One of the problems with some gunowners is the lack of respect for the firearm they own. It is just too easy to purchase weapons and own ammunition in the US. Even in a controlled environment like the military, soldiers are put through the many paces to ensure they can handle their weapon properly. Even pointing an unloaded weapon all over the place will get you a verbal lashing from your Sgt.
The gun is a hateful and very powerful weapon, and it should be treated with great reverence for the damage it can do.
Take for example, the NRA was originally founded to ensure so that USA has a trained militia to repel enemies(2nd amenendment), to ensure a free state. Not unhinged gun ownership. Take a look at a quote here:
Fast forward today, the heads of the NRA consist of hypocritical money grabbing cretins who politicize every gun control measure, host fairs to continue pushing firearms into the hands of untrained individuals. They twist the words of the 2nd amendment for their own selfish gain, and it is my personal opinion that if these individuals were ever caught in a mass shooting, they would roll over and cry:
Of course with the money they swiped from the NRA coffers, they would never be caught in a mass shooting while in bulletproof suburban and residing in one of the safest places in the country. Will the NRA spend more money training their users how to properly use and respect their weapons? No. But they will spend hundreds of millions lobbying political candidates.
For those who believe in NRA's rhetoric, ask yourself whether they themselves are true believers.
Regardless, yes there is a place for personal defence, but it has to be based on common sense. Not fear, not emotions.
Then again, what is the government for if you need to ensure your OWN safety with a high powered weapon? At the end, I guess the government can take the savings from giving your town a decent police, and throw it into a new war in the middle east.