[Chanticleer]

I don't have a problem with domestic terrorism being treated differently than a regular assault, but I don't know that we need to have a hate-terrorism category. (Hate or insanity is pretty much a given, don't you think?) If you blow up a building because you felt compelled to by your religion, because you are angry about your taxes, or because you dislike the owner's color or sexual orientation, the penalty should be the same -- HARSH! I don't think the motive behind a crime should be considered, unless it is to explain the act... self-defense, etc.

It is horrible that someone should want to assault someone because of their race or sexual orientation... but I do not think that makes it worse than, say, someone who assaults a child because they are a vile pervert. Look to the crime, not the motivation. Or leave it to the judge and jury who know the facts of the case to decide, not to some knee-jerk hate crime law.

[ivyleaguebrat]

"Or leave it to the judge and jury who know the facts of the case to decide"

Seems about right