Reply #26: After reading through the article, I proudly award this article

[Wickerman]

the coveted, and I thought ready for retirement:



a "highlight"

In general, the research shows that violent crime rates were lower in the UK than the United States in 1992. (Rated in percent of those interviewed responding ''yes'' to being victimized.)

Burglary with entry:...................UK – 2.5%...U.S. – 3.5%
Robbery:...............................UK – .9%....U.S. – 1.7%
Sexual assault of women:...............UK – .3%....U.S. – 1.5%
Assault with force:....................UK – 1.1%...U.S. – 2.2%


In the 2000 survey the researchers combined the three violent crimes of robbery, rape, and assault into one category entitled ''Selected Contact Crime.'' Here is what they report (post-ban for UK.)

Burglary with entry:..................UK – 2.8%....U.S. – 1.8%
Selected contact crime:...............UK – 3.6%....U.S. – 1.9%


These two reports were done with essentially the same criteria and methods, and they clearly show that while selected violent crime rates rose 100% in the UK, they fell 65 % in the U.S.

Uh, so, not sure of this, but it would appear that in the UK report you have to make some changes to your 1992 data. You lump Robbery, sex assault and assault w/ force together for a rate (averaged) of .77 per. Compared to 3.6 per 8 years later means a 100% gain? Hah, this guy can't even do basic math.

Lets see, then the comparison numbers are looked at with no rigor. We wouldn't want to discuss such things (as we never do account) as the gigantic prison industry in the US; the "war" on drugs increasing numbers in prison (1 in 20 males in the US - 1 in 5 African American males?).

No examination from a sociological perspective - changing mores, less employment opportunities in the UK, absolutely no examination of economy, blah.

And here's a great number that makes me take this "scientist" seriously:

Total Violent Crime rose 219%.

219%? Shut the fuck up. Remember when you used to call the coach a moron because he said, "And Friday night, leave it all on the field, give it your all, give it 110%?" That's right, boys and girls - this guy is 300% a bigger moron the coach who took you to that glorious 1-11 season.

and finally, just to make sure we know its from a right wing source, we have this gem....

As victims are more available due to the loss of self-defense capabilities, criminals see no need to spend the extra effort to plan burglary in order to avoid their victims; it is far easier to confront them and wave a gun in their face, demanding loot and sex.

Demanding sex? Its called rape. It isn't sex - that someone would confuse the two amplifies the rhetorical and call to arms piece of crap article this is.