I am also opposed to the idea of hate crimes as well.
If you strike someone without good reason (self defense for example) you have done wrong IMO and should be punished.I don't care how white the perp might be or how black the victim might be.I'd have no problem sending a white guy to death row for killing a black lesbian if the evidence supported such a verdict.I'd have no problem sending a white guy to jail for three (or maybe even six) months for giving a black lesbian a bloody nose...if the evidence supported such a verdict.What I *won't* do is send that white guy to prison for three/six months for the assault *plus* an extra year because she was black...or female...or a lesbian.