On the matter of the case of Trayvon Martin, the most high-ranking man in the land and the leader of the free world, President Barack Obama, hasn't had that much to say. What he has had to say has mostly been limited to the oft-repeated quote noting that if he had a son, that son would likely look like Trayvon Martin did.
In a surprise briefing, the President finally weighed in on the trial almost a week after the verdict. In short, he told the country that the fight to eradicate racism has made some progress, though not enough.
Furthermore, that Florida's laws (like the 'Stand Your Ground' law that enabled George Zimmerman) need examination.
Finally—and crucially—Obama explained that young African-American men and the way they feel about their place in America (and what every American has to do with that) needs to be honestly reexamined for their betterment.
Some quotes:
On African-American reaction to the trial and its verdict:
On looking at the racial implications of the case:
On re-examining "Stand Your Ground" laws:
On young African-American men:
On the changing state of race in America:
[Image via WhiteHouse.gov]
