Far-right groups behind Florida’s law

Much is being said about the killing of teen Trayvon Martin by “neighborhood watchman” George Zimmerman in the Orlando, Fla., suburb of Sanford. Zimmerman’s advocates claim that he is protected by Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” recently passed by that state’s legislature and signed by Gov. Jeb Bush. That law gives an individual the right to use deadly force if it is perceived that there is a threat to his/her life, anywhere in the state. Apparently the shooter has no responsibility for proving to others that the law applied and that his/her life was in fact threatened.

When I learned that the American Legislative Exchange Council — the organization responsible for much of the anti-union, anti-public worker, anti-voter and other egregious legislation being introduced into various Republican-controlled states — has been the driving force behind “Stand Your Ground” legislation in Florida and many other states, the pieces began to fall into place. The is also supported by the National Rifle Association. Case closed.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows