I believe widespread possession of guns is justified by considerations of public safety, individual dignity, and healthy democracy. Public safety because law enforcement personnel can never be numerous enough to guarantee safety. Personal dignity implies, among much else, readiness for self-defense. The health of a democratic culture is dependent on the general public's involvement in public safety. This is so because freedom is not a gift from government and defending it is not a duty that responsible citizens can entirely delegate to government. Get involved folks, and get armed.