The Chaff

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2004

Hate Crime

I’m kind of torn about hate crime legislation.

People tell me “All crime is hate crime.” But that’s not true, is it? A lot of crime is motivated by hate, true, but more is probably motivated by greed.

Some people argue that the mindset of the criminal should be irrelevant when punishing a crime. But it never is, is it? We already do that, don’t we? Isn’t that the point of first, second, and third degree murder versus manslaughter?

Here’s why I’m leaning towards hate crime as a different issue than “regular” crime: rehabilitation and recidivism.

If I commit robbery because I need the money, then if I can get a job, I will be less likely to commit that crime again.

If I commit robbery because I am mentally ill or have a drug problem, then I will be less likely to commit that crime again if I get my head straight.

If I commit robbery because a black man had money and no nigger should have more money than white people, then I will be less likely to commit that crime again…when? When all the coloreds are back in their proper place?

See my problem?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 23rd, 2004 at 8:59 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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