# Martin/Zimmerman: humble opinions and speculation thread **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 18, 2012, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125 "2012-04-18T04:41:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![newme](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e0b2c6/32.png) [@newme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newme)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/201 "2012-04-20T18:51:52Z")
In Zimmerman’s statement today at the hearing, he said, " I did not know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit younger than I am." During his non-emergency call with police he said: > [@](#): > > Dispatcher: How old would you say he looks? > Zimmerman: He’s got button on his shirt, late teens. > Dispatcher: Late teens ok. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/202 "2012-04-20T18:54:48Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > Also keeping in mind that it is not the purpose of the trial or the hearing to arrive at “the truth”. > > Regards, > Shodan In fact, the impossibility of arriving at "the truth " means that for all intents and purposes there is no truth to arrive at. A trial creates the truth, it doesn’t arrive at it. ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/203 "2012-04-20T18:54:55Z")
I never understood what he meant by “he’s got a button on his shirt, late teens”. If we weren’t talking about a tragic situation, it would be the funniest non sequitur ever. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/204 "2012-04-20T19:01:40Z")
> [@newme](#): > > In Zimmerman’s statement today at the hearing, he said, " I did not know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit younger than I am." > During his non-emergency call with police he said: > > > [@](#): > > > > Dispatcher: How old would you say he looks? > > Zimmerman: He’s got button on his shirt, late teens. > > Dispatcher: Late teens ok. Maybe that is the sort of thing the investigator meant. But if it is, it does not seem to me to be particularly devastating. Reality is messy. Fiction wraps up everything neatly. And a story that is perfect in every detail is often a story that has been rehearsed. That doesn’t mean we accept whatever Zimmerman says at face value. It means that, **maybe** , when Zimmerman first spotted Martin he thought he was in his late teens, but revised his age estimate after Martin punched him in the face and began bashing his head on the ground. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/205 "2012-04-20T19:07:26Z")
> [@you with the face](#): > > I never understood what he meant by “he’s got a button on his shirt, late teens”. I assumed it was a superficial description of whatever Zimmerman noticed immediately about Martin. He describes what Martin is wearing and gives his race as well. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/206 "2012-04-20T19:16:29Z")
“He’s got a button on his shirt.” I’ve got lots of buttons on lots of shirts. That just sounds weird – not that it means anything in this whole deal – but every time I hear that I picture Dagwood Bumstead with one giant button in the middle of his chest. ---
**Author:** ![dngnb8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/977dab/32.png) [@dngnb8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dngnb8)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/207 "2012-04-20T19:17:19Z")
[Warning Graphic Photo: Possible New Evidence Shows George Zimmerman’s Bloodied Head](http://gma.yahoo.com/warning-graphic-photo-possible-evidence-shows-george-zimmermans-050145810--abc-news-topstories.html) By MATT GUTMAN and SENI TIENABESO | Good Morning America – 14 hours ago A new photograph obtained exclusively by ABC News showing the bloodied back of George Zimmerman’s head, which was taken three minutes after he shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, gives possible credence to his claim that Martin had bashed his head against the concrete as he fought for his life. \ [![](https://abcnews.go.com/images/US/ht_george_zimmerman_head_dm_120419_wmain.jpg) ](https://abcnews.go.com/images/US/ht_george_zimmerman_head_dm_120419_wmain.jpg) * * * I dont remember who I was responding too, but he inferred the images I saw were made up. This is what ABC news is posting from the trial now. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/208 "2012-04-20T19:22:31Z")
I’ve seen the quote as “he’s got something on his shirt, late teens”, which doesn’t make a lot more sense. I haven’t actually heard the recording, so maybe he and the operator were talking over each other and he was in the middle of describing Martin, then heard her question about age and answered it. Whether it was “button” or “something” seems unlikely to be relevant. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/209 "2012-04-20T19:26:51Z")
> [@you\_with\_the\_face](#): > > I never understood what he meant by “he’s got a button on his shirt, late teens”. It makes sense with [context](http://www.homeonthehillblog.com/2011/07/dont-you-sometimes-wish.html). ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/210 "2012-04-20T19:31:26Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > Did you ever read Heinlein’s “Stranger in a Strange Land”? If so do you recall what a “Fair Witness” is? It had a huge impact on me, it’s such a fantastic concept: > > I love that. > > And it suddenly occurs to me that the Fair Witness should actually say: “it appears to be white on this side”… Yep, I have read every single Heinlein novel. I think I’ve worn out a couple of copies of Stranger and Harsh Mistress, and I might be able to reconstruct Starship Troopers from memory. ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/211 "2012-04-20T19:32:35Z")
> [@Jack\_Batty](#): > > “He’s got a button on his shirt.” I’ve got lots of buttons on lots of shirts. That just sounds weird – not that it means anything in this whole deal – but every time I hear that I picture Dagwood Bumstead with one giant button in the middle of his chest. Since hoodies have usually have zippers not buttons, I can only assume he meant one of those buttons with funny slogans or whatever that you pin on your clothes. If so, I wonder what was on Martin’s button. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/212 "2012-04-20T19:36:54Z")
Well, probably not his school award for perfect attendance. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/213 "2012-04-20T20:05:57Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > Well, probably not his school award for perfect attendance. > > Regards, > Shodan And that is oh so relevant. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/214 "2012-04-20T20:33:03Z")
Maybe it said “ask me why I’m here!” or “Please profile me”. That could explain everything. Also, for the record, I cut school in High School one time. I guess I probably should have been shot for it too, rather than just a day of suspension. Guess I got off easy. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/215 "2012-04-20T20:44:10Z")
More likely it was a bullseye. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/216 "2012-04-20T20:50:42Z")
Judge granted bail for Zimmerman. 150K > **[Bail set at $150G for George Zimmerman while he awaits trial in Trayvon...](https://www.foxnews.com/us/bail-set-at-150g-for-george-zimmerman-while-he-awaits-trial-in-trayvon-martin-shooting-death)** > > A Florida judge said George Zimmerman can be released on $150,000 bail as he awaits trial for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. As I posted several pages back, he’s no threat to society. He can’t run because his face is known coast to coast. Bail makes sense. I’m a little surprised there’s no mention of an ankle bracelet. But, the article did say there’s several details to work out. Including the possibility of letting him live out of state. I do think he should wear a tracking bracelet and be restricted to within 25 miles of where ever he’s living. That would allow a fairly normal life, shopping, and maybe even working someplace while he’s waiting for trial. > **[Bail set at $150G for George Zimmerman while he awaits trial in Trayvon...](https://www.foxnews.com/us/bail-set-at-150g-for-george-zimmerman-while-he-awaits-trial-in-trayvon-martin-shooting-death)** > > A Florida judge said George Zimmerman can be released on $150,000 bail as he awaits trial for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/217 "2012-04-20T20:51:07Z")
“Hello, my name is: burgler” ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/218 "2012-04-20T20:52:33Z")
“Don’t shoot me, bro!” ---
**Author:** ![Airbeck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/airbeck/32/6574_2.png) [@Airbeck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airbeck)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/219 "2012-04-20T20:55:58Z")
> [@you\_with\_the\_face](#): > > “Don’t shoot me, bro!” Haha, awesome 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![dngnb8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/977dab/32.png) [@dngnb8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dngnb8)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125/220 "2012-04-20T21:00:03Z")
No worries, We have Spike Lee if we need his address. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-zimmerman-humble-opinions-and-speculation-thread/619125.md?page=12)