Holder: Recent Violence Shows We Need Hate-Crimes Law

[babylonsister]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090616/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_hate_crimes_holder


AG Holder urges new hate crimes law
AP


WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder said Tuesday that recent killings show the need for a tougher hate crimes law to stop "violence masquerading as political activism."

"Over the last several weeks, we have witnessed brazen acts of violence, committed in places that many would have considered unthinkable," Holder told the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs.

He cited separate attacks over a two-week period that killed a young soldier in Little Rock, an abortion provider in Wichita, and a guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Federal agents and prosecutors are already involved in the local investigations of each attack.

The violence, he said, "reminds us of the potential threat posed by violent extremists and the tragedy that ensues when reasoned discourse is replaced by armed confrontation."

In order to stop that violence, he said, Congress should past an updated version of hate crimes legislation, in order to more effectively prosecute those who commit violent attacks based on gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

The growing number of hate crimes against Latinos also shows the need for tougher laws, Holder said.

"We will not tolerate murder, or the threat of violence, masquerading as political activism," Holder said. "So let me be clear, the Justice Department will use every tool at its disposal to protect the rights ensured under our Constitution."

[Hutzpa]

1. It really is getting out of hand

they need to take this seriously as a heart attack.

Bill'O the clown has been inciting violence, Beck has been
inciting violence, these people hold a poduim that numbnuts
listens to...on that grounds I concur.

[winyanstaz]

2. As long as they do not include peaceful decent against the government

in that bill...I am for it.