"Just because someone takes steps of precaution does that automatically make him a blustering coward, which is how you have sought to portray me? "

That's not what I meant and my comments weren't an designed to offend - I certainly didn't name-call and I apologise if that's how my post came across. My point is this culture of violence - I'm not sure where you got the idea I was calling you a coward from though.

I don't understand this mindset, but then I live in a different country and our cultures are very different at heart. I'd be happy to shake of the tyranny of the Throne and Aristocracy myself, but I'm afraid if the US version of a Republic is the alternative then perhaps better the devil you know. I am glad I don't live somewhere where people feel the need to arm themselves in order to function on a daily basis.

You know what - life's too short for this. I can't wait to get back to America (We're hoping to dig dinosaurs in Dakota, get around the big museums to see the dinosaur exhibits and re-visit New York), and I won't be packing a piece to protect myself - we'll take our chances and we will come in peace.