This election will serve as a referendum on which party will ensure the safety and security of all Americans
The five most dangerous cities in America share a common thread: they are all governed by Democrats.
Topping the list is Bessemer, Alabama, a city of 27,000 residents, where the odds of becoming a victim of crime stand at a staggering 1 in 9, according to a brand new report by StudyFinds.
Once hailed as "The Marvel City" for its rapid growth, Bessemer now grapples with a brutal reality of heightened violence, property crimes, and motor vehicle thefts. Under the leadership of Mayor Kenneth "Ken" Gulley, the city has been confronted with a concerning statistic of 33.18 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. Just a stone's throw away lies Birmingham, another city on the list, emphasizing a distressing trend within the region. More on Birmingham in a minute.
As the nation braces itself for the election in November, the issue of crime should be on the minds of many Americans. (Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images)
As the second most dangerous city, Memphis, Tennessee, paints a rather somber picture. With a crime rate soaring 237% above the national average, the city's neighborhoods, including Downtown and Parkway Village-Oakhaven, stand as veritable hotbeds for criminal activity. Under the leadership of Mayor Paul Young, Memphis' endeavors to combat crime have been largely ineffective.
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St. Louis, Missouri, earns its place on the list with a one in 50 chance of falling victim to crime, accentuated by high poverty rates and unemployment. Mayor Tishaura Jones' inability to grapple with the city's entrenched issues is costing lives.
President Biden greets Detroit Police Chief James White before he speaks to police chiefs from across the country and members of his administration in the State Dining Room at the White House on Feb. 28, 2024. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Detroit, Michigan, with its iconic status as the Motor City, faces its own set of challenges. Urban decay has fostered an environment ripe for a whole host of illicit activities. Although efforts to revitalize the city are underway, the ominous shadow of crime looms large on Mayor Mike Duggan's watch.
Rounding out the top five is the aforementioned Birmingham, Alabama, where despite concerted efforts by local authorities, crime remains alarmingly high. Mayor Randall Woodfin presides over a city grappling with a violent crime index that defies norms, as underscored by the StudyFinds report.
The sobering reality of these revelations casts a stark light on the issue of crime in America's urban landscape, with Democratic-run cities at the forefront.
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This report arrives at a critical juncture in American discourse on crime, coinciding with a heightened sense of unease felt across the nation. Recent findings from Gallup underscore a seismic shift in public sentiment: for the first time in two decades, a majority of Americans believe that the United States is "not tough enough" on crime.
This sentiment marks a significant departure from previous years, with 58% of respondents indicating a belief that the criminal-legal system is too lenient, a notable increase from the 41% recorded in 2020.
Such sentiments reflect a growing concern among American citizens regarding public safety and the efficacy of law enforcement measures. Against the backdrop of escalating crime rates in urban centers across the nation, the imperative for proactive intervention becomes all the more urgent. The need for robust policies and decisive action to address these challenges is critical.
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At its core, this issue of crime transcends partisan divides and ideological differences, or at least it should. Every American deserves to feel safe within their communities, shielded from the threat of violence and lawlessness that only serves to undermine the fabric of society.
As the nation braces itself for what could be one of the most pivotal elections in its history, the issue of crime should be on the minds of many Americans. In just a few short months, voters will cast their ballots, not just for candidates, but for the very direction of their communities and the nation as a whole.
This election is about more than just partisan politics; it's about the fundamental right of every citizen to feel secure in their homes and neighborhoods.
In the five cities highlighted in recent reports, the disparity in approaches to tackling crime is glaring. This election will serve as a referendum on which party is truly committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Americans, regardless of where they live or their socioeconomic status. The outcome could shape the trajectory of crime prevention and law enforcement policies for years, even decades, to come, making it one of the most consequential elections in recent memory.
In the United States, one party takes crime far more seriously than the other. With November fast approaching, all Americans would do well to remember this undeniable fact.
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John Mac Ghlionn is a researcher and essayist. He covers psychology and social relations. His writing appears in the New York Post and Newsweek. @ghlionn