Larry,
Many people choose to believe that the world, or at least their corner of it is a safe and pleasant place.
Nothing wrong with that, we all want to live a quiet and peaceful life.
It is for those same reasons we hire police and fund our respective militaries.
For many/most of the population of a given area, crime, and the fear that comes with it, is rarely seen/felt.
It is understandable then that as a race, most of us wish/prefer to settle differences over a beer, or coffee, or in some other non violent manner.
This leads to most of us looking down on those "unauthorized" people who feel they need to be better prepared, just in case.
After all, the police take care of all the bad stuff...don't they? Dial 911 and you'll be "saved".
Peace, is what most civilizations strive for, and our authorized defenders do their best to keep the horrific, awful acts committed by the few rouges hidden away from "the public".
It is not done by the defenders to deceive, but rather because we the defendees prefer "not to know" (makes it easier to sleep at night).
While I am not for "vigilante" justice, having a citizen who has completed the proper training with a defense weapon, and who has the proper permits, and is willing to defend his family and or a stranger on the street who is being attacked is not a bad thing in my book.
Some people choose to hide behind often mistaken beliefs, some take the painful path of realization of truth, and act on it.
Neither one is completely wrong, as we live in a free country... and when, if, some awful thing ever results in the need for self defense, the result of being prepared, or choosing to believe it will never happen to them will be that person's choice...

It is my wish that no matter the choice, the outcome is good and no one must pay a price.
You're welcome to camp near me this summer.
Rob
Waiting for "someday" will leave you on your deathbed wondering why you didn't just rearrange your priorities and enjoy the time you had, instead of waiting for a "better" time to come along...