I continue to disagree with the concept that a crime committed by someone because of their 'bias' or 'hate' should result in a higher degree of punishment.  From murder to vandalism, a higher penalty because of the criminal's beliefs is merely pandering to a political power bloc, not a true reaction to the danger involved.

Chief Justice Earl Warren, one of the most liberal Supreme Court Justices in our history, sent thousands of Japanese to internment camps with no evidence of actual harm.   His beliefs then  today would be 'hate crimes'.  

Selecting 'special' groups for protection merely says that they, as groups, are more important than the rest of our society.  How can 'diversity' become part of our total society if we identify 'special' people who are 'special' victims?

I reserve special punishment only for those who attack police officers.

Anyone who attacks armed police officers, whatever their motivation, are too dangerous to be part of civilized society.