A nation that cherishes freedom will not tolerate violence that imprisons its people in fear. A hate crime is a cowardly act that invokes a fear all its own: the specter of being targeted because of race or ethnicity. It is a crime that warrants a distinct definition in the law, and careful deliberation in the jury room. Some Idahoans are skeptical of existing hate crime law, and of attempts to expand hate crime language to cover sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. The criticism invariably loops back to one point: Are not all violent crimes hate crimes by definition? Not when a victim is singled out simply because he or she is different. The Smith case meets that fundamental standard - and offers a compelling argument as Congress debates expanding hate crime protections/Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: The Idaho Statesman editorial points out that some Idahoans are skeptical re: hate crimes, reasoning that all violent crimes are hate crimes by definition?