Let's face it. American do not really want to stop mass shootings. We have consistently said the rights of a few criminals are more important to use than the lives of 100s of innocent Americans. A few simple steps, unpalatable to many of our citizens--particularly those on the left, would go a long way toward ending much of the violence that plagues the country today.
What are those steps?
1. Take "Three strikes and you're out" seriously. Liberals cry out that this is inhumane. They cite a thrice convicted felon whose third felony was a stolen pizza. The conveniently forget the earlier two armed robberies. I read once that 10 percent of criminals commit 76 percent of crimes. Let's get that 10 percent off the streets. If we saw a 76 percent drop in crime the economic benefits would be tremendous.
2. Legalize drugs. People should have the right to do with their bodies what they wish. Instead of police chasing a 10-pound bag of pot, let them assist in getting violent criminals off the streets. Keeping "drug offenders" out of jail will make room for those who are violent and commit crimes involving bodily harm.
3. When the repeat criminals are in jail, reduce the size of the police force--substantially. With so much less crime, fewer police will be needed. Re-train the now redundant cops as counselors, especially mental health counselors. Flood the schools and social service agencies. Now, we have very low crime rates and very high mental health service rates.
4. Flood any high crime rate cities or areas with police and counselors. New York City showed that enforcing the little laws prevents breakage of big laws. With fewer crimes to fight, the police can work to reduce what's left.
5. Police departments and police unions start policing your own. There are not many bad cops, but the ones who are bad have to go. Stop promulgating the solid blue line and start considering your communities. You cause much of the suspicion of police by tolerating a small percentage of your force that should go.
6. Poor, urban communities. Embrace the cops. Especially in black communities your kids are dying. Defining the cops as the problems means more of your kids will die. When chiefs and unions get rid of the bad ones, the vast majority who want to "protect and service" will be there for you.
7. Most imprisoned criminals are illiterate or close to it. Use the savings in policing to bring those people to literacy and social contribution.
I will be very interested to see how readers respond to the proposal. Will people acknowledge that "background checks" and "assault rifle bans" will do almost nothing to reduce violence. I am curious to see if there is any support for actions that will reduce violence.
