"When Shepard was found, he was unconscious and his skull had been smashed with a blunt object, according to news reports. He also appeared to have substantial burns on his body and cuts on his head and face, his family said. Two motorcyclists who found his body said he looked "like a scarecrow" because of the way he was positioned on the fence. Shepard was in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colo., where he was unconscious and hooked up to a respirator. He had twice been beaten recently and attributed those attacks to his openness about his sexuality---Washington Post 9/9/98
"Brian Deneke�s skull and chest had been crushed by the two-ton Cadillac, his collar bone torn from his shoulder...a girl who was in the car testified that Camp described himself as a "ninja in my Caddy" and said, "I bet he liked that" as Deneke lay dying on the parking lot...In September, the trial jury convicted Camp of a lesser charge of manslaughter and sentenced him to 10 years' probation and a $10,000 fine. The fine will be waived if he meets the terms of his probation."---20/20 1/6/99
Two different towns. Two different motives. Two different people.
Yet both Matthew Shepard and Brian Deneke fell victim to senseless hate crimes. Shepard was a student at the University of Wyoming. A very conservative and close minded community rejected Shepard's open homosexuality, driving two of his peers to act ultraviolently. Shepard was tied to a fence, had his skull smashed in, knocking him unconscious, adorned with various cuts and bruises. He was left there for more than 12 hours, with the temperature plunging below 30 degrees. Shepard died in the hospital 3 days later. Both of his murderers would receive life sentences. Deneke on the other hand was punished for his choice in living a punk lifestyle in Amarillo, Texas, deeply rooted in the small town mentality.. One night the jocks were to battle the punks, until Dustin Camp made a fatal decision: to chase down Deneke with his car. Deneke ran from the car, but Camp hit him, first smashing against the windshield, then rolling over his body to the sound of 2 thuds. Deneke's body was crushed as the intoxicated Camp drove away. Camp was tried for murder, but the punks were being put on trial for as violent goons who invoked Camp. He was not convicted of murder, but of manslaughter with probation. In the supposed melting pot of the world, we are now killing people for their lifestyles choices, for being different, something we promote to our youth. It doesnt make sense, it doesnt add up. Since when have we as individuals have been bestoyed the right to judge another? And yet the Republicans in Congress like Trent Lott have constantly shooting down Hate Crime Bills saying they're giving certain groups "special" rights. But how can one fully be assured their given rights as an American to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness when they are targeted for being gay or being a punk or being black or green or anything that we as modern society deem as "abnormal"??? We need to stand up, telling our lawmakers we will not tolerate this. We will not justify the insecurities of others. This is true fascism in action and only you can stop it dead in its tracks. Vote liberal, get out in your community and inform the politically illiterate--get informed, get involved.
*Stop the Hate*
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