I was born and raised in Chicago. Believe me when I say that I understand what you said.
And I went through a tornado once - not to mention Katrina...so I also know what living in one of the anarchist zones of destruction is like...many of us citizens went around sporting our weapons to deter looters after Katrina...compare what went on in MS to what happened in NOLA and you will be able to infer an armed citizenry is useful...