View Full Version : Despite what we see on the news: We're all safer
Interesting article on Yahoo:
https://homes.yahoo.com/news/the-10-safest-states-in-the-nation--2015-201545833.html
My "home away from home," Vermont, is #1, and its crime rate dropped dramatically.
Who has a state on this list? I know that we have a few #9ers: Minnesota.
Miss Cellane
1-18-15, 10:13pm
New Hampshire is the 6th safest state to live in.
Interesting that Maine, NH and Vermont are in the top 10. I'm wondering--it's too cold up here for the crooks? Nope, Wisconsin is much colder. There's not enough people up here to make crime profitable? We're all so close to Canada that their niceness has leaked over the border?
We're all so close to Canada that their niceness has leaked over the border?
I suspect that's Minnesota's excuse. :D
iris lilies
1-19-15, 6:44pm
St. Louis had 6 murders in 24 hours last week. 2014 was bad for the Lou and January 2015 isn't starting out any better.
So yeah, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine--not a lot of urban centers there, eh? Credit the Canadians if you will, but likely something else going on.
DH and I talk about leaving St. Louis in retirement, and I am torn between my extreme attraction to New Hampshire (it has some climate situations that I like, topography, architecture, Yankee mentality, Libertarian settlements) and my imagined boredom at nothing-but-Yankee culture there. So, could I have Yankee farmhouses with Thai/Nigerian/Punjab/Bosnian settlements for the restaurants? No, I didn't think so. Also, the public libraries in New England are not all that great, they cannot rival the great Midwestern institutions.
States that attract me the most on an emotional level are: Oregon, New Hampshire/Vermont, and some of Tennessee/Kentucky. Besides my adopted state of Missouri, mind you. I love Missouri like crazy. I am getting weepy just thinking about leaving.
Also we could always go back "home" to Iowa because dear lord there is that beautiful, rich, black, loamy soil that will support iris 'n lilies like nothing else. And the crime rate is quite low.
If you settle in an urban environment in Oregon--especially Portland--you'll have access to a never-ending variety of ethnic cuisine, Iris Lily.
I practically become catatonic when I consider tearing myself away from the Seattle area, but it's probably inevitable. And if I do, it's back to Portland for me. Maybe I'll see you there...
New Hampshire is the 6th safest state to live in.
Interesting that Maine, NH and Vermont are in the top 10. I'm wondering--it's too cold up here for the crooks? Nope, Wisconsin is much colder. There's not enough people up here to make crime profitable? We're all so close to Canada that their niceness has leaked over the border?
Actually I saw a graphic - and yes the warmer states generally had more crime.
Maybe it has something to do with the cooler climate. Needless to say, my state, Texas, is nowhere on the list.
The factors that correlate most closely to crime rates, especially violent crimes, are um, Demographic. High Minority Count=Lots Of Crime. It's just that way, irrefutably so. Just keep that in mind. As far as climate is concerned, warmer climates year-around have higher crime, and a higher cost of living in most cases. Another thing is, and one that I noticed this on this thread, is the perception that the best places are the ones they have read about on popular media. Ha. Well, because of that, they have already become "trendy" and everyone is moving there, grabbing up property, and bringing in what they left behind in the process! See? So, if you are looking for a good place to retire, and don't mind a 4-season climate, you'll have to dig deeper than the headlines on MSN internet "News", because by the time you read it, it is getting Callyfornycated already. What I think is stooped is when old fogeys think they need to retire to a year-round tropical or desert climate, with beaches nearby, when the old fogey lifestyle essentially amounts to sitting in the AC, EATING, watching THE GAME, and "spending time with the Graaaaaandkids". The grandkids, usually live in Nebraska or New Jersey, so this amounts to infrequent visits and/or long commutes. So, forget about those 'net or magazine articles about "best places to retire", and do your own research. Go somewhere in the Midwest or eastern side of the Rockies that has not become a Household word(like Colorado has), already. Also, move to a place where they have approximately the same accent that you do. At your age, you don't want to deal with too much Culture Shock. Maybe I've overstated that one, but I stand by it, anyway. Hope that helps you some. Thankk Mee.
