Consulting the missing thread?

[Rich]

I guess my point is: Why don't standard assault laws apply if officials get threatened? Why do we need special laws when there are already laws on the books?

This opinion extends to laws that deal with "hate crimes" as well. Aren't there already laws on the books that deal with most of the situations that hate crimes cover? Why do there need to be SPECIAL laws?

I can be convinced otherwise, I just haven't heard the compelling argument yet. I think the only reason these laws are written is that society isn't enforcing the ones we already got.

Rich