There is an interesting article in the New York Times about the changes in crime trends, specifically noting acts of violence and shootings. They point to inner city issues: "'honorific culture' akin to that of the Wild West" and a "growing hip-hop culture that puts an emphasis on street credibility for respect."
The article points to trends away from incarceration which mean there are more parolees out on the street that may continue to engage in criminal activity.
As a democrat and a liberal I approve of reducing incarceration trends, but I think we also have a responsibility to introduce other viable cultures rather than the 'honorific culture of the street.' If we create more legislation and penalties around firearms we will reverse the trend of incarceration and punitive judicial culture. What if we start up those high school shooting clubs that once existed in California (see my previous post) to introduce students to gun safety, self-defense law, and a solid reliable option to hip-hop culture?
Check out the NY Times article at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/us/22oakland.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&th&emc=th