Light penalties? We have one of the harshest injustice systems in the Western world. Death penalty? Check. Life without for 3 strikes even if murder is not involved? Check. Abolition of parole in the Federal system? Check.

If you want to see a cause, look to the educational system and general lack of opportunity for certain segments of society.

Lastly: crime rates have actually DROPPED significantly in most parts of the US in the last 20-30 years, despite meedjuh hype about sensational crimes.