Expecting Rain

The shooting of Trayvon Martin and the song, The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll are so powerfully linked it brings tears to my eyes. Then, in a moment of calm clarity other songs and lines flood right through me and I have to ask, have the times really changed?

Dylan has shone an intense light on many injustices and failings, including my own. I wonder, what can I do to stop the next war?

Rather ironic that the shooter is named Zimmerman.

Yes, the irony wasn't lost on me.

Hmmmm...not sure I see the link. I see LD of HC as being not just about race, but also class.

I think this Zimmerman guy was a college student (perhaps a little older than most) who desperately wanted to be a cop. Certainly not a wealthy individual like Zantzinger.

Also, I think Zimmerman really thought that Martin was a threat to the neighborhood and possibly to himself. Not an excuse for his actions, but perhaps he was just afraid of African Americans...it's what makes the "Stand your ground law" so insane. It makes homicide OK if you feel threatened. So if you feel threatened by black people....fire away.

Anyway, Zantzinger certainly was not threatened by Hattie Carrol.