In the past, when I had guns,--I would have neighbors tell me they were glad I had them, cause they didn't want them in their homes. They expected me to protect them, since I was a gun owner already, and doomed to go to Hell. So I had nothing to loose. --I got rid of my guns soon after that.
Did they actually tell you that, or are you engaging in hyperbole to make a point?
I live in a rural area in the South. Probably over 80% of my neighbors have guns. My preacher got a snubnose revolver as a birthday present from the Deacon board, and brought it to church Sunday morning to show it to the congregation. My church also hosted a concealed-weapons-permit class in the Fellowship building one year to make it convenient for any members who wanted to get their carry permits. Members with permits are allowed to carry on church grounds and into the sanctuary... we take Luke 22:36 rather literally. :mrgreen:
Police response time in my area can be anything from a few minutes to most of an hour, depending on where the nearest cruiser is at the moment. People around here arm themselves
first, when they suspect trouble,
then call 911.
My state has castle law and no duty to retreat, "shall issue" CCW and strong self-defense precedents, and anyone not a felon can keep a loaded gun in the glovebox or trunk, locked or unlocked as you please.
This is what I grew up with, for the most part...it is
normal to me. I have lived elsewhere, in other states... it is not an
accident that I came back to SC to settle down. Most people around here are polite, friendly and helpful... aside from the nearby Interstate highway, you pretty much have to go into the city to encounter serious criminal activity.
I'll take it over what I've seen in big cities with draconian gun control anytime, thanks.