A presumption of racism

Re: “Do not waste this moment,” July 18 syndicated column:

Leonard Pitts describes how African Americans and civil rights activists have fought, and won, battles for equality in America over the years.

This is all true and something we should all be aware of.

However, Pitts draws a comparison between such travesties as the Jim Crow laws and the death of Trayvon Martin, as well as George Zimmerman’s subsequent acquittal.

Not only is Pitts implying that he knows that Zimmerman — a man he has never even seen — is a racist, but also that he is guilty.

Pitts has fallen into the trap of joining public sentiment over the American justice system. None of us was there; none of us was in the courtroom. Those who were decided there was not sufficient evidence to convict a man of a killing. That is how it works.

If Pitts disagrees with the jury, that is one thing, but by making the issue about race, not evidence, he also implies the jury was racist. The trial is over; there remained reasonable doubt, despite the opinion of millions who didn’t witness the killing.

African Americans have many issues far more important than this incident to focus on.

JOSH R. GARDNER
BUENA VISTA

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