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Zimmerman charged with second-degree murder in Trayvon Martin shooting

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Why this simply cannot be. sailwind has already determined Zimmerman's innocence. He's got the weather report to back it up too!

0 ( +4 / -4 )

First, I have to hand it to Special Prosecutor Corey for an absolutely masterful press conference. So many of the press in attendance totally embarrassed themselves and had to be educated as to the laws of the state of Florida and the criminal justice system.

Secondly, to file a charge of second-degree murder -- the highest charge possible under this process -- the state must have access to evidence that win their case.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

to evidence that win their case.

to evidence that will enable them to win their case.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

He's got the weather report to back it up too!

Actually, I was the one who supplied the details of the weather at the time of the altercation. (I did not believe that it was plausible that, in a tense pursuit situation, a mild temperature in the low 60s would have caused the words "effing cold" to be uttered.)

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Why this simply cannot be. sailwind has already determined Zimmerman's innocence. He's got the weather report to back it up too!

Since the truth does actually matter, I never determined anything of the sort.

On Mar 23rd I posted:

But there was a violent altercation between the two of them before Mr. Martin was shot by Mr. Zimmerman. Whether this was to the level of self-defense or not is now going to be someone else's call that is much higher than the Sanford Police Department call that it was at this point.

On Mar 24th I posted:

I can't say if the severity of the fight was to the level of self-defense, I'm inclined to believe it was not but I really can't say for sure. As unpleasant as this may be to post the fact is that countless victims have been beaten to death by another that were using just their bare hands it is an open question and if charges are filed well be the central open question that a jury will have to decide. It's the whole legal case in a nutshell and answering it either yes or no will ultimately determine Zimmerman's fate.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/world/view/mass-florida-rally-after-black-teen-shot-dead#comment_1260411

Discussion about the weather that evening was in direct response to Yabit's bringing the subject up on another discussion: as discussion has been about all aspects of the case and It that also included the weather that day.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

As unpleasant as this may be to post the fact is that countless victims have been beaten to death by another that were using just their bare hands...

A person who is being seriously beaten to the point where they actually fear for their lives is going to show one heluva lot more physical damage than what Zimmerman displayed as he casually ambled through the halls of the Sanford Police Department that night.

I'm inclined to believe...

That's a serious problem, especially when it concerns a man with documented acts of violence in his past versus a guy against whom there's no record of fighting or violence with anyone.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

So now both Zimmerman and Martin get their day in court. Isn't that the way it's supposed to be?

Strange and a little sad that every article about this case has to mention the race of the people involved. Yet posters go burlesque when a JT article mentions the race of a suspected criminal in Japan.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Second-degree murder - can be downgraded to a lesser murder charge. It's just a precautionary measure. The jury can find him guilty of a lesser charge. The

Only thing is the prosecution must present the jury his state of mind at the time. The 911 call can be presented in court and it will give the jury some degree of his state of mind. Because the 911 dispatcher advised him to not pursue Treyvon Martin.

IT"s COMMON SENSE REALLY

If you shoot an unarmed teenager carrying (candy) a bag of skittles & Arizona Ice Tea you will get arrested. It's CONSIDERED MURDER

Not self defense

Anybody can go on youtube, CNN, ABC NEWS, and listen to the 911 tapes. It's the truth !!!!!

Zimmerman profiled this young black teenager. Saying, " He's up to no good ! " " These azzholes always get away !!!! " " F*&%in C**NS "

0 ( +5 / -5 )

His 2 lawyers quit representing him Tuesday evening !!!!! Obviously, Mr. Zimmerman is mentally ill. In America, your not allowed to carry a gun on neighborhood watch.

PLUS, the Federal government is carrying their own investigation trying to pinpoint if it's a HATE CRIME or not. Because Mr. Zimmerman said, racial slurs over the 911 taped conversation.

Sooooo, in other words - He's Focked !!!!

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

We know that in a great many of those cases the one who does not survive is painted by friends and family as a good person who needlessly lost their life. Even if the person whom must do the shooting is an on/off duty sworn Police officer, it will often be referred to as an "execution". Some people on our society have an issue with the "fairness" of a person who chooses to follow a given course of action ending up dead, no nicer way to say it. They by inference seem to be saying that the other party in the engagement should have taken a beating, raping, robbery and hoped the assailant would allow them to live and retain all their mobility and faculties. And somehow when you are being attacked, raped, or robbed, you are supposed to do an age check on the assailant too. If he/she is 19 then the rules are different than 17.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Saw the news conference. She was a bit too cheerful and seemed to be basking in the spotlight.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Regardless of whether he is found guilty or not, I'm glad he's charged with something and that this case will go to trial.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Strange and a little sad that every article about this case has to mention the race of the people involved. Yet posters go burlesque when a JT article mentions the race of a suspected criminal in Japan.

The is annoying in many cases but it's extremely relevant in this one as there's no way that a white/white or black/black crime would've generated the same national hype.

We know that in a great many of those cases the one who does not survive is painted by friends and family as a good person who needlessly lost their life.

Well that does always happen but really, what's relevant isn't Martin's personality but his actions. Did he attack Zimmerman, yes or no? The hype machine definitely needed to believe Martin was a nice, law-abiding guy but hopefully the court case will just focus on the events of the night.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Coming soon to a theater near you : The 'Little Trayvon Story''; starring a black twelve-year-old Disney Channel actor Zimmerman being played by a white UFC brawler with the looks of Darth Vader.

RR

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

I had hoped that this would end things. But given the press conference, it seems very likely, that she indicted him based not on evidence, but rather for political reasons. Manslaughter would have been a reasonable charge. 2nd degree murder, without bothering to submit it to a grand jury seems like a huge reach, imputing him motives that are going to be nearly impossible to prove.

