A wave of violent crime continues to grip major American cities, with Chicago being the latest epicenter of lawlessness. Over the Fourth of July weekend alone, at least 109 people, including children, were struck by gunfire in the city, resulting in the tragic deaths of nineteen individuals. Nationally, the weekend saw over 500 reported shootings, claiming the lives of at least 180 people and leaving over 525 injured.
The alarming rise in violence can be attributed, in part, to a small group of habitual offenders who are responsible for a significant portion of predatory crimes. Studies, including a 2013 Swedish study, have shown that approximately 1% of the population commits between half and two-thirds of violent crimes. This pattern holds true not only in the United States but also in other countries.
Unfortunately, progressive “social justice” prosecutors, such as Alvin Bragg in New York City, George Gascon in Los Angeles, and Kim Foxx in Chicago, are pursuing soft-on-crime policies reminiscent of the 1960s and ’70s. These policies have historically led to surges in crime, and the current situation is no exception. The consequences of these reckless approaches extend beyond the visible increase in crime rates.
By ignoring lower-level offenses or undercharging more serious crimes, these prosecutors undermine the ability of the criminal justice system to tailor appropriate punishments based on an individual’s criminal history. Repeat offenders are more likely to continue committing crimes, and deterring them requires a graduated response that imposes stronger penalties as their offenses become repetitive or more severe. Accurate criminal-history records are crucial for implementing such a response. When prosecutors fail to bring charges or downplay the gravity of the crimes committed, they deprive society of essential information needed to protect the public.
The revolving-door policies of progressive district attorneys also undermine community policing, which is a highly effective tool in combating violent crime. Community policing relies on building trust between law enforcement and the community, encouraging law-abiding citizens to identify and report individuals who pose a threat. However, this approach only works when citizens have confidence that the identified criminals will be apprehended and prevented from retaliating. Unfortunately, the leniency shown by progressive DAs erodes this confidence, making it less likely for community members to come forward with crucial information.
Furthermore, the laxity of progressive DAs in dealing with juvenile crime exacerbates the problem. While they may believe they are helping young offenders by letting them off the hook for their initial offenses, they are, in fact, setting them on a path towards becoming career criminals. Early intervention by the justice system, with the imposition of serious consequences for wrongdoing, offers a better chance of steering young individuals away from a life of crime. However, each crime committed without consequences makes it increasingly difficult to redirect these young lives.
The consequences of progressive policies are evident in the deteriorating state of our cities. Public safety and quality of life are regressing, with crime, disorder, and squalor on the rise. To halt this degeneration, it is imperative to reject the destructive policies of progressive politicians.
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