I will continue to follow the posts, but I won't be replying, for your sakes and for my own.
And there's no shame in that! That's what I tend to do after a while... it becomes futile -- nobody's convincing anybody.

I've learned quite a bit about hate crimes and fleshed out my stance on it, which is a positive outcome. I also know more about the other side of the issue, which strengthens my belief in mine.

It has been a civil discussion, which I can't say for most of the hot-button issues around here.