What could we do to reduce crime and abuse in America?

Question

Crime, abuse and dishonesty of all kinds take a huge economic and human toll on society and our freedoms. Nothing changes overnight, but without a workable plan, it may never change. Thinking in terms of a 20-year objective, how could we promote a change in the behavior of our people to dramatically reduce the problem?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, most people seem to think that we either incarcerate all offenders, or we forgive them because they just didn't have the right start in life. These aren't solutions.

Incarceration takes criminals out of circulation temporarily. This is certainly necessary- but it's a patch. You do not teach criminals not to be criminals with incarceration. You teach them to be more careful. The thing that makes them criminals in the first place is not changed by incarceration.

Feeling sorry for them confirms their own premise that they aren't responsible for themselves. This actually authorizes the behavior we need to get rid of.

Neither of the above deals with the problem of people who know how to be abusive and take advantage of others within the law- and there are plenty of such unscrupulous people.

The best regulation is self-regulation. We write laws because we have no choice but to impose regulation on those who won't regulate themselves.

Self-regulation is the presence of character and self esteem. People who have it aren't honest because they fear being caught; they are honest because they would lose respect in their own eyes if they weren't. Should character and integrity become seen as a vital quality in society, and we raised our children to know this- the problems of crime and violence would greatly diminish, because self-regulation would play a far greater role. Imagine how far we would come, with just one generation of children raised with higher character.

How do we do that? Somehow- it has to start with leadership. Someone in a position of high respect and visibility will have to make the point, gain support from other leaders, press the issue publicly- and begin to make integrity a code that is recognized and respected.

The public perception can be changed, but it's difficult to make that happen when leaders don't lead the way, and bad behavior by role models simply provides bad examples. Parents are leaders, but they too are following leaders, often politicians. Change works best when it starts at the top, at the political peak.

There's a lot of difference between a politician and a leader. We have lots of politicians, at every level of government. We need fewer politicians, and more leaders- people with character. Not moral righteousness, not pretenders- but real people who will stand up for honesty and fair play, who will do so in their actions rather than just posture themselves for votes.

The question is- where are they?

One answer is- in us. If each person takes the responsibility, then our votes are more likely to select politicians based on character over posture. Our children are more likely to have character, and be able to see and respect it in others. If no one leader or celebrity will step forward to lead a move toward character- it's still no less valuable in anyone's life. I think it's up to us.

Answer 2

I don't believe that America leads in child abuse. Take a look at all the third world countries that are off the charts with child labor in deplorable conditions, selling children as prostitutes, making them into killers to fight their civil wars, marrying them off at preteen ages. Child abuse is a world wide problem. There will always be evil people who take advantage of innocents. I have no solutions either, other than parents, friends, teachers, coaches, clergy, and the children themselves need to be as vigilant as possible. And punishment for any type of child abuse should be as severe as punishment for murder.

Answer 3

Enforce tougher penalties for repeat offenders and re-evaluate parole guidelines for murders, sex offenders and other higher level criminals that have not attended some type of therapy/counseling. Offer better programs to inmates for rehabilitation that help them return to society once they are released. Implement support groups that help former inmates to deal with problems once they have returned to society (like AA, NA, Al anon, etc) that assist them in not repeating behaviors that would return to jail. Also, I think cities should investigate their police departments/criminal justice employees. There are many officers/officials who enjoy the power they have been given over people in their care, and many times misuse what has been entrusted to them. Maybe tougher psychological exams for police and start doing them for court officials (judges and prosecutors). Implement professional jurors instead of calling in jury pools from the community. Professional jurors would be educated in the law and much more likely to be impartial. Most importantly get involved on an individual level. If you are aware of something illegal, not to turn a blind eye to it, report it to the authorities. Form neighborhood watch groups and actually get to KNOW your neighbors by talking about what's going in the community. As long as people live in fear of retaliation, isolation from what is going on around them, or just don't think they can get change to happen...it never will.

Answer 4

I'm sure the Romans were thinking the same thing. Man by nature and with free will can be corrupted.

Through the ages many have have tried to answer your question but unfortunately to no avail. Society does what it can, trying many different solution but the problems still exists.

I truly believe there no 20 year plan that can succeed. I guess I've given up.

Answer 5

Mandatory severe penalties for bad behavior. Take sentencing out of the hands of progressive judges. Crime has been reduced to "disease'. As long as anyone can keep having excuses to justify their behavior, people will keep perpetrating crimes. We need to start holding people accountable, and that means stiff penalties for breaking the law. We also need to speed up, and televise the death penalty. Time to start thinning the herd.

Answer 6

education and opportunities. If everyone has the same opportunity to have good things, they won't need to steal or commit crimes. It all comes from social difference and power of consume. If I see a nice shoe on tv and I'm not able to buy (and I have no values in my mind) I'll surely do whatever it takes to get those shoes...

Answer 7

More Security and cameras