Demonstrators held a peaceful rally in Beverly Hills against the George Zimmerman trial verdict, but 17 people were arrested during a rally that turned rowdy in Victorville, California, authorities said Wednesday night.

The block immediately west of Highland Avenue in Hollywood is a tourist Mecca.  The Famed Grauman’s Chinese Theater is there.  Almost immediately next door is the Dolby (Former Kodak) Theater that is home of the Academy Awards show.  Across the street is the El Capitan Theater.  See pictures in the Los Angeles Photo Gallery.

I have visited this area dozens of times.  But since the Zimmerman trial the area has become a center for demonstrations against the verdict.  That has led to criminals storming the streets to steal whatever they can.  It’s just an excuse for criminal behavior that some believe will not result in punishment.  They are wrong.  The police have made arrests.

I have served on many juries both civil and criminal.  Once in the deliberation room all of those jurors struggled to reach the correct decision.

The O.J. Simpson murder trial resulted in a not guilty verdict.  There were no demonstrations even though many believed him to be guilty.  Both the prosecutors and the defense attorneys did their best to convince the jury.

I know of no better system to determine guilt or innocence.  Highly capable lawyers do have a bearing on the outcome.  O.J. Simpson’s lawyers were among the best.  If Zimmerman was Black and Martin was White would the verdict been different?  I believe the answer is Yes.  There is racial bias/bigotry in this country and I hear some of it almost every week.  Still this is the system.  The law must prevail.

Demonstrations are permitted. Vandalism is not.