Punish actions, not thoughts

A few days ago, Richard Cohen wrote about hate crime punishment in the criminal justice system. His stated position was to punish the crime, not the thought behind it. I agree.

We all have or have had negative thoughts at one time or another. We should never be punished for them. We should be brought to trial and if found guilty of a crime, be punished, but never punished for a thought.

It appears that the concept of punishing for a thought has now permeated into everyday life jobs. Juan Williams has been fired from his position at National Public Radio for voicing his thoughts about his apprehensive fear when getting on an airplane with men dressed as Muslims.

This fear stems from what occurred on 9-11. Mr. Williams is an African-American who has probably been the subject of negative that is biased thoughts himself, but not of any criminal action. Therefore, he did not press any charges.

You may dislike even hate me for being bald; you may dislike even hate me for being handicapped, but until you commit a crime against me, what you have are just thoughts.

Punish crimes not thoughts.

Dick Giering

Libertyville