Zimmerman has been found innocent of murdering Trayvon Martin.  The case was complicated, the evidence mostly circumstantial, and the delay in collecting evidence and seriously investigating the death was the real miscarriage of justice.  The case again divided the country.

But to me, the verdict is the least controversial issue about this.  The celebration by many of the acquittal of Zimmerman is the saddest part, as it shows racism is alive and healthy in America.  Zimmerman's lawyers have shown by their out of court statements that they are racists and bigoted against blacks.  The state of Florida has gone back toward its Jim Crow roots in the past couple decades as it again suppresses the rights of non-whites.  Florida is a racist state that showed some promise of overcoming its past in the 60s and 70s.  The six women on the jury are surrounded by a state and local culture that is racist.  They were no doubt genuinely convinced the evidence was not beyond a reasonable doubt.

The saddest thing is that this verdict will result in more shootings of blacks and minorities by arrogant bigots.  Indeed, Zimmerman was one by his own statements.  Toting guns and threatening minorities has been given encouragement.  Fortunately, in most states, such killings are not ignored for weeks by the local police.  Evidence is collected promptly.  Perhaps - probably - if the evidence in this case had been collected immediately Zimmerman would have been convicted. 

Funny how our white celebrants are still outraged that OJ got away with murder.  Again, circumstantial evidence.  Go ahead, find any person who tells you that "justice prevailed" yesterday and ask how they feel about OJ being found not guilty. 

The justice system in America is still deeply flawed.  Local good-old-boy networks pervade the courts and prosecuting attorney's offices.  Here in Bellingham and Whatcom County we have even recently shown our ability to run a black out of town and criminalize the poor, non-white or Indian residents.  A few years ago, this website took up the cause of black woman living in Bellingham.  Her neighbors, our police and our courts went after her.  Our local human rights groups ignored her plight.  They were afraid of making waves.  She was driven from Bellingham. 

The killing of Trayvon Martin is an American tragedy - as much for his innocent death as for the support his killing has received from many citizens.  It has become a rallying point for those who are bigoted and racist. And that is the saddest part of the not guilty verdict.

A post script:  While writing this, I checked for comments to the Herald's story this morning, and they're already up to 246 comments.  Above is a screen grab of the most popular.  This story by me on NWCitizen may get one, two or a dozen comments - but each will show the actual name of the person expressing their opinion.  The Herald site - well - it may be a truer reflection of our community as each commenter can hide behind a pseudoynm.

Added:  Below are one or more links to other articles.