The Meaning of "Hate Speech"

The left is fond of saying that those who challenge the veracity and virtue of leftists, leftism, and leftism's lapdogs are guilty of "hate speech."

I wondered how it could be hateful to say, truthfully, that John Kerry consistently voted against programs that would help the armed forces of the United States deter and defeat our enemies. Yet, Democrats strove mightily to portray Sen. Zell Miller's righteous anger about Kerry's voting record as hatred.

Similarly, Democrats strive mightily to portray those who favor self-reliance, free markets, and property rights as "haters" because they don't believe in the redistribution of income and wealth.

Thinking about all of that has led me to this insight: If the left hates what you say, it's "hate speech."