All violent crimes are crimes of hate. They are all abhorrent. They are all to be prevented. In addition, crimes motivated by bigotry, racism, and prejudice are so abhorrent that society should rally against them and declare the motivations crimes as well. This distinction illustrates how certain values are not acceptable in our communities. This distinction shows what kind of society we live in and what we aspire to be. Since 9/11, more Americans have been killed by right-wing extremists than by any other terrorist group in the world. Haters with intent to kill must be stopped on many different levels by any means necessary. This bill will expand the current federal hate crimes law to include any violence based on a victim’s real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. The Department of Justice will have the power to go after bias-motivated offenses and give important federal assistance to states, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes. No worries, haters. Your First Amendment rights to shout, blog, or write nasty views of the world will not be threatened. The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 is important. It declares paramount the values of tolerance, acceptance, and peace. Urge your Senators to vote for a tolerant country and more hopeful tomorrow for everyone who dares to be themselves.