Source: http://www.dailygut.com/?i=4112Greg Gutfeld wrote:
So police chiefs across the country are saying the recession is causing a rise in crime. Of roughly 200 police agencies surveyed, 44 percent reported increases in stuff like burglary and theft from cars – all somehow linked to the worst economic crisis in years.
Now, this might be a real connection – but I`m not so sure. First off, whenever budgets are in question – scaring the hell out of people with a crime wave always does the trick. But more important – this correlation doesn`t say anything about who`s committing these new crimes. With these increased burglaries, we have no idea if these are newbies or veteran criminals just working longer hours to make ends meet (like the rest of us). If the recession causes crime, then you`d see a rise in first-timers who are just now experiencing tough times.
And honestly, this is really an old canard about poverty causing crime. But unless you count watching Jerry Springer, the overwhelming majority of people considered poor do not commit crimes. The fact is, the criminal mind is driven more by arrogance than need. Think about it: it`s harder to steal a car than it is to work at McDonalds. But a criminal feels he deserves the car – as opposed to working at McDonalds.
The worst part about the poverty-crime link: it sends a poisonous message that criminal behavior is expected – possibly even allowed – whenever times get tough. It`s like saying when it rains you have every right to steal an umbrella.
Which is true, but that`s not really the point.
Comment: He makes a good point...really who's really doing the increased crime, repeat or first time offenders?
