The argument that someone gets a CCW permit and carries a firearm because they are paranoid is completely ridiculous. The reason that people do is because they can. It's a matter of choice. It has nothing to do with paranoia.

I've also seen some people here claim that the odds of being involved in a violent crime are similar to that of hitting the lottery. That is a ridiculous statement born of sheer ignorance.

In the United States your chances of being involved in a violent crime are surprising. It's about one in twenty. Depending on where you live, the odds could be lower or maybe higher. The chances that an average person will be involved in a violent crime are about the same as being hurt in a car accident.

There is also statistical data that reveals localities that opened up and allowed concealed carry had a reduction in gun crime and violent crime in general.

Here in NYC there is a defacto ban on concealed carry. A citizen can get a permit, but it is extremely difficult and virtually impossible for the average citizen. For the most part the people who carry are law enforcement and all with peace officer status; retired law enforcement and retired peace officers; and criminals. The criminals and those who illegally carry far exceed the numbers of those who legally carry.