I think once it is murder--the additional charge of hate crime might not be useful. But in the case of beating or cross burning it can add time
We're in love. We're ... lovers. We're lesbian, gay-type lovers.
Willow ,'Potential'
Natter 59: Dominate Your Face!
Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.
beth b - Jul 16, 2008 2:51:43 pm PDT #8236 of 10003
oh joy! Oh Rapture ! I have a brain!
javachik - Jul 16, 2008 2:52:57 pm PDT #8237 of 10003
Our wings are not tired.
The cross-burning is interesting. You're right, it's more than trespassing or property damage.
Trudy Booth - Jul 16, 2008 3:02:53 pm PDT #8238 of 10003
Greece's financial crisis threatens to take down all of Western civilization - a civilization they themselves founded. A rather tragic irony - which is something they also invented. - Jon Stewart
And yet... I feel like maybe we shouldn't prosecute people for what is in their heads.
Jesse - Jul 16, 2008 3:03:09 pm PDT #8239 of 10003
Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be.
Philosophically, I am uncomfortable with the idea of thought crime. But then of course there are things like cross burning, so.
Sheryl - Jul 16, 2008 3:07:52 pm PDT #8240 of 10003
Fandom means never having to say "But where would I wear that?"
Timelies all!
My deepest sympathies on your loss, ND.
megan walker - Jul 16, 2008 3:10:40 pm PDT #8241 of 10003
"What kind of magical sunshine and lollipop world do you live in? Because you need to be medicated."-SFist
But then of course there are things like cross burning, so.
I think cross burning is a special case because it has a specific historic context and meaning. Is it ever done not in that context?
beth b - Jul 16, 2008 3:15:31 pm PDT #8242 of 10003
oh joy! Oh Rapture ! I have a brain!
I don't think we prosecute just for thought -- it is action plus thought. and sometimes an action isn't enough to prosecute.
Calli - Jul 16, 2008 3:18:02 pm PDT #8243 of 10003
I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul—Calvin and Hobbs
The Methodist cross has flames around it. Allegedly the flames represent the Pentecost. But the Methodists adopted this particular symbol in 1968, when the idea of burning crosses = anti-civil rights activity wasn't far from people's minds. I'm not terribly comfortable with it, even though I was raised in a church that had it printed on everything. Distance doesn't always make the heart grow fonder.
tommyrot - Jul 16, 2008 3:18:26 pm PDT #8244 of 10003
Sir, it's not an offence to let your cat eat your bacon. Okay? And we don't arrest cats, I'm very sorry.
This is awesome! [link]
A blogger sez:
Totally Looks Like is a new blog from that guys behind I Can Has Cheezburger? that features photos of famous people and the animals, things or other non-famous people they look like. It’s kind of like a mutated version of Spy Magazine’s classic “Separated at Birth” feature.
Huh. I never noticed it before, bit Glenn Close does sorta look like Robocop....
DebetEsse - Jul 16, 2008 3:19:43 pm PDT #8245 of 10003
Woe to the fucking wicked.
I think cross burning is a special case because it has a specific historic context and meaning. Is it ever done not in that context?
I don't know. I see spray-painting a swastika or "God hates fags" or "clever" catch-phrase of choice on a house or business as a similar statement.