The rising tide of crime in North America exists primarily in the minds of the media. Television has created a perception that crime has multiplied, double or triple, in the past quarter-century due to violence. In fact, US Justice Department survey data shows, crime in the US has dropped 24 percent since 1971 and violent crime is down 2 percent. Crime statistics serve the media well. The single-minded reporting of violent news, the presentation of violent movies and violent reality-based "cop" shows has made violent crime a growth indu ....