Government

House Dems Back Down on ‘Trayvon Amendment’ Designed to Punish ‘Stand Your Ground’ States

Raul Grijalva, Keith Ellison and House Democrats Back Down on

Reps. Raul Grijalva (left) and Keith Ellison, support the amendment (Photos: AP via Politico)

The Washington Post is reporting that Democrats have halted their efforts to pass a “Trayvon Amendment,” after they learned that it would be considered out of order under the evening’s rules for debate on the House floor.

The controversial bill was designed to punish or pressure states that have “Stand Your Ground” laws by docking roughly 20% of their money under the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants, which provides some $370 million to fund a wide array of programs that include law enforcement, drug treatment, jails and prosecutor’s offices.

“Stand Your Ground” laws — which allow residents to use force when attacke without first retreating — have come under heavy fire after Trayvon Martin’s death at the hands of George Zimmermann in late February.  Some allege that Zimmerman would have been arrested far sooner, or punished more severely, if Florida’s laws had been different.

(Related: ‘Let’s Kill That MF’: Read the Shocking Tweets Calling for Violence After Zimmerman Posts $150,000 Bail)

Raul Grijalva, Keith Ellison and House Democrats Back Down on

Trayvon Martin, left, was fatally shot by George Zimmerman, right

The Washington Post explains:

Rep. Keith Ellison, Minnesota Democrat, said he will still try to force a debate at a more “appropriate” time in the future, saying action is demanded by the case of Trayvon Martin, the Florida teenager who police said was shot dead in a street encounter with a neighborhood watch volunteer.

[...]

“Shoot-first laws make prosecutions harder because they presume the use of deadly force is reasonable,” Mr. Ellison said on the House floor Tuesday…

However, Politico maintains that the authors of the amendment knew it had zero chance of passing in the Republican-dominated house.  Rather, progressives just wanted to put lawmakers in a position where they would have to choose “whether they want that law, or the appropriate level of public safety funding.”

“I think that’s a position they need to be put in and that they should have to explain to voters why are these laws more important than police funding,” the communications director for Raul Grijalva, the co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, continued.

Business Insider dubbed the amendment “political theater.”

Comments (110)

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  • BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:06pm

    This sounds like the progressives in the House are trying to BLACKMAIL the American people by using the American people’s own money. Funny how Communists are really good at that.

    Report Post »  
    • Truthbeliever2
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:47pm

      The person who wrote the story and put up these picures is listed at the top of the page. She is a progressive HACK, and a LIAR. Put up the recent photos of these two MEN!

      You make me sick!

      Report Post » Truthbeliever2  
    • johnjamison
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 4:15pm

      Really could there be a more basic human right than the right to defend ones self and property. Every state needs to pass a stand your ground law. And that law should apply even when the aggressors are agents of the government.

      Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 6:54pm

      MN Liberal mooslum senator Ellison says, “…Shoot-first laws make prosecutions harder because they presume the use of deadly force is reasonable,” Mr. Ellison said on the House floor Tuesday…”
      But the real reason he wants the SYG laws repealed is then he and his ****** cronies won’t be threatened by Speedy Justice when they attack Infidels.

      Report Post »  
    • turkey13
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 7:10pm

      I don’t understand what Ellison wants! Law enforcement are private citizens in our towns walking down the street with an AK-47 or pump shotgun. I would think that if cities start fireing union people and makeing Jo the Plumber a deputy with no pay there will be more violence that he ever thought of.

      Report Post »  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 12:08am

      Play your game Minnesota Democrat Keith Ellison. I’m in Minnesota, didn’t vote for you, won’t vote for you. I WILL paste flyers, make various newpaper submissions, and speak LOUD and CLEAR regarding your views on legal defense of self. You have no sh*tting business in politics,,,and I will do my part to see you have no more.

      Report Post »  
    • CaptMickeyd
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 10:58am

      Is there not a picture out there of Zimmerman NOT wearing jail orange? Really, is this the only picture available?

