Open Thread on Zimmerman Trial

[SwizzleStick]

Acting in a manner similar to the judge in this case “Can you site the law that says walking in the rain with iced tea and skittles is legal”?

The Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea may not have been all that innocent and I’m sure that many in Martin’s community already know that.

 

[SwizzleStick]

Maybe. They may be as relevant as Martin’s marijuana pictures, marijuana postings, gun pictures, thug postings, thug pictures. They point to who Martin was, where the young man was headed in his life, why he chose to confront Zimmerman rather than safely go home. They point to possible reasons as to why he was aggressive toward Zimmerman, if he was under the influence of something and not acting as someone who was not under the influence of something.

With that being said, I am not saying they were reason enough that Martin was shot. The fact remains that Zimmerman shot an unarmed man. But, they might be reason enough that Zimmerman saw a different young man than was portrayed by the media, a small, completely innocent kid, and had every reason to fear that his life may be ended by that young man if he didn’t defend himself against an attack by that young man.

"More Than a Bag of Skittles - Trayvon Martin and Purple Drank

You’ve heard the rhetoric and read the headlines, Trayvon Martin killed for being armed with Skittles and iced tea. You’ve probably even heard that Trayvon was stalked by Zimmerman, who gunned him down for the heinous crime of walking while black. All claims that persist to this day despite the fact that eye witnesses put Trayvon on top of Zimmerman pummeling him MMA style.

If the eye witness accounts about Trayvon attacking Zimmerman are true, what motivation would he have to do so? Many suggest anger over being followed by Zimmerman, something Trayvon’s girl friend states Trayvon was worried about while talking to her on the phone that night. Others have suggested Trayvon may have been on drugs, however, even though drug tests revealed Trayvon had recently used marijuana, no one really believes that would cause the paranoid and violent behavior he committed that night according to Zimmerman’s version of the events.

To this day, Skittles and iced tea still serve as symbols of predjudice because of Trayvon’s shooting. Some schools have even gone so far as to hold Trayvon Martin Day and hand out Skittles to kids and tea to parents for attending special events. But, as you are about to see, Trayvon Martin having Skittles and iced tea may reveal a lot more about the events of that night than anyone ever thought.

Early I mentioned the need for Trayvon Martin to feel sufficiently paranoid to lash out violently in the way Zimmerman and eye witnesses claim. This is important because a street drug that is popular in the young urban community known as Purple Drank or Lean produces those very side effects.

Purple Drank or Lean is a coctail that is created by mixing Robitussin or other over-the-counter cough medicines with, you guessed it, Skittles and Arizona Watermelon Juice, the flavor of tea Trayvon Martin was carrying that night.
"…

Blue excerpt from:

More Than a Bag of Skittles - Trayvon Martin and Purple Drank
thekansascitian.blogspot.com/2012/05/more-than-bag-of-skittles-trayvon.html

 

[Jeanne_S]

"More Than a Bag of Skittles - Trayvon Martin and Purple Drank

You’ve heard the rhetoric and read the headlines, Trayvon Martin killed for being armed with Skittles and iced tea. You’ve probably even heard that Trayvon was stalked by Zimmerman, who gunned him down for the heinous crime of walking while black. All claims that persist to this day despite the fact that eye witnesses put Trayvon on top of Zimmerman pummeling him MMA style.

If the eye witness accounts about Trayvon attacking Zimmerman are true, what motivation would he have to do so? Many suggest anger over being followed by Zimmerman, something Trayvon’s girl friend states Trayvon was worried about while talking to her on the phone that night. Others have suggested Trayvon may have been on drugs, however, even though drug tests revealed Trayvon had recently used marijuana, no one really believes that would cause the paranoid and violent behavior he committed that night according to Zimmerman’s version of the events.

To this day, Skittles and iced tea still serve as symbols of predjudice because of Trayvon’s shooting. Some schools have even gone so far as to hold Trayvon Martin Day and hand out Skittles to kids and tea to parents for attending special events. But, as you are about to see, Trayvon Martin having Skittles and iced tea may reveal a lot more about the events of that night than anyone ever thought.

