I have an idea to add to your excellent piece on the misreporting of hate crimes (Page 1, Jan. 11):
There should be another category besides “hate crimes.” The current law appears to address those who deeply and sincerely abhor other individuals because of their race, sexuality, etc. The law correctly makes it a big deal and metes out serious punishment, but the actions that warrant applying the law should also be quite extreme.
I suggest another law to cover those who have strong prejudices but only engage in misdemeanor acts to display their views. This law should add an additional penalty to whatever misdeed led to the misdemeanor charge. The sentences should include special counseling to mitigate the wrongdoers’ prejudices. I think this approach would give police more tools to do their jobs.
