[Texaggie79]

Ever consider that what you see as overall deterioration may be the result of the behavior you're trying to squelch being illegal in the first place?

Explain Time Square in NYC then. Most of what was changed there was legal activity, such as porn shops. Why has crime so GREATLY decreased?

For the same reason "good" people act in ways that make a community better, "bad" people act in ways that make a community worse.

I've seen too many good people take a hard drug for some stupid reason, and turn into bad people who would have remained good, if they had never touched the drug.

[Liberal Classic]

So, do something about it. Get personally involved in your friend's life. Friends don't let friends drive drunk, right?

[Hemingway's Ghost]

Explain Time Square in NYC then. Most of what was changed there was legal activity, such as porn shops. Why has crime so GREATLY decreased?

I'm not a New Yorker (thank God), but I'd guess the proper application of zoning laws and the increased presence of uniformed police officers on foot had a lot to do with it.