They're trying to pass a bill that could *possibly* infringe on people's Freedom of Speech, with a new "hate crime" bill that protects homosexuals.

Before I get any further I just want to say this comes from a bulletin posted by "My Hate Speech" and was brought to my attention by Carlos (Venomous).

Here's the bulletin...

From: My Hate Speech3
Date: May 11, 2009 6:08 AM
Subject: Lawmakers should drop ‘hate crime’ term, base punishment on


Lawmakers should drop ‘hate crime’ term, base punishment on actions

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Matthew Shepard Act, and it moved to the Senate to do the same. If the bill becomes law — which seems likely — it will expand federal hate crime protection to homosexuals. However, the situation would be better if Congress had repealed the idea of a “hate crime” entirely.

In 1998, 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, for whom the current bill is named, was kidnapped, tortured and killed in his native state of Wyoming. During the ensuing trial, witnesses said that the two men responsible for the crime targeted Shepard because he was gay. Since Wyoming had no hate crime law on the books, the incident brought national discussion to the issue of hate crimes.

First of all, it’s abhorrent that lawmakers would tack Shepard’s name to this or any bill. Doing so is a blatant maneuver to manipulate emotions for political gain. This is a common practice by members on both sides of the aisle and needs to stop. Our leaders must make decisions based upon reason, not sympathy, for the horrible crimes committed against Shepard.

Reason shows that this and any other specific designation of a “hate crime” is unnecessary at best.

Hate crimes are already illegal in this country. Matthew Shepard’s murderers are serving multiple life sentences. How would a hate crime law impose any harsher punishment?

Another oft-cited example of the need for hate crime laws is the murder of James Bird Jr. in Texas, also in 1998. Three men, known white supremacists, chained Bird, who was black, to the back of a pick-up truck and dragged him for miles to his death. Two of the men were sentenced to death, and the other will be in prison for the rest of his life. Again, how could a hate crime law bring any more justice to these criminals?

Lesser crimes pose the same question. A man beating up a woman is still assault. Burning a cross in a Jewish family’s yard is still a criminal threat. Crimes are illegal, no matter the motives.

Prosecuting hate brings the government into territory where it doesn’t belong. Hating someone — however bigoted, homophobic or racist the notion might be — should not be illegal. It is the action that should be punished, not the thought.

Trying to unravel “thought crimes” is a nearly impossible business. The minds of criminals are twisted places, and mental illness is often a factor in violent crimes. Single motives might be easy to report in the news, but they are usually not the case. Shepard’s murderers, for instance, were reportedly addicted to methamphetamines. Some witnesses said they had been awake for days, desperate for a fix. Shepard’s sexuality was certainly a factor, but the drug addiction might have played a role as well.

The brutal murders of Shepard, Bird and others are horrifying, and society should spare no cost to bring justice to their attackers. But it must be their actions that are punished, not thoughts. There should be no special place for hate crimes in our legal system — even if there is in hell.


I think its pretty fucked up that they want to fine and jail people for "hate crimes" and btw, saying somebody is a "fag" or "queer" is NOT a crime. It's wrong and bigoted, but people have a right to believe whatever the hell they want to believe.

A person should be held accountable for their actions, not what they freaking say!!

I think congress is being fucking hypocrites anyway. They wont even legalize gay marriage....now that is a HATE crime right there.

Btw, how the hell does passing a bill that protects certain groups of people help the "equal rights" movement?

If this bill protects black people from being called "nigger" then I want to be protected from being called "cracker" and honky." Only fair, right? Stupid but fair.


Hate is Hate. Crime is Crime. Violence is Violence. Murder is Murder. Period.

All you people screaming equal rights then want special bills protecting you are unbelievable.

Special laws against certain murder crimes is ridiculus. All murder victims should be treated the same. If you're gay or black doesnt mean you should get special treatment.

 Freedom of Speech is Freedom of Speech.

The First Amendment should protect everybody!!

 Infringing upon it in any way, shape, or form is Unconstitutional.

___________________________________

*EDIT*

*Even if it doesnt infringe on Freedom of Speech, I still stand my beliefs that no bill should be passed that protects certain groups of people. Certain groups shouldnt be protected from "hate crimes", ALL law abiding citizens should be EQUALLY protcted from physical harassment.

*I also still stand my opinion that the bill will be abused. It opens a back door for easily offended people to bitch and moan and say that they were "verbally harassed" just because their little ol' feelings get hurt by some name calling.