      Report Post » CaptMickeyd  
    • TRUTHSENSE
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 3:04pm

      WOLF is right. Not only would it put the innocent at a disadvantage to his murderous Muslim brothers, it would put us to a disadvantage to any carjackers and home invaders on the streets. I have been a correctional officer for over 8 years and it didn’t take me long to realize that a correctional officer is considered just a little lower than an inmate. Now law abiding citizens are considered by the Democrats as just a little lower than a carjacker or home invader. “Shoot-first laws make prosecutions harder because they presume the use of deadly force is reasonable,” Mr. Ellison said. I would say that Ellison is an idiot for calling it a “shoot-first” law, but he choose that term to intentionally mislead. And now we have the Democrats determined to assist the criminal element in their crimes against law abiding citizens if the states refuse to do it,

      Report Post » TRUTHSENSE  
    • DisgruntledInClinton
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 4:05pm

      When Zimmerman gets a “not guilty” because the prosecutor is charging him with too serious a crime, there will be riots in the streets. And in a just world, Sharpton and Jackson and Shabazz (sp?) will go to jail for inciting riots.

      Report Post »  
  • recoveringneocon
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:04pm

    Looks likes more attacks from Congress (Dems this time) against the Peoples and States Rights. Where is the Constitution does it allow for this?

    Report Post » recoveringneocon  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:17pm

      Yes , the democrats much prefer, “ the watch your wife and daughter get raped law ” no thanks you commie bastards, I shoot first and question later…..and blaze, why are you still showing this ten year old Trayvon Martin photo ???this kid was a 200 lb thug in trainng…….white Hispanic my butt…..

      Report Post »  
    • Truthbeliever2
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:45pm

      Hey Erica,
      All of the readers here see what you are doing. Put up the recent photos; you progressive HACK!

      Report Post » Truthbeliever2  
    • rcguy
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 7:03am

      Sign on my front door with picture of a Glock 17, “DUE TO PRICE INCREASE ON AMMO – DO NOT EXPECT A WARNING SHOT! Thank you for Your Understanding.

      Report Post » rcguy  
  • moreteaplease
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:01pm

    Retreat first? I don’t think so. Shoot first is the more preferable option for me.

    Report Post » moreteaplease  
    • BumperMorgan
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 4:46pm

      Retreating will make you more of a victim.

      Report Post »  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 5:50pm

      If they think I’m going to turn my back on an agressor who is taller and ouweighs me they are crazy.
      At least if I am facing the a hole when he decides to attack I can put a few in the middle of his chest.
      I will not only stand my ground but will stand on the agressors chest.
      .45 forever.

      OMG 2012

      Report Post »  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:00pm

    ellison is an anti american waste…besides after zimmerman is aqitted we will all need to stand our ground,,,and of course we will..lol

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
  • killdozerd11
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:57pm

    The Stand your Ground Law is going to be needed right after George Zimmerman is Acquitted

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:56pm

    Grandstanding, plain and simple. A law in Treyvon‘s name to take away a person’s right to defend themselves against criminals.

    And a reminder to the racist blacks……..:”.Zimmerman is guilty” from members of Congress. Shameful.

    Report Post »  
  • FromSeaToSea
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:55pm

    LETS NOT FORGET – Treyvon was a criminal comitting a felony assualt on a US citizen until proven otherwise. This shows the evilness of men like Repr. Ellison. Mr. Zimmerman is a hero until proven otherwise. The gun was a blessing for Zimmerman at the time. Mr. Zimmerman is a victim of the marxist regime and the tyrannical system of politics responding to a lynch mob. There is nothing Constitutional about Mr. Zimmermans treatment.

    Mr. Ellison needs removed from office by the good citizens of MN.

    Report Post »  
  • brother_ed
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:53pm

    The funny thing is, they want to cut “roughly 20% of their money…to fund a wide array of programs that include law enforcement, drug treatment, jails and prosecutor’s offices.”

