very well stated!
My epiphany came when I first got back from Vietnam and went to buy a replica black powder revolver in Los Angeles. Had to go to the LAPD substation to pick up a card, giving me permission to pick up the pistol at the gunshop and the detective on duty asked me "What are you going to do with the gun - hold up a store?".
I was stunned - here I was as clean-cut as you could get, just back from serving my country in combat and this police officer was questioning my motives, my fitness to own a gun.
I asked to see the Watch Commander and complained about the first officer and I got my pisol but I never forgot the lessons of that day.
Nations that trust their citizens are true democracies.
Nations where only the uniformed class have weapons and the power are police states.