With the holiday shopping season approaching, consumers appear conflicted about risking their usual shopping plans amid rising crime rates nationwide.
What the Data Says
Media Intelligence Group reports that public discussions reveal an emerging apprehension and caution regarding shopping dangers.
Reports of increased theft and organized retail crime in many major cities have been generating headlines all year.
Various reports also revealed that retailers lost more than $112 billion in 2022 due to crime.
Major brands like Target, Walmart, Nordstrom, Macy's, and others have closed store locations because of increasing theft.
Now, the danger of in-store criminal activity has people expressing their hesitation to shop during what has traditionally been the heaviest shopping season of the year.
Some people argue that positive economic indicators like 2.0% and 2.1% GDP growth in Q1 and Q1 of 2023 point to a hospitable environment for spending.
However, concerns also persist about inflation's toll on families’ spending power, making purchases challenging.
What Americans are Saying
The MIG report suggests caution rather than fear is the prevailing mood among Americans.
Shoppers seem alert to potential dangers but not fully deterred.
Many do say they’ll think twice before venturing out or spend less time browsing in stores.
Meanwhile corporations seem quiet in the public forum but are likely keeping a close eye on shrinking revenues.
People are hesitant due to increased risks of theft and organized retail crime.
Some express fear about potential mass shootings in places like malls and shopping centers.
And most Americans feel uncertain about the overall economy affecting their spending power.
Media Denial
At the same time, many media outlets push back on the narrative that retail crime is significantly increasing nationwide based on available data.
Many headlines suggest that retailers may be overstating or sensationalizing the issue.
Some journalists express a desire for “more objective” data collection on retail crime trends before concluding there is a major national surge occurring.
Despite media pushback, these pressures may cause retailers to see decreased profits through the end of 2023.
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outh Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace has become a central figure in the national debate over transgender bathroom access and discussions about gender politics. Her advocacy for sex-segregated bathrooms, particularly in spaces like the Capitol, reflects her alignment with traditionalist values. Mace, like many anti-woke advocates, frames the issue as one of safety and privacy, emphasizing the need to protect women’s spaces.
Men don't belong in our private spaces. It's deeply disturbing that they want to be. https://t.co/mlqXd1Oq4n
Reactions to Mace’s position are emotional and fraught, revealing the contentiousness of ongoing public debate. Those who agree with Mace express gratitude for her courage in addressing what they view as a critical issue. They say she is standing up for and protecting women and girls and providing common sense leadership.
Critics voice frustration and anger, saying her position that women’s bathrooms should be reserved for women is discriminatory and harmful to transgenders. Hostile emotions are often directed both at Mace’s policies and her as a person, causing many to double down on their respective viewpoints.
This is the exact type of man I don’t want in the women’s restroom with me.
He says he’s going to 🚨Grab my ratty looking f*****g hair 🚨Drag my face to the floor 🚨Repeatedly bash my head until blood everywhere 🚨And kill me pic.twitter.com/WnbMgGYId4
Both sides voice confusion and fear, particularly when discussing the purported insensitivity of their opposition. Speculative language, such as “what if” scenarios, reveals the uncertainty many feel about the implications of changing long-standing norms. Many anti-woke advocates call for stricter protections for women, while trans activists say the fear for transgender rights.
Safety vs. Inclusivity
Mace’s arguments focus heavily on protecting the safety and privacy of women and girls. This appeals to those concerned about risks of biological men in shared spaces. Opponents, however, claim the pronounced safety concerns are based on misinformation without evidence. They say biological women who identify as transgender do not pose a threat to women and girl, rather claiming the need for inclusivity and dignity for all.
Generational and Cultural Divide
There are also generational and cultural divides. Younger and more progressive audiences tend to favor gender inclusivity and recognizing non-binary identities. They see Mace’s stance as outdated and discriminatory.
Older and more conservative individuals, however, resonate with Mace's call to protect traditional values and common sense. This group views keeping sex divides within biological boundaries for women’s safety.
The Role of Leadership
Mace’s willingness to address such a divisive issue positions her as a leader willing to engage in contentious debates. For her supporters, this reinforces her image as someone unafraid to stand firm on her principles, even when faced with opposition.
Critics argue her focus on this issue detracts from broader governance priorities, framing her actions as politically motivated rather than solutions oriented.
Polarization of Public Discourse
The conversation around Mace demonstrates the polarized nature of political dialogue. Discussions often devolve into accusations and hostility, with each side perceiving the other as extreme. Despite this, Mace’s prominence in these discussions suggests her approach resonates with a significant portion of the electorate, especially as cultural tides are turning.
JUST IN: Nancy Mace Moves to Ban Trans Women From Capital Bathrooms Receives Death Threat From Trans Activist
The move comes just two weeks after the election of America's first out transgender person to congress. Rep.-elect Sarah McBride.
Trump’s nomination of Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General has not ceased to generate firestorms since he announced it more than a week ago. The decision is causing rumbles along ideological and partisan fault lines, as well as within the Republican Party.
