Hate Crime Question
Posted on 6/24/00

What makes a hate-crime a hate-crime? You might think you have the answer, but really ask yourself that question. Why is it less of a crime to commit an act of violence against your race than another? I acknowledge there is a difference between a random shooting and a vicious hunt for a person who is different. The three killers in Texas who dragged their victim behind a truck certainly deserve life in prison...maybe even worse. Their crime is no more atrocious than a man of same ethnicity walking into a store and killing the owner for some quick cash. Both crimes leave behind grieving families and unanswered questions.

Why is one victim treated as if he or she is more important than the other? Why is one family left to feel that their pain is not as important to the government? Both crimes are equal in their savageness and should merit the same sentencing. When the federal government tries to figure out what was in someone's heart when they committed a crime, everyone loses. Violence is violence and should be punished equally.

Back