Early I mentioned the need for Trayvon Martin to feel sufficiently paranoid to lash out violently in the way Zimmerman and eye witnesses claim. This is important because a street drug that is popular in the young urban community known as Purple Drank or Lean produces those very side effects.

Purple Drank or Lean is a coctail that is created by mixing Robitussin or other over-the-counter cough medicines with, you guessed it, Skittles and Arizona Watermelon Juice, the flavor of tea Trayvon Martin was carrying that night.
"…

Blue excerpt from:

More Than a Bag of Skittles - Trayvon Martin and Purple Drank
thekansascitian.blogspot.com/2012/05/more-than-bag-of-skittles-trayvon.html

Has this information been presented by the defense?

 

[SwizzleStick]

Has this information been presented by the defense?

I don’t know if Martin’s use of Lean or Purple Drank has been admissable in court. But, it might partly explain Martin’s aggressive behavior toward Zimmerman and supports Zimmerman’s account of an unprovoked attack.

 

[gnjsdad]

Has this information been presented by the defense?

No…they are interested in facts, not unfounded speculation.

 

[SwizzleStick]

No…they are interested in facts, not unfounded speculation.

And, of course, Martin’s own postings about his use are just unfounded speculation, right? I think the judge feels the same way, so no worries. But, if Zimmerman’s arrests and past behavior can come under scrutiny, than Martin’s should too. Also, it might explain why Martin chose to attack a man rather than go on home or why he didn’t call the police if he was afraid to be followed home.

The facts in the case do support Zimmerman, which is why the prosecution’s case is so weak.

 

[SamH]

And, of course, Martin’s own postings about his use are just unfounded speculation, right? I think the judge feels the same way, so no worries. But, if Zimmerman’s arrests and past behavior can come under scrutiny, than Martin’s should too. Also, it might explain why Martin chose to attack a man rather than go on home.

The facts in the case do support Zimmerman, which is why the prosecution’s case is so weak.

Especially considering why Martin wasn’t attending school at the time.

 

[Jeanne_S]

No…they are interested in facts, not unfounded speculation.

Seems to me these facts are pertinent to the case in terms of TM behavior both prior and during the incident.Also,from what I have read or heard,speculation re GZ is the only case the state has against him.

 

[SwizzleStick]

Seems to me these facts are pertinent to the case in terms of TM behavior both prior and during the incident.Also,from what I have read or heard,speculation re GZ is the only case the state has against him.

Absolutely. If the prosecution is allowed to go to personality or character at trial to support the facts of what occurred that night, then the defense should have the same option.

 

[kelvinf]

The ice tea and Skittles are irrelevant. They have nothing to do with the incident between GZ and TM anymore than the color of the grass. The following is a key element of the case and is not as the State is suggesting provocation or evidence that GZ is guilty. Now if I was the judge, I wouldn’t have let in the jury instruction as it was written, because there were portions of it that weren’t impartial, but I would have still instructed the jury that the following alone is not a crime or evidence of a crime.

The judge pointed out that even a misplaced comma in jury instructions can get a case overturned. The judge did tell West that if he didn’t like her decisions he could always appeal. Which is not a great comfort if you’re the one on trial.

We can leave out the iced tea and skittles and still have Martin walking in the rain not being illegal. We have Martin not going home within 4 minutes not being illegal, because somehow, O’Mara believes that proves Zimmerman’s innocence. I believe the prosecution’s argument in this regard was great and the judge’s decision was right. Otherwise, you would have to include a whole lot of other things in the jury instruction.

For some reason, people choose to ignore the things the judge rejected that the prosecution wanted. You know, it’s not a one-way street thing.

 

[qui_est_ce]

"More Than a Bag of Skittles - Trayvon Martin and Purple Drank

You’ve heard the rhetoric and read the headlines, Trayvon Martin killed for being armed with Skittles and iced tea. You’ve probably even heard that Trayvon was stalked by Zimmerman, who gunned him down for the heinous crime of walking while black. All claims that persist to this day despite the fact that eye witnesses put Trayvon on top of Zimmerman pummeling him MMA style.