Ongoing allegations and ethics investigations against Gaetz create pandemonium on both sides as voters and the media grapple with the prospect of Attorney General Gaetz.
The corrupt media is hiding the fact that this is a smear campaign tied to a $25 MILLION extortion scheme against @mattgaetz and his father—don't believe them. President Trump knows better than anyone that by appointing him as AG, the Deep State will be dismantled. pic.twitter.com/bRJsMLah8N
60% of Independents oppose his nomination, though 20% view Gaetz as a victim of entrenched power dynamics.
Nearly 40% of Republicans defend Gaetz, while 25% object to his nomination.
Support
Populist Alignment: Gaetz’s supporters appreciate his history as a disruptor, committed to challenging the corrupt establishment and defending Trump.
Smear Campaign: 35-40% of Republican commentary suspects allegations of sexual misconduct are politically motivated smear tactics. They point to the lack of formal charges as a firewall against accusations.
Strategic Support: Backers emphasize Gaetz’s loyalty to Trump and his willingness to take on the swamp, portraying him as a fighter and firebrand. They say his brash style is necessary to tackle systemic corruption.
Ethical Concerns: 65% of general online discussion describes Gaetz as unfit for office due to allegations of sexual misconduct, drug use, and lack of qualifications.
Lack of Experience: Critics say Gaetz has never served as a prosecutor, judge, or government attorney, questioning his readiness for such a high-profile role.
Republican Distrust: Around 25% of Republicans express concern that his controversies risk tarnishing the party’s image. They view him as a liability, especially in suburban districts.
Media’s Role in Smear Tactics
Polarized Coverage
Hysteria against Gaetz continues to amplify media polarization and legacy outlets torching their credibility with American viewers. Most focus heavily on allegations against Gaetz, framing his nomination to Trump’s cabinet as symbolic of Republican moral decline.
The few conservative media platforms defending Gaetz point out the credibility of witnesses, such as Joel Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector and key figure in allegations against Matt Gaetz. Greenberg has been convicted of multiple crimes, including sex trafficking of a minor, identity theft, and fraud.
Mainstream media outlets have failed to cover Greenburg’s involvement and allegations of extortion against Gaetz and his father. Critics point out the double standard in how media figures handle allegations against Democratic figures like Doug Emhoff.
Conservatives emphasize the absence of charges and argue media outlets like “The Washington Post” amplify unverified claims to discredit Trump-aligned figures. They say attacks on Gaetz reveal broader efforts to undermine populist candidates.
Sunny Hostin's Legal Hostage Video
“The View” host Sunny Hostin sharply criticized Gaetz on the view discussing the sex and trafficking allegations in an incendiary way. Shortly after, Hostin recited a legal disclaimer clarifying that Gaetz denies the allegations and has not been charged.
Reactions to Hostin’s defiant demeanor frame her as representative of leftist media bias. Viewers mock her for looking like “a hostage reading into the camera” during a disclaimer which was fair and justified.
NEW: The View host Sunny Hostin fumes as she is forced to read a legal note just minutes after presenting the Matt Gaetz allegations as a “fact.”
Hostin: They discussed the fact that once [Gaetz] finds out that she's 17, he stops having s*x with her.
Democrats overwhelmingly oppose Gaetz, with 80% citing ethical and legal disqualifications.
Many see him as representing declining standards in governance.
There are calls for the release of the House Ethics Committee’s report.
Republican Divide
More Republicans defend Gaetz, often linking their support to Trump loyalty and institutional distrust.
Supporters argue Gaetz’s appointment would ensure a robust response to abuses of power by the Biden DoJ.
Around 25% in the GOP express opposition, citing risks of alienating moderate voters and tarnishing the GOP’s image. They want a more traditionally qualified nominee who won't defy norms.
Independent Views
60% of Independents echo Democratic concerns about Gaetz’s suitability, focusing on his alleged misconduct.
20% voice support, resonating with anti-establishment rhetoric and seeing Gaetz as a symbolic challenge to entrenched power.
RINO vs. MAGA
The GOP divide over Gaetz reflects fractures in the Republican Party:
Trump’s Influence: Gaetz is evidence of Trump’s sway in the party and his preference for loyalty over traditional qualifications. Many see Gaetz’s nomination as a continuation of Trump’s populist approach to governance.
Long-Term Risks: Critics warn that embracing polarizing figures like Gaetz could alienate insiders and jeopardize establishment power. Moderate suburban voters, RINOs argue, will disapprove of figures like Gaetz gaining power.
Balancing Act: The tension between establishment Republicans seeking to maintain institutional credibility and Trump-aligned populists demanding disruption remains unresolved.
Audio released of Laken Riley’s 18-minute fight for survival and her tragic murder have become a national rallying cry against illegal immigration. The ongoing trial of her alleged murderer, Jose Ibarra—an illegal immigrant from Venezuela—is unfolding in Athens, Georgia. Riley’s story transcends personal tragedy, becoming a symbol for widespread societal frustrations over preventable crimes caused by an open border.
Laken Riley fought for her life for 18 minutes. 18 excruciating minutes.
