As it turns out, giving everyone guns and telling them their neighbors are out to get them doesn't actually make the world any safer.

nobody "gives" them away. they have to be bought (or stolen) i wish the psychiatrists and parole officers would do their jobs properly, and prevent guns from getting into the hands of mental patients and ex convicts.

But it prevents social democracy.

Word. I can't tell you how many people I know one way or the other who have that "everyone is out to get me" attitude. A few have guns, a few don't. They all kinda freak and scare me the fuck out when they go off on their percieved dangers under every nook and cranny.