If the eye witness accounts about Trayvon attacking Zimmerman are true, what motivation would he have to do so? Many suggest anger over being followed by Zimmerman, something Trayvon’s girl friend states Trayvon was worried about while talking to her on the phone that night. Others have suggested Trayvon may have been on drugs, however, even though drug tests revealed Trayvon had recently used marijuana, no one really believes that would cause the paranoid and violent behavior he committed that night according to Zimmerman’s version of the events.

To this day, Skittles and iced tea still serve as symbols of predjudice because of Trayvon’s shooting. Some schools have even gone so far as to hold Trayvon Martin Day and hand out Skittles to kids and tea to parents for attending special events. But, as you are about to see, Trayvon Martin having Skittles and iced tea may reveal a lot more about the events of that night than anyone ever thought.

Early I mentioned the need for Trayvon Martin to feel sufficiently paranoid to lash out violently in the way Zimmerman and eye witnesses claim. This is important because a street drug that is popular in the young urban community known as Purple Drank or Lean produces those very side effects.

Purple Drank or Lean is a coctail that is created by mixing Robitussin or other over-the-counter cough medicines with, you guessed it, Skittles and Arizona Watermelon Juice, the flavor of tea Trayvon Martin was carrying that night.
"…

Blue excerpt from:

More Than a Bag of Skittles - Trayvon Martin and Purple Drank
thekansascitian.blogspot.com/2012/05/more-than-bag-of-skittles-trayvon.html

Good Lord. I looked this up and it’s true.

 

[qui_est_ce]

We can leave out the iced tea and skittles and still have Martin walking in the rain not being illegal. We have Martin not going home within 4 minutes not being illegal, because somehow, O’Mara believes that proves Zimmerman’s innocence. I believe the prosecution’s argument in this regard was great and the judge’s decision was right. Otherwise, you would have to include a whole lot of other things in the jury instruction.

For some reason, people choose to ignore the things the judge rejected that the prosecution wanted. You know, it’s not a one-way street thing.

Kelvin, nobody said Trayvon walking in the rain was illegal. Not even GZ. The only thing that GZ said was the TM was behaving in a suspicious manner. What TM did to GZ was illegal (assault).

Even if TM was making purple drank, we don’t know that for sure. It’s speculation. He did have THC in his system, which can make you paranoid.

I don’t know if Florida has the same Minor in Possession laws as Missouri, but a minor caught drunk is “in possession” even if there is not external bottle or alcohol around. My daughter got it, had to go to alcohol and drug abuse classes, and had to do community service. She is still on probation and it is on her record, although she is now 22.

 

[SwizzleStick]

Good Lord. I looked this up and it’s true.

Yes. I mentioned it on this thread about two weeks ago and comments about Lean or Drank have been made online in connection to the case for about a year now. It could be a factor in Martin’s aggression.

Oh yes, I remember now that hoodies and Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea became symbols in support of Martin, didn’t they? Wonder how many people who protested with Skittles and Arizona Iced Tea knew about Drank or Lean? I’m guessing some were aware, maybe even many were aware since it appears to be a cultural thing, but putting that information out didn’t fit in with the narrative and spin that made Zimmerman out to be an evil white monster who stalked and murdered a black child and Martin out to be that completely innocent and sweet, sweet child.

 

[masondoggy]

Can someone explain what purple drank means? I’m lost.

 

[Avdima]

The sad thing is we would not be discussing this if Zimmerman was not an racist creep.

This whole thing started because of Zimmermans actions not Trayvon. If George Zimmerman did not act on his racist and evil thoughts, then Trayvon wouldn’t be dead.

If a strange and creepy man was following your son or daughter would you not want you child to run or defend themselves?

As I see it the only people who seem to think Zimmerman is innocent are racists and/or evil people.

 

[SwizzleStick]

Can someone explain what purple drank means? I’m lost.

"…Purple Drank or Lean is a coctail that is created by mixing Robitussin or other over-the-counter cough medicines with, you guessed it, Skittles and Arizona Watermelon Juice, the flavor of tea Trayvon Martin was carrying that night.

