Liberals hold that “hate crimes” are worse than crimes involving the same conduct but not the same attitude. But the application of this doctrine may depend on which group the perpetrator hates.

If he hates a group that liberals desire for their political base, his crime will be viewed as particularly heinous. If he hates a group that liberals dislike, it may earn him an expression of ideological solidarity from the sentencing judge and perhaps even a break on the sentence.

This, at least, is my takeaway from the words of U.S. District Chief Judge Richard W. Roberts at the sentencing hearing of Floyd Corkins.

Corkins is the man who plotted to kill “as many people as possible” at conservative organizations that he viewed as anti-gay. He probably would have succeeded in his this objective at the Family Research Council had a security guard not stopped him. Corkins shot the security guard, but did not kill him.

Corkins pleaded guilty to three felony charges, including assault with intent to kill and committing an act of terrorism while armed. Prosecutors sought a sentence of 45 years for the would-be mass murderer. Judge Roberts sentenced him to only 25.

In announcing his sentence, Roberts stated (in part):

-snip-

Read more:http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/20...ss-murderer.php

Clinton appointee, used to work at the same firm as Eric Holder.