Juneteenth Riots and The Absurdity of Hate Crime Legislation

So I'm reading this article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Not that their editorial staff is known for its common sense but what a stupid editorial.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=625123

Calls for the end of Milwaukee's Juneteenth festivities are premature. With the right community and police collaboration, this can be an event that helps bridge racial divides here.

Bridge racial divide? Yeah, cause nothing makes us whities want to go socialize with brotha's and sista's like worrying that you might LIKELY get caught in the middle of a riot.

As for calls for ending the festivities being premature. Its time for people to be honest. EVERY assemblage of 'citizens' on the north side has been excessively prone to violence. YEAR after year. Greek Fest... Sherman Fest... Both had to be ended or moved because of violence problems..

We agree. Make the neighborhood and this event safe, remembering, however, that the violence didn't start until the celebration was over.

Why does news media keep beating this to death? That the violence happened when the celebration was over??? SURE it did... But it was exclusively attendees of the celebration that precipitated and participated in the riot. If that isn't direct association with Juneteenth what is?

Lets be real here... In Milwaukee, we have a problem. Its a problem with YOUNG Black kids on the northside. Its a huge problem. I'm a pretty brave guy but there is NO way in hell I'd drive up Sherman Avenue on a Friday or Saturday night.

The beating was followed quickly by a call for the cessation of the festival, with some wanting to label it a hate crime.

Kasthurirangaian, who owns a store in the neighborhood, tells us that he heard no racial slurs as he was pulled from the car and as the first blows were delivered, though he adds that things quickly became a blur after that.

Oh, so somehow this isn't as bad because it wasn't a "hate" crime? And so long as no racial slurs were uttered its not a hate crime?

Because this was totally random makes it better than a hate crime? You've got to be kidding me. Get your head out of your ass Journal Sentinel.