Sorry if my post caused you angst ChinaFleet. Not intended.I am most certainly not claiming any superiority of one nation over another and in fact if you read my post you will see this.
In fact this thread covers two distinct issues:

1. That which pertains to crime and particularly armed and violent crime wherever it may be in the
world and peoples need/legal ability/desire or whatever to carry defensive weapons.

2. The second and USA specific issue being that crime or no crime threat or no threat it is a constitutional right of an American citizen to bear arms.

Thomas Jefferson I believe put it thus "It is the right and DUTY,of the people to be at all times armed".

Not just a right but a duty. I think it is this that some do not understand.

From a personal point of view the American Bill of Rights is the most splendid
political document it is a tragedy to see its erosion. 2nd amendment badly chipped away, 10th
effectivley gone. 1st amendment debased to benefit pornographers and whatever.