Trump claims the national guard makes cities safer. Birmingham halved its homicide rate all on its own

Local observers cite a reversal of social dynamics, a revitalized police department and violence intervention

The national conversation about crime is being driven by rhetorical attacks - and national guard call-ups - by Donald Trump, who routinely demonizes places like Chicago, Washington DC, Portland and even New York City, which has a lower homicide rate than Orlando, Florida, home to Disneyland.

Somehow, we don't talk about Birmingham.