    Would you need the money if the citizens were armed and served justice in their own living quarters?

    Report Post » brother_ed  
  • killdozerd11
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:51pm

    The “Stand your Ground Law” will be needed after the farce trial…….And George Zimmerman is acquitted

    Report Post »  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:49pm

    This is only one more move they will continue to make; watch for the main maneuver to come via regulation and some kind of executive fiat by Obama. There is still more coming down the line at the federal, state, county and city levels area by area until the socialist progressives gain dominance.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Docrow
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:49pm

    Please show current pictures of Zimmerman and Martin!!!!

    Report Post » Docrow  
  • mcsledge
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:47pm

    I fully support the ‘Stand Your Ground’ concept. No one should be forced to cower until death is imminent.

    If your man enough to initiate a confrontation, you sure as hell better be man enough to deal with the ramifications.

    Report Post » mcsledge  
    • Cavallo
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:54pm

      Stand your ground laws do not apply if you initiate an encounter.

      Report Post » Cavallo  
  • contkmi
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:47pm

    Ah, yes. The co-chairs of the Congressional Progressives Caucus, otherwise known as communists. They want social justice. Guess what that means?

    Report Post » contkmi  
  • Rowgue
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:45pm

    People that think the zimmerman case has anything to do with stand your ground are simply morons. The zimmerman case is garden variety self defense. You can’t retreat when somebody is sitting on your chest slamming your skull against the concrete sidewalk.

    Using their logic all a criminal has to do is eliminate your ability to escape and you are then obligated to allow them to rob/rape/beat/kill you. “You didn’t retreat first, so you aren’t allowed to defend yourself!”….”But he had my legs chained to a radiator how was I supposed to retreat?”…..”That’s irrelevant! The law says retreat then defend! You did not retreat!”…..”Are you really that stupid or just pretending to be?”….”That’s irrelevant!”

    Report Post »  
  • FromSeaToSea
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:39pm

    Majoring in the majors – HOW IMPORTANT IS THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS? In His own words heres what a terrorist 225+ years ago said……….

    “Firearms stand NEXT IN IMPORTANCE TO THE CONSTITUTION ITSELF. They are the American PEOPLES TEETH and keystone under Independence.” George Washington

    To Quote again “next in importance to the Constitution itself.”

    Ellison is a traitor of the USA. He was painted a bullseye on His career. 200 million guns say so.
    If You live in Minnesota, on behalf of every gun lover in America, send this guy packing.

    Report Post »  
    • LizzieTookAnAxe
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:30pm

      I live in Minnesota and Ellison is nothing more than an illegal alien, ****** loving commie pos. I have NEVER voted for him and I never will, as I live in his district and he does not now or has not ever represented me. How could he? In his eyes I don’t count as I am a White woman.

      Report Post »  
  • CougarNick78
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:37pm

    Keith Ellison, another “flusher” that popped up from Minnesota. What the heck are they ingesting, smoking, or shooting up in that state? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.

    Funny, no one mentioned the WWII vet and his wife whose home was invaded and died afterward. The wife in her late 80s was raped, beaten, and stabbed. Died afterward. Her husband a vet of the 101st Airborne, died just this week. Physical wounds, but I also imagine a broken heart.

    Why the HELL hasn’t ANYONE covered this?

    http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/07/beating-suspect-could-face-additional-charges-in-wwii-vet-death/?test=latestnews

    Report Post » CougarNick78  
    • MN NICE
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:52pm

      Many of us feel the same way, COUGAR… That tool’s (Ellison’s) whole district should be flushed and thoroughly cleansed…

      Report Post » MN NICE  
  • BreeZee
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:36pm

    Raul Grijalva and Keith Ellison belong to the congressional progressive caucus other wise known as the socialist party of congress…(look it up) ,

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:58pm

      These commies are also rampant in the White House .. time to clean them all out!

      OMG 2012! LIBERTY

      I will stand my ground regardless .. I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. When seconds count the police are minutes (if you are lucky) away… and blacks have made a LOT of threats especially in Florida where I live .. Second Ammendment STRONG!

