Zimmerman Was Jekyll and Hyde, Trayvon Smoked Pot

Has the media gone too far in reporting on the case?

Image: AP

This has been a week of visceral reactions to Trayvon Martin's shooting. Last weekend, most people were united in outrage that Zimmerman hadn't been arrested. But since then, conservatives have hit back against what they saw as false outrage, and accused African American protestors of "playing the race card." The Drudge Report began portraying Trayvon as a delinquent, and conservative site The Daily Caller dug around in Trayvon Martin's Twitter feeds for evidence of bad behavior, as though they might find something that would justify Trayvon being shot dead while unarmed.

But if the smear campaign against Trayvon Martin is disturbing, it's also unfair to subject Zimmerman to a trial by media and convict him on the basis of gossip and hearsay about his past life. And that's pretty much what's been happening: on Friday, the New York Daily News published a story on Zimmerman's alleged "history of violence." An unnamed ex-co-worker told the paper that in 2005, Zimmerman was fired from his job as a security guard at illegal house parties for being "too aggressive." His former co-worker used vivid language: "it was like Jekyll and Hyde. When the dude snapped, he snapped."

Weigh in: is it fair for the media to report on Martin's past history, or Zimmerman's? Are any of these details relevant to the case?

[Kptpredsfan]

I have been a pretty vocal left wing voice on this site since it began...but I will admit the race thing has been blown a bit out of proportion. (Looking at you Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton.) However I see no relevance at all that smoking pot has any bearing on this case at all. Pot does not make people aggressive, it is not addictive, it does not cause violent crimes. (unless the GOP does the research curiously enough). Lets have both sides tone down the rhetoric and let the courts decide....but lets all keep a close eye on it as this case will set a precedent for gun laws in other states.

[karebear]

Agree :)

[karebear]

It is fair 2 bring up zimmermans past it shows what kind of man he is! Is he violent is he crazy what?? So yes it is very fair as for martin no! The kid was unarmed plain and simple him smoking a little pot here and there is a crime but really shouldn't be! Anyone wanting educated on pot should go 2 joerogan.org he has some very good FACTS on the so called drug! There has never been a od on pot pot does not make u crazy or alter ur thinking if anything it makes u a better thinker.. It helps sick ppl and helps elderly ppl who are low in weight. It does wonders on head aches cramps eye sight and etc. Read up on it! Pot was made illegal because some asshole got jealous cause hemp was bringing in more money then products not made of hemp. U know at one time it was illegal not to grow pot so before u judge the so called drug I suggest u educate on it

[intrance210]

Ummmmm.Ooook,And pot residue was found on Mr.Martin! So What? Hopefully justice Is Sought.But there are Indeed skeletons in Everyone's closet!! And blk panthers,a $10,000 "hit?" Is that ALL the "powerful" group can scrounge together? What a Joke.