It is perfectly appropriate to particpate in a neighborhood watch, to call the police when you see a suspicious person, and to intervene or even (depending upon the circumstances) to perform a citizens arrest when you witness a crime taking place. We have a responsibility as citizens to look out for our neighbors and help the police enforce the laws by being good witnesses.
Only under the most dire and extreme circumstances, however, is it appropriate for an armed civilian to interject himself into any sort of a confrontation. A black kid walking down the street in a hoodie does not warrant such a response. My "line in the sand" is that I dont leave the safety of my vehicle and bring a gun into a confrontation when calling the police is all that is necessary.
This is the exact common sense that is necessary in this case. What zimmerman did was completely wrong, and because of it, an innocent kid ended up dead.
He made the phone call to the sheriff, advised them of the suspicious person. GAME OVER for the watchman, instead, he comments, "THEY ALWAYS GET AWAY" , but not this innocent kid, GZ was going to be sure about that.
After that point, his self defense goes out the window. He killed a human being while committing an illegal act, and that act was having a firearm brandished. Thats a felony.
Nothing else matters.
Metallica - Nothing Else Matters (Studio Version) - YouTube
Peace
TOS
p.s. I realize ONE of you will comeback with his permit to carry, but before you do, know that a right to carry doesnt mean RIGHT TO BRANDISH.
