Earlier: Ann Coulter: The Obvious Jussie Smollett Hate Hoax, And Other Tips On Fake News For Twitter’s New Indian CEO

You'll recall that three years ago a black TV actor named Jussie Smollett staged a hate crime, claiming to have been beaten up by white devils wearing MAGA hats, calling him rude names, and leaving him with a noose round his neck.

And people—including some respectable, highly-paid journalists—believed him!

"When one of the most famous black and gay men in America is not safe, the message is clearer than it has ever been." The dangerous lies spewing from the right wing is killing & hurting our people.

Thinking of you @JussieSmollett, and my LGBTQ neighbors.
https://t.co/edtIFWYAX1

— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) January 30, 2019

What happened today to @JussieSmollett must never be tolerated in this country. We must stand up and demand that we no longer give this hate safe harbor; that homophobia and racism have no place on our streets or in our hearts. We are with you, Jussie. https://t.co/o8ilPu68CM

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 30, 2019

To believe a tale like that is beyond stupid. Can anyone think of an anti-black hate crime this century that wasn't a hoax?

The noose is a clear tell. Likewise spray-painted insults, counterclockwise swastikas, and "KKK" mis-spelled. OK, I made the last one up … but I wouldn't be surprised.

It is surely a well-known fact by now that the demand for anti-black hate crimes far outstrips the supply.

Well, this week Jussie went on trial facing six counts of felony disorderly conduct for lying to police. If convicted he faces up to three years in jail. Yeah, right, that'll happen.

When I was reporting this at the time I turned to the defendant's namesake, 18th-century English novelist Tobias Smollett. He did not disappoint::

I think for my part one half of the nation is mad—and the other not very sound.

Just so.