Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida and the Republican Senator who sponsored Stand Your Ground say George Zimmerman went way beyond self-defense.
Said Durell Peaden, the former FL Republican senator from Crestview who sponsored the Stand Your Ground bill: “The guy lost his defense right then. When he said, ‘I’m following him,’ he lost his defense.”
Said Jeb Bush, the governor who signed the bill into law: “Stand your ground means stand your ground. It doesn’t mean chase after somebody who’s turned their back.”
But the Tampa Bay Times says they are wrong, and that Stand Your Ground has already protected those who pursued others, started confrontations, and then killed someone.
The George Zimmermann trial (and there will be one) could be the Rodney King trial in reverse. It brings together two explosive issues; race and gun rights. Expect a Bonfire of the Vanities and serious polarization.