      Report Post »  
  • Rajabear1
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:35pm

    Hey, real nice Blaze. Ya think just maybe you could put the most recent pics of both of these people rather than play the same game that the MSM has been playing with this case?

    Report Post »  
  • BreeZee
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:34pm

    Hey Blaze editors, quit playing lame street media by putting a pic of a 12 yr old TM and a mug shot of GZ. I think your better than that!

    Report Post »  
    • cemerius
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:42pm

      I agree!

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • CatB
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:54pm

      My first thought also .. time to stop playing the LIBERAL games!

      Report Post »  
    • Atilla
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:57pm

      Yeah since pictures are worth an alleged 1,000 words why not put up the picture that is relevant to the case. Self defence agains a 12 year old really doesn’t fly and neither does this caption. Unless of course, the 12 year old has a gun.

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:58pm

      I agree. The Blaze should be better than this.

      Report Post »  
    • FromSeaToSea
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:02pm

      Of the four mug shots, 3 are criminals. 2 for attempting to impose laws treasonous to the Constitution and one a picture of a criminal who tried to killed Mr. George Zimmerman, a Constitutional hero.

      Until proven otherwise the truth stands.

      Report Post »  
  • thegreatcarnac
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:34pm

    It is a good law and gives the common, regular citizen a chance to defend themselves. The blacks want it removed (blacks/democrats) because the can‘t easily rob ’whitey’ anymore.

    Report Post »  
  • cemerius
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:34pm

    Yeah, because it was DONE for publicity ONLY!!! When does this farce of a “trial” begin????

    Report Post » cemerius  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:32pm

    Here we go with another knee jerk reaction. This is a poseable moment that will be used in the tonight’s MSM news shows to slam such states and Republicans in general who stand up for our rights to self protect. The Dems and liberals in general want us to be like the populace in England for those of you who read the other story here on the Blaze. Furthermore, no bother to wait for the investigation or trial to be completed to base this on true facts.

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • clockwatcher
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:31pm

    Vote for the Trayvon Amendment and get defeated in November. That simple.

    Report Post » clockwatcher  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:30pm

    …
    Every state should have the “Stand Your Ground” law.
    We are tired of retreating, and becoming the victims of violence.

    Report Post »  
    • BreeZee
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:43pm

      Everyone needs to pressure their reps and senators to protect the 2nd. we must let it be known to congress they work for us. WE THE PEOPLE need to stand up to these socialist progressives and take our RIGHTS and AMERICA back.

      Get involved, get a friend involved, get a neighbor involved

      “I WILL NOT COMPLY”

      Report Post »  
    • FromSeaToSea
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:44pm

      Every State does. We have the Constitution of the US & most State law express’ the same right – the right to “bear arms.” Most of the terrorists and criminals wear suits, smile, cash taxpayers check, openly live large, lie to their flock, and attempt to legislate the right “to bear arms.” These people are traitors to everything America was founded on and to all Your rights under the Constitution given at birth to You and I.

      Report Post »  
    • momrules
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:21pm

      I do have a Stand your Ground law…. Mom’s Rule……….You come at me or into my house with the intention to hurt me……….I will kill you.

      Report Post »  
    • FromSeaToSea
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 3:30pm

      @ BREEZE

      If our rights are taken and not returned, the solution will only come by bearing arms.

      “THE STRONGEST REASON for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, TO PROTECT AGAINST TYRANNY in government” . Thomas Jefferson

      “It is the DUTY of the Patriot to protect his country from ITS government.” Thomas Payne
      Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
      Ronald Reagan

      We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution.
      Abraham Lincoln

      Report Post »  
  • AvengerK
    Posted on May 9, 2012 at 2:30pm

    Well gosh Mr Ellison…when a 6′3″ 160 lb teenager you suspect is up to trouble is hitting your head against the pavement isnt’ it time to defend yourself?

    Report Post »  
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