And in still *other* parts of the world, you wouldn't think of leaving the house without a weapon of some kind. It's a cultural thing--get over it.

I respect the rights of them what want to carry guns, but don't personally carry or own a firearm. There's a New Age thought that if you prepare for the worst, the worst will happen to you--own a gun and you are sending out a message to the universe to f**k with you. Not that I believe that any more than "better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it."

I do carry a small knife, a neat little Kershaw with one-handed, spring-assist opening, that works great for cutting packing tape and prying out staples, but I doubt I would ever use it as a weapon.

In a firearm store the other day I saw this neat little job called a "Carriage Gun" or what anyone in their right mind would call a sawed-off shotgun. Might fit just right where a frame pump would on a bike, with just a little mod or two...

I usually ride with my 3' On Guard chain wrapped around my handlebars. Never thought of it before, but could be a reason I haven't been too severely messed with at all. Not that I could get it unwrapped in time to do much of anything in an emergency situation, but now I'm wondering if just having it in a conspicuous place that looks like it's easy to access is some kind of deterrent.