War does it, violence! Did you read this morning that the murder rate across the country is rising sharply?

Answer 1

I think you're right, but for complex reasons.

One big reason, I think, is that when a government demonstrates a true disregard for human life, it sets an example for the people it governs. People think, "if the government can do it, then so can I." Perhaps a bit oversimplified, but you get the gist. An illegal war certainly qualifies for a disregard of human life. So so does cutting funding to programs which give people hope for advancement, and passing laws which are punitive to specific groups of people. Destroying hope destroys lives.

Then, there's a pervading sense of despair. That's a dramatic term, but I think it's apt. Ever since the advent of nuclear weapons technology, we're aware that world leaders can literally destroy the whole world if the right combination of bad luck, bad communication, and bad leadership occurs. To make things worse, we've had nuclear war near-misses that we average Joes only found out about years after the fact. To people steeped in Armageddon mythology, it feels as though the world is circling the drain--and it pushes some people over the edge. They cease to care about the consequences of their actions, or to care as much as they should.

Also, we live in a society that feeds on violence for entertainment purposes. When you watch violent movies and TV shows, play violent games, read violent books, watch/listen to violent news about real-life violence happening all around you, it's a pretty small step to become violent yourself.

Answer 2

Actually, violent crime in America has been plummeting for 10 consecutive years, even as British violence has been rising. So I will assume you are in Britain. By 1995 English rates of violent crime were already far higher than America's for every major violent crime except murder and rape. And the murder rate has been steadily falling in the US since the 1980s.

Answer 3

I believe it! Violence only begats violence (that's in the Bible for any of you Christians who think this war is a good idea). And what are we teaching out kids? You should play nice unless you don't like the other person, and then you can kill them? It's time for America to grow up.

Answer 4

How funny, I read an article yesterday stating how violent crimes in the US are lowering, but crimes in Europe are on the rise. What was your source? Or perhaps you are from Europe.

Answer 5

Yes , I agree . War does begets violence .

Answer 6

not surprising considering that our government is championing hate,,,