Violence decreasing for centuries

When our Ukrainian neighbors moved into a rundown trailer a decade ago, two large dogs started running loose on our property. Oh man, we thought, more people who move to the country and let their dogs run rampant.

So we grumbled, talked to other neighbors and stewed about it for a few days. Finally I decided to say something and armed myself with a jar of homemade grape juice to “welcome” them to the neighborhood — and also kindly ask them to keep their dogs under control.

Fast-forward several years.

About eight people of all ages met me with open arms in that old trailer, turned down the blar...