I knew that as I wrote it Pete but couldn't find another way of putting it.
I do agree that Americans can be very insular, in fact I have been amazed at the number I have met who have never left the country. I guess it's because it's just so big.
My brother and sister- in- law don't own a gun and don't see the need to. I once went out forgetting to lock the door and was very apologetic only to be told that you don't really need to as it's quite safe where they are. They live in an upmarket suberb of Philidelphia just the sort of place which would be constantly targeted by thieves in this country.