Here is a case for arming the people.
From a liberal/statist viewpoint it's exactly the opposite. An armed populace might rise up and overthrow the government given just how insane the government is, and to a liberal overthrowing a totalitarian regime is the worst possible thing that can happen. The liberal answer is MORE restrictive control of the populace. So what if a few million starve? The liberal idea of heaven on earth is an absolute totalitarian regime with them in absolute control - ruling in the ruins. North Korea is one such liberal paradise.