Interesting point, but bad example. There are all manner of alternate ways to defend your home besides purchasing a home security system - dogs, armed guards, shark filled moat, etc. The broad point though, if ones freedom to make themself safe from others was removed one would be less safe, is theorectically valid. I can’t, however, think of a case where such has happened.
Yeah, 'cause we here in America have no choice about whom to work for or whom to do business with. Nor do we have any way to influence who our government representatives are. We are oppressed!!! :rolleyes: There are reasons I don’t frequent Great Debates, mainly because I just don’t have the time for this kind of back and forth. I have stated my opinion, and shared an example of another who does as well. In this forum that is all that is required. Don’t like it? Fine, no skin off my nose.
Well actually, crude homicide statistics are even worse, insofar as most murders are apparently perpetuated among acquaintances. I tried to address this with firearm injury rates, but honestly I’m not sure about their pattern.
Many years ago, a Brit once told me of a study indicating that those who feared crime the most (eg the older) tended to have lower risks of crime and visa versa. So yes, most are pretty bad at risk assessment, which is understandable as basically no US institution consistently reports them in context. (There are articles however.)
At any rate, I think it’s reasonable to be wary of going to a convenience store after dark in US urban areas, more so than in western Europe never mind Japan. It doesn’t stop me, but it does encourage me to be aware of my surroundings. I suppose I have some sort exciting urban event every few years.