Declining Rates for Violent Crime

In “The Violence Conundrum” (Opinion, Nov. 30) Eric Monkkonen listed five possible reasons for the “surprising” but “welcome” decline in murders nationwide.

During the time period mentioned in the article, 28 states, allegedly including California, have made it easier for noncriminal citizens to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Studies such as those of John R. Lott have shown that in Florida, Texas and other states, in big cities and small towns, these laws have resulted in reduced crime. At the very least, these laws should be listed as the sixth possible reason for the drop in violent crimes.

SINCLAIR BUCKSTAFF

Northridge

* No historical study that I know of traces the impact of maternal drinking on society, yet that might be the clue to both the current decline in violent crime and that of the late 19th century. The more we learn of fetal alcohol effects, the more certain we are that alcohol consumption by pregnant women can damage the ability of a child to follow rules, consider cause and effect and function in a classroom.

Twenty years ago physicians began warning pregnant women about the effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In the late 19th century, the prohibition movement was at its height, particularly among women. Are we onto something here?

MARTHA VOGHT

Bishop

* The murder rate is down, and no one knows why.

The death penalty is back.

JUDGE LARRY STIRLING

San Diego Municipal Court

* Re “Professor Compares a Violent Tribe to Gangs,” Nov. 30: Anthropologist Clayton Robarchek suggested the violent lifestyle of a primitive tribe in Ecuador was similar to that of urban gangs. He is not alone in this view.

This same comparison occurred to me, very strongly, as I read “The Delight Makers,” written over 100 years ago by Adolph F. Bandelier. This novel, depicting the same attitudes of retribution against rivals and proving of bravery that are seen in today’s gang activities, was about the Pueblo Indians in what is now New Mexico.

We can all hope that the peace, later brought to the Ecuadorian tribe, could also be delivered to our local gangs.

EDWIN G. STAUSS

Woodland Hills