Letters: AG Hill is wrong; Indiana needs a hate crimes law

In a Feb. 13 column, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill argued against the need for a specific hate crimes law in our state. Among his arguments is that hate crimes are crimes of thought, and we don’t legislate thoughts in America; rather, we punish the crimes that occur if those thoughts should become actions. Rejecting the desire to more harshly punish those who commit such crimes in the name of hate and intimidation, Hill goes on to state that no group should be more entitled to protections under such a law than any other, because “we cannot condemn hateful conduct against some and ignore hateful conduct against others.” This argument is deeply flawed because, in criminal cases, thought — otherwise known as intent — absolutely is taken into account when determining charges and sentences. We know there’s a difference between planning a murder and accidentally killing someone in an auto accident, and our laws deal with this accordingly. Secondly, it is ridiculous to claim that men with freckles would deserve the same protections under a hate crimes law as say, African-Americans or the LGBTQ community. Again, our laws already establish certain groups (children, for example) as meriting special protection. Precedents have already been set for these laws in 45 other states and the District of Columbia. It’s time for Indiana to join the 21st Century. 

Erin Vahrenkamp

Carmel

Government must take climate change seriously 

As headlines continue to be dominated by sensational tweets, government gridlock, and celebrity reckonings, it’s easy to lose focus on long-term issues that will have far greater impacts on society and culture. The future of our planet and species depends on what we do right now to solve the long-term problems presented by climate change, and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that steps are taken now, not later, to find and fund the solutions to these problems. 

Unfortunately, after already slashing the EPA’s budget nearly in half during his first year in office, President Donald Trump just requested that Congress approve another massive cut to the agency tasked with protecting our environment. In response to a global commitment to cutting carbon emissions and developing new technologies, Trump undermined the will of the nation and of the world by withdrawing from the Paris Accord. Now, he wants to further put our money where his mouth is, and stifle research and innovation in one of the most important issues of our time.

As citizens, we need to put pressure on our representatives to ensure that our government is taking seriously the grave threats posed by climate change. While it may not be as enticing as the drama that we have come to expect from our current events, it is far more consequential, and should be handled accordingly. This budget measure is wrong, and should not be put in to action.

Jonathan Trubshaw

Indianapolis

Child welfare policies must be a priority

I am writing in response to the article published on Feb. 5 regarding the rise in child abuse fatalities in Indiana and Texas.

It pains me to see the underreported and steadily rising number of child abuse fatalities. It’s even more painful to see how feebly we’ve responded. Reporting demographic data on victims can only do so much. We are making incomplete strides to uproot the problem at its source.

Judge Marilyn Moores highlights the tie between the opioid epidemic, parents avoiding intervention, and the fatality spike. Caseworkers feel they must “cut corners” due to low retention rates, but there is absolutely no place to do so when a human being is involved. 

The first years of our lives arguably have the most developmental importance. Putting policy reform on hold means putting the children on hold. Thanks to the Congressional commission, we have the data — now, we need to go back to the drawing boards.

It is my sincerest hope that we will take our responsibilities as legislators, policymakers, and human beings seriously and save those who cannot save themselves.

Haley Welch

Indianapolis