Hate Crime Laws In Georgia | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

America's Endless Hate Crimes Are Why You Should Support Georgia's Hate Crime Bill This November

It has been a dreadful 72 hours in American history.

31
https://www.flickr.com/photos/markklotz/15632311919
https://www.flickr.com/photos/markklotz/15632311919

America has had its share of hate crimes in the past, but in the past week of American history, there have been not one, not two, but three total hate crimes. The crimes range from the shooting of two innocent people to mailed bombs to the mass shooting in a synagogue. These all show that it's necessary for Georgia, one of the few states lacking hate crime legislation, to pass the hate crime bill being voted on by Georgia's legislators this November.

The first hate crime that took place this week was at a Kroger in Kentucky where two African Americans were shot for no reason. Both of the victims were innocent and were simply buying items for themselves.

The second hate crime involved various packages sent through the mail. These packages, 14 in total, were sent to widely known figures, such as George Soros and former CIA Director John Brennan. Even though none of these bombs actually went off, all of them were real; therefore, it was a stressful and sensitive time.

However, the mailed bombs and killing of two innocent people does not seem to satisfy those who agree with these actions as a way to change the country to make it, "great again." To top it off, a mass shooting took place at a Pittsburgh synagogue. The mass shooting caused the death of 11 people, but thousands are hurting emotionally and mentally.

Even though the suspects who caused these dreadful events have been caught, it still feels as if America is not safe. Especially since President Trump said "This is a case where if they had an armed guard inside they may have been able to stop him immediately, maybe there would have been nobody killed, except for him maybe." However, when you think about it, a synagogue is like a church or a temple. It is a place where people should feel safe.

How are you supposed to feel safe if there is an armed guard outside?

If you were to actually think about all of this, the three states affected actually have hate crime laws that protect their citizens from hate crimes. However, imagine a hate crime happening in a state like Georgia that does not even have laws against hate crimes, so pretty much anyone can commit any hate crime against you legally. Due to this, in Georgia, anyone can legally do anything against a racial group. Even though there have been hate crimes in Georgia, most have not been documented because there isn't actually a statute for the prosecution to use.

In all three hate crime cases mentioned above, it is completely possible that the suspects would get away with what they did because there would be nothing that the prosecution would be able to use against them. This is not a principle that should be there. Hate crime laws are necessary to ensure the safety of all citizens of the state.

SEE ALSO:8 Reasons Voting In This November's Election Is Something To Add On Your Need To-Do List

This proves that it is necessary for everyone who can vote to go out to the polls on Nov. 6. This is for the simple reason to vote in people who will support hate crime legislation as a step towards stopping hate crimes all over the nation. It especially needs to be a law in the states where it already is not, like Georgia.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Sorority
Rebekah Lee

I remember my freshman year oh so well. I remember feeling terrified the night before orientation. The one thing that I dreaded the most was not the new people, the new environment, or even the academic pressure. I was dreading having to talk to sorority girls about Recruitment. I remember cutting off and avoiding any Rho Gamma/Panhellenic Officer that came my way during First Week. I looked at them like they had asked me to cut my arm off whenever they asked me if I wanted to rush. To be honest, I did not even know what rush was, but I knew that I did NOT want to be a part of it. To me, it was dumb. It was a waste of money. It was a waste of my time.

And guess what? I did not rush my freshman year. I spent the first half of my freshman year isolating myself from everyone on campus. I spent all of my time in the library, and then (since I was a commuter) went back home once my work was finished.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 Must Watch Shows During Winter Break
Netflix

Now that the semester is over, you are probably wondering what your purpose of life is beside writing essays and constantly studying. Breaks give you time for some rest and relaxation, and what better way to relax than cuddling with some hot cocoa and some Netflix. Here is a list compiled of shows that must make it into your binge watching sessions, with the website in which you can find it. Enjoy!

Keep Reading...Show less
Disney Princesses
The Odyssey
Tiana would no doubt be disappointed in the food our cafeteria has to offer.

And hopefully she would cook for everyone in her dorm.

She definitley would not take any 8:00 am classes because she would be up late baking and cleaning up the communal kitchen that are available in every dorm.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

The Struggles of Being A Last Semester Senior, As Told By Michael Scott

25 reasons your last semester in college is the best and worst time of your life

1690
Michael Scott

The day you walked onto your school's campus for the first time you were scared, excited, and unsure of how the next four years of your life were going to turn out. You doubted it would go fast and even though you weren't positive about what your future plans would hold, you had plenty of time. You figured out your major, added a minor or two, joined a handful of organizations and all of the sudden you're here. Your final semester of undergrad. Now you've got 25 problems and graduation is only one.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Syllabus Week At UD Explained By "The Office"

"The Office" understands the struggle of the first week back from winter break.

1302
the office

January 19th is the first day of the second semester at the University of Dayton, and students couldn't be more excited. However, the excitement that students are experiencing may be short-lived once they see what this semester's courses will entail. Although students will be happy to be back at Dayton, they may realize this semester will be more difficult than they predicted. Here are some things that happen during syllabus week explained by " The Office."

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments