Decreasing crime rates coincide with less strict firearm laws – what does that say about the US society? It may seem contradictory, but as more Americans opt to pack heat the crime rates are slowly going down. Is America returning to the days of the duels at high noon? Martin Daley and his girlfriend were walking along a forested footpath on the outskirts of Athens, Georgia one evening when they were approached by three young men. One of them stopped and asked the couple if they had any money.