So crime rates have been dropping despite our horrible economy, and I think it is valid to not singularly point to gun ownership/concealed carry as the cause. BUT...I think it is large factor, and you better believe that politicians and news media people of a certain ilk would directly blame gun ownership/concealed carry if crime rates went up (not even acknowleding that crime goes up in a bad economy in the first place). Their lust for limiting people's freedom, thus gaining more power for themselves knows no bounds and can't be constrained by reason.
I would also like to point out a couple other things that may be in play with the declining crime rates:
To Obama and Holder's credit, they have to some extent, essentially decriminalized the possesion and distribution of marijuana. That in combination with the quasi-legalization of pot in several states (proud to say that Colorado has been a rational leader) has decoupled the most popular recreational drug activity from the much more nefarious activites of the "hard" drugs. Disclaimer: I am not a marijuana user, but have used it in the past. I am on the other hand a libertarian and wish to see all drugs decriminalized and regulated.
It is a shame that Obama has created a massive welfare state and has expanded government to unacceptable levels IMO. This seems to have lessened the impact that the bad economy has had on crime. Unfortunately this may have terrible consequences in the future as it will limit the opportunity for future generations to be properous, therefore not resort to crime. God forbid we have another economic downturn where we can't print money and artifically prop up th economy to get us through. Hopefully I am wrong...
So there is a whole lot of correlation for ya'
