Zimmerman verdict to come soon. Be vigilant.

The Zimmerman trial verdict may come as soon as later this week or early next week.

Be extra vigilant and use an abundance of caution when the verdict is handed down, especially if it happens Friday afternoon.

Frankly, we don’t expect any rioting or race-related attacks (aside from what passes as “normal” in Chicago), but it’s better to error on the side of prudence and caution.

Should you hear of rioting or unrest in or near the city where you live or work, give those areas a wide berth.  It will not be time to make some popcorn and pull up a lawn chair on high ground and watch the festivities.

Encourage your friends and neighbors to remain calm as well.  Inflammatory rhetoric or actions serve no positive end.

(Breitbart) – On Monday, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office released a video calling on the public not to riot in the wake of the George Zimmerman verdict, expected this week or next in Florida. The Sheriff’s Office released a statement explaining that it was “working closely with the Sanford Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies” to coordinate “a response plan in anticipation of the verdict.”

The video, titled “Raise Your Voice, Not Your Hands,” focuses on attempting to channel reaction into non-violent response. It depicts two youngsters, one black teenage boy, one Hispanic teenage girl. “Raise your voice!” says the girl. “And not your hands!” says the boy. “We need to stand together as one, no cuffs, no guns,” says the girl. “Let’s give violence a rest, because we can easily end up arrested,” says the boy. “I know your patience will be tested,” says the girl, and then both conclude, “but law enforcement has your back!”

“Let’s back up and choose not to act up, and deputies are with us, so no need to act up,” says the boy. “Let it roll off your shoulders,” says the girl, “it’s water off your back, don’t lack composure, because in one instant it could be over.” Both conclude: “So let’s make the choice to raise your voice and not your hands.” Sheriff Scott Israel says, “I’m Sheriff Scott Israel, and law enforcement does have your back.”

Remember, the best way to win a violent confrontation is not to be there.

Even if you use deadly force justifiably, it doesn’t mean there won’t be a great deal of negative fall-out.  If you have any doubts about that, look to what’s happened to George Zimmerman.

Be safe and be smart.