darnzen wrote:In truth, the people should be better armed than the army / police.
We are indeed our own first responders.
WE are the ones who face the threat, whether it's an assault best stopped by hand to hand defenses, non lethal defenses, or justifiable use of deadly force; or if it's a medical emergency (CPR, first aid); or if it's a fire (using a fire extinguisher). If all you can do is call 911, you increase your risk and your family's risk of death, injury, and other loss many times because the event happens in 3-5 seconds, continuing typically no more than 10-15 seconds. In those seconds, you are either saving your life or you are not. Investigators come after the event and after the 911 call to solve the crime that has happened, and make the arrest as needed.
Same reason I carry a little first aid kit in my coat pocket; an ambulance is even heavier. No, I do not carry a fire extinguisher, except in my car where I'm more likely to need it than at home.
