DON'T Guard Against Hysteria

What was the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial Board thinking?

From an editorial about rising crime on Milwaukee's east side around UWM:

The uptick in assaults near the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee requires action. City and campus police have stepped up patrols but may need to do more. Campus police should follow the example of Marquette University and increase security in the neighborhood.

Still, the UWM community must guard against hysteria over crime, which is much worse in other Milwaukee neighborhoods.

That is so lame!

The UWM community should find no solace in the fact that crime is much worse in other Milwaukee neighborhoods.

So what?

When students are being murdered, like Joe Munz, and shot and assaulted, who cares that crime is worse elsewhere? The level of crime in other areas is completely irrelevant.

Why not get upset, really upset?

...Even so, the surge in assaults is worrisome. Besides the personal trials for the victims, the university could be hurt if students are discouraged from attending. Officials must work to increase the sense of safety around UWM.

The Board acknowledges that the surge in assaults could be detrimental for UWM and officials need to increase the sense of safety.

That makes sense.

It's a problem. It's real. It needs to be addressed.

However, this talk of not becoming hysterical is an attempt to deflect attention from the disturbing trend, as if there's no need to get overly concerned. The message is that crime may be increasing but it's not that bad. Look on the bright side. It could be worse. So don't have a cow.

True, crime is worse in other parts of Milwaukee. But people should be shook up about the increase in crime around UWM. When formerly safe areas of the city begin to deteriorate, that's a serious problem for those neighborhoods and all of Milwaukee.

If hysteria over the increase in crime will prompt officials to act decisively, then hysteria is exactly what's needed right now.