Laken Riley’s persistence and fight in the face of her attacker deeply resonates with Americans, particularly women and parents who feel her family’s sorrow. Riley’s story generates admiration but also enrages observers who feel her death was unspeakably horrific and fully preventable.
BREAKING: Bodycam footage released of Laken Riley's family finding out that she was de*d.
Illegal immigrant Jose Ibarra was found guilty on Wednesday of m*rdering Riley.
Many view Riley as a symbol of resilience, sparking advocacy for better protections for women and victims of violence.
Her case has become a rallying cry against illegal immigration, with voters demanding stronger borders and zero-tolerance crime policies.
In the courtroom, Riley’s mother sobbed upon seeing evidence of her daughter’s desperate fight—scratches on the accused’s arm believed to be inflicted during her final moments. This emotional testimony highlights the raw human cost of governance failures which allowed such a crime to occur.
Many also point out new testimony alleging the Biden administration’s assistance programs for illegal immigrants provided Riley’s killer a free plane ticket to Athens, GA. Amid growing rage at public funds spent to accommodate illegal migrants, Americans are further infuriated that so-called assistance set the stage for Riley’s murderer.
The roommate of Laken Riley's killer just testified during his trial that they went to the Roosevelt Hotel together in September 2023 and received a taxpayer funded flight to Georgia.
Your government flew an illegal gang member to Georgia with your money -- where he then… pic.twitter.com/7plVTnJhy6
Accused murderer Jose Ibarra’s trial has provides new details which intensify public outrage:
Ibarra has waived his right to a jury trial, with Judge H. Patrick Haggard presiding over the bench trial.
Heart rate data from Riley’s smartwatch shows her heart stopped around 9:28 a.m. on the day of her murder. Surveillance footage and witness testimony establish Ibarra’s presence at the scene.
Ibarra’s attorney has argued the evidence is insufficient for a conviction, despite the graphic nature of the prosecution’s case.
Public reactions are seething and hostile toward Ibarra, with anger fueled by his status as an illegal and the federal policies which enabled the crime.
Rising Violent Crime
Americans voice widespread anxiety and anger over violent crime perpetrated by illegal immigrants, with Riley’s case serving as a flashpoint for criticism.
62% of commenters express concerns about rising violent crime.
70% of those worried about crime link it to immigration issues.
30% criticize law enforcement for leniency, demanding harsher penalties for violent offenders.
The prosecution’s case highlights the brutality of Riley’s murder, presenting evidence of Ibarra’s relaxed demeanor following the crime—a detail that further provokes rage over crime and illegal immigration.
Outcry Against Open Borders
The fact that Riley’s alleged murderer is an illegal migrant from Venezuela pushes sentiments about the Biden-Harris administration’s negligent immigration policies to the fore. Americans overwhelmingly tie Riley’s tragic death to Democrats’ unwillingness to secure the border.
60% of voters say illegal immigration is contributing to violent crime.
45% specifically call for stricter border controls and immediate deportation for anyone with a criminal record.
Incoming border czar Tom Homan has amplified these sentiments, saying Biden and Harris "have blood on their hands," framing Riley’s death as due to their policies.
Systemic Justice Under Fire
Criticism of the justice system looms large in discussions of Riley’s case. Many are dissatisfied with judicial processes, citing failures to enforce immigration laws and leniency toward offenders. Critics see district attorneys in blue areas and progressive policies as enabling crime, blaming lenient sentencing and release practices for rising violence.
This is the DA who refused to seek the death penalty for Laken Riley’s murderer https://t.co/Gg5fHCvMER
Reactions are also intertwined with ongoing political narratives in America, particularly concerning women's rights and public safety. Women relate Riley’s ordeal to wider conversations about alleged threats to reproductive rights and gender equality, contrasting these issues with very real physical threats by violent criminals.
These discussions indicate a shift in public discourse where personal experiences are linked to political viewpoints. Trials involving violence against women draw attention to the need for comprehensive policy change—especially when violent illegal immigrants are involved. Americans want to return to an environment where individuals, especially women, can feel safe and empowered.
Cultural and Political Implications
The tragedy of Laken Riley’s murder exposes policy failures and galvanizes political debate. Many voters already view crime and immigration as pivotal and connected issues, but deeply emotional and resonant stories like Riley’s illustrate American sentiment in a vivid way.
Riley’s case has sharpened frustrations with Democratic leadership, particularly President Biden, whose immigration policies are often seen as traitorous.
Conservatives overwhelmingly view her death as a direct result of border mismanagement, demanding action from Republican leaders to prioritize border security and public safety.
Many on the right also accuse Democrats of not being willing to acknowledge stories like Riley’s, avoiding any discussion that might place blame at their feet.
People compare Democratic silence on stories like Riley’s to their loud overtures about racial politics in America, as in the case of George Floyd, pointing out the hypocrisy of undue attention on the one hand, and aversions on the other.
Remember when Nancy Pelosi and her Democratic colleagues knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds to honor George Floyd?
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