Frank Trippett, in his excerpt, claims that ordinary, law-abiding American citizens are shaking the social order by going against the law. He supports his claim by suggesting that many Americans casually commit crimes without realizing they are becoming lawbreakers. He continues by asserting that Americans are only used to thinking of violence related crimes as what is threatening today’s peace. The author’s purpose is to inform the reader of these casual lawbreaking incidents so that the reader will consider themselves as one of those potential lawbreakers. Citizens should be more aware of the small crimes committed every day and the negative results they have on society. Some might believe that crimes such as littering, speeding, or noise
