Hate Crimes Bill

Why are so many "religious" people upset about the hate crimes bill? Do they really think it's "free speech" to be allowed to assault someone based on their gender or sexual orientation?

More likely, it's just out of ignorance of the facts. One article that was linked from FaceBook began by saying, "A 'hate crimes' bill opponents claim will be used to crack down on Christian speech, even the reading of the Bible, was signed into law today by President Obama." (WorldNetDaily)

But the article's only basis for this statement was what "opponents claim" would happen. A little research would show that it is not the case. In actuality, the bill has nothing to do with speech, but is directed against ACTS OF VIOLENCE. The following is from CNN:

Several religious groups have expressed concern that a hate-crimes law could be used to criminalize conservative speech relating to subjects such as abortion or homosexuality.

But Attorney General Eric Holder has said that any federal hate-crimes law would be used only to prosecute violent acts based on bias, as opposed to the prosecution of speech based on controversial racial or religious beliefs.

Another argument that keeps getting made is that the victims of hate crimes would be getting "special treatment" and that we already have laws on the books about violent assaults.

I used to buy into the argument that said, "All crimes are hate crimes; nobody that commits a crime is walking in love." But the fact is, while most crimes are motivated by greed or jealousy, not all of them are specifically motivated by hate for a particular group of people. That is what defines a hate crime.

And yes, we do have laws in place, even about hate crimes. The new bill simply expands the 1969 federal hate-crimes law to add sexual orientation and a few other things to the definition. Again, it is not in any way inhibiting free speech.

The hate-crimes amendment expands the 1969 federal hate-crimes law to include sexual orientation, gender identity, gender and mental or physical disability; provide funding to local and state agencies to investigate hate crimes; remove the current stipulation that offenses must be committed while a victim is engaging in a federally protected activity; and provide the Justice Department greater jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute hate crimes. (Philadelphia Gay News)

The House voted Thursday to expand the definition of violent federal hate crimes to cover those committed because of a victim’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability...

The hate crimes legislation allocates $5 million per year to the Justice Department to provide assistance to local communities in investigating such crimes, a process that can sometimes strain local police resources. It allows the Justice Department to assist in the inquiry and prosecution of such crimes if requested by local authorities.

"The problem of crimes motivated by bias is sufficiently serious, widespread and interstate in nature as to warrant federal assistance to states, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes," the measure says. (The Caucus, the Politics and Government Blog of the NY Times)

Normally I don't get involved with political issues, but when people who claim to be Christians go out of their way to protest things like this, I want to respond by saying, "Get the facts straight." Don't go for the knee-jerk reaction of some conservatives in the media. The quotes above were found by simply googling "hate crimes bill." It's not difficult, and it prevents Christians from looking foolish and giving more fuel to those who believe that all Christians are ignorant and bigoted.

Where Am I Now That I Need Me?

Looking over my blog entries I realize it's been almost two months since I posted one brief paragraph about my brother, ending with "To be continued." It's been that long since I've talked to my family too, even though I'd promised to keep in touch more often. And I don't remember the last time I talked to any friends, even thought they've tried calling and have left voice mails. About the only communication I've done with anyone has been in writing on line.

Many things have happened to me over the past few years that have put me in this frame of mind. (See previous blogs, from May and July of last year, and January of this year.) I had been pretty out of it before, but then when my brother died in a senseless accident, it really impressed upon me how insane life is. I cling tenuously to my belief that somehow God will make sense of it, but I haven't been feeling sociable.

As it turns out, tendency towards depression runs in my family. In addition to that though, I long ago got into a habit of trying to escape from life by living in my head. Fantasies can be a pleasant diversion from time to time, but it seems as if I have a hard time grasping the reality of some things these days. Sometimes I try running the words "Bud is dead" through my head and it just doesn't compute. But other times I am overwhelmed with emotions - not only about him but about my mother, and about my life in general.

When life gets too painful (which is most of the time nowadays) I can't bear it and so I have to focus my mind on other things that don't hurt. Sometimes those other things involve music or TV or movies, other times it involves fantasies, other times it involves Bible reading and studying. But the way my mind works, things of God and the Bible seem like just another fantasy to me. It's hard to tell what's real any more.

In addition, fleeting thoughts of "I should do such and such" are often brushed aside, only to be remembered again after much time has passed. I used to do this when Mom was alive, but not as bad. I'd think I should call her, and then space on it. Then I'd think, I need to call her but I have to say something about why I haven't called. Then the longer I put it off, the worse it gets and the more of an explanation I feel I have to come up with. My sick mind at work. As I say, I did this before but I find I do it even more now, and much time passes in a fog.

I know this is something I need help with, and I am in the process of trying to find the right source of help. This is complicated by the fact that my wife and I are also in the process of changing doctors and health insurance. But I am hoping and praying that it all gets worked out soon. In the meantime, if anyone reads this and feels inspired to pray for me, please do. And for those who haven't heard from me in a while, please bear with me.