Crime rates are historically quite low, but perception matters. When someone has an AR-15 shoved in their face during a robbery, and later the criminal is shown standing next to the mayor with a big smile, celebrating some kind of “diversion” program… well… that kind of thing leaves an impression that is hard to get around with data. (And I am the guy who shows up with data)
Democrats have a massive perception problem over their double standard around guns: the impression is that you are willing to imprison someone over minor mechanical details like a flash hider or the position that one’s thumb rests, but less willing to send people to prison for actually using guns in crimes or purchasing guns for criminals. (Any person who argues with me about flash hiders or thumb position gets an insta-block. I’m done arguing with people who haven’t the faintest notion of what they are taking about)
If Democrats can change their reputation for going light on violent criminals, over time it will DEFINITELY help.
Democrats won’t be able to “data” their way out of this. They’re going have to start imprisoning violent criminals and those that provide them with guns, and to arrange for long sentences.
I’m probably far to the left of most of you on immigration. I greatly prefer Ellis-Island style “open borders”. I think I’m going to have to give that up in a major way. I’m hoping Democrats can salvage a very liberal H1-B program, and some sort of a meaningful refugee program.