The Inequality of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” Law
By EOM Staff
Marissa Alexander, the 31 year old mother of three that we previously reported on, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Trayvon Martin case brought Florida’s “stand your ground” law into the national spotlight. This law allows someone to use deadly force when they feel they are in danger. Ms. Alexander’s husband was in a violent rage when she fired a shot into the ceiling to warn him away. He had previously beaten her so badly she had to be hospitalized. She was immediately arrested and charged with felony assault with a weapon.
George Zimmerman followed Trayvon Martin, calling 911 to report a “suspicious male”. He even left his vehicle and followed Trayvon on foot, although the dispatcher had instructed him to wait for the police. He claims that Trayvon circled back behind him and attacked him. He used his gun to kill the young, unarmed boy, claiming that Florida’s stand your ground law protected him. He was not arrested until five weeks later after pressure from Trayvon’s parents and the media.
Marissa Alexander was seven inches shorter and 100 pounds lighter than her violent husband. She fired a warning shot. She didn’t hurt anyone. She will spend the next 20 years in prison.
Trayvon Martin was carrying a can of iced tea and a bag of skittles when he was killed. The only thing these two had in common is that they are both victims….and they are both black. Trayvon is dead because George Zimmerman felt threatened. Marissa will spend 20 years in prison because she felt threatened.
It seems that “stand your ground” just doesn’t apply to blacks in Florida.
Eye On Modesto 