I harp on Eugene Kane so much (as does Casper), that I feel like I have to make mention of his latest blog post:

In California, a group of black suspects are facing hate crime charges for a vicious Halloween attack on three white girls. What's surprising is this is the first I've heard about it, and I'm usually attuned to these types of national stories.

The problem seems to be this story has gotten virtually little national attention. The LA Times in particular is being criticized by local readers for downplaying details of the case.

I will admit, if a group of whites had attacked some black girls, this kind of story would have been all over the news.

Frankly I was surprised he'd even say that much.  Good on ya Eugene. 

Read the rest of his post for some more details on the case.  The article he cites isn't clear on whether those involved are being charged with an actual "hate crime", or just assault.  I hope it's the latter... because I think hate crime laws themselves should be stripped from the books (something with which Eugene would no doubt disagree).  All violent crimes are hate crimes as far as I'm concerned, no matter who the victims and assailants are.