I didnt expect to see much value in this post, but Rebel's comment is very well written and your initial post is a good logical read too.
One piece that really resonated with me was the "self defeating prophesy" aspect of it. It really is true and I never quite thought about it that way, but the people carrying guns are doing so expecting a problem, they're looking for trouble and constantly afraid.
Then Don's comments really reinforced it, exposed that mentaility and it really sinks it home:
"it's not about your goods...……………………...it's about your loved ones lives. A handgun is an IMMEDIATE protection from: Murderers,rapists, MASS shooters, kidnappers,etc."
That is someone cnstantly living in fear and worry, expecting that any and every other person is a rapist or murderer coming to get you, there's an enemy at every corner and the only thing that calms the coward's anxiety is the comfort of a gun and knowing you're able to quickly and easily kill anyone you meet.
Like of course you're going to feel scared all the time if every interaction you're approaching from the mindset of "any of these people could be after me, and I need to protect my self and family from them" and yeah the self fulfilling prophecy comment really fits