Having said this, she has access to a lot of information we don't have, for example the autopsy. Angle of entry, stippling of the bullet, ie how close were they when he was shot. Information that the police wouldn't have had initially. As well as all the eyewitness information. While this seems like a political prosecution, I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt and watch how the case plays out. Hopefully, she has the evidence to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that he is in fact guilty of 2nd degree murder. Because if not, she is betraying the office she has sworn to uphold.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

We know that in a great many of those cases the one who does not survive is painted by friends and family as a good person who needlessly lost their life.

Even if Martin was the scum of the earth, he did not deserve to be shot by Zimmerman. Because of the actions of Zimmerman, Martin needlessly lost his life.

They by inference seem to be saying that the other party in the engagement should have taken a beating, raping, robbery and hoped the assailant would allow them to live and retain all their mobility and faculties.

Zimmerman deserved any beating that was inflicted on him. He put Martin in a threateniing situation by following him on a dark American street. Martin didn't know his intentions. I'm sure he was afraid for his life before Zimmerman even got out of his car. Didn't Martin have the right to stand his ground?

And somehow when you are being attacked, raped, or robbed, you are supposed to do an age check on the assailant too. If he/she is 19 then the rules are different than 17.

If Zimmerman would have followed the dispatcher's advice, there would have been no need to check Martin's age. He had no authority to ask any question of Martin. And I think duriing the trial Martin will be judged to have been the victim and Zimmerman the assailant.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Go read about the Jesus Gonzalez case for a clue on how this one is going to turn out.

RomeoR "Zimmerman being played by a white UFC brawler" That was funny, but the Darth Vader reference was a little dated. However, that comment brings up a weird element to this case--the one image we always get of Zimmerman is from his mug shot after he assaulted a police officer. Martin didn't have a mug shot, so of course we get a friendlier picture of the kid. Is that the media's fault that the picture of Zimmerman on public record was... a mug shot from a previous arrest?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

It's good that it's at least going to court. This will also bring any and all evidence from both sides to light, and hopefully for a clear, non-biased decision.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Is that the media's fault that the picture of Zimmerman on public record was... a mug shot from a previous arrest?

Only if you already want to plant it into the public's mind that the guy was already a criminal to begin with.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Zimmerman deserved any beating that was inflicted on him. He put Martin in a threateniing situation by following him on a dark American street. Martin didn't know his intentions. I'm sure he was afraid for his life before Zimmerman even got out of his car. Didn't Martin have the right to stand his ground?

Umm, no, no he didn't. Martin didn't deserve to be killed, and Zimmerman didn't deserve to be beaten up either. The question is, did Zimmerman fear for his life, if he did, then regardless, he was justified. Should he have followed Martin, assuming that is what happened, obviously not. Should he be convicted of 2nd degree murder for it, when the evidence we know about suggests there was an altercation, that resulted in Martins death. Thats a much tougher call. I'd have gone with Manslaughter, which needs only prove reckless disregard. Something that Zimmerman did by not following the instructions of the 9-11 operator. But 2nd degree murder is a step too far based on the evidence available. We'll see though. I sincerely hope this prosecutor has the evidence to back up her charges.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Umm, no, no he didn't. Martin didn't deserve to be killed, and Zimmerman didn't deserve to be beaten up either. The question is, did Zimmerman fear for his life, if he did, then regardless, he was justified

Umm, what about Martin's life?? Is it possible that he was in fear of being harmed by a stranger followinig him? If he was in fear, then regardless, he was justified in defending himself, standing his ground (beating up Zimmerman). Who would not be in fear of being followed by stanger on a dark American street?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Should he have followed Martin, assuming that is what happened

Assuming that is what happened?? Zimmerman was asked by 911 if he was pursuing Martin and he said "Yes."

But 2nd degree murder is a step too far based on the evidence available. We'll see though. I sincerely hope this prosecutor has the evidence to back up her charges.

She has a lot more evidence available, including whatever physical evidence exists on Martin's body that indicates he was delivering a life-threatening beating (or not) to Zimmerman, and the forensic evidence regarding the gunshot.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Molenir: "The question is, did Zimmerman fear for his life, if he did, then regardless, he was justified. Should he have followed Martin, assuming that is what happened, obviously not."

You forgot to ask, "Did Martin fear for his life?" If so, he was completely justified in beating up Zimmerman. The bottom line still remains Zimmerman brought ALL of this about. I agree with your earlier post that 2nd degree murder might be a bit of a stretch, but I definitely think he deserves a charge of manslaughter, and hopefully he's found guilty of it. It's all fine and dandy to ask the rhetorical question, "Should he have followed Martin (and it's clear that's what he did, there's no 'if'), obviously not", but don't forget that if he had not followed Marting, AGAINST POLICE ORDERS for that matter, Martin would still be alive. In short, he murdered him.

As I said before, though, it'll be good to see all the evidence and hear everything in court (and hopefully it's made public), instead of just hearsay and through media bias.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

As I said before, though, it'll be good to see all the evidence and hear everything in court (and hopefully it's made public), instead of just hearsay and through media bias.

The entire trial will be conducted in public.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

I agree with your earlier post that 2nd degree murder might be a bit of a stretch...

I don't think it is a stretch at all, after getting the chance to size up Corey. They definitely have something.

The 911 tapes of Trayvon screaming for his life convinced me that Zimmerman was not in the act of self-defense when he shot and killed him.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

A bit of a blow for the racist right-wingers clinging to guns and religion, but not to worry - there is still their favourite villan the media to blame at least at every turn.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Good. Now, innocent or guilty, he gets his day in court.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I had hoped that this would end things. But given the press conference, it seems very likely, that she indicted him based not on evidence, but rather for political reasons.

Here are some facts that have nothing to do with politics:

Zimmerman carried a weapon in the capacity of a neighborhood watch.

He made self incriminating statements when talking to the dispatcher.

He ignored the dispatcher's advice not to follow the suspicious person.

He initiated a confrontation.

He shot the person that he decided to confront.

Martin's side of the story will never be heard.

Most people will say and/or do what ever possible to avoid going to jail.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

RealJt,

Read the posts above. It was OK for Zimmermann to shoot the kid because he "felt scared".

