NRA official: Media sensationalizing Martin case

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

NRA official: Media sensationalizing Martin case

AP foreign, Saturday April 14 2012

JIM SALTER

Associated Press= ST. LOUIS (AP) — A top National Rifle Association official levied sharp criticism against the national media on Saturday, accusing it of sensationalizing the Trayvon Martin case and ignoring other crimes that happen across the country every day.

NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre didn't mention the Martin case by name during his speech at the group's annual meeting in St. Louis, but he accused the media of "sensational reporting from Florida." The 17-year-old Martin was unarmed when he was fatally shot Feb. 26 in Florida by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who claimed self-defense.

Police initially didn't charge Zimmerman, prompting nationwide protests. Zimmerman was charged with second-degree murder last week.

The case has drawn new attention to self-defense laws that give people a broad right to use deadly force without having to retreat from a fight. The NRA strongly supports such statutes, known as "stand your ground" or "castle doctrine" laws, which are in effect in about 30 states.

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Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/feedarticle/10195075

[Hoyt]

1. Yes Wayne, we know guns are good and it was a good kill

for the right wing gun toters. I bet the audience got all silly and applauded loudly. Might even have waved their guns around assuming they were allowed to pack.

[shadowrider]

2. I have this sinking feeling Martin is purely an afterthought in the political battles.

People on BOTH sides are more concerned with advancing political agendas with Martin being used as a pawn.

Just my opinion. Yours may differ.

[Boabab]

6. You're right. In the eyes of most

this stopped being about Trayvon a long, long time ago.

[Baitball Blogger]

3. Republican's can't recognize a groundbreaking case when they see one.

That's why they want to do away with the courts. This concept of checks and balances upsets them so.

I'm not sure they would recognize an American freedom unless someone engraved it in the butt of their rifles.

[Cheap_Trick]

4. They're just mad it took away from the usual "missing blonde white girl" stories. nt

[Boabab]

5. If I was an NRA official

I would be running away from GZ as fast as my legs could carry me.

This is not the poster boy for the SYG law who will "showcase" the legislation to its best advantage.

Better for them to call GZ what he was, an irresponsible gun owner who is not covered under SYG, and cut all ties and support for him.

[Skittles]

8. but they won't do that

because in truth, the NMR pimps for ANYONE who wants a gun

[krispos42]

7. The media is certainly sensationalizing self-defense laws

Which doesn't change the fact that it's likely, almost certain, that race played a major part in the shooting, and is thus a big fucking deal

[ileus]

9. Why must they state the obvious...