Purple Drank also goes by other street names such as sizzurp, lean, syrup, sip sip, drank, barre, purple jelly and Texas tea. It has opiate like effects. Some of its side effects include confusion, agitation, and hallucinations among others.

Recoverycorp.org describes the drugs popularity in the hip hop community:

Purple drank grew out of the underground Houston hip-hop community in the 1990s along with chopped and screwed rap music—a slowed down, remixing of rap songs using skipped beats and scratching. DJ Screw aka Robert Earl Davis Jr. is said to have originated the style of the slow chopped and screwed, which compliments purple drank’s effects of relaxing the user.

DJ Screw died in 2000 of a codeine overdose. That same year, Three 6 Mafia’s song “Sippin’ on Some Syrup” made purple drank mainstream. The group’s song “Rainbow Colors” is about adding Jolly Rancher candy to create the desired rainbow.

Around this same time, evidence of purple drank began showing up across the South from Lafayette, Louisiana to Pensacola, FL.

In a 2004 University of Texas survey, according to a USA Today article, “8.3% of Texas secondary students reported having taken enough codeine syrup to get high.”

Terrence Kiel, a defensive back with the San Diego Chargers was arrested in 2006 for illegally shipping cases of prescription cough syrup to Texas.
In a 2008 MTV interview with Lil Wayne, the rapper discusses his addiction to purple drink, and how hard it is to get off it, saying it feels like “death in your stomach.”
It is unknown whether the autopsy performed on Trayvon Martin looked for or found elevated levels of cough syrup in his blood"

Blue excerpt from this link: thekansascitian.blogspot.com/2012/05/more-than-bag-of-skittles-trayvon.html

 

[kelvinf]

Kelvin, nobody said Trayvon walking in the rain was illegal. Not even GZ. The only thing that GZ said was the TM was behaving in a suspicious manner. What TM did to GZ was illegal (assault).

Even if TM was making purple drank, we don’t know that for sure. It’s speculation. He did have THC in his system, which can make you paranoid.

The entire argument was basically about including all those things that happened that weren’t illegal in the jury instruction.

I don’t know if Florida has the same Minor in Possession laws as Missouri, but a minor caught drunk is “in possession” even if there is not external bottle or alcohol around. My daughter got it, had to go to alcohol and drug abuse classes, and had to do community service. She is still on probation and it is on her record, although she is now 22.

How unfortunate.

 

[SwizzleStick]

The sad thing is we would not be discussing this if Zimmerman was not an racist creep. …

Investigation not only found no evidence of racism, but quite the opposite. When a relative of a Sanford Police officer beat a black homeless man, his tireless advocate was none other than George Zimmerman.

…This whole thing started because of Zimmermans actions not Trayvon. …

If you were a witness that evening, I hope you reported what you saw.

…If a strange and creepy man was following your son or daughter would you not want you child to run or defend themselves?..

I would hope my child would quickly go home or use the phone in hand to call the police if he/she were afraid.

…As I see it the only people who seem to think Zimmerman is innocent are racists and/or evil people.

Have you watched the facts presented during the trial at all?

 

[dmelosi]

The sad thing is we would not be discussing this if Zimmerman was not an racist creep.

This whole thing started because of Zimmermans actions not Trayvon. If George Zimmerman did not act on his racist and evil thoughts, then Trayvon wouldn’t be dead.

If a strange and creepy man was following your son or daughter would you not want you child to run or defend themselves?

As I see it the only people who seem to think Zimmerman is innocent are racists and/or evil people.

What racist name did Zimmerman call Trayvon? What racist name did Trayvon call Zimmerman? How do you define racist?

 

[qui_est_ce]

The sad thing is we would not be discussing this if Zimmerman was not an racist creep.

This whole thing started because of Zimmermans actions not Trayvon. If George Zimmerman did not act on his racist and evil thoughts, then Trayvon wouldn’t be dead.

If a strange and creepy man was following your son or daughter would you not want you child to run or defend themselves?

As I see it the only people who seem to think Zimmerman is innocent are racists and/or evil people.