Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: ___ Aug. 14 The New York Times says shrinking crime… Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: ___ Aug. 14 The New York Times says shrinking crime rate is encouraging America is in the midst of a historic decline in crime. In 2023, murders fell 10 percent, which was then the largest annual drop since reliable records began in 1960. Last year, the country very likely set another record, with a 15 percent drop. This year, murders are on track to set yet another record, having fallen…