Mon Sep 23 22:34:39 UTC 2024: ## Crime Spikes in Urban Areas While Left Claims Decline, Says Wall Street Journal
A new report from the National Crime Victimization Survey contradicts the left’s claims of declining crime rates, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal by Jeffrey H. Anderson. The survey found no evidence of a decrease in violent or property crime, with a significant spike in urban areas.
From 2019 to 2023, violent crime in urban areas rose by 40%, and property crime increased by 26%. Anderson attributes this trend to the influence of “leftist prosecutors” in these areas, who he argues have implemented lenient policies.
The report also highlights the prevalence of shoplifting, a crime not captured by the survey. Anderson emphasizes the reliability of the survey’s data over FBI figures commonly cited by the left, suggesting that the urban crime spike is far from abating.
## Anti-Defamation League Sues Intel Over Alleged Antisemitism
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has filed a lawsuit against Intel, accusing the tech giant of tolerating antisemitic behavior among its employees. According to Seth Mandel in Commentary, the suit alleges two Intel executives posted antisemitic and pro-Hamas content on social media following the October 7th attacks. One of these executives then became the supervisor of an Israeli employee who complained about the situation and was subsequently fired.
Intel claims to uphold a culture of diversity and inclusion, but Mandel argues that these principles are contradicted by the alleged incidents. He draws a parallel to university settings, where Jewish students face increasing discrimination, and calls for a broader examination of the harmful effects of DEI initiatives.
## Housing Crunch Persists Despite Rate Cut, Regulation Remains Obstruction
J.D. Tuccille in Reason points out that while the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut has led to hopes for lower mortgage rates and an easing of the housing crunch, the problem is not solely tied to interest rates. He argues that overregulation in home construction, stemming from a combination of public health, energy efficiency, and aesthetic concerns, is a major obstacle to increasing housing supply.
Tuccille emphasizes that these regulations carry significant compliance costs in terms of time and money, hindering the development of new homes. He highlights the need for buy-in from existing residents and lawmakers, who must acknowledge the negative impact of excessive red tape.
## Trump Holds Lead Over Harris on Economic Issues, Fox News Reports
A poll by Fox News shows that former President Donald Trump enjoys a 10-point advantage over Vice President Kamala Harris on economic policy issues. The poll suggests that Trump’s pro-growth policies, such as low taxes and domestic energy expansion, are resonating with voters. Andy Pudzer, the Fox News reporter, highlights Trump’s achievements in the first term, including historically low unemployment, increased wages, and reduced income inequality, all without inflation.
In contrast, Pudzer criticizes the Biden-Harris administration’s spending policies for contributing to soaring inflation. He argues that Harris’s economic plans, while attempting to distance herself from the current administration, would stifle economic growth and hinder economic opportunity for Americans.
## Harris Momentum Plateauing, Election Remains Toss-Up
Pollsters Douglas Schoen and Carly Cooperman at The Hill observe that while Harris initially enjoyed a surge in support after securing the Democratic nomination, that momentum has plateaued in recent months. They note that despite favorable circumstances for Harris on the campaign trail, the election remains a toss-up.
A Washington Post analysis suggests that Harris’s support is primarily driven by increased enthusiasm among traditional Democratic voters rather than attracting new swing voters. This leads Schoen and Cooperman to question whether Harris’s apparent momentum will last and if she can drive high voter turnout to secure a victory.
First Piper 