By now I'm sure you've heard that the Senate inserted "hate crimes" language into the defense appropriations bill. And I'm sure you heard that some republicans insisted that the bill very clearly exempt from prosecution "hate speech", adding language to make it clear that the bill could not infringe upon First Amendment rights.
Well, in conference committee the language which protects against First Amendment violations was substantially weakened. Now you can be prosecuted for "hate speech" if the government can show "a compelling government interest."
You see, that's why we have a constitution, because those in charge of the government, and it's department of justice can change. For example, under one administration you might be prosecuted for denouncing gays, blacks, hispanics or Muslims. Under another administration you might be prosecuted for denouncing homophobes, white racists, Christian conservatives or Mormons.
Yes, the bill will have to work its evil and then make its way through the appeals process until some court declares it unconstitutional, but in the mean time a lot of people could find their sense of liberty chilled, their freedom in jeopardy and their earnings devoted to legal expenses instead of the pursuit of happiness.
Oh, and just how have liberals perhaps outsmarted themselves? Judging by the unpopularity of the current administration, calling people "racist right wing homophobes" might just end up being the prosecution de jure of a strong republican administration in a few years.
Just one more example of how our Congress is filled with a bunch of idiots. Oooops....better watch my mouth.
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