The Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 1999 was introduced in the House March 11 with 118 co-sponsors. The Senate introduction is expected Monday, with 31 co-sponsors already signed on. A similar measure in the previous Congress drew a total of more than 200 co-sponsors. Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder told CNN the Justice Department recently found itself hard pressed to lend financial support to Texas authorities investigating the case of James Byrd, a black man who was dragged to death behind a pickup truck. He said the government would help in no more than 20-25 extraordinary cases each year.
Some people do believe in Easter bunnies.
A bipartisan letter asking senators and representatives to co-sponsor was signed by Sens. The letter cited support from the Clinton administration and more than 80 civil rights groups and law enforcement organizations. And, of course, the ringing endorsement of the Clinton Administration. There is no such purpose. Freedom is the one valid political goal.