Could Zimmerman divide Atlanta? (Martin: homes, neighborhood, gated)

[ATLTJL]

I don't want to get into a discussion over the specifics of the Trayvon Martin case.

However, I was thinking about something:

Let's assume that George Zimmerman goes on trial this summer. What do you suppose would happen if a jury acquits him?

Would Atlanta be mature enough to have a conversation about the situation, or do you think we would be at risk of race riots and looting in the streets?

Would the city's middle and upper class blacks side with protesters and/or rioters? What would whites and other minorities that sympathize with protesters do?

Have we evolved as a city beyond a situation like this being able to occur, or is there enough racial tension for a not guilty verdict to spark divisive protests in Atlanta?

In a normal environment, I wouldn't worry. With the economy having been so bad for so long and so many people out of work, losing homes, etc., I think it might be more likely than usual that some people might latch onto something like this as a funnel for a lot of anger. I equally worry about what the response would be. Is APD equipped to contain a riot situation without employing police brutality? Would they be adequately prepared?

[gtcorndog]

Yes. There are enough sheep who listen to the incendiary, divisive hate speech out there in the black community for something bad to happen.

Hell, listen to the hate speech and absurd comments coming from Congress today. Our country's "leaders" are completely ignoring facts to try to incite divisiveness and invoke feelings of anger.

There is no epidemic of white on black violence. Blacks are not under attack. This is an isolated incident that is regretful, but possibly not criminal according to the evidence and letter of the law. If that needs to be changed, change it legally, but using this as a political wedge issue to stir up the masses is disgraceful.

[cabasse]

that's a headline worthy of fox news right there, even in the format of a question.

[Oleg Bach]

HE is a fool and does not represent the average citizen.

[glovenyc]

The fact that Zimmerman was not arrested or properly investigated right after the shooting is the main issue, and now we find out why. Father ex-judge and mother was a law clerk in that area, so there was some sort of preferable treatment. He has a history of being the neighborhood nutbag.

Personally I think if Zimmerman is actually arrested and is given a fair trial, the progressive community would be satisfied. Speaking of facts, let's not ignore that on the 911 call he was told not to follow this young man, and also he called this young man a "f*cking coon" berore murdering him. Not racial???

If the cops would have done there job by properly investigating the shooting, there would not be the current national outrage.

[atltechdude]

Originally Posted by gtcorndog

There is no epidemic of white on black violence.

That's really what's so ridiculous about this whole thing.

Now I fully support this incident being properly investigated and the person punished if he is guilty but all of the race baiters coming out of the woodwork over this with nonsensical claims about how the white man is the cause of all the problems in the black community and they are "just not gonna take it anymore" or whatever, is just absurd when black on black violence is a 100x (or more) bigger problem than these kinds of isolated incidents.

[Columbus1984]

Why do people keep forgetting that this guy is not even white!

[tonygeorgia]

About to report this thread. The case has nothing to do with Atlanta

[JoeP]

Yes. There are enough sheep who listen to the incendiary, divisive hate speech out there in the black community for something bad to happen.

Please explain.

[cqholt]

I do not think there will be race riots in Atlanta if Zimmerman is found not guilty.