Excellent article from Espresso Pundit

[CARLHAYDEN]

Crime rates have had their sharpest drop in a decade.

Police say crime in Phoenix was down in the first half of 2008 compared with the same time last year.

Police on Friday announced a 6.4 percent decrease in violent-crime reports, while the overall violent-crime rate dipped by 8.5 percent per 100,000 residents. At the same time, reported property crimes decreased by 8.4 percent with a rate reduction of 10.4 percent. The decrease from January through June marked the largest crime reduction in Phoenix in the past decade, police said.

So what could possibly cause such a dramatic reduction?  The economy has improved and people are less desperate?  Clearly not.  Mayor Gordon said that police are focusing on the "worst of the worst."  I agree that's a good policy, but it's hardly new.

Could it perhaps be related to this story from Thursday's Republic?

The illegal-immigrant population has fallen an estimated 11 percent nationwide over the past year and perhaps even more in Arizona, with stricter law enforcement a likely cause, according to a report issued Wednesday by a Washington organization that promotes less immigration.

School enrollment has dropped as well--saving the state nearly $200 million in tuition.

Traffic is still a mess, especially in the afternoons, but have you noticed how much more clear the freeways are?  Seriously, my morning commute has been clear for months I can pretty much set the cruise control for 65 and get from Shea and the 101 to downtown in 20 minutes.

Speaking of the schools.  Wait until we get this next round of test scores.  I'm sure that policy makers, educators and the media will try to find some explanation.  But no one is going to mention the elephant in the room.

August 02, 2008 in Espresso Pundit

[The Man From G.O.P.]

RACIST

[??????????]

RACIST

Please tell me that was a joke.

[The Man From G.O.P.]

RACIST

Please tell me that was a joke.

Yes, 'twas.

[Chief Justice PiT]

The illegal-immigrant population has fallen an estimated 11 percent nationwide over the past year and perhaps even more in Arizona, with stricter law enforcement a likely cause, according to a report issued Wednesday by a Washington organization that promotes less immigration.

     Sweet. Looks like at least one state is enforcing the law *glares at California with disappointment*.