment camps were surrounded by barbed wire. They lived in windowless shacks with many other families. These shacks had no ventilation, no bathrooms and no electricity. Often times, these Japanese-AMERICANS were given spoiled food to eat. Take away the genocide and that sounds like a concentration camp.

Image: Tony Dowson / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Aside from Martin Luther King, Jr and the occasional mention of Harriet Tubman, U.S. History talks about prominent white men and their contribution to the United States. There is no mention of Garret Morgan, the African American who invented the gas masks used in these important wars fought by the United States (like WW I and WW II). Nor is there any mention of Severo Ochoa's contribution to the medical field (he became a U.S. Citizen in 1956). Did you know Will Rogers was a Cherokee who was in the Guiness Book of World Records and wrote over 4,000 nationally-syndicated newspaper columns?

The point of my ramblings is this: Arizona would have to prohibit the teaching of American History to avoid creating resentment towards rich (class) white (race) Americans. Is that fair?

How many of us actually took an ethnic studies class in elementary school?
Is the removal of ethnic studies creating solidarity or discord between the races and classes?