I just had an interesting conversation with a student in my class. He is a police officer who lives "Out in the country."
Last week he and I were discussing the comfort of living out in the country vs. living in an urban jungle. We both agreed that our lifestyles, relaxed, rural, quiet, tended to make some people (mostly our wives) assume that living in the country is safe. ie. quiet neighborhood = no crime, no need to lock doors, carry firearms, answer doorbell with pistol in hand, etc.
We both compared notes and realized we had the same level of mistrust of fellow man even though others in our community think we might be a little odd for being overly cautious (ie. doors always locked, pistol within arm's reach at all times, password to enter the house.)
After he got home last week he was discussing with his wife the conversation he had with me, and the need to be safe even though the community appears safe on the outside.
Guess what... She related to him that a neighbor that lives on the lot behind theirs had been robbed, at gunpoint, in broad daylight, with construction workers in the area.
The robbery had occurred on the same day that he and I were speaking about never being too cautious.
Theives approached his neighbor at gunpoint. Taped him up, and robbed him.
The student is now planning to carry a 'baby Glock' at all times. On and off duty.
People (including my wife) wonder why I mow the grass with a pistol on my hip. It is because I want 'random thugs' that might be casing our neighborhood, or casing my house, to see an ARMED homeowner any day, any time.
TheRedGoat