Jake Rinard has been provoking people with his statistics: "Murder per 100,000 residents in counties won by Gore 13.2 by Bush 2.1"

Of course the liberals claim that this is entirely due to poverty, Jake is having none of it but I can't help wonder - Is there not a third way ? Being British of course I would want to tread that line. New Labour over here once said 'be tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime'. Jake would like Micheal Howard (possibly our next prime minister's) reported reply at the time 'I know what causes crime-criminals'

Unfortunately the truth is that given the wrong circumstances we might all become killers. Remember that the holocaust was started with the aid of respectable doctors.

Could it be that 'society' and wealth restrain some of our murderous rage so that whilst it is wrong to absolve the poor criminal of guilt, it is also wrong to give credit to the wealthy citizen for his lawful behaviour- purchased as it is by priviledge, and quite likely a better education.

Its easier not to steal when you have a job. But that doesnt make stealing when you don't right.