Martin’s death should not have happened

Kudos to you for selecting the piece that you did on the Zimmerman/Martin Case. I am a white male who worked in the Civil Rights Movement in South and Central Florida (the region where the Zimmerman/Martin confrontation occurred) from 1967 to 1977. I and my black brothers and sisters witnessed the terrible verbal and physical abuses perpetuated on blacks by the local police when we had peaceful marches and demonstrations.

Martin's death should not have happened. One news report stated that a Seminole County (Central Florida) Animal Control Officer is the one who convinced Zimmerman to carry a gun to defend himself while making his rounds in the neighborhoods he covered. In these parts of Florida, there are unleashed vicious dogs that can inflict serious bodily harm. However, pepper spray is non-lethal and an effective deterrent.

Zimmerman should have been armed with a taser, which is non-lethal weapon in most cases, while a very effective device in dealing with an aggressor. We can blame the gun lobbies that want to arm every adult for this tragic incident.

Our President Obama reminded us in his recent speech regarding the case that “Blacks look at this type of incident through a set of experiences and a history that doesn't go away.” From my own experiences, I know he is right.

Jim Slitor

Retired, professor of political science and international relations

Decorah