The new points of view are interesting. Also as a non-American (Canadian eh?) I'm a bit non-plussed at the American comfort level with guns. Even the vehemently anti gun folks like Kat have owned 'em, learned to use 'em and shot 'em. I have a wide social circle and can truthfully say that over thirty years perhaps ONE or TWO of my Canadian friends and acquaintances has owned a gun that I have seen. Perhaps many of them DO have guns, but it just NEVER comes up in conversation. Now snowmobiles - that's another story!
A few years ago in the news I read that a TV series was in the works about a Canadian Mountie and an American Sheriff (or marshall) that had to do with the Alaska/Yukon border at the turn of the century. I've completely forgotten the name of the show - help me. The producers (American) absolutely could not believe that the Mounties did NOT carry guns, yet apparently kept the peace as well or better than their "shootin' iron" totin' counterparts. Well not only could they not believe it, but they refused to make the series unless the Mountie started packin'. So the series was made and was successfull, but historically inaccurate.
I should perhaps add, lest I be seen as being self-righteous, that although I can't picture ever killing a creature for the fun of it, I ain't no vegetarian, love steaks, carve leather, and once went to a target shooting club, where I didn't embarrass myself with a .22. I see the irony and my own hypocritical position clearly.