Good news in declining crime

There's no denying the fact that crime is a terrible thing.

It's awful when we are the victims of it.

It's terrible that we have to fear it.

And, ironically, it has sad consequences not only for its victims but for those who commit it.

Unfortunately, the nature of mankind is such that some of us sometimes threaten the lives, safety and property of others with violence and theft.

But while we cannot escape all possibility of crime, there is a glimmer of good news because crime is reported to be down.

According to 2010 FBI statistics, there was a 5.5 percent drop in violent crime and a 2.8 percent drop in property crime compared with 2009. Murder and non-negligent manslaughter declined 4.4 percent, forcible rape was down 4.2 percent, robbery decreased 9.5 percent, and aggravated assault declined 3.6 percent.

The drop is interesting. Rather than hold criminals responsible for their actions, many people blame crime on poverty and hard times - yet our country's economy certainly hasn't been booming lately while crime has been dropping.

Still, whatever the explanation for the decline, it's welcome.

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