Selective enforcement is one of the many problems with a law that can reach out to ensnare David Ahenakew, an elderly aboriginal leader in Saskatchewan, but seems to pass right over preachers of violent jihad. “But hate laws aren’t really about hate. They’re about abusing and stretching the criminal code to criminalize political dissidents.” (Ezra Levant, “Abolish foolish law”, Calgary Sun/Canoe, Jun. 12).
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Rgarding that quote – EXACTLY.
I must congratulate whoever coined the term “hate speech.” By creating a separate category from “free speech,” there is now carte blanche to go after whatever speech you don’t like by calling it “hate.” And this distinction, I believe, is recognized by no less than the Supreme Court (in dicta if not as precedent). Meanwhile, those who don’t recognize the distinction as legitimate are left in the dust. Note how this is one way in which the left consistently beats the right – by creating heretofore unknown categories, names and definitions. “Racism,” “sexism,” “injustice,” etc. all tower over what few coinages the right makes.
Take this blog. What the lawyers go after is “unfairness,” “greed,” “negligence,” and so on. What do their critics go after? “Lawsuits out of control” or “an inefficient system.” Just doesn’t ring as loud.