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Opinion
Editorial

April 11 , 2012

No justice, no peace
Tr a y v o n Martin was killed. Shot at point blank range with a semi automatic hand gun. G e o r g e Zimmerman By Lizz Vensas was found at the scene and News Editor taken into custody. He admitted to firing the fatal shot into the boy, claiming it as self-defense. After questioning, Sanford police sent him home. No arrest was made. Martin lost his life on February 26. A month and a half has gone by with no arrests. In the meantime, racial tensions rise as the country aches in need of justice. Protests and rallies have shot up all across the country. The hooded sweatshirt has now become a symbol, being worn by marchers in Grand Rapids and across the country. In a swift media fire storm, much focus has been on racial profiling. Reports suggested Zimmerman could be a racist. On the opposite side, Zimmermans defenders say that was the farthest idea from his mind. The Chicago Tribune reported that the New Black Panthers have offered a $10,000 bounty for the capture of George Zimmerman. The group believes that the shooter acted with racist intentions. Even some of the participants in the recent Grand Rapids Hooded March are crying racism, with members of the march saying this is a white persons world, and racism still exists under the surface. I understand this sentiment; racism is still alive in the United States. For me, the tragedy in this case is more about the fact that this 17-year-old kid was shot, there is a confessed gunman, and there is no trial date. Whether that has to do with racial injustice or loose gun laws is yet to be determined. But nevertheless, I look at the loss of Trayvon and feel sadness for a life cut short. The bottom line is the longer that George Zimmerman is free, the more restless the public will get, and the more the media will turn this into a feeding frenzy, causing a separation of the public by racial lines. Without a trial, there can be no justice. The reason Zimmerman has not been arrested is because of Floridas Stand Your Ground Law, stating that if someone is attacked, he has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary. If evidence shows that Martin did, in fact, attack Zimmerman, then this law could be cited, and I would be satisfied with whatever the courts decide. Though I do find it hard to believe that this 28-year-old man felt so in fear of his life that his only option was to shoot a 17-year-old kid, a boy on his way back from local store with skittles and iced tea. Something else I find appalling is the fact that special prosecutor Angela Corey, after a month and a half, has yet to decide if they will take Zimmerman to a state or federal court. In the meantime, he is walking free while Martins family grieves a heavy loss.

GRCC: Home of the drivethrough degree program

At 7:00 a.m. the alarm clock goes off. At 7:45 the tardy bell sounds to signify the start of the school day. And finally, at 2:45, the bell rings to let students out of school for the day. From there, its off to soccer practice, then to the school play, and finally home to quick finish homework due the next day and maybe squeeze in some Modern Warfare. The point? High school students are too busy. GRCCs next plan? Let students try to take college classes and earn an Associate Degree while also trying to keep a girlfriend, play sports, and deal with oozing pimples. Oh, lets not forget the job of maintaining a decent high school GPA and finally receiving a high school diploma. The article GRCC signs diploma agreement on page three of this issue announced that Grand Rapids Community College and Wyoming Public Schools have reached an agreement that will allow high schools to gain a high school diploma and an Associates Degree by high school graduation. The program is available to students who have a 2.5 GPA, grade level reading and math skills, the credits necessary for their grade level, and success in the Accuplacer test. Wait, what? A 2.5 sucking back Mountain Dews or were you truly ready for a college class? There is a student maturity concern with this idea. High school is a time for teenagers to grow and mature, to gain new friendships and learn the basics before college. A tenth grader is in no shape to take college classes. Mentally, they just arent where a college student should be. Their minds arent developed the way they should be. Let the growth that happens in college happen when it should. Let the students take college classes when they are fit and when they can truly absorb the information. Stop muddling up the lives of already busy high schoolers. Grand Rapids Community College is a place where students learn discipline. No more mommy and daddy holding your hand and forcing you to go to school. As a place of education, why is the college taking away the learning that should happen around a college campus?

GPA? Reading and math skills that are only at grade level? If this program is going to happen, which it appears it is, this should be for the gifted. It should be for the people who excel. With this program, the school is taking the easy way out. No more having students on GRCCs campus, no more having to pay college professors to teach them. On top of that, think back to your high school days. Think about your maturity level. Were you farting in class and

What are your feelings on the Trayvon Martin case?

Submit a letter to the editor at room 339 Main, or leave a comment about the article on www.thecollegiatelive.com
Student Shoutout by Justin Dawes

Let your voice be heard!

Contents of the editorials reflect the opinions of the respective writers, not necessarily those of the entire staff, students, or GRCC.

Do you think texting in class is distracting to students, or do you think they can handle it?

I think its a distraction because it interrupts the class. It should be all eyes on the teacher, not all eyes on phones.

Lindy Nawrocki Sophomore

Its not really a distraction. I dont mind silent texting, but if it goes off, its a bother. If teachers dont like it, they need to enforce it.

DeShawn Dyson Freshman

I think its a distraction. People do it when theyre bored. You cant text and listen at the same time.

Mackenzie Farage Freshman

Well Im guilty myself, and it is distracting to me. But Im not a distraction to others if the phone is on silent.

Darnella Tate Sophomore

I dont care about texting in class. Its more of a distraction when the teacher stops class to talk about it.

Jake Holovka Freshman