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 However, the situation would be better if Congress had repealed the idea of a “hate crime” entirely.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?!