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I don't think population density per se is a factor. Israel has a higher population density in the northern areas than any U.S. state, but its violent crime rate is low. I use Israel as an example because it is the only other country with a substantial number of people permitted to carry weapons.

I've been convinced for a long time that disparity of wealth is the main factor in violent crime. When you have a large population of relatively poor and underemployed people side-by-side with a wealthier population, that poor population gives rise to drug-dealing and other illegal activity (during Prohibition it was bootlegging). Criminals can't take each other to court, so they resolve their disputes with violence. Some of them decide to prey on the wealthier population by robbery, burglary, etc.

There are some countries where most people about equally poor, such as China. They don't have significant violent crime. Probably as they continue develop a wealthy class, they will. The same thing happened in Russia after the Soviet Union dissolved.

- Jim

That is a whole lot closer to how it should be than what we're dealing with here.

Although South Dakota is pretty far north (straight north of Texas), it was the frontier at one time, and they appear to have retained the frontier spirit.

- Jim

You're welcome.

Funny thing is, South Dakota is not flooded with blood in the streets, shoot-outs over parking spaces, at sports venues, or any of the other horrors that permissive concealed carry is supposed to bring.

Even though Deadwood is in South Dakota.

- Jim

A friend of mine who also is a member of this forum moved to South Dakota to deal with a family situation. He wrote to me the other day.

In SD, you go to the sheriff's office for a concealed carry-license.

Total cost and time ...

<drumroll, please>

$10 and 17 minutes.



- Jim