WHAT IS A HATE CRIME?
As we see from the news reports, it can be uttering something which touches anyone’s cherished ideas in a way in which the person does not like.
You know the script – if I say, “Homosexuality is a sin” I am in trouble. I will be arrested and convicted of a “hate crime” and have a criminal record.
IT IS NOT OPEN TO DISCUSSION. DEBATE IS NOT PERMITTED.
This is not just stupid, it is not only absurd, it is social engineering and evil. It is a subtle form of what we today call fascism. It may be more subtle, but it is most certainly fascism.
Fascism is intolerance of different opinions under penalty of law, (or forcing people what to think). And therein lies the difference: fascism (or plain old bullying, which is what it is), only becomes this when actions are taken under law to enforce these opinions.
If no action is taken it is merely an opinion, and regardless of how abhorrent it may seem to others, it is only that, an opinion. A thought in the head, a word in the mouth, a vapour in the air: in and of itself - harmless. And this is the crucial thing: in this world - legitimate to hold.
FREE SPEECH IS GONE.
As Voltaire said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
This is a basic principal of democracy.
IF THEY HAD THE MEANS THEY WOULD ARREST YOU FOR JUST THINKING THE THING.
The jails would be full.
This principal is precisely what a previous generation resisted to the death when they fought against Hitler and the Nazis.
When Margaret Thatcher was asked for her thoughts on religion, her reply was simple:
“Choice.”
She was right.
God places a choice before us, he says:
"I CALL HEAVEN AND EARTH TO RECORD THIS DAY AGAINST YOU, THAT I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFE AND DEATH, BLESSING AND CURSING: THEREFORE CHOOSE LIFE, THAT BOTH THOU AND THY SEED MAY LIVE." (Deuteronomy 30: 19).
He doesn’t force us.
But he does make us willing.
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