what to do about crime

Do tougher laws help the crime situation? Does gun control help? What of the death penalty?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/20060826-101822-1650r.htm

>>5 Or that nice, chatty dude that knows everything about fucking, weaponry, marijuana and messing with McDonalds? A fellow I talk to on irc knows a black dude like that and boy do I envy him