Teacher Terry
1-20-15, 5:01pm
Nevada was the 3rd unsafest which did not surprise me because it is a very transient state. Often people come & figure out they can't make a decent living in relation to the cost of living, etc. If you are a professional then you won't have that problem. Also with all the casinos, being able to drink at all hours, gambling & lack of gun control -these all contribute to the problem. I have lived in Wis, TX, KS, & upstate NY & by far I love it here. I love the 4 seasons & the mountains so close. As far as seniors sitting around in the AC-I don't think so. Many baby boomers like us are much more active then our predecessors. WE walk an hour/day on trails, snowshoe, etc. Many seniors here grew up skiing & still do. This is a great place to live if you have an active lifestyle & like a mild climate but still want all the seasons.
Nevada was the 3rd unsafest which did not surprise me because it is a very transient state. Often people come & figure out they can't make a decent living in relation to the cost of living, etc. If you are a professional then you won't have that problem. Also with all the casinos, being able to drink at all hours, gambling & lack of gun control -these all contribute to the problem. I have lived in Wis, TX, KS, & upstate NY & by far I love it here. I love the 4 seasons & the mountains so close. As far as seniors sitting around in the AC-I don't think so. Many baby boomers like us are much more active then our predecessors. WE walk an hour/day on trails, snowshoe, etc. Many seniors here grew up skiing & still do. This is a great place to live if you have an active lifestyle & like a mild climate but still want all the seasons.Seniors. Sure, there are those that maintain a physically-active lifestyle. But, the ones you are speaking of are still very much a minority. Most people over 50 though, are into the "old fogey" lifestyle. Food, corny entertainment, staying comfy, having family around, Church, tidying up around their home, more Food. But, "Active", if they are affluent, might mean buying a Harley-Davidson, and ride it around 2-3000 miles during the summer or going on a Cruise Ship or Luxury Vacation, like Cancun or Hawaii. If they are poor, they might garden or go fishing or visit "their daughter in Indiana". But, that's basically it for most of them.
IshbelRobertson
1-20-15, 5:39pm
I live in the UK.
some of those statistics just amaze me.
To bring balance to packy's description of old fogey' age 55 and up -
My husband is 55. He walks 10-12 miles 5 days a week outdoors year round even in the Phoenix heat. It's part of his job.
I ride my bike many miles a week. I work about 3 shifts a week that are 12-13 hours long, walking about half of the shift. I clocked myself at about 3-4 miles a shift. However I'm lucky that it's indoors in the AC. I'm 53.
So much for slowing down physically in our 50s. ;)
Edited to add that we don't go to church. Ever. :)
Tammy, thank you for your input on this subject. It is good that you do not fit the stereotype, and 10-12 miles a day is a lot and 3-4 miles is, too. It is impressive. But, I stand by my stereotype of "typical" 50-s up people, in this area. A very large % of them do 'zackly as I previously described.
Any demographic can be spoken of nehatively. I find it tiresome at best and discriminatory at worst. Also unnecessary and rarely relevant to the conversation.
Yes, I find negativity very tiresome and discriminatory, as well. It is very unnecessary to the conversation, as well as irrelevant. Especially any demographic. How do you like that? Anyway, those old fogeys that sit around, eating all day and watching TV sports should follow your example, and walk 10 miles a day, minimum. Well, shouldn't they? I am just sitting here, wondering what kind of shoes do you kids buy, that last through that kind of mileage, anyway? Which reminds me, we had a gal from Phoenix working at the shop, who had grown up in Callyfornya, lived in AZ & Co, then moved here with her 3 kids and lived with her parents. She was a trip, because she had a chip on her shoulder & all these idealistic PC ideas, that were truly at odds with her reality. Kind of like a rebellious teen, at 40 years old. Also, I used to know a 44-year old gal, also from Phoenix, same syndrome. Plus, yet another one from Nowhereville, someplace in AZ, who was a right-wing libber Fanatic. Un-be-lievable--Better believe it. But, that convention sure didn't work in their favor. . It seems like too much "attitude" is part of the culture, there, and that they desperately needed "deprogramming", before they even came here. See? I wish they all would just remain in Az, and torment each other. Not trying to be negative, not trying to stereotype. Maybe a littlebittybit judgemental, though. Hope that helps you some. Thankk Mee.
