WHY DO WE HAVE HATE CRIMES?

With a number of recent killings directed as specific groups, there is a renewed call in many circles for tougher “hate crime” laws.  Of course, these crimes are horrendous and may call for the death penalty.  But should certain crimes be selected based on what the criminal was thinking?  Do we go into intent?  Isn’t this the thought police in action?  If there is a murder, then the victim is dead, no matter what the motive.  Should the exact same crime be treated differently depending on who the victim is?  I think not, and my new column states just why.  Take a look by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.