Florida Crime Rate Drops

In a conversation I remember having with Xel on these boards a while ago, he asked me something like if I knew of any statistics or corollations relating to Castle Doctrine, or similar type self-defense legislation.  Recently in an email I got from the NRA, I read the following: 

"When queried this week about his state's declining crime rate, Florida Governor Jeb Bush (R) told reporters from the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, "Law abiding citizens that have guns for protection actually probably are part of the reason we have a lower crime rate."

Florida is one of 40 states with Right-to-Carry statutes that allow their law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm for self-defense.  In addition, the state last year passed NRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" legislation that allows citizens to "stand their ground" and defend themselves against an attacker in a place where they have a legal right to be.

Florida's crime rate dropped for the 14th straight year and the crime rate is currently at its lowest level since 1971."


It's probly not the most shining example, but this just came to mind.  Another something to consider, is that the crime rate is so low in that state, even in light of the sunsetting of the assault weapons ban.  The crime rate, last I checked, was down 3.6 percent overall in light of it's removal, and was at an all time low at that time thereafter.

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Xel, I seriously think you should come to the USA, and just live here a few months.  The crime rate is really not that high. 

Something to keep in mind... when you hear someone say we have xxxxxxx crimes in the usa per year, keep in mind that the USA has 300,000,000 people (or thereabouts).  So any number they give you should be compared with that for a percentage, to see what percentage of the population is actually affected.  In many cases, like children who died to gun deaths (i forget what it is, maybe 3,000) is LESS than one percent of the population. 

But, if you look at the number at face value, it would make many people say:  'zomg , we must ban guns!', and is very likely much of the reason why we made these dumb "no guns within two miles of a school" type laws.  Of course, try walking through many rural towns with a concealed weapon and NOT being within two miles of a school... lol.  Heck, just driving by in your car, and you'd be breaking the law.