The fact that he was stalking Martin with a loaded gun is irrelevant!

Honestly, what's more astounding from these frightening individuals defending the shooter, is that some of them probably legally walk around with a gun too. The American Taliban.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Umm, what about Martin's life?? Is it possible that he was in fear of being harmed by a stranger followinig him? If he was in fear, then regardless, he was justified in defending himself, standing his ground (beating up Zimmerman).

Justified in attacking someone? No. See thats where things go wrong. If Zimmerman attacked Martin, then Martin would be justified in defending himself, and if Martin attacked Zimmerman, then likewise, Zimmerman would be justified in defending himself, even with a gun. Its who was attacking who that determines whether or not your actions are justified. Martin is not around to make the case against Zimmerman, so we are left to rely on eyewitness statements.

The 911 tapes of Trayvon screaming for his life convinced me that Zimmerman was not in the act of self-defense when he shot and killed him.

Sorry, but no one knows who is yelling for help, and based on eyewitness testimony its very plausible to believe that it was Zimmerman yelling for help. Particularly if he was getting beaten up.

The bottom line still remains Zimmerman brought ALL of this about. I agree with your earlier post that 2nd degree murder might be a bit of a stretch, but I definitely think he deserves a charge of manslaughter, and hopefully he's found guilty of it.

If he was indeed following Martin, after being told not to, then I completely agree, manslaughter is an appropriate charge. His reckless disregard led to Martins death. Even with that though, its not an open and shut case. It really depends on the evidence that has not been released. Evidence the Prosecutor has, and which hopefully will prove that Zimmerman is in fact guilty of 2nd degree Murder.

A bit of a blow for the racist right-wingers clinging to guns and religion, but not to worry - there is still their favourite villan the media to blame at least at every turn.

How is this a blow to 'racist right-wingers'? Zimmerman is a democrat. The stand your ground bill was passed with bi-partisan support. Now if you said it was a blow to racist left-wingers, who insist on stirring up race hatred, that I could agree with. As this indictment essentially shuts down their argument that the 'black man' can't get justice in America. I just hope its based on facts, and not politics.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

People quick to condem this guy, how about hear all the evidence and the lawyers summing up and then wait for the jury to decide on the facts and the truths before claiming he is guilty or innocent, a person is dead another is going to trial lets watch the wheels of justice turn as they are supposed to.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Trial or no trial, we're still stuck in the position of not knowing what really happened when those two men confronted each other. That will never change with a guilty or not guilty verdict. The system can only make an opinion based on what is proven in court. People need to keep that in mind to keep a cool head after the verdict is released.

I personally think OJ killed his wife, but I think the prosecution botched their case, so in view of what the system is supposed to do, they made the correct decision. Bad data will give a bad result. The fault lies with the prosecution.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

People are also quick to defend him, but for the life of me I can't understand why.

No amount of screeching from the extreme right is going to change that Zimmermann went out of his way, against official advice, to create a situation that ended in an un-armed teenager being shot.

And not only that, it would seem the teenager had the courage to litteraly stand his ground against his stalker, and got killed for it! I think that is the part I find the most pathetic and cowardly in the whole stinking affair.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

"we're still stuck in the position of not knowing what really happened when those two men confronted each other."

True, but the real issue is the root cause of the confrontation is it not?

And a Neighborhood Watch volunteer carrying a loaded gun ...

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I don't think it is a stretch at all, after getting the chance to size up Corey. They definitely have something.

yabits, the problem has to do with what the charges are, and what they mean under Florida law. 1st degree murder means pre-meditation. Intent to kill. 2nd degree murder means death occurs, with intent to harm, but not intent to kill. Manslaughter means, reckless disregard. So what this prosecutor is saying, is that she has evidence that Zimmerman went after Martin, with the intent to harm him. That there was an altercation, that resulted in Martins death.

Let me give you an example of 2nd degree murder, and then one of manslaughter.

I'm pissed at you, pick up a rock, throw it at you, it hits you in the head, and you die. I didn't intend to kill you, but I did intend you harm, thats 2nd degree murder.

I'm set up a target in my backyard, shoot it with my rifle. The bullet passes through the target, into my neighbors yard, where it kills one of his kids. Thats manslaughter. No intent to harm, but reckless disregard resulting in death.

Where it gets tough has to do with self defense. The examples I gave are both my actions resulting in death. If I'm defending myself, then both those get thrown out the window. Manslaughter though, even with self-defense has a shot simply because Zimmerman by disregarding the 9-11 operators instructions to stop following Martin, was acting in reckless disregard, thus even with self defense thrown in, you can make the case that he is guilty. 2nd degree murder, you would have to say he followed him with the intent to harm him, and that, based on everything we know, and the injuries Zimmerman clearly suffered, is a reach.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

No amount of screeching from the extreme right is going to change that Zimmermann went out of his way, against official advice, to create a situation that ended in an un-armed teenager being shot.

Sorry madverts, but all that screeching, the vile and contemptible racism being demonstrated, is coming from the left, as they organize lynch mobs, put out rewards for Zimmermans head etc. Those on the right are saying, lets let the system work.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"Those on the right are saying, lets let the system work."

You're already on record saying the fact Martin was shot dead isn't the issue.

It isn't a left or right issue to me, it's a common sense issue that is at the heart of the right to bear arms that nobody wants to address.

And the people I mention on the extreme right are far from asking the system to work. Their/your defence of Zimmermann's handywork has been incredible.

Even right here on this thread you're claiming it was perfectly normal to shoot because the gunman "felt scared"....after stalking the kid at night.

Heh, you don't even know your doing it.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

yabits, the problem has to do with what the charges are, and what they mean under Florida law.

Maybe you should educate State's Attorney Corey on Florida law. You seem to think you know it better than she does.

