Dear editor:
I read Dave Simpson's column with interest as Dave seems to believe that college educated Democrats are "stupid" to want to decrease law enforcement in US society.
I am one of those Democrats. I have come to this conclusion by studying what caused crime instead of embracing the fear of crime that Dave has wallowed in along with most Republicans.
It is a fact that since 1990 all violent crimes to include murder and rapes are down significantly; however, the American public has been convinced that crime is worse than it has ever been.
I wonder why Americans like Dave Simpson believe otherwise? I suspect too much Rush Limbaugh and Fox News along with the rise of social media is part of the cause.
It is really sad that Republicans have bought into this narrative of fear and refuse to look at the real causes for the rise and fall of violence in America.
The rise in violence started with juveniles post World War II and those children became rapists, murders and serial killers that peaked in the 1990s, then receded back to levels not seen since the early 1900s.
Just look at serial killers specifically as they exploded during the 70s and 80s, only to retire from killing in the 90s to raise their families while they await DNA results to catch up to them as they watch tv from their lazy boys.
Even as crime was going down, the police were militarized in equipment and its police forces for no good reason.
Just because Dave and his Republican buddies live in a false fear narrative does not mean the rest of sane society should follow along.
Review the data Dave and if you pursue the truth long enough you will recognize that we need to incarcerate far fewer people and require less police.
Dave and his Republican Party should celebrate the fact that Ronald Reagan became the greatest crime fighter the US has ever witnessed when he removed tetra-ethyl lead from gasoline.
Democrats are correct about reducing incarceration/policing of America as it will enhance our rights and lower our tax burden. Stop buying into fear Dave and you will be a more enlightened and happy person.
Sincerely,
Greg Hunter
Laramie
