HBO’s “Real Time” host Bill Maher asked the question that most reasonable Americans have likely been wanting someone to ask out loud for years and, more importantly, have answered during his Friday show.

The subject came up as Maher led a panel discussion on the offenders and victims of inner-city crime and explored possible solutions, The Daily Caller reported.

Maher engaged with Brown University economist Glenn Loury and international relations scholar Daniel Bessner while using examples such as the election of a soft-on-crime mayor in Chicago and the growing problem of shoplifting in New York City.

“It seems like crime is kind of out of control, I was reading that in New York, a third of all the shoplifting cases are by 327 people in a city of 8 million, because they keep getting returned to the streets, which has to be terrible for the morale of the cops, that they keep arresting people and the same people,” Maher said.

“It’s groundhog day for them, I mean, I know we have problems with the cops. I’ve certainly not been shy talking about them on this show, but I don’t understand how we’re going to get this situation under control unless they feel like what they do has some meaning as opposed to just a turnstile,” Maher added.

Loury, a black native of Chicago who is known for his extensive commentary on racial issues, argued for stricter prosecution and greater support for police officers to effectively carry out their duties. In contrast, Bessner expressed a dissenting view, stating that redistribution would be necessary to reduce incarceration rates without sanctioning individual criminal behavior.

“Like Chicago: Most of the shootings are young black men killing other young black men. Is that not correct?” Maher responded. “Much more than what the cops do. Why doesn’t anybody talk about that? I mean, why aren’t there, you know, 100 giant black celebrities who would have the respect of those people saying, ‘What are you doing to yourselves? Why are you killing each other?’”

Loury agreed with the host, saying, “It’s no way to live, this dishonors our community, come on, we’re better than this.”

“Right!” Maher interrupted. “I feel like it’s never addressed.”

Bessner argued for the distribution of material wealth as a means of addressing the issue and criticized the media for failing to address it. Maher challenged the view by arguing against the position that providing people with more money would reduce crime. He cited the amount of money the United States has already spent on welfare programs designed to alleviate poverty.

Bessner proceeded to criticize capitalism and its alleged promotion of negative individual behavior. However, Loury dismissed Bessner’s arguments as “speculative” and argued that reducing crime would be necessary for voters to support Bessner’s proposed reforms to capitalism.

“Loury encouraged Chicago’s next mayor Brandon Johnson to come out against criminal behavior and support the city’s police officers,” The Daily Caller noted.

WATCH:

"Like Chicago: Most of the shootings are young black men killing other young black men. Is that not correct?" [Yeah] "Much more than what the cops do. Why doesn't anyone talk about that? Why aren't there 100 giant black celebrities saying 'What are you doing to yourselves?" pic.twitter.com/iMEGxpwm9X

— Eric Abbenante (@EricAbbenante) April 22, 2023