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>My theory is that this falls into the quality of life section of my orginal post. There is something about US society, that causes violent crime. Perhaps unfair distribution of wealth. Perhaps a social safety net that lets people slip through the cracks and become more desperate.


Evan;

Sorry for the long post. This does not even begin to touch this topic.

I think that our society has a few problems that are serious and should be addressed and resolved. Areas of concern are family, education and opportunity. There are many other elements to this topic but these three seem to standout.

Our nation is founded upon the individual being the basic element of society. This does not speak highly of the family. As I recall the Irish Constitution states that the family is the basic element of society. So I see us as a “me only” society. It is all about me! Make me feel good. Pop some pills. Have fun. Not all Americans are like that but too many are. Just look at our drug problem. That is a topic onto itself.

As far as education is concerned I see our public school system as a failure. Yes, we do have success stories. But we have failures. I can quote statistics but you may get the general idea: Latinos dropping out of high school in Santa Clara County (Silicon Valley) = 68% according to a recent report.

No Child Left Behind – a Bush solution – which is not well funded. Teachers receive very low salaries and are not always well trained. School supplies are lacking. School buildings are in need of repair. Our new Exit Exam to graduate from High School in California will fail many students. Then what do they do? Does the system care that many kids cannot read?

Seventeen percent of the students graduating from college were educated in parochial schools. You find an average of one administrative person per 100 students in such schools. Public schools average 16 administrative persons per 100 students.

And I come to opportunity. We have a “free society” that is we get to do what we want. Go to college – not everyone does. Eighty seven percent of college students who receive degrees do not work in his/her chosen field. Where are the well paying jobs? What is the incentive? We have plenty of opportunities in the military. That is where many of the poor kids end up.

A large percentage of prison population is composed of minorities. Many had less than an ideal family life, were a part of a failed education system and the lack of legal opportunities caused them to be incarcerated. Sell dope, etc.

Give a man the opportunity to be employed and a part of the system and you will help maintain the American family. This requires education. It is a cycle as I see it and one that is broken for too many Americans.

In our society the “cream will rise to the top”. Well, not every drop of milk is cream but it has value. Why not invest effort in enhancing our society? Become a mentor for the young and get connected with the school board meetings. Join a Church Group that helps others even if you do not practice any religion? We can try to do these and other things to help our society. In fact my family is involved in these and other activities.

Throwing federal, state or local money at a problem will not work – that has been proven. Trying to find a way to make each person a success will cost a lot less then putting them in jail!


Tom