What you do not know is the evidence she has, having swallowed Zimmerman's side of the story as thoroughly as you have.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I think the fact that Zimmerman disregarded the dispatcher’s instructions and continued to follow Martin cancels a lot of his claim to self defense. I’m all for citizens protecting their neighborhoods, but often the volunteers seem to assume too much authority and to be predisposed to taking law enforcement into their own hands. How can you claim self defense when you follow and confront someone whose real intentions you don’t know? Would it not have been just as effective for Zimmerman to have continued to feed information to the 911 dispatcher from a distance? I think this may go beyond manslaughter.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Just for clarity after 911 told him that he didn't need to pursue Martin and the meme that he didn't follow their instructions..

Read the exact verbatim transcript of the call just after he starts to pursue Martin.

911 Dispatcher

We don’t need you to do that.

Zimmerman:

OK.

911 dispatcher:

Alright, sir, what is your name?

Zimmerman:

George. He ran.

911 dispatcher:

Alright, George, what’s your last name?

Zimmerman:

Zimmerman.

He did stop then and followed the instructions. Whether he chose to start to after him again after this point or if Martin came back toward him is going to be up to a Jury to now decide. But the cold hard fact is he didn't disobey the instructions by 911 at that point, he stopped and he starting answering very specific 911 questions. You can't do that if your running in hot pursuit after somebody to confront them with a cell phone in one hand cupped to your ear and not even sound winded unless your some sort of super human.

http://www.documentcloud.org/documents/326700-full-transcript-zimmerman.html

0 ( +2 / -2 )

He did stop then and followed the instructions.

No. He did not. When it came time to decide where to meet the police, Zimmerman nixed meeting them at the mailboxes or by his vehicle. He asked the police to call him because he wasn't sure where he was going to be when they arrived.

The evidence presented at trial will better determine the timing and positions of both people. I do not believe Trayvon was actually "running" any more than I believe he had anything threatening in his "waistband" or was "on drugs."

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This is great news for "Little Trayvon"'s mama who can now continue milking the cash cow after she trademarked her son's name.

RR

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

"Whether he chose to start to after him again after this point or if Martin came back toward him is going to be up to a Jury to now decide. "

Officially I suppose that's correct.

Between you and me though, I think you'd have to be mentally handicapped, or a rabid Klansman - to suggest otherwise.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Too much politics here. Since this is the year the black (excuse me, the African-American) President is trying for re-election I wonder if the press outside of central Florida would have even noticed this, and I wonder if the state of Florida would have appointed a special prosecutor, and if charges had to be filed would the prosecutor have reached for second-degree murder? I just wonder how different this would be in a non-election year.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

RR, you most likely would prefer an "I believe you Zimmerman" t-shirt or mug. Lucky for you, this man has trademarked the phrase: <http://www.thesmokinggun.com/buster/george-zimmerman-trademark-filing-561243

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

No amount of screeching from the extreme right ....

Heh, those rallies organized by professional race baiters like Al and Jesse (and attended by Holder), and a $10,000 bounty "dead or alive" offered by the Black Panthers are all for the benefit of the "extreme right".

RR

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

RR you just mentioned more politics. If the race issue were reversed and it was a white supremacists group offering the reward the FBI, U.S. Marshals and the Department of Justice would have arrested the leaders of the group with-in hours of the announcement.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Frank,

You mean if a black man has shot an unarmed white man?

Good point for the racial crowd. I mean, if that had happened, the shooter (or any black male in the vicinity that looked like him would have been detained immediately, and we wouldn't be discussing it.

You shouldn't have brought that up.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

If the evidence proves Zimmerman guilty he should be jailed. But the other vigilantes in this case need to face justice as well. NBC edited the 911 call to make it as incendiary as possible.Firing the perps is not enough. They need to be held accountable. The New Black Panther Party put a bounty on the head of private citizen. They need to face the consequences. Just because Obama spoke at a BNP rally in 2007 where BNP leader Malik zulu Shabazz was also present does not mean the latter can go out, as he did on April 9th, and call for the formation of an all black army in Florida.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I was waiting for you to chime in with you best effort to make this about Obama.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Adverts - I guess you missed it

President Barack H. Obama:

"If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon."

. Ever the narcissist and divider, Obama,as in the case of Prof. Gates' arrest, foolishly inserted himself in this tragedy and had the gall fo call for national "soul-searching."

Yet in 07 he spoke before a BNP rally in Selma, the same BNP that put a 10,000 dollar bounty on the head of Zimmerman, a private citizen released, rightly or wrongly, by the the police in Sanford.

You want to see shrieking ? Try a YouTube search of Dr Khalil Abdul Mohammed (died 2001). Current BNP leader Shabazz is on record saying Mohammed is the BNP's "ideological standard -bearer."

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

No. He did not. When it came time to decide where to meet the police, Zimmerman nixed meeting them at the mailboxes or by his vehicle.

Yabits,

You cannot be seriously proposing that during that discussion with 911 after they told him to stop and he says Okay and proceeds to answers their questions , your name , address, phone number etc that he was all doing this at a full run in pursuit of Martin? He may have been walking around at that time trying to find him but he sure isn't running after him. No offense, but the last thing I'm thinking about George Zimmerman is that he some sort of criminal mastermind that called the cops, made sure to cover his tracks by giving the impression that he was cooperating with 911 while steathly hiding his "racism" and continued to stalk Martin, found him and forced Martin to fight him knowing that he would only get superficial injuries for a rock tight alibi before he shot him and had perfectly timed the police arrival to scene just after it happen to within about two or three minutes after he pulled the trigger. I think he's a frustrated neighborhood watch captain that was tired of the burglaries that had been happening under watch lately and their were a lot and took what he thought were his duties in protecting his neighbors to the next level. Instead of just of just calling 911 and waiting for the police arrive and then go looking for the suspect and if they found him let the Police do the questioning he decided that he was going make sure this one didn't away. And no Yabits, looking at Zimmerman's background and how he was raised and the fact that one of his 911 calls was to report a young African American male in his neighborhood as he was concerned for the kids safety as he was unsupervised and he was near a busy street with traffic prior to this incident . I mean this one wasn't going to get away not because he was black or profiled but to Zimmerman he was suspicious. You can keep playing the race angle all you want, I chose to actually live in 2012 where it is "gasp" actually possible that some folks aren't racists after all.

