Hate crime bill would protect homeless

As attacks on the homeless grew more frequent and more violent during this decade, few would disagree that the attacks are hate crimes. The attacks were often inspired by talk radio and right-wing websites.

Now the Maryland legislature has approved a bill - the first of its kind in America - to give the homeless protection under the hate crime laws. The District of Columbia is considering a similar measure.

Frankly, this bill is long overdue.

Ironically, however, the Maryland bill was introduced not by a progressive champion but by one of the legislature's most conservative members. Republican Sen. Alex Mooney introduced the bill to make a point about his dismay at the fact that other groups are protected by hate crime laws.

Looks like Mooney's attempt to make political hay worked out for the better in the end, didn't it?

Who knew that such a staunch conservative could ever be such a godsend to a progressive populist blog like this one?

(Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/16/AR2009041604132.html)