In Milwaukee, someone I indirectly knew was murdered this summer. People in my town have been getting robbed more than ever based on reports from my parents. To me, the crime rate is higher than it was when I was younger, despite reports that it is actually going down over all.
When you were younger, you didn't know as many people and your parents probably didn't tell you about murders. Anecdotes do not overthrow statistics, as we've heard again and again.
I'm not saying they overthrow statistics, just that real things happen and suddenly statistics don't matter. One crime that hits close to home is more important to you than thousands that don't. And I'm not just talking about murders, I'm talking about simple burglary as well.