I also think Trayvon Martin was also frustrated 17 year old that just get sent to his Father after some trouble in school in the Miami area to straighten him out before it was to late and he become yet another teen with a police record and even worse prospects for the future and that the last thing he needed was some darn guy hassling him and that he also had a lot of anger in him at the time with being wrenched away from his friends being sent away to his father. I think this was all gasoline waiting for match in their fates and it got unfortunately and tragically it got lit.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

This case should teach all Hispanics who vote democrat just how much the dems really care about them.

Obama's Fast and Furious results in the deaths of 300-plus Mexicans who're killed with ATF guns? Hey, it's all good. A Hispanic who's a registered democrat shoots a black? Release the hounds.

RR

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Sail, we'll never hear Martin's side of the story so speculation about an angry young man could be up there with speculation saying Zimmerman actually planned this type of scenario, possibly looking to be some sort of local hero defending the community on it went horribly wrong. Speculation is easy.

Both are possible, but I think the facts are more important and there's been enough stupidity on both sides.

There will most likely be a deal cut, he'll have to serve some time in the paedo-wing otherwise he'll be shived, and the whole affair with the crazy right to bear arms issue neatly swept under the carpet.....

...until next time.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

President Barack H. Obama: "If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon."

A gold-toothed teen wannabee thug flashing gang signs on his FB page. Yeah, that sounds about right.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

Obama called on the nation for "soul searching".

Perhaps this is what he meant when New Black Panthers Party Chief of Staff Michelle Williams said during an online interview: "Let me tell you, the things that's about to happen, to these honkeys, these crackers, these pigs, these pink people, these ---- people. It has been long overdue. My prize right now this evening ... is gonna be the bounty, the arrest, dead or alive, for George Zimmerman. You feel me?"

RR

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

Did Obama really say that if he had a son....?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Yes he did.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why is it always "Zimmerman" & "Trayvon"? Why can't it be "Zimmerman" & "Martin" or "George" & "Trayvon"?

Why have we only seen a mugshot photo of Zimmerman & a (at least) 5 year old picture of Martin (when he was a smiling little kid)? I'm not sure if they're authentic, but some of the later photos of Martin that I've seen portray a much different image.

In Trenton, NJ there's a shooting or stabbing a couple times a week & no protests. Monday afternoon (2pm) a 22-year old was shot dead. Monday night (10pm) a 48-year old guy was shotgunned in his car by 2 carjackers (who then couldn't steal the car because neither could drive a manual). Amazingly, no witnesses to either has come forward....

Same story in many large U.S. cities....

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Don't need anything better than reality, Lieb. The Republican party is not the Party of Lincoln; it is not even the party of Eisenhower, not anymore. You've no doubt heard of the Southern strategy, in which the GOP became dominant in the South by exploiting anti-African American racism. To be sure, the Democratic Party support slavery before the Civil War and segregation for a century afterward, but when they began supporting the African-American Civil Rights Movement, the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act and desegregation, the racist whites bolted to the open arms of the Republicans under Goldwater, Nixon and Reagan. It's the same old hate with a different label, that's all. You're certainly wise enough to recognize that.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I really like reading about Americans arguing about far-right and far-left, it's hilarious. :)

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

You've no doubt heard of the Southern strategy, in which the GOP became dominant in the South by exploiting anti-African American racism

how like a true "progressive" - to believe that everyone else in America is as obsessed by race/identity politics as they are, a degree that apparently crowds out the many considerations the majority of Americans weigh when they vote.

From what I can tell folks in the South looked at the rest of the country getting wealthy through the 50s, 60s and 70s and quite reasonably concluded that the party that would bring to the South those same opportunites for social mobility and a better life for their kids clearly wasn't the party of lunatic George McGovern or the dweebish New Englander Dukakis. It was free markets that did the most for integration, not preening Democrat race hustlers or "compassionate" conservatives. Yeah, the GOP gained in the South, and they gained in that period which was the region's least racist phase ;the economic gains the region made (especially outside of the deep, more reactionary South) strike me as proof that they went forward, not backwards.

Dont forget people also vote with their feet: the trend for African Americans on the move these last few decades has been towards the supposedly racist repub South, not away from it.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

he says Okay and proceeds to answers their questions , your name , address, phone number etc that he was all doing this at a full run in pursuit of Martin?

At that moment, neither Zimmerman nor Martin were running. I doubt if Martin realized that Zimmerman had left his vehicle at the time he was on 911. He likely thought that he was home free since a vehicle couldn't go on the cut-through.

while steathly hiding his "racism" and continued to stalk Martin, found him

Yes, he continued to pursue Martin and found him well within a minute after he got off the phone with 911. It is possible that Zimmerman caught sight of Martin again when he told 911 to have the cops call him when they arrived. Martin was on the phone to his girlfriend at that time, and she says the altercation happened soon after Martin left the road area headed into the cut-through.

found him and forced Martin to fight him knowing that he would only get superficial injuries for a rock tight alibi before he shot him

Found him and started an altercation. It is conceivable that Zimmerman grabbed Martin, slipped on the wet grass and fell with Martin on top of him. The scuffle lasted a few minutes with both of them yelling at times, but the last 35 seconds or so are marked by Martin's screams for his life. Zimmerman at this point has lost it. He simply pulls out his gun and blows Martin away. (I believe the eyewitness who was walking his dog and saw only one person who was laying on the grass and crying for help.)

You can keep playing the race angle all you want,

Martin was targeted as a suspect because of his race. His death was swept under the rug by the Florida justice system because of his race -- just as his body lay as an unidentified John Doe for nearly 48 hours.

some folks aren't racists after all.

Tell that to RomeoR and the other whites who are demonizing a majority of black people as sympathizers with the Black Panther Party here.

