"Hate is a strong word." It's also not so strong a word. So let's stop saying otherwise.

Can we all agree that "Hate is a strong word" is a statement that never needs to be said ever, ever again?

First, it's not exactly a new concept. In fact, it's used so often that it's become a reflexive retort for some people. Yes, we all know that hate is a strong word. We get it. It's not like we're confusing the word with indifferent or disapprove.

Second, even a word as clearly defined as hate has degrees of intensity, and any rationale, reasonable person recognizes this. 

If my friend and I are tied on the last hole of a round of golf, and he hits his tee shot 300 yards straight down the fairway, I might say, "I hate you." 

My friend doesn't say, "Hate is a strong word." He laughs. He smiles. He shrugs his shoulders in false modesty. He understands that I don't really hate him, though in that singular moment, I might.

Yes, hate is a strong word. It's also a not-so-strong word depending upon the context.  

While we're on the subject, I also do not support the insanity of parents and teachers who tell children that they cannot use the word hate in their everyday speech, as if banning the word will ban the emotion behind it.

The more you restrict the use of the word, the more power and desirability that word gains. Sanitizing speech only ensures that the language being sanitized will be used often in the near future.