Israel is in a constant battle for survival, so it should come as no surprise that they recognize the value of an armed citizen. Not only do they have mandatory conscription, but they foster an environment where all able-bodied law-abiding citizens are encouraged to arm themselves.

Israeli civilians who carry their own guns are helping to curb the damage that terrorists can inflict by being able to deal immediately with a terrorist situation, an Israeli security official said. [...]

"Armed civilians at the scene of terror attacks prevent further damage," said Israel police spokesman Gil Kleiman.

"[We've] seen it time and time again," Kleiman said. "Armed civilians who are well-trained [can] save people's lives.... If there isn't a policeman [on the scene], civilians can deal immediately with a terrorist situation." [...]

According to Kleiman, armed civilians are considered a "force multiplier." There are some 26,000 police and border police in Israel. That security force is increased by some 76,000 volunteer civil guards - 