
Well, Oklahoma made the “Top Ten” list! But before you open
a beer and throw those chicken wings on the grill let me tell you that it was
NOT a list we want to be on, not now, not ever again.
Oklahoma is number ten on the current list of the Top Ten
Most Dangerous States.
Let that soak in for a minute. The MOST DANGEROUS STATES.
And we move up the ranks in specific crimes. Oklahoma is #9 in property crimes and #6 in rapes.
There has been such a sharp increase in rapes that we are now at our highest
number since 1994!
The underlying causes for the crime statistics reported on
the list are high poverty rates and low percentage of college
graduates, which leads to unemployment or employment in low-paying jobs.
Oklahoma’s poverty rate is 17.2%, while the national average is 15.9%. And yes,
drugs are mentioned, as well as some other problems.
However, here is the statistic that breaks my heart!!
Oklahoma’s percentage of the population with secondary degrees is one of the lowest in the nation-
only 23.8%!!! How is that possible in a state that has so many great schools
and colleges? How is that possible in a state where college is still affordable
and supported by so many government programs and Native American groups? How is
that possible in a state where we talk “high expectations” and “college prep”
every other day? You tell me…please.
I know you are wondering, so here are our partners in crime:
9. Maryland- High
murder rate, especially in Baltimore.
8. Florida- Crime
rates improving, but not quickly enough.
7. Louisiana-
Only 22% graduate from college and it has the #1 murder rate. Stay out of New
Orleans.
6. Delaware- High
median income, but also high assault rates, especially in Wilmington.
5. South Carolina-
Highest property crime rate.
4. New Mexico-
Worst in the country for drug-related crimes.
3. Alaska-
Highest national rate for rape and sexual assault.
2. Nevada- High
crime and lowest in percent of graduates.
1. Tennessee-
Highest crime rate, especially in major cities where murder and robbery are
more likely.
I don’t know what else to say except that we do NOT want to
stay on this list! If the underlying cause is lack of money and education then
we need to start working harder on those problems. We need to do everything we
can to keep our children in school until they have some kind of degree in their
hand and they are capable of earning a living.