[M203M4]

This is one issue that the authoritarian right (not to be confused with the "religious right", though there is overlap) can agree on with Hillary - it is clear that 'the people' don't know what is good for them and need to be controlled. Maybe throw in a "for the children".

In the light of facts, there is no "crisis" to bemoan.

This data is from U.S. Department of Justice - Bureau of Justice Statistics. The particular chart is from here.

Superimposed below are a few video game related dates, to give context for the timespan.

All that has increased is media coverage of rarer and rarer events. If it wasn't for pesky things like facts and reality, the authoritarians may actually have a point.

[LibertarianInExile]

Phenomenal chart. And phenomenal post BUMP!

I wonder if it could also show when the average Gen-Xer began parenting? Arbitrarily picking between the arguable dates Strauss & Howe choose (1960-1980) and the dates many others seem to prefer (1965-1980) and arriving at 1963 as the starting date for Gen X, then considering that the same generation usually hasn't married until age 27...maybe the likely cause of crime's nosedive is more evident than some would admit. Of course, it could be that videogames actually prevent crime, too.

[No.6]

Take that chart of yours, draw in the passage of CCW laws in various and sundry states, and it'll make more sense :)

Anyway your point is also valid. The everything-grabbers don't give a rat's 6 about actual problems, although they appreciate them for the opportunity they provide to implement bogus solutions.