This board does not usually make pronouncements on local issues, much less on national issues, believing we serve our citizens best when we keep our attention on the specific matters brought to us. But today we have been asked to express our condemnation of a particular type of hate crime. We would like to think it goes without saying that we, individually and collectively, abhor violence that harms any human being. Violence is both hateful and generally arises from hate. All victims of personal violence have felt the rage that hate unleashes. But sometimes the sentiments that we would like to think "go without saying" do need to be emphasized. We, the members of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, want to speak for our community in saying that this community does not and will not put up with harmful actions that arise from hate. We urge our citizens to recognize that stereotypes and prejudice of all types diminishes us as human beings and can create a breeding ground for hate. We all can profit from examining our own prejudices and teaching our children the value and sacredness of each individual. (November, 1998)