Most people over 50 though, are into the "old fogey" lifestyle.
I'm 52. I'm a firefighter/rescue worker. I'm rated for interior firefighting, exterior firefighting, HAZMAT, vehicle extrication, technical rope rescue, medical first response, urban search/rescue, wilderness search/rescue, wildland firefighting, am on the heavy rescue team and the fireground rapid intervention team (we go in to rescue downed firefighters, and don't have the protection of fire hoses...), am on the infectious disease response team (nasty biohazard suits) and by next month should have my wilderness medical responder card. I can pass all the mandatory CPAT tests middle-of-the-pack while slacking, pass the medical tests, and am one of the physically strongest guys on the team. I work out at least 2 hours a day to stay in shape.
My frequent partner is 65. He can run me into the ground. Mind you, he was the PE coach at the local high school until he retired recently, and runs marathons at altitude and other obnoxious things.
It is possible to block people from my feed so I just don't see their posts? The virtual version of walking away from a conversation ...
catherine
1-22-15, 10:33am
It is possible to block people from my feed so I just don't see their posts? The virtual version of walking away from a conversation ...
Alan or someone who knows the technology behind these forums should be able to answer that, but geez, if you're talking about Packy, I don't take him that seriously, and I don't think he takes himself that seriously either. If it's offensive to hear him say that the majority of middle-aged people where he lives are not active and act like old fogies, so what? That's his perspective. He's not insulting you, or bae, or me. I didn't feel insulted anyway.
I'm not going to be an apologist for Packy--he can do that for himself, but I just chuckle at his posts whether or not I agree with him. I'm always surprised at how much he seems to exasperate some of us here. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
iris lilies
1-22-15, 11:50am
It is possible to block people from my feed so I just don't see their posts? The virtual version of walking away from a conversation ...
If you want to block Packy any forum member's messages, do this:
At the top of screen find: Forum --> Community--> Member list
Then, find Packy's the member's record
On left side of screen is this option:
"Add to Ignore list"
Highlight that and follow prompts
rodeosweetheart
1-22-15, 12:06pm
If you want to block Packy any forum member's messages, do this:
At the top of screen find: Forum --> Community--> Member list
Then, find Packy's the member's record
On left side of screen is this option:
"Add to Ignore list"
Highlight that and follow prompts
I have done that, Tammy, and the only thing that is weird is that if you are logged in, you cannot see the blocked person's posts, but if you are not logged in, they do appear, so just to give you that caveat about the effectiveness of the blocking system.
Sometimes I block people for what seems particularly hateful speech towards a particular group, often women.
Some posts have made me feel violated. Certain posters make me question the wisdom of participating in this forum at all, as the posts seem almost psychotic. So yes, I can see why you would want to block posts!
I have done that, Tammy, and the only thing that is weird is that if you are logged in, you cannot see the blocked person's posts, but if you are not logged in, they do appear, so just to give you that caveat about the effectiveness of the blocking system.
It's actually very effective if you consider that blocking is dependent upon the settings for a particular user. If you could block other users, including guests, from seeing a particular person's posts, we'd have real problems as one user could effectively ban another.The one real caveat to the system is a user's inability to block Moderators and Administrators.
Sometimes I block people for what seems particularly hateful speech towards a particular group, often women.
Some posts have made me feel violated.
Last edited by rodeosweetheart (http://www.simplelivingforum.net/posthistory.php?p=196040); 1-22-15 at 11:14am. Reason: hatespeech against women, is what I tried to say
Really? I can't recall any discussions meeting that criteria, although I don't read every post. Did you report those posts?
Stop bullying littlebittymee! Stopp harassing Mee! Stopp abusing Mee! Stop Violating Mee! Stop the Hate Speech about Mee! Stop ignoring Mee! I just wanna discuss littlebittytiny houses in a gated Callyfornya commune, with flowers growing everywhere, where life is beautiful, all the time! Seriously though: I think it is great that individual users can block out certain, selected participants, so that they can't see what they are posting. That said, I sure won't do that--I want to know what 'zackly you kids believe in, so I can be utterly astonished. Hope that helps you some. But, Tammy never did answer my quession about what kind of shoes they wear, to rack up that kind of mileage. She just went on the offensive. But, I guess that's those stereotypical Az's-With-Attitude, for you. Thankk Mee.
