The Stale Piss Theory of Urban Decay
The “broken windows theory” of 1982 has been updated. For those of you unfamiliar with James Q Wilson and George L Kelling’s theory. Here is what Wikipedia has to say:
The broken windows theory is a criminological theory that states that visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes. The theory suggests that policing methods that target minor crimes such as vandalism, public drinking, and fare evasion help to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness, thereby preventing more serious crimes.
The theory was introduced in a 1982 article by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling.[1]
After reading the Paul Mirengoff’s article, I’ve decided that it is, at the least, an adjunct to Wilson’s theory if not a replacement. Here is the Power Line article on the latest liberal absurdity.
I have been to Bourbon Street in New Orleans just once. The memory that abides is the odor of piss and stale beer. Pictures of hedonism do not come with the accompanying odor. Liberals stance on public urination is a bait and switch. Focus on the concept not the reality.
Quick! Show of hands. How many readers strolling down the street, or in the mall faced with the urge to urinate have stopped then and there and did the deed? I’m not talking about changing your immediate plans and setting off in search of a rest room. Nope, I don’t mean slipping behind a dumpster. Nope, this is what I mean.
What liberals are doing is endorsing people and behavior that have no limits. What’s the big deal about peeing in the street? Everybody gets caught short, occasionally. Multiply it by dozens, hundreds and suddenly a whole new bureaucracy is born: “shit sweepers”
It used to be people were expected to abide by the norms set by the society. According to liberals, society now must abide by the low expectations of marginal people.
That is not democracy in action, although it is a good definition of a democrat. Don’t set the bar too high. Liberals claim that arrests for minor thefts criminalize poverty. No arrests for minor theft criminalizes criminals. A study in the 80’s by James Q Wilson a Harvard professor demonstrated that most criminals could make more money working as 7-11 clerks that in pursuit of their chosen criminal line.
A legitimate job doesn’t offer crooks the same perks. Being a crook means hanging with the buds, sleeping until whenever and maintaining a constant buzz. Incarceration means hanging with buds, three square meals a day, free medical, unlimited soap operas, maintaining a constant buzz and all the deviate sex one can stand.
To the liberal mind jail, prison and the work camp are all bad… “Cool Hand Luke” don’t you know. To an institutionalized crook, it ain’t so bad. At least not bad enough to serve as a deterrent.
Dr John Sparks the Medical Director at the Bexar County (Texas) jail once observed that in all the years he had served as a doctor for inmates, he had never treated a drug withdrawal. He had treated many inmate overdoses.
When you can no longer smell the flowers because of the overwhelming odor of piss, chances are you in a place you don’t want to be.
These quality of life crimes are a symptom of a larger problem. There are rules (laws) against pissing in public, public intoxication, drug possession and use. Those who ignore those rules are stating clearly that those rules don’t apply to them. Their supporters and apologists are, in effect, saying aberrant behavior should be without consequence.
Using the liberal model, obeying the law is not an obligation imposed by society. It is a value system that is entirely optional. Pissing on the sidewalk, rape, murder and robbery are all viable options, dependent on individual inclinations.
To sanction such behavior is to punish those who reside in the big tent of cultural and individual diversity.
