Dagmar wrote:
As far as a home invasion when you are there is concerned, some us actually do go to the door armed when someone knocks/rings that we weren't expecting...

Same here.

ubernoir wrote:
This is the worst culture shock I've ever experienced on this site. It is so unbelievably alien to anything, to any mind set or experience I have ever had as a European.

That's understandable... unfortunate (even sad, from my perspective), but understandable. No offense taken.

ubernoir wrote:
I have no idea whether the levels of paranoia on display have any basis in reality...

What appears to you as paranoia is simply a matter of common sense, practicality, and responsible behavior to many of us.

ubernoir wrote:
It seems a very strange idea of freedom. Like living in a bunker, "no one can get me now!", I'd rather walk in the fresh air, walk by the river, have a little faith, enjoy life rather than live in fear, not seeing enemies in every shadow, where every stranger might be a killer or a rapist, but seeing ordinary people with lives and hopes not threats. Where is the peace of mind when you need an AK47 as a comfort blanket?

I can't speak for the others here, but you aren't describing my mindset. I'm not constantly in a state of fear or paranoia. I enjoy going out into the world as much as you, and while I do keep my eyes open, I don't suspect every stranger of having criminal intentions toward me. However, just as I carry my keys and my purse wherever I go, I also carry a weapon (in my case, a handgun), just in case. I've never had to use a handgun or any other weapon for its intended purpose, and I hope I never will.

I can enjoy that "walk by the river" with the same confidence (or "faith") that you have. I don't expect trouble (were that the case, I'd carry a rifle or stay home). I do think most individuals in my country just want to live their lives without causing trouble for each other. Unfortunately, "most" does not mean "all." In the event that I am placed in a dangerous situation by a bad guy(s) while enjoying the fresh air by the river, it's comforting to know that I at least have a fighting chance at making it home alive, rather than being completely at the mercy of the bad guys. The police can't follow me around everywhere, nor would I want them to do so.

RE: Guns for Safety? Dream On, Scalia. - washingtonpost.com