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I don't think that anyone here thinks that a beating is a long term solution. But we need a down and dirty quick solution right now. To implement a long term solution will take years, longer in Belize time. We don't have that kind of time, our economy is fragile and could not sustain a long term crime wave while the "experts" argue over the best way to solve the problem and then find they don't have the money or motivation to implement.

In this case short sighted, short term solutions are probably the best answer to the problem. On that note I'm off to the rally.

c
barnuficated behavioralist blather1

Strong family values and LEARNING Right for Wrong can go a long way in keeping a child on the correct path, and a good ass kicking by the father that puts the fear of god into a misguided child can do what Society can't...Tough Love!

Alot of us were disciplined as children at home AND school and survived and actually prospered, so if it worked for us the only difference in todays world is drug abuse which brings about a give a shit attitude about work,family and society and their focus is on how to get money for the next fix...no matter how they have to do it...

Making examples of certain people works for me let the victims family choose the method.

As a juvenile delinquent turned Police Officer, I think the very best prescription for crime is quick and certain punishment commensurate with the severity of the crime. With all due respect, Denny, I have alway felt that the legal profession should not be entrusted with the making of laws. Does this mean lawyers should not serve as legislators...exactly. I feel the legal profession are often guilty of "conflict of interest" when creating weak, loophole laden laws that are easily exploited by a clever legal mind. Criminals get back to the streets to create more crime...to pay for previous legal expense. When the legal systems ONLY priority is the elimination of crime...then we may be able to get back to a peaceful, lawful, society. As stands, the powers that be, understand well that there is money in poor people and crime.

Bywarren, when did the lack of morality start and what started it? What is the factor that triggered this decline? I know that many people cite drugs, but drugs have existed for a very long time and have been used and abused for just as long. The type of drugs has changed. Is that it? Is the increase in crime real or perceived? Certainly comparative studies have shown that statistically you were more at risk of rape, murder, robbery or child molestation in Victorian times in London. Is it as some say, poor parenting? If so, what caused a sudden decline in parenting? I am not trying to be provocative, I just find that most of the contributions to this debate have raised further interesting questions.

Simon, I agree with you. Would love to know how the rally went.

Lawlucci, well said again.

sassnfun, I get your point but as I mentioned..what has triggered a decline in good parenting and why have crimes been committed by kids brought up in disciplined households?

Bill, you make some really excellent and interesting statements. I would love to hear more about the 'money in poor people and crime'.

I would also like to know why it is that petty criminals (who often end up in jail and even on death row) remain poor and are usually unsuccessful in the long run while the big guys, who make tons and tons of money out of the petty criminal and much larger crimes (whether white collar or not) are the ones who not only get rich, but seem to remain unpunished. Could it be, that allowing these people to act as role models to young poor men that there is another perceived choice or career path available by which they feel they could earn a great deal more money?

If, in theory, I was a young poor man with no education. I see many around me with comforts, material possessions and lifestyles I could never dream of affording. With no education I have no choices about getting a chance to have these things, but there is that guy in the big house down the road who has all of these things and more. He didn't have an education either. Could this be a factor?

Got me law... I guess I was trying to be funny... unfortunately you are correct. 99% of the time it is not about sex, even though it would appear on the surface that, that is what it's about. It's about power.

However, think about this... crimes against females of a sexual nature is almost at a 0 level in these countries. Granted many of the women also do not report the crimes either. But if a guy rapes a female and starts to lose appendages... guess what... he's going to be a handless, armless and legless person. Then how will he rape anyone?

I hate it when I become so predictable.

Poverty and crime creates much of the worlds wealth. Without them...no legal system, no social welfare system, no political conflict, no academic "studies", and no endless bureacracies to deal with such problems. Sadly, its what makes the world go round. If there were no crime and no poverty...the balloon would have no air. Years ago, a particularly hidious murder occurred at a brick-oven Pizzaria in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Crime had been going on at a very high rate for many years, but this one really enraged the law abiding citizens of New Orleans. Very large, emotional protest went out throughout New Orleans and the powers that be...brought down the crime rate in the French Quarter to a mere fraction of previous. Crime can be lowered...but the powers that be must be forced to do so. Its not easy...it takes commitment from the community.

Denny, I can't help but chuckle.

Bill, I see what you are getting at ..I think. I can see that the legal system and unscrupulous lawyers etc can make a huge amount of money out of a badly run legal system, the social welfare system makes sure that those for whom there are no jobs (or who are unemployable) are taken care of and not demanding work, political conflict is definitely fed by continued conflict and as for academic research, well that is a self serving industry who would find endless other subjects to justify their hypotheses and navel gazing( I say this as a someone in practice..I have never been an academic except for what little I had to do to qualify), but I can see why the crime/poverty issue would contribute to that part of academia who get funded to research those issues. Damn. On that balloon metaphor, your observations make me feel really deflated. Ever the optimist, I try to hope that some idealistic processes can be seen through and take inspiration when they have been.

Any further info on how the powers that be in New Orleans actually managed to bring down the crime rate? In my experience, bringing down the crime rate in one area tends to displace it to another. Did that happen at all? We have had huge clean ups in certain areas of my city and the next area just takes up the slack.

I apologise to those bored by this subject. This is what I tend to do with my mates..except normally it's down the pub and putting the world to rights, not on line..so this is a new thing for me and I've found the debate challenging and interesting.

I am off diving this weekend so won't be able to reply until Monday but look forward to see whether everyone has been bored and given up the debate or if there have been further interesting contributions.

I am encouraged that a full fledged Inspector has been newly assigned as the new chief in San Pedro. Looks like a very capable fellow with an impressive record of service. Hopefully, Belmopan will provide increased resources to get a handle of this situation. Several years ago, San Pedro had over half the hotel rooms in the country of Belize. The Government of Belize are experiencing difficult times, a crime problem in San Pedro would only multiply those difficulties.

Well said sassnfun! short, sweet and CORRECT!