*Also, when I said all murder victims should be treated the same, I meant all victims of COLD BLOODED murder. Of  course not all cases involving somebody's death is the same, but every case should be treated equally under the laws that are already in place.

*So the bottom line: Either way I find the bill to be bullshit. It's playing on people's emotions.

Over 88 million votes came in for last nights show and I wasnt even one of them lol :-P As you know, I missed it last night so didnt get to blog. Anyways, out of 88 million of the votes, only 1 million separated the top two....

Can somebody clue me in....what was the point of that stupid opening with Ben Stiller?? I mean I love Ben Stiller and all, but I'd much rather have watched a them lip sync through another group performance. I did enjoy the Ford music video..."Break My Stride"..I thought it was really kool seeing them change in to cartoons.

The beautiful and talented Alicia Keys was there as a Global Ambassador for "Keep a Child Alive." The charity helps raise money for kids with HIV and AIDS in Africa. She introduced some little boy from Africa that came out and sang....call me heartless, but I used this time to go blow dry my hair.



Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks performed her new single "Battlefield." I thought she looked really pretty, and the song was okay. (Ps: I LOATHED season 6...UGH!)

Homecomings:

Danny went back to Milwaukee. Seeing his best friend Jamar was kool. Remember he tried out for Idol along with Danny, but got eliminated during the Hollywood round. I personally thought Jamar was much better than Danny.

Kris went back to his home town of Conway, Arkansas. The homecoming with his family was really touching. LOL I swear most of his fans are under the age of 10! I do love the fact he has stayed humble through out the competition.

Adam went back to San Diego. Not much to say, except that I loved his snake skin boots, but I wont be surprised if PETA jumps all over his ass after that.




Katy Perry was also there to perform her new single "Wakin Up in Vegas." I wonder who she is voting for?? Oh yeah thats right...Adam Lambert, being that his name was emblazoned on the back of her Elvis-like outfit. LOL Thats so unfair to Danny and Kris, how Adam is getting all the attention. For celebrites to say they love him outside of Idol is one thing, but working an Adam endorsement into your performance on the Idol stage is another. Anyways...she CAN NOT SING, but she looked hot!!!

Now as for the results........

First one to safety was Kris! And I can just imagine how excited David, Sandra, and Donnie were hearing that! Hell, I even had a huge grin! lol!

Adam was of course was SAFE.

So that means...

GOOD-BYE DANNY!!!!!



I'm so happy with tonights results, though I feel that Danny's elimination was longer overdo. Next week I wont be able to watch Adam and Kris sing it out, but I can honestly say that I will be happy with either one of them winning, though I think it will be Adam. If Kris does pull it off next week, I think it will be much deserved.

Your Thoughts?!

Ps: Simon said that next weeks finale was going to be a "big ding dong." Is it just me, or does anybody else find that freaking hilarious?!

Also! Who else is freaking sick of seeing those damn perviews for that new show called "Glee"...man I hope it freaking flops because it looks dumb as hell!

Over 64 million people voted last night and I'm convinced that most of them voters were either horny drooling tweens or just all together deaf because how in the hell does this.....



....make the top 3 and Allison, who has been consistent and has rocked her ass off every single week get eliminated?! I can almost forgive the Kris fans, since most of them are young teens who cant help but to be blinded by his pretty boy looks, but Danny fans..what the hell??? Seriously?!?!?! I know it aint his looks so what the hell?!?!


Anyways! Yeah so I'm pretty much pissed about the results as you can tell....I'm never good with blogging when I'm pissed but here's what happened the rest of the show....

It started out with a corny Ford music video. The song was "Move Along." Then they had a group performance singing "School's Out".....it was pretty much a mess because Kris and Danny just cant rock, but Slash was awesome on guitar.



Paula performed on Idol for the very first time, lip synching and dancing to her new single "I'm Just Here For The Music." Hopefully it'll be her last time performing because her music went out with the 80s...so yeah.

No Doubt are back together for a new tour. They performed "Just a Girl"...I'm not very familiar with their music, but I do like Gwen as a solo artist. Their music really just isnt my style, but I know all their fans will be happy to catch them on tour this year.



Best part of the night was seeing Chris Daughtry back on Idol. He performed his new single "No Surprise" from his 2nd album that will be out in July. I cant wait for that!! Also he was presented with a plaque for his debut album selling over 5 million copies =)



Everybody knows that Chris Daughtry should have won American Idol season 5 and ironically enough, this was the night he got voted off that year. So with that being said...



