>> Your perception of a rise in homicides is not grounded in reality.
At no time have I suggested there is a "rise in homicides", and in fact, on this very thread, I have pointed out that murder rates are down.
But one has to comprehend WHY they're down and question why they aren't down more than they are, particularly amongst certain demographics. As I pointed out earlier, while homicide numbers are down, e.g., in Chicago (generally), they aren't down within certain demographics -- and those are the ones that ought to be of concern.
Homicide rates are down overall for a few reasons --
- The crack epidemic of the 1980s has been replaced by an Rx drug epidemic. Rx drugs are regularly and readily obtainable through your local pharmacy, often paid for by Medicaid. No need to kill for it.
- Improved technology means murders are solved faster. Probably half or more of murders today are solved quickly by reference to cell phone data or video.
- The people who were committing these crimes in the 80s are dead, in prison, or have gotten older and don't do it anymore.
The point I made that apparently confused you is that the character of these murders has changed. In the past, they were about robbery, drugs, or other things, today many teen murders are for no real reason at all -- which is indicative of a general disrespect for life.
Which was what I said in the first place. |
