Since the late 1980's, the per capita rate of violent crime in the US has been steadily and significantly dropping. Generally speaking, we are living in some of the *safest* times in our country's history. 50 percent of all the US counties average zero murders any given year. 25 percent of the counties average only 1 murder per year. 70 percent of all the homicides in this country occur in only 3 percent of the counties. The US is a very safe place to live.

That said, I carry because doing so is an expression of my Natural Right, enumerated in the US Constitution and outlined by the natural rights / social contract theory of John Locke. The lawful defense of self and those under the mantel of my protection is my responsibility alone.

I carry a gun so that I do not have to be at the mercy of those who would wish to do me harm.