[farmfriend]

Well if this was a black effigy you wouldn't hear them using the "free speech" argument. It would be branded for the hate speech it is. Since we have a hate speech law, we need to enforce it.

Then there is the question about whether we should even have hate speech laws. That is for another day.

[NoJoke]

Why another day? Hate crimes laws are thought control.

If I use racist terms towards someone, then they can use them against me or fight me, the government shouldn't be able to punish me for using a racist term in a sentence or even being a racist.

Hate Crimes = Thought Crimes.

You are being punished for opinions/beliefs.

[an amused spectator]

I just had an evil thought: instead of tearing down the effigy, use the "hate crime laws" supported by good little Leftist lawyers like the Pearcys.

Sneak up and spray paint the effigy's face black. They'd sprain an arm tearing it down themselves.