Allison my dear, you are in fine company because look where Chris Daughtry is now!! You dont need to win American Idol to become the next big artist because you have the true talent it takes to out sell every contestant left standing on that stage!


Next week is judges choice and personal pick.

Your Thoughts?!

Tonight was pretty kool! The contestants did duets for the first time ever on Idol. I hope they do it again next year because it was fun seeing them together. Esp. Adam and Allison! Anyways...let me get to blogging so I can get back to voting!!

Adam



Adam performed "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin. Loved Adam's rocker look tonight. I always like that look better than when he wear suits. His performance was really kool, but I'mnot familiar with that song. Kara called him a Rock God and Simon said it was one of his favorite performance's by Adam. I'm just feeling so lame for not knowing the damn song!

Allison



Allison performed "Cry Baby" by Janis Joplin. At this point, I'm convinced that Allison can do no wrong! She had an awesome performed I thought, and I could have smacked Randy and Kara for saying otherwise! If Kara can call Adam a Rock God, then I say Allison is a Rock Goddess in the making!!

Kris and Danny



They performed "Renegade" by Styx. Call me lame again, because I didnt know that song either :| I thought it was a weird duet choice. Kris did pretty good, though he doesnt really have the voice for rock. Danny sounded so much better vocally on the duet than Kris did. Together they sounded pretty good I guess.

Kris



Kris performed "Come Together" by The Beatles. I've always loved that song. Kris didnt do that bad of a job considering. I liked his guitar playing tonight! Kara said it wasnt his best performance, but Randy and Paula liked it. Simon didnt like it and said it was like eating ice...leaves you with nothing lol!

Danny



Danny performed "Dream On" by Aerosmith. Another song I love!! I missed most of Danny's performance due to a phone call, but WTF WAS THAT GAWD AWEFUL SCREAMING HE DID??!?! Simon compared it to Friday the 13th lmao!!!

Adam and Allison



The performed "Slow Ride" by Foghat. Awesome song choice and their duet was def. better than Kris and Danny's! Allison also held her own up their with Adam!! Put them both in the top two America!!! They rocked it tonight!!!

Danny should leave tomorrow...I'm hoping like hell that it isnt Allison!!

Your Thoughts?!

Tomorrow night: CHRIS DAUGHTRY!!! And No Doubt!

Over 47 million votes came in on Idol last night. With that many votes, I'm sure my measly 20 something didnt count for Allison lol! Anyways...Idol stated out by showing the Ford music video. The song was called "Energy" and it had them running in the desert towards a hybrid car lol...it was okay. Then came the group performance. It was a medley of "It Aint The Melody" and "I Got Rhythm." They all sounded good, but the performace was cheesy as hell lol! Next they went behind the scenes and showed them making a birthday cake for Allison....they ended up in a cake fight. It was funny but pointless footage if you ask me :P

Natalie Cole come out and sung a song called "Somethings Gotta Give." I guess she was good lol, this is so not my type of music people!! :/ lol Also season five winner Taylor Hick was back to perform his newest single. I didnt catch the name of it. LOL I actually liked Taylor during season 5 (after Kellie Pickler and Chris Daughtry was no longer there.) I didnt like Elliot Yamin and couldnt stand Katherine, so that left me rooting for the Alabama boy :P Thinking back now, I cant help but to wonder how he won!! Oh well...I still love his personality. His performance wasnt so bad, and he even got a standing ovation from Simon!



Also Jamie Foxx performed his new single "Blame It." I prefer Jamie's acting, but he is a damn good singer, though I didnt care for his performance tonight. Not really my type of music anyway, it wasnt bad though, just not really something I can get in to.



Now on to the results!!!!

Ryan put them into groups tonight starting out with Matt on one side and Danny on the other. Matt's side had Kris in it and Danny's had Allison. That left Adam. Ryan asked Adam where he thought he belonged tonight. I've never actually saw a contestant choose before so I was rather suprised when he said Danny and Allison lol! Ryan told him to step there and then said Danny and Allison aren't in the bottom three.....then moved Adam to Matt and Kris and said Matt, Kris and ADAM were!! OMG!!! Did not expect that one bit!!! To top it off...Kris was the first one sent back to safety...which meant Adam was in the bottom TWO!!! What???????

So it came down to Matt and Adam. I was thinking Adam surely cant be elimanted tonight!! And thank goodness I was right!! Adam was declared safe, and Matt performed his swan song.



