[DON WALKUP]

the term "hate crime" is almost impossible to charge a minority person with in some of the court rulings that have been adjudicated in recent time.

one that stands out in my mind happened a few years back, before "hate crimes" were actually legislated, in san diego, ca when a young black man killed one cop, attempted to kill another cop and a 'ride-along' civilian, who happened to just be there. he opened the door to the patrol car of the slain cop the 'ride-along' was sitting in, told her "sorry, i can't leave any witnesses" and shot, but did not kill her with the dead policemans firearm. she was/is a hispanic, the two police officers involved were white.

the young man was acquitted by the jury as it was alleged the cops were beating the young alleged karate expert because he refused to show ID and were calling him "nigger".

the young man, after being acquitted of this crime went on to be arrested on various violent crimes, spent many years in prison and not too long ago committed suicide.

what was even worse is a san diego tribune reporter hailed him as being "a true warrior for his cause"

it's sad, but prophetic times we live in.