The Drop in Crime

Kevin Drum has an interesting article out on the spectacular drop in violent crime since the early 1990's and its possible connection with lead. Says the theory: as leaded gas was eliminated, there was a corresponding reduction of pathologies in young people.

However, throwing about 1% of the population in prison has a way of reducing crime. Having the largest incarceration rate in the world does have an affect, at a huge economic and human cost.

Part of that surplus labor Marx talked about is swept away, hiding the fact that capitalism is inherently incapable of providing full employment.