“There have been dozens of mall and theater riots/muggings reported in the last week. I’m certain that dozens more have gone unreported. The veneer of civilization is becoming thinner and thinner.”
That veneer will continue to deteriorate as an increasing number of people fall behind; they won’t simply disappear quietly. The American Dream is dead for too many people today; until decent jobs are widely available again expect this surge in property crimes to continue (and increase).
I’m probably older than you. I have been cognizant of the thinning veneer for over 40 years. To me, its virtually gone.
> The American Dream is dead for too many people today; until decent jobs are widely available again expect this surge in property crimes to continue (and increase).
That has little to do with it — the violent underclass gets fed, housed, and money for drugs (and smart phones) in a consequence-free environment. They don’t want jobs, don’t need them, and won’t ever want them. What we need are more prisons, and to keep that revenue-neutral, eliminate welfare programs.