Red State Crime Crisis: A Political Power Grab Under the Guise of Public Safety
Donald Trump’s claims of rampant crime in Washington D.C., used to justify deploying National Guard troops, are contradicted by dropping crime rates and a focus on “show” rather than actual need. While urban areas experience higher crime rates, rural areas face distinct issues, particularly higher firearm-related deaths, and significantly lower reporting of crimes such as sexual assault. The author suggests the issue of crime is being used for political grandstanding and notes a waste of taxpayer money in the process. Ultimately, the article highlights the underreporting of crime in rural communities and calls attention to the true emergencies facing the country, such as guns and homelessness.