This lopsided definition of hate crime appears to be the new normal in many places in America.Įarlier this month, Florida prosecutors declined to pursue hate crime charges after a young boy was viciously ganged up on and beaten, reportedly over his support of President Donald Trump. After spending 16 years in prison, he will have to explain a hate crime charge to any prospective employers. Video of the 2017 flag burning can be seen below.ĭespite burning multiple flags using fire, it seems these protesters didn’t even get a slap on the wrist.įor Martinez, however, his actions will haunt him for the rest of his life.
“I see social injustice from Native American genocide to African-American slavery to failing to recognize women as citizens until the 20th century.” “When I see the flag, I see racial injustice,” one protester said. As the Iowa City Press-Citizen reported in 2017, protesters there were able to not only burn multiple American flags but insult the very country that guaranteed them the freedom to do so without being persecuted.
