#72: So-called "Hate Crimes"

One of the media's favorites buzz phrases is "hate crime". What is a hate crime? Oxford dictionary says it's "a crime motivated by racial, sexual, or other prejudice, typically one involving violence."
I wonder what the motives are for picking out this story? Why, out of all the murders that happen every day, did MSN choose this one as their headline? Well, because it has a special twist: it's a racist issue. *Speculation Alert*: I guess the media realized they'd hit a goldmine with the Don Imus "'n' and 'h'" issue. Looks like they're digging another one.
As for the "hate crime" concept, I think it's a moot point. Every murder is motivated by hate, it's just that the hate is for different reasons. What makes race-motivated murders so much worse than murdering someone for, say, being at the wrong place at the wrong time?
In Canada, you can be fined just for saying something mean, especially at a tax exempt organization such as a church. That's how the definition of "hate crime" can end up. I know it's a tough thing for some people to face, but the right to free speech includes the right to say nasty things. (Of course, that doesn't mean you have to listen to it!)
I think it's racist to turn this crime into a racist issue. Whether or not not there was any racism involved, it's still a shocking story. All who committed these acts should be locked away for a long, long time (or worse). But please, let the racist issues go. People who keeping digging this up from the grave for page hits and ratings are making the problem worse.