Read This Week's Locke Notes Newsletter!

[link removed]

Dear Friend,

In recent days, our world has faced profound violence, stark division, palpable fear, and raw hatred as the war between Hamas and Israel enters its second week.

Even tuning into the news, scrolling through social media, or listening to a podcast has become challenging for me. This overwhelming violence's pervasive narratives and visuals are becoming ubiquitous and deeply distressing.

As a result of this growing antagonism toward peace and pluralism, we’ve seen an uptick in hate crimes across the globe, across the United States, and right here in North Carolina.

Last week, pro-Palestine and pro-Israel groups clashed ([link removed]) on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill, leading to anger, shouting, and even some physical confrontations.

In another instance, a crowd of pro-Israel citizens rallied ([link removed]) in downtown Raleigh; people under the age of twenty were asked not to attend out of concern for their safety.

Friend, the sad reality is that crime of any kind knows no borders. It happens everywhere, and North Carolinians are undoubtedly concerned.

In a recent Civitas Poll ([link removed]) , The John Locke Foundation highlights ([link removed]) an escalating concern among North Carolinians about crime in major urban centers like Charlotte and Raleigh and smaller cities such as Asheboro and Wilmington.

The results ([link removed]) showed that two-thirds of North Carolinians (66%) are concerned about neighborhood crime and safety.

[link removed]

Voters were also surveyed on the primary crime concerns, showing that drug-related offenses emerged as the predominant issue for voters, followed by property and violent crimes.

Despite prevailing trends, a majority of North Carolinians remain supportive of local law enforcement. Fifty-seven percent rate police performance as "excellent" or "good," whereas 24% deem it "fair," with only 10% labeling it as "poor."

Here at Locke, we have long advocated for a strong approach to combatting crime by focusing on deterrence rather than punishment through a program of intense community policing ([link removed]) .

In the wake of the widespread "Defund the Police" movement after George Floyd's death, Locke released a comprehensive research paper ([link removed]) emphasizing the need for robust community policing.

In response to our September poll findings showing the increased concern revolving around crime, Donald Bryson, Locke's CEO, said ([link removed]) :

"As North Carolina continues to experience a population and investment boom, municipalities will have both the opportunity and challenge of ensuring that public safety investment is prioritized," said Locke CEO Donald Bryson. We've seen the decline in states with cities like San Francisco and Chicago, where crime goes unpunished. State and local leaders must proactively ensure our state remains safe and trusted as a good place to do business and raise a family."

Years of research show that having a strong police presence deters crime and helps maintain public safety.

Though a significant undertaking, the answer to how to get tough on crime starts with more police, not less, and it starts with state, local, and national leaders stepping up and prioritizing public safety.

It's clear that the rule of law and police forces committed to protecting the public are essential if people are going to feel safe in their communities.

Have a great rest of your week,

-Bethany


** Upcoming Events with Locke
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]


** Keeping Our Kids Safe: A Panel Discussion About School Safety
------------------------------------------------------------

Join the John Locke Foundation and America’s Future for dinner and a crucial discussion on ensuring the safety and well-being of our children in schools. “Keeping Our Kids Safe: A School Safety Forum” brings together experts and community leaders to address the most pressing issues facing our educational institutions today.
GET TICKETS ([link removed])
[link removed]


** “In The Pines” Screening- Edenton, NC
------------------------------------------------------------

Join the John Locke Foundation for a special screening of our award-winning short film, In The Pines, at the Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library in Edenton, North Carolina, on Thursday, October 26th, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The gripping short film is currently making waves through the film festival circuit, and you have a unique opportunity to attend a sneak preview before the film’s official release.
GET TICKETS ([link removed])


** More from Locke
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]


** Veto Override Delivers a Host of Locke Election Policy Victories
------------------------------------------------------------

The John Locke Foundation has advocated for many of the election reforms in S 747. Once implemented, they will make North Carolina elections better run and more secure.

Keep Reading ([link removed])

[link removed]


** SCOTUS Cases May Establish Brackets for Race and Redistricting Claims
------------------------------------------------------------

A case out of South Carolina could help set limits on claims of racial gerrymandering, further clarifying how such claims may affect districts the North Carolina General Assembly will draw later this month.

Keep Reading ([link removed])
[link removed]


** Empowering Oversight: Perspective on Oversight Commission’s New Powers
------------------------------------------------------------

The recently enacted state budget, which became law without Gov. Roy Cooper’s signature, expanded the powers of a legislative commission that has been around since 1975 – the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations

Keep Reading ([link removed])


** Defining Digit
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]


** Latest Videos
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]
Kaitlyn Shepherd is a policy analyst with the John Locke Foundation's Center for Effective Education. In this first episode of season two of Policy Pizza, Kaitlyn dispels the myths of school choice and talks about what it means and how school choice can help kids succeed! Don't miss out, and check out new episodes every Saturday this fall!

============================================================
** Facebook ([link removed])
** Twitter ([link removed])
** Link ([link removed])
** LinkedIn ([link removed])
** Website ([link removed])
** Email (mailto:[email protected])
** Forward to a friend! ([link removed])
** Forward to a friend! ([link removed])
** DONATE ([link removed])
Copyright © 2023 John Locke Foundation, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in with us and we want to keep you informed!

Our mailing address is:
John Locke Foundation
4800 Six Forks Rd.
Ste 220
Raleigh, NC 27609
USA
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can ** update your preferences ([link removed])
or ** unsubscribe from this list ([link removed])
.