We do not "gauge murder by intent", our legal system assigns different levels of punishment which is influenced greatly by intent. The act of murder is still an all of nothing act, it either happened or it didnt.

"First, discrimination isn't inherently bad."

To have that argument, we would first have to acknowledge that there was discrimination, but so far you dispute that by saying there must be intent in order to discriminate.

Intent:
1 a : the act or fact of intending : purpose; especially : the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act <admitted wounding him with intent> b : the state of mind with which an act is done : volition
2 : a usually clearly formulated or planned intention : aim <the director's intent>

To use murder as an example, if someone runs over someone because they were drunk and killed that person, the lack of intent to kill does not make that person any less of murderer.

As for the "implied intent" being included in Webster's definition, its frankly utterly absurd. One does not need to intend to discriminate for the act to be committed. For example, in a recent study they found that children are more likely to point to a black man than a white man when asked who they should be more afraid of, these children don't intend to discriminate based on race, but its a form of discrimination nonetheless.  

by Smokin on 03/10/2010 06:18:56 PM EST

[ Parent ]

Man, this is getting really tedious. Why do I let myself get dragged into these arguments. Heaven help me. It always boils down to language doesn't it. It's the easiest way to stand your ground and keep arguing until the other tires out. Well, you win. I'm exhausted. I stand by everything I said.

ciao

by mr science on 03/10/2010 06:29:24 PM EST

[ Parent ]
its only tedious when one has to remind someone to use the proper definition of a word rather than to make something up to fit their absurd logic. Im glad you can stand by your point, but my only point it your point has nothing to back it up. In a nut shell, weak sauce.

weak:
1 : lacking strength: as a : deficient in physical vigor : feeble, debilitated b : not able to sustain or exert much weight, pressure, or strain c : not able to resist external force or withstand attack d : easily upset or nauseated "a weak stomach"
2 a : mentally or intellectually deficient b : not firmly decided : vacillating c : resulting from or indicating lack of judgment or discernment d : not able to withstand temptation or persuasion "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak"

sauce
1 : a condiment or relish for food; especially : a fluid dressing or topping
2 : something that adds zest or piquancy
3 : stewed fruit eaten with other food or as a dessert
4 : pert or impudent language or actions

by Smokin on 03/10/2010 06:38:53 PM EST

[ Parent ]