Regular consumption of cable news, in particular, definitely gives you a distorted view of how dangerous the world is. I stopped watching a long time ago, although from time to time I catch a bit of it and am reminded how awful Fox, CNN etc. are. They have to be in a lather about something or other 24 hours a day, which inevitably leads to sensationalism and absurd over-coverage of disasters.
The world is getting safer for most people, at least in the developed world. The biggest threat to most people's safety in the long term isn't terrorism or street crime, it's global warming (which I'm told gets little coverage on cable news, though I'm not sure since as I say I don't watch it).
Regular consumption of cable news, in particular, definitely gives you a distorted view of how dangerous the world is. I stopped watching a long time ago, although from time to time I catch a bit of it and am reminded how awful Fox, CNN etc. are. They have to be in a lather about something or other 24 hours a day, which inevitably leads to sensationalism and absurd over-coverage of disasters. ...
Exactly. I was mystified at the paranoia here about "unassimilated" immigrants until a couple of days ago when CNN did a piece on the mayor of Paris threatening to sue Fox for one of its spurious stories on police "no-go" zones there. They showed a series of Fox clips with various newsreaders emphasizing "unassimilated immigrants" over and over again--like it's some kind of real problem. Mystery solved.
Cable news is really good at stirring the Pot. I know an elderly gent who has Fox on all day long, and he really buys into it. Nothing else matters. Places of business in this town--will have it on, out in the lobby. I don't mind seeing a littlebittybit of Faux News, myself. But, the key is to cross-check every story they present that you feel strongly about, with multiple sources. Online editorials and news stories can be very good for arguing the "cons" of a position you might see on Faux. That approach is very helpful, to mee, but most people probably don't go to the trouble.
ApatheticNoMore
1-22-15, 3:43pm
In some places believing there is crime might be guilty of believing your own lying eyes. It doesn't mean it's getting worse though. One major way I've found out about some things, is going to a search engine and investigating what all the cop commotion I hear going on, was about today.
awakenedsoul
1-22-15, 5:24pm
Sometimes I block people for what seems particularly hateful speech towards a particular group, often women.
Some posts have made me feel violated. Certain posters make me question the wisdom of participating in this forum at all, as the posts seem almost psychotic. So yes, I can see why you would want to block posts!
Well said, rodeosweetheart.
Tammy, I block out those posts, too.
Food.... more Food.
I was watching the animated movie Over The Hedge with my daughter last night and this scene from the movie reminded me of Packy's post...
http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/over-the-hedge-clip-live-to-eat/5we7mmx
And then that put me in the mind of George Carlin because of the delivery, so I Googled,
George Carlin Food
I'd post the links but I might break some forum language bylaws... :devil: but it was some good insightful very funny stuff!
Regarding OP, I have been thinking about it all week - thanks for posting it Catherine.
I have gotten to live in several of the states listed out west.
To live a lot of places that are off the beaten path you either have to have been born there and your family lived there for generations which I think promotes buy-in to societal norms or you have to really want to be there and appreciate a rural lifestyle which seems to attract laidback self-reliant people without all the "wanna-be I've got more stuff than you, let me rub it in your face crowd".... that's the best I could come up with after thinking about it for a while.
I have to admit I was surprised to see Kentucky, I have an extended relative that works in healthcare there and she says the state is eaten up with meth & pill addiction... which I think makes for a lot of wild cards. All of that is anecdotal, not necessarily data supported (as with most of my worldview :))
seedycharacter
1-26-15, 12:30am
Causes of crime are incredibly complex . . . this is a good overview: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistical_correlations_of_criminal_behaviour
I am grateful for living in a relatively safe neighborhood. It helps that I'm on a dead-end street with lots of retired folks at home. Thieves don't like to get observed in-the-act and then get backed into a corner with no escape route, I guess!
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