Politics

Colin Powell Not Sure Trayvon Martin Case Will Have "Staying Power"

Called the verdict questionable

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Speaking on CBS's "Face the Nation" Sunday morning, formerSecretary of State Colin Powell – the first black man to hold that position – was asked to give his opinions about the Trayvon Martin case.

He began by calling the judgment "questionable." Neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman was acquitted of manslaughter and murder charges in his killing of Trayvon, who was 17, unarmed, and black.

But just as interesting as his doubts about the justice of the verdict are his doubts about the historical importance of the case. While the trial stirred deep questions about race inAmerica, Mr. Powell seemed to dismiss the idea that it would leave any lasting imprint.