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I'm going to leave on this note (I have to sleep since I work overnights). The entire situation was a travesty. A kid died because of George Zimmerman's actions. That is a fact. Race played a role even though you all wrongly disagree and I get that. The system may have "worked" but the system is broke and rarely do we see justice for people of color. The pessimist in me thinks that will never change either. I was disgusted with other white Americans gloating about how they were right, about how Trayvon was a gangbanger and got what he deserved, and some even had the hatred in their heart to contribute to his defense fund. Imagine an African-American male getting that kind of support in a self-defense case?! Impossible, I know. White people love to rally behind causes like this. Don Imus insults black women in an unbelievable manner, whites say they'll tune in to his show. Paula Deen uses racial slurs, whites rush to buy her cookbooks. George Zimmerman kills a black teenager in self defense, whites donate to make sure he goes free. The list goes on, and it's embarrassing to me. This isn't just about Trayvon Martin, there is a bigger picture. Most of you won't even acknowledge it exists. You bring your standard replies of "don't bring race into this" or "stop playing the race card" which only prevents any progress in the numerous racial injustices and problems in this country. Carry on.

Nope, you'll just never get it. He followed him because he was black which made him suspicious.

The second he followed/harrassed a black kid because he was......black. What is this, the wild west?! You're saying a dangerous thing here. What you're saying is murdering someone is completely fine as long as you're already fighting with fists and the fight isn't going your way.

George Zimmerman is a racist. Period. Read the link I provided above, maybe you'll learn something. But why do white people have to glorify George Zimmerman and the court system?! Seriously, a 17 year old being killed is nothing to gloat about! It's sickening but sadly, not surprising... I actually knew this response was coming the second I used the word "felt". It was manslaughter in my eyes. I thought the criteria was met.

You all should take the time to read this quick essay by Tim Wise. I know most of you won't but here is the link: http://www.timwise.o...to-my-daughter/ An excerpt:

Maybe, he could have shoved him, grabbed him, etc. There are plenty of possibilities. Imagine if Trayvon Martin was defending himself?! Naw, couldn't be.

Here is the !@#$ing problem with this law in Florida (and wherever else it stands): you can basically start a fight with anyone, start losing the fight and then kill the other participant, claim self-defense and get away with murder. Because again, there is no proof Trayvon started any kind of fight no matter how much you guys scream he did. Felt like manslaughter to me. Seemed to meet the requirements in my eyes.

That's not it at all. It was FACT that she shot and killed Trayvon Martin. The burden of proof is now on him to show he acted in self defense. NONE of that proves self defense.

I was told this by a lawyer from NY. If you claim something like self defense or insanity, it is on the defendant to prove this to "justify" the killing. "Expired"? You sound like the Zimmerman brothers. What facts have I missed?

He didn't have to prove he acted in self defense. The prosecution has to prove beyond a reasonable that he DIDN'T act in self defense. It's different in a state such as New York where you have you prove that you DID act in self defense.

My thread is still alive! Obviously, I'm outraged by the outcome. Florida's stupid laws let George Zimmerman kill a teenager with no consequence. George Zimmerman's words are apparently enough to claim self defense. He will always be a coward to me. Things like turning Trayvon Martin into a "gangbanger" and "thug" (white America's favorite words to describe black kids) were despicable but par for the course. I hope all those other cowards, the ones who contributed to the Zimmerman defense fund are happy. The "truth" came out.

Responses are in bold. The catalyst was the bad loans being made by banks to anyone who wanted a house. The government allowed this to happen and failed at regulation. Compound that with the fact that these loans were getting packaged and repackaged and sold on to the next bank only created an even bigger ripple effect. Getting the economy to rebound to great standard is a tough task. We are in a very different place than we have even been when looking at the job market. It's tough to see where the jobs will come from and if they do come, will they pay a living wage? I am torn on listening to the Krugmans of the world because this isn't the same economy of the 1930s. I do agree that helping states rehire teachers and others would have a net positive effect on the economy, but it's not enough. I have a fairly bleak outlook for the future economy. I believe it will improve over the next couple years before tanking again due to remaining high debt levels by consumers, rapid technological growth, and an increasing wealth/income gap. This is coming from a very optimistic person as well... You've lost me Ox. I don't what any of this means.

The economic situation weren't even remotely similar. 2007 sparked a GLOBAL crisis. Nobody had the correct answer for what to do. Keep taking shots brah! Looks like your the one who has trouble growing up.

If you say so, but it's clear to any rational person that the two situations were different. For the record, I would have raised the debt limit in either case because the consequences are too severe.

Nah, I'm good. But, what your outlook on the job market? It can't be good.