Dems to try to pass hate crime measure

[rodeodance]

Source: ap




Dems to try to pass hate crime measure

By LAURIE KELLMAN, Associated press Writer Thu Sep 27, 3:13 AM ET

WASHINGTON - Senate Democrats are trying to force President Bush to sign hate crimes legislation he has threatened to veto by attaching it to a massive bill funding the Defense Department and the Iraq war.


Writing violent attacks on gays into federal hate crime laws is related to the war because both are strikes against terrorism, according to a Republican senator and other supporters of the measure.

"We simply cannot tolerate violence against our own citizens simply because of their differences," said Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., who is sponsoring the legislation with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. "We cannot fight terror abroad and accept terror at home."

That's a stretch, not to mention a heavy-handed maneuver that "hijacks" a bill that includes a pay increase for troops in wartime, said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

Read more: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=post&forum=102

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Coryn---------I shutter when I see that name!

[TechBear_Seattle]

1. They do this despite strong odds against, and yet...

They refuse to even contemplate impeachment because they can not start with a foregone conclusion. Pardon me while I :puke:

[f the letter]

2. a good start

Now keep moving dammit

[lpbk2713]

3. Does this mean an end to the evil RW radio hatemongers?

Like Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Carlson and all their minor league buddies?

Wouldn't it be nice. :eyes:

[efs5r]

4. Sen. Craig on Hate Crimes

from Schmitz Blitz: schmitzblitz.wordpress.com

Senator Craig has apparently voted against the Kennedy hate crimes amendment, which would add gays to the federal hate crime statute.

If he voted against gays, he can’t possibly be gay, right?

Let’s see if the court reviewing his bathroom sex sting case buys it.

UPDATE: the hate crimes measure passed the Senate this morning by a vote of 60-39.

[rocktivity]

5. It's a win-win when they do this

because if they fail, they can just add it to the laundry list of things they can use against the Repubs next November. And it's definitely better than their doing nothing at all.

:headbang:
rocknation

[Trillo]

6. Interesting game. K&R. n/t