I also think Trayvon Martin was also frustrated 17 year old that just get sent to his Father after some trouble in school in the Miami area

The only evidence of Martin's state of mind that night comes from his girlfriend. You can speculate all you want in a way that disfavors Martin. He seemed to show some fear and was justifiably upset that an unknown strange man would follow him all the way to the cut-through. Especially when Zimmerman made no attempt to identify himself before he accosted Martin.

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Yabits - nobody is reading your posts.

Find a new cross to bear.

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" Special prosecutor Angela Corey announced the charges but would not disclose details of her investigation, saying: “That’s why we try cases in a courtroom.” "

Do we really now. It seems pretty obvious that this case is being tried by political demogues, thugs on the street, and politicians who pander to them. Everybody has their mind made up, with no more deciding factor to go on than skin color. It is politics from top to bottom, with even the president chiming in, with his usual race card.

Expect this guy to be railroaded.

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Another example of reflective "soul searching" that Obama wants all Americans to do. This time, from former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and convicted beauty queen rapist, Mike Tyson:

It's a disgrace that man (Zimmerman) hasn't been shot yet. Forget about him being arrested--the fact that he hasn't been shot yet is a disgrace.

RR

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Expect this guy to be railroaded.

I dont think they can prove "beyond reasonable doubt"

So what you should expect are black people rioting (outside Champs Sports and Best Buy), ugly white people who have decided to hate what is socially acceptable to hate and far-right wing idiots hurling invective on their microphones.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Florida Statute:

782.03 Excusable homicide.--Homicide is excusable when committed by accident and misfortune in doing any lawful act by lawful means with usual ordinary caution, and without any unlawful intent, or by accident and misfortune in the heat of passion, upon any sudden and sufficient provocation, or upon a sudden combat, without any dangerous weapon being used and not done in a cruel or unusual manner.

This will be Zimmerman's ticket to walk.

RR

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Some legal experts had predicted the prosecutor would bring a charge of manslaughter, which carries up to 15 years behind bars. It is defined as a death that results from a reckless but not a depraved act.

This should have been the charge.

Legal experts said Corey must have compelling evidence against Zimmerman if she chose to charge him with second-degree murder.

No, she is just passing the buck. By bowing to pressure from the "black community" and most of the MSM, she decided to charge him with second-degree murder, instead of manslaughter. As with the Casey Anthony debacle last year, another Florida prosecutor has aimed too high and will lose.

In this case, whenever a verdict is finally reached, an acquittal on murder will create an even greater racial divide in the U.S. and spawn more violence. The media, Congressional Black Caucus, Spike Lee, Messers. Jackson and Sharpton etc. should be real proud of their work on this one.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This time, from former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and convicted beauty queen rapist, Mike Tyson:

And it's racist whites who believe that Tyson represents anyone but his own foolish self.

...any lawful act by lawful means with usual ordinary caution

Gee, funny how some people progress from a dunce's cap to another one with a pointy top. When Zimmerman pursued Trayvon Martin with a loaded weapon in violation of the Sanford Police's clear guidelines, he threw usual ordinary caution to the dogs.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Messers. Jackson and Sharpton etc. should be real proud of their work on this one.

They are circus clowns. How dare they even show their faces in public after Tawana Brawley, Crystal Mangum, OJ Simpson and the Jena 6?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@cleo:

Strange and a little sad that every article about this case has to mention the race of the people involved. Yet posters go burlesque when a JT article mentions the race of a suspected criminal in Japan.

I've seen a few that identified Zimmerman as Hispanic. If Zimmerman is Hispanic because of his mother's ethnic background, I guess that makes Pres. Obama white and Tiger Woods Asian.

@yabits:

When Zimmerman pursued Trayvon Martin with a loaded weapon in violation of the Sanford Police's clear guidelines, he threw usual ordinary caution to the dogs.

The prosecution will have the burden to prove that Zimmerman had continued that pursuit, and was not on his way back to his vehicle when attacked. They'll have a very tough job proving their case in a lot of ways. They're going to rue the day that it was decided to pursue second-degree murder charges, and not manslaughter.

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@yabits:

Martin was targeted as a suspect because of his race. His death was swept under the rug by the Florida justice system because of his race -- just as his body lay as an unidentified John Doe for nearly 48 hours.

I've read a bunch of times where people have claimed that since his body was a "John Doe" for 2 days that this is somehow indicative of racism by the Sanford Police.

Let's see...a 17 y/o with no I.D. on him...a teenager in a town where he would have been a complete stranger to just about everyone other than his father and his father's fiancee-who they were reportedly staying with. It's just inconceivable that he wasn't identified sooner-the only answer is racism!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@molenir:

Should he be convicted of 2nd degree murder for it, when the evidence we know about suggests there was an altercation, that resulted in Martins death. Thats a much tougher call. I'd have gone with Manslaughter, which needs only prove reckless disregard. Something that Zimmerman did by not following the instructions of the 9-11 operator. But 2nd degree murder is a step too far based on the evidence available. We'll see though. I sincerely hope this prosecutor has the evidence to back up her charges.

agree with this

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The prosecution will have the burden to prove that Zimmerman had continued that pursuit, and was not on his way back to his vehicle when attacked. They'll have a very tough job proving their case in a lot of ways.

Actually, I don't believe they'll have to do that at all.

The critical moments are the 40 seconds leading up to the gunshot and the forensic evidence of the distance between the two and the trajectory of the bullet. If, for example, the evidence indicates that Trayvon was lying on his back to the ground with the shot being fired by Zimmerman standing over him, all claims of "self-defense" can be ruled out. And it won't matter how the fight started.

Let's see...a 17 y/o with no I.D. on him..

But with a cell phone. Police do know how to extract information from cell phones. Plus, calls came to the police about a missing kid from the same community within 12 hours of the incident. Had this been a white kid, I seriously doubt it would have taken as much time to identify the deceased. This kind of double-standard is all too familiar to the African-American community.

