> criminals simply don't use weapons on civilians (apart from high value targets, perhaps) because the penalties for doing so are so harsh
Do you think the penalties in the US are less harsh? Kill a cop here and you get the death penalty (in many states).
> This is the sole reason I would never ever consider living in the USA - the risk from a) criminals, b) civilian "heros" and c) the police themselves, all of whom are armed to the teeth, legally. Terrifying.
I think you have an exaggerated view of the dangers of living in the US.
Do you think the penalties in the US are less harsh? Kill a cop here and you get the death penalty (in many states).
> This is the sole reason I would never ever consider living in the USA - the risk from a) criminals, b) civilian "heros" and c) the police themselves, all of whom are armed to the teeth, legally. Terrifying.
I think you have an exaggerated view of the dangers of living in the US.