Originally Posted by
Alan
The idea of a hate crime is antithetical to all the freedoms of expression we enjoy as a civilized society. If I do you harm, punish me for my actions which harm you and not for what I think or say which may offend you.
If I pass you in a parking lot on my way from my car to the grocery store and say hello while pulling my mask from my pocket and putting it on, should you report me to the authorities for your perception of my wanton endangerment? And should I be prosecuted for it? I think that's the natural progression of any popular desire to punish people for what they may have done, so, my suggestion is to avoid people whose thoughts or beliefs you find offensive.
On the flip side, if I sneeze in your face as we pass in the parking lot and you become sick and die as a result and your sickness can be traced directly back to me, consider me guilty as charged and prosecute me, but only if it can be traced directly back to me and you can show intent. The idea of punishing someone who maybe harmed you would be a travesty. Who knows what you may have touched or inhaled elsewhere.