"We find it amusing that only the criminals have guns where you live. Bet that gives ya a warm fuzzy (wet) feeling don't it? The way society is heading, crime with illegal guns will get much, much worse before it gets better.
I am speaking from the perspective of having no fewer than 4 firearms pointed at me by criminals..never again. Now I shoot back(If in a position to)"
Two things point out.. First is that Ripsnort will cease to join this BBS the next time he runs into armed criminals. DOA and another thread morning a fellow AH pilot, only the lucky ones walk away as heroes in situations he describes. The majority become dead wannabe heroes. It's a bit late to start to pull your weapon when you're held at gunpoint.

Second, Rip seems to think other countries share the problems of the US society. In countries where wealth is more evenly shared, despiration is much less common and so is violent crime. Naturally nutcases exist everywhere but with strict gun laws it's much more unlikely for them to own a gun, at least legally. Gun laws also enable law enforcement to take any unlawfully obtained guns away from a person if he shows them in public even once. That greatly reduces their chances of actually shooting someone, usually people threat before they act.
The conservatists idea of life seems to be: Grab everything you can, stomp others in the face in search of own wealth blindly. Build a fortress and arm yourself to teeth because you're scared the misfortunate will want a piece of your wealth. Walk no longer freely on your streets as the mentally weak individuals become strong with a sidearm and nothing to lose.
So yes, you got money and life is good. As long as you don't get shot in your car while doing shopping or end up as a victim of a burglar. Or have your kid fall into the trap of any of the drugdealers working the next streetcorner. I'm constantly amazed about the extent of posters who claim to have a drug problem even on this UBB (yes if you smoke pot you're a pothead and nothing else.)