SKBUBBA has some interesting thoughts on last year’s reported decline in crime — maybe it’s because of 9/11:

Assuming the reporting period is through 12/31/2001 (the article doesn’t say but the full report is supposed to be out later this week) it would include a little over one quarter of post-attack statistics. Erosion of civil liberties notwithstanding (we’ll get them back eventually), law enforcement at all levels is on heightened alert which could be a factor. I also get a gut feeling that people are generally more vigilant and more alert to potential threats, and more willing to get involved. I think a lot more people are armed, too.

Interesting suggestion, though I have no idea whether it will turn out to be true. I think there’s not much question about this part, though:

Considering the Taliban ass whipping, a restructuring of our military to defend against future terrorist attacks, a critical and constructive reevaluation of our intelligence and law enforcement capabilities, people unafraid to get back on planes and go about their business and get on with their lives, and general world condemnation of radical extremists, I don’t think the terrorists got quite the response they expected.

No. But then, Jimmy Carter isn’t President now. I’d like to see more of that “critical and constructive reevaluation,” though.