Thursday, January 13, 2005
I read the article "Attack on Satanist Shows Absurdity of Hate Crime Laws" (http://www.lp.org/press/archive.php?function=view&record=688), and frankly, I was a little disappointed, Mr. Seehusen. Yes, I agree that hate crime charges are kind of silly. I think if you attack a person, regardless of their race, religion, etc., you should be punished equally- very strongly but equally. I don't care if they worship God, Satan, goats, whatever; everyone should get equal protection under the law. I agree.
However, when you said, "When a law supposedly designed to protect religious minorities is being used to protect devil-worshippers, our criminal justice system has been turned upside down," honestly, I got a little upset. I know we agree there should be no law, but since it's there, I think that Satanists (as well as other religious minorities) should be protected under it. Since the law is what it is, whether we agree with it or not, attacking a Satanist is still a hate crime. You can't say that it shouldn't be treated as one because it's protecting someone who have beliefs that you don't agree with. That defeats the entire purpose.
In conclusion, Mr. Seehusen, I think you are a disappointing Libertarian.
However, when you said, "When a law supposedly designed to protect religious minorities is being used to protect devil-worshippers, our criminal justice system has been turned upside down," honestly, I got a little upset. I know we agree there should be no law, but since it's there, I think that Satanists (as well as other religious minorities) should be protected under it. Since the law is what it is, whether we agree with it or not, attacking a Satanist is still a hate crime. You can't say that it shouldn't be treated as one because it's protecting someone who have beliefs that you don't agree with. That defeats the entire purpose.
In conclusion, Mr. Seehusen, I think you are a disappointing Libertarian.
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