Sometimes the ignorance and childishness of those living among us shocks me. It probably shouldn't after this many years of life, but it still can.
I don't believe the phrase "hate crime" has any real meaning. It means whatever those who use it want it to mean; to serve a purpose they want served. It's a government fiction used to justify extra punishments-- in other words, additional revenge. Some things called "hate crimes" aren't even actual crimes at all. An act has to be a violation of life, liberty, or property to qualify as a real crime, government opinions notwithstanding.
When a crime is committed I only care that someone has been violated, not why the bad guys chose to do what they did. Anyone who violates another person is a real-life villain, regardless of how they'd like to see themselves.
Plus, I seriously doubt any crimes are committed out of love, or even ambivalence. Even if they were, they would be just as evil as acts motivated by hatred. The reasons don't matter, only the actions do. Nor should the motivation affect the consequences. Full restitution is owed when someone has been violated; nothing less and nothing more.
Those who vandalized the Portales Islamic Center trespassed and damaged property. That's enough for me to stand against them and stand up for their victims. Decent people simply don't violate property rights. No one has the right to do so for any reason.
Maybe they vandalized the property for religious reasons. Maybe they didn't and only wanted it to look like this was their reason. Either way, they owe restitution.
If they were decent people who had an ethical lapse in spite of being raised right and being given a good moral foundation, they would come forward, apologize, and set up a payment plan. If they don't, then they are on the wrong side.
It doesn't matter which religion you follow, good people don't violate others. If this is something your religion excuses or encourages, it's not worth following. You can do better.
If this is something your religion would disavow, you are smearing your faith and your fellow believers by your actions when you behave this way. Should you be doing such things? Of course not!
I'll be watching to see if the vandals grow some worthwhile "ethics" and come forward to do the right thing. But I won't be holding my breath.
