In light of the current Donald Sterling situation it seems that racist speech is problematic at least. Actions of course will have repercussions. But what about just self held beliefs?

You are free to be as racist as you like as long as your actions don't break the law. We don't have thought control laws.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I love it when I can agree with you Tom.. I just hope that somehow it doesn't come to thought control laws in my life time.

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2001 SLK 320 six speed manual
2014 Porsche Cayenne six speed manual

Annoy a Liberal, Read the Constitution

We have started down that slippery slope. What else but thought control is a "hate crime"? The government adds punishment for what it thinks were the thoughts behind a particular crime.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

Similar to extra punishment for shooting police or firemen?

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

yes

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags

That shouldn't happen either -- all citizens should have equal protection. A cop or firefighter in a pine box isn't any worse than a doctor, waitress, or construction worker.

Scenario 1: You're drunk and accidentally run a neighbor over with your 240D.

Scenario 2: You're drunk and intentionally run a neighbor over with your 240D.

As the latter scenario involved intent, which is the product of thought, shouldn't you receive extra bonus points at sentencing?

Suppose you believe Asians work harder than East Africans. Based upon that belief you give the job to the Asian girl and for the same money you expect her to work harder than the other East Africans doing the same job. That is prejudice in action.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

No one is suggesting that Sterling broke the law. He did part with wise public relations however, especially considering the degree to which black people are players, coaches, and fans in the enterprise that he runs as sort of his flagship thingy. Sporting franchise owners tend to treat their team like their biggest and most useful toy. He made his money in real estate I gather but he likes to sit courtside at games and he's pretty much trashed the appeal that once held for him.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

Should racism be illegal?

Exactly. There are specific 'hate crime' laws.

Outside the law, hate speech attacks a person or group on the basis of race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation, for example. We see that on internet forums all the time.

In law, hate speech is any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it may incite violence or prejudicial action against or by a protected individual or group, or because it disparages or intimidates a protected individual or group. How that's interpreted and enforced depends on local jurisdictions.

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“Never attempt to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig.” ― Robert A. Heinlein

You're welcome to be as racist as you want, just don't expect to any respect or sympathy in return. Donald Sterling got what he deserved.

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words

Of course not. Neither should being a homophobe, misogynist or misandrist. Nor an Islamophobe or a christophobe, nor any other personally held belief. Actions which victimize others on the other hand; sure. You bet.

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You're a daisy if you do.
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

If I am drunk and kill my neighbor, I am responsible for his death.
If my neighbor can't avoid being run over by a 240D he is responsible for his own death.

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags