Bush Expected to Veto 'Hate Crimes' Bill

Originally Posted by Happy Monkey

That's not how it works, or how it ought to work.

In a fatal car accident, was it manslaughter, negligent homicide, or murder? How can you tell without hearing from the witnesses? Was the defendant drunk? Speeding? Did they know the victim? Was there bad blood between them? Was the car in good repair? Did the victim leap out in front of the car?

Right, pick the correct charge and stick with it, but manslaughter is manslaughter.

The burning cross argument is silly, it can be assault if meant that way... but race is not an issue. The motivator does not matter, just the crime.
It is like saying a drunk driving accident is littering because glass is left on the highway. But, those using the argument know that, it is just a red herring because they know they are losing the debate.