Counterpoint: Be careful what you ask for

It's the Christmas season " be careful what hate-crime legislation you ask for.

 

The murder of Steven Domer, 62, was and is a heinous, barbarous act by, allegedly, a couple bottom-feeders bent on the destruction of human life. And why? We are not really sure just yet, but evidence thus far indicates that the alleged murderers wanted to earn brownie points in their little club of dirtbags by killing a person whose lifestyle was different than theirs.

 

More than likely, the remaining alleged murderer (let's not forget that they reportedly turned on each other in their blood lust), if convicted, will go to "Big Mac" and come face to face with "The Needle." If he is found guilty (wow, that ought to be tough), justice will be served.

 

Domer's death has sparked more than a little controversy over the stiffening of current hate-crimes law, and a movement has come about to put teeth in our state's hate-crime statute. And that's where I get confused.

 

(Disclaimer: What I am about to write is in no way condoning the behavior of racists or bigots who plot the demise of those with whom they disagree. If you cannot comprehend the concept of what I am about to explain, hit yourself in the head with a tack hammer.)

 

If there is premeditation to any crime, couldn't it be considered a "hate crime"? Not to lessen the horrific nature of Mr. Domer's death, but let's put this into perspective. If, for example, a radical member of the animal-rights community spray paints my house or vandalizes my truck because my lifestyle is such that I rather enjoy killing and eating "Bambi," would that too be considered a hate crime?

 

If someone paints anti-Semitic graffiti on a synagogue, clearly that would constitute a hate crime, right? Well, what about the crime perpetrated against an Edmond business a few years ago where windows were broken and paint was poured over thousands of dollars of electronic equipment because the business traded stocks for a company that performed pharmaceutical testing on animals? Would not that be considered a "hate crime"?

 

What about the Hummer dealership in California that was torched by members of the Earth Liberation Front? Should that destruction of property be considered a "hate crime"?

 

Certainly, I am not talking about the loss of human life here, but the underlying principle remains intact: If hate-crime laws are stiffened, they must apply to everyone, as District Attorney David Prater has indicated. All lifestyles should have the additional protection, which should not be limited to the gay, lesbian and transgender community. Protection should be all-inclusive.

 

If found guilty, Domer's now-alleged murderer is likely to get The Needle " which is the ultimate act of justice. But, ironically, the same people crying out for stiffened hate-crime legislation probably oppose the death penalty to begin with. So, what would you like? To be able, perhaps, to spit upon these perpetrators as they catch their last breath?

 

How progressive of you.

 

Black is the host of WILD Oklahoma radio and television, the recipient of the 2007 Oklahoma Rifle Association's Mike McCarville Media Award, and a consultant living in Edmond.

  • or