When is a Hate Crime an Act of Terrorism?

Reading about the death of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado and the capture of his accused murderer here: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/11/18/puerto.rico.gay.teen.slain/index.html

By the comments, many people do not understand the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and why it was passed. Premeditated murder is evil by itself, and the victim is dead, no matter how he arrived at that state. However, the perpetrator goes beyond the bounds when he (or she) uses the murder as a statement of terror against a group that happens to include the victim, especially when the murder was committed solely because of the victim's inclusion in that group. The Holocaust comes to mind, and the Trade Towers. When the message of the murder is not just to kill one individual, but to put terror in the hearts and minds of all members of the group to which the victim belongs, that act needs to be set apart and recognized as particularly heinous. I'm glad that our society has chosen to send a return message to all who contemplate such acts, and hope that it may prevent others. Does anyone think that prosecution of hate crimes will aid in prevention of such crimes?

I may be celebrating Obamaween this year. Kids come to the door with their bags and say, "Trick or Treat!" I say, "Welcome, kids. At our home we're celebrating Obama Halloween." Reach into their bags and pull out some candy, placing it in a large bowl marked, "Children's Ward, County Hospital." Then say, "We're taking from those who have and giving to those who don't have. We are redistributing candy the same way Obama is redistributing wealth." Should be a learning moment.

Then you can add, "Well, do you like Obama Halloween or would you like conservative Halloween?" If they pick conservative, give them some of the candy you have ready.

Support the Irish

Just saw this post and became incensed: http://blasphemy.ie/2009/09/30/campaign-for-a-secular-irish-constitution/comment-page-1/

I hope all sane people will join me in encouraging freedom of speech in Ireland. Check out the site and join the cause!

Why we love to hate lawyers

Just finished an article at Skeptic.com by Steve Salerno, "Criminal Injustice." One attorney, Gary Spence, who has not lost at trial since 1969, added a sidebar, "Bad Schools, Bad Lawyers, Bad Deals." He claims almost all defendants "could claim inadequate representation." He also states that, "There are thousands of people in the penitentiary system who are not guilty of the crimes they are charged with." The prosecutors offer extortionary tactics of taking a plea for a short period of years or facing 20 years-to-life by going to trial. The power of the state is very nearly absolute, so in absolute desperation innocent people will admit. Does anybody beside me see the flaws in this system?

Has anyone read and studied the U.S. Constitution?