To attempt to completely rule out any and all evidence of racism is utterly ludicrous.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Some people just appear as intellectual fools with all their yapping. The fact so far: zimmerman killed someone who obviously can't defend himself now. He was arrested and brought in for questioning. He told the police his version of what happened. The police took his word for it and let him go. That's almost like he had killed an animal and not a human being. Completely shoddy BS. He should have been charged from the inception tried then incarcerated or let go. Based on the report how can someone be running after someone else plea using the 'stand your ground' law? zimmerman was the aggressor in the first place for whatever reason. The person who fights off the attacker is the one who is standing his ground. Let the law take its course as it should have done from the moment the KILLING took place.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

He was arrested and brought in for questioning. He told the police his version of what happened. The police took his word for it and let him go.

Yes. But "his version" included receiving a beating that was so severe that he was afraid of losing consciousness, after receiving a blow to his nose that he later claimed "broke" it. And the Sanford police are looking at a guy who needed no help whatsoever getting out of the back of a car with handcuffs on. No bandages whatsoever and no sign of obvious bleeding less than 40 minutes after this supposedly savage attack.

Plus, no visible marks being reported on the hands of Zimmerman's alleged attacker.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Zimmerman so far from the evidence presented, was the cause of this whole situation and should be guilty of 2nd degree murder (unintended situation leading to murder), not manslaughter (completely accidental). I wouldn't say he was insane or anything like that. I know in my neighborhood I don't like people I don't know following me or confronting me if I'm minding my own business either. Zimmerman should have just listened to the dispatcher and just given the description of the young man and let the police handle it. When he started stalking Martin of course Martin would be wondering "Why is this guy following me?" and felt he needed to confront him. Since this case is going to court we'll get to see more evidence as its presented. The chips seem stacked against Zimmerman due to the fact that he pretty much initiated the whole situation from beginning to end even though he was told not to get any further involved.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Forgot to add while not a hate crime in my opinion it was definitely a straight case of racial profiling. Black guy wearing a hoodie (it was raining at the time if I'm correct) in a gated community that suffers from burglaries.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

"Zimmerman so far from the evidence presented, was the cause of this whole situation and should be guilty of 2nd degree murder (unintended situation leading to murder), not manslaughter (completely accidental)."

That's the way I see it, but manslaughter is probably the lesser charge he will be convicted of I imagine. In fairness, a fair trial at this point is far-fetched, but it is imperative that this man is not only sent to jail for killing this boy, but serves as a wake-up call to all the other nuts out there hitting the streets tooled-up looking for a confrontation.

I just read a US story about a 13 year old kid taking the wheel of the school bus after the driver had a heart attack and then the kids gave him CPR. I'd rather read some news like that from the US for a change, instead of gratuitous violence and its' macabre supporters.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

You can keep playing the race angle all you want, I chose to actually live in 2012 where it is "gasp" actually possible that some folks aren't racists after all.

sailwind. Great post. Thank you.

I've seen a few that identified Zimmerman as Hispanic. If Zimmerman is Hispanic because of his mother's ethnic background, I guess that makes Pres. Obama white and Tiger Woods Asian.

Zimmerman himself identifies himself as hispanic. Guess you missed that part. You and all the other racists who were going around calling him a 'white' hispanic.

Plus, no visible marks being reported on the hands of Zimmerman's alleged attacker.

coughautopsycough

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I hope this has been said already but Zimmerman being hispanic (even a 'full-on' hispanic) would not preclude him from being racist against black people. Racism isn't unique to just 'black' and 'white'.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

a fair trial at this point is far-fetched

I disagree and here is why: Fairness would greatly depend upon a juror's willingness to accept/admit that they have not seen all of the evidence that has been collected during the investigation. And there is just so much evidence that has not been presented to the public as of yet.

Few have defended Martin or castigated Zimmerman as strongly as I have, but if the ballistics information supports Zimmerman's version that Trayvon was on top of him beating away when he fired the shot, there's no way I could agree finding him guilty of second-degree murder. If however, the shot was fired with Trayvon on the ground and Zimmerman above him, second-degree murder becomes all the more apparent -- with the likelihood in direct proportion to the distance between them.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Few have defended Martin or castigated Zimmerman as strongly as I have, but if the ballistics information supports Zimmerman's version that Trayvon was on top of him beating away when he fired the shot, there's no way I could agree finding him guilty of second-degree murder. If however, the shot was fired with Trayvon on the ground and Zimmerman above him, second-degree murder becomes all the more apparent -- with the likelihood in direct proportion to the distance between them.

In other words, you should reserve judgment til all the facts come out, since you don't know what happened specifically at the start of the altercation, and you have no more idea than we do about any "ballistics info."

No bandages whatsoever and no sign of obvious bleeding less than 40 minutes after this supposedly savage attack.

Why don't you wait til the police reports detailing what they observed come out and what the medics saw and TREATED and filed in their report before you assume you know what you're talking about, O.K.? I worked as an EMT in the military for several years and can at least imagine a bit what they did. Do you have any experience in the field?

Maybe you should put yourself in Zimmerman's shoes first, and think about why he was so suspicious of Martin that day...it was raining, the person appeared to be a stranger and was black... the neighborhood had had one incident after the other with blacks committing crimes there...look it up. But, no, this might make some sense.

Should Zimmerman have immediately followed the instructions of the police and not followed Martin anymore? Yes. But from that point on we're left to guess at what really happened. And it will be very hard for Zimmerman to get any sort of fair trial as others have said as well, because Zimmerman has become the national "fall guy" for any and all wrongs done to blacks.

Perhaps the majority of the MSM should look more closely at Obama's hometown of Chicago, led by his pal Rahm Emanuel, and think a little more about black accountability for the rash of black-on-black murders there this year. Or how about using this as an opportunity to talk about crime in general, but no, no, no...that would force the "black community" to take a hard look at the incredibly disproportionate # of crimes they commit and have to answer for it with a little accountability.

