JohnHays.net

I like what Senator Gordon Smith has said

As a person who has had a crazy, hate group stalking me for many years, I like what Senator Gordon Smith has said.

www.yourcongress.com

Congressional Record
10/20/03

Senate

Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the need for hate crimes legislation. On May 1, 2003, Senator Kennedy and I introduced the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act, a bill that would add new categories to current hate crimes law, sending a signal that violence of any kind is unacceptable in our society.
I would like to describe a terrible crime that occurred in my own backyard in Portland, OR. Early in the morning on Sunday, September 21, 2003, two men who identified themselves as skinheads, stabbed one African-American man and threatened another with a gun. Sadly, these two racially motivated crimes were committed by young men_both in their early twenties_with hate in their hearts.
I believe that Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate. The Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act is a symbol that can become substance. I believe that by passing this legislation and changing current law, we can change hearts and minds as well.