I really liked Matt this season, but I think the voters got it right this week. Hopefully Matt will get a record deal out of this. I think he deserves one :)

Next week is Rock & Roll with the mentor being SLASH!!!! Damn I hope Adam picks a Guns & Roses song!! Hopefully Sweet Child O Mine!!! :D

Your Thoughts?!

Ps: The American Idol finale is May 19th, which means I probably wont be home to see it since I have a graduation to attend.

Tonight the contestants performed songs from the Rat Pack era. They had Jamie Foxx as their montor. I liked Jamie :] Tonight was actually better than I thought it was going to be lol.

Kris



Kris performed "The Way You Look Tonight." I just heard this song on the radio the other day. It has such pretty lyrics. Kris started out sounding pretty good, though he lacked that certain something that the guy on the radio had. I didnt like the arrangements towards the end of the song either. The judges loved him though.

Allison



Allison performed "Someone To Watch Over Me." Loved the black she had in her hair tonight :] I think this was the first time she ever performed a song where it showed the softer side of her. Even when she performed "I Dont Wanna Miss a Thing" she still had that rocker edge, but tonight she showed PURE vocal talent and her voice sounded AMAZING! Randy compared to her Pink. The judges loved her, though Simon said he fears that she may be in danger due to the bigger personalities on the show. She freaking rocked with that ballad though and btw, she just turned 17!!

Matt



Matt performed "My Funny Valentine." I thought his voice sounded really good, but to be honest, his performance kinda bored me. I thought the last note he hit at the end sounded really good though. Randy gave him a 6 out of 10, Kara didnt feel it, but Paula and Simon loved him. Simon even called him brilliant.

Danny



Danny peformed "Come Rain or Come Shine." And guess what...I actually really liked Danny tonight!! He sound really damn good and his song choice fit him perfectly. His performace was also damn good with the way he got into the song. The judges loved him too.

Adam



Adam performed "Feelin Good." I've always like that song. I gotta love that Adam added edge to the show tonight with his performance. Although I must say this want one of my faves by him, but that last note he hit was CRAZY! Randy liked his performance but called it a little theatrical, then Simon said complaing that Adam is theatrical is like complaing about a cow mooing lmao!!

Okay so there you have it. My faves of the night were Allison and Danny!! My least faves were Kris and Matt. Not sure who'll leave tomorrow, I just hope it isnt Allison :(

Your Thoughts?!

Tonight I was really worried about the results, mostly because I knew Allison could be in danger and they save had been used. Needless to say, I hardly breathed the entire show!!!

Paula made herself useful this week by helping out the contestants, teching them dance moves for their group performance. They went behind the scenes with that and Paula's actually good at that so I gotta get her credit there. The group performed "Shake Your Body Down." LOL They had a 70s look going on with their clothes. It was a kool performance, and the dance moves were kool. Kris made me laugh with his dance moves lol. I think the performance would have been better if it had been actually love, because the lip syncing was horrible tonight!

The Ford music video was kool too. I think the song was called "I'm Good, I'm Gone." I could be wrong about that lol. The video looked like a lot of fun to make this week though. The song I didnt care for.

After that Ryan got to the results. Lil was the first one called and I gotta say that I was kinda shocked that he eliminated her right there on the spot!! I knew it was her time though so I cant complain. I wish her all the best, because if she can find her identity, she'll make a great artist oneday.



Next was a medley of dance hits. Two woman, I have no idea who they were and dont care to know, came out and performed. I could have done without them. Next K.C. (sunshine band anyone?? :D) came out and performed "Get Down Tonight." I flove that song!! Do a lil dance...make a lil love...Get down tonight!!! Get down tonight!!!! Woooo yeah!!!  lol!

David Archuleta also stopped by and performed his new single "Touch My Hand." His performance wasnt over fast enough!!! Maybe it was just me, but I thought he sounded horrible!!!



Back the the results though.....

Kris, Adam, Danny, and Matt were all safe! So it came down to Anoop and Allison in the bottom two. How Allison was there, I have no freakin clue!!!! I voted like crazy for her last night. The last few minutes of the show I did some praying lol, with my fingers crossed and was scared to breath! By the time Ryan announced Anoop as the one with the bottom votes, I was near about panic attack mode!! lol! (not really, but ya get the picture!! :P)

So so long Anoop!!!



He was actually very lucky to have been there on Idol tonight, if they didnt have a Top 13 this year, he would have never been. I wish him all the best!!!

Your Thoughts?!