So let's make ONE tragedy, the death of Trayvon Martin, into the biggest news story in the country now and for who knows how many months to come. This is much easier for a largely lazy media, and for all the gravy trainers who are now, and will for a long time to come, profit of the tragedy of Trayvon Martin's death.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"because Zimmerman has become the national "fall guy" for any and all wrongs done to blacks"

Balderdash.

He is the victim of his own stupidity in carrying a gun whilst on Neighbourhood Watch, and actively seeking (against professional advice) a confrontation that he alone initiated, that ended in a 17 year old being shot to death.

I'm going to repeat this until you take you all take your hands off your ears.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Yabits,

I cannot see Zimmerman recieving a fair trial by jury in light of the media frenzy in all fairness.

Neither do I see how forensics can prove the final moments accurately.

But, a man on a mission with a loaded gun says enough.

It's time to address that second ammendment stupidity. It's more than time.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

"It seems pretty obvious that this case is being tried by political demogues, thugs on the street, and politicians who pander to them. Everybody has their mind made up, with no more deciding factor to go on than skin color. It is politics from top to bottom, with even the president chiming in, with his usual race card.

Expect this guy to be railroaded."

Is that you Willi Lynch? You tell'm son.

Railroaded?? SMH...when these people you are talking about end up in the courtroom, then you'll have a point. You obviously have tried the case too. So where to your convictions lie? I know, I know, you are completely fair and unbiased...of course. SALTS.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

No wonder Trayvon was followed. It seems like so many others are still in fear of black people. They are even placing blame on specific black individuals for Zimmerman being charged because of the "pressure" they put on the prosecutor. May I remind the folks who think this is true that, the Martin FAMILY wanted this to happen before anyone else.

Zimmerman is being charged because he shot and killed an unarmed person and the evidence is showing that his claim of acting in self-defense is questionable enough to charge him with 2nd degree murder, period. The supporters of the Martin family, and their request that he be charged, are there to see that justice is done. In the past, cases like this one have been brushed aside and sometimes ignored. History proves this. We as citizens of the U.S. should never allow that to happen. Regardless of the verdict in this case, we should be glad that it was, at least, brought to court. Now let the chips fall as they may. This is how our system works. Like it or leave it. But don't just get upset because you don't like who is in favor of seeing justice. And for the record...these folks that keep getting named are allowed to have their own opinions, just like yours. So many seem to think that only they can resist being persuaded to do what they desire. Well if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I support the fact that Zimmerman will get his day in court...Bad (Thumbs down).

I support Zimmerman regardless of all the facts...Good (Thumbs up)

...pathetic

0 ( +1 / -1 )

RomeoR - Another example of reflective "soul searching" that Obama wants all Americans to do. This time, from former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion and convicted beauty queen rapist, Mike Tyson:

It's a disgrace that man (Zimmerman) hasn't been shot yet. Forget about him being arrested--the fact that he hasn't been shot yet is a disgrace.

Tyson is just another example of the lynch mob, who don't know the facts or don't care what the facts are. Tyson, Spike Lee, Sharpton, Jackson, NBC/MSNBC, CNN, ABC and all the others. They believe Zimmerman must be hunted down, murdered, kidnapped, convicted, and maybe even arrested. The lynch mobs only need a rope and a tree.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

" LET JUSTICE PREVAIL OR THE HEAVENS FALL "

This is NOT enough, the " Stand Your Ground " laws should be abolished.

More from the four-page court filing: Later while talking about Martin, Zimmerman stated "these ---holes, they always get away" and also said "these ----ing punks." During this time, Martin was on the phone with a friend and described to her what was happening. The witness advised that Martin was scared because he was being followed through the complex by and unknown male and didn't know why. Martin attempted to run home but was followed by Zimmerman who didn't want the person he falsely assumed was going to commit a crime to get away before the police arrived. Zimmerman got out of his vehicle and followed Martin. When the police dispatcher realized Zimmerman was pursuing Martin, he instructed Zimmerman not to do that and that the responding officer would meet him. Zimmerman disregarded the police dispatcher and continued to follow Martin. Zimmerman confronted Martin and a struggle ensued. Witnesses heard people arguing and what sounded like a struggle. During this time period witnesses heard numerous calls for help and some of these were recorded in 911 calls to police. Trayvon Martin's mother has reviewed the 911 calls and has identified the voice crying for help as Trayvon Martin's voice. Zimmerman shot Martin in the chest. When police arrived Zimmerman admitted shooting Martin. Officers recovered a gun from a holster inside Zimmerman's waistband. A fired casing that was recovered at the scene was determined to have been fired from the firearm. Assistant Medical Examiner Dr. Bao performed an autopsy and determined that Martin died from the gunshot wound.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/george-zimmerman-charged-2nd-degree-murder-trayvon-martin-143832017.html

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Stand your ground law should not be abolished. By that thinking that it should be, anyone who wanted to rightly defend themselves from an attacker should just sit back and be murdered/raped/etc. From what I've read about my local self defense law (Colorado) outside of one's personal domicile is that you will be found in proper defense of your life or others if there is ENOUGH physical/provable evidence to show that you were in the right to take the offenders life if it comes to that. Doesn't neccessarily mean one has to carry a gun.

This case most certainly different than the justified "make my day law" that claimed the life of another teenager that was shot upon breaking and entering into a mans home while he was there. Martin was on the street, not in or around someone's house. I personally could not call this a hate crime "Oh I'm going to shoot him because he's black...", its just simple racial profiling "Its a black man so he must be up to no good so I'd better not let him get away!".

0 ( +2 / -2 )

What a pity that Florida thinks it needs this "Stand your ground" law. I'm very thankful I don't live in Florida or anywhere else in the U.S.A.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

whiskeysour - " LET JUSTICE PREVAIL OR THE HEAVENS FALL "

This is NOT enough, the " Stand Your Ground " laws should be abolished.

Contact your local Florida legislator and make your feelings known.

Even if you managed to change Florida law, SYG and self defense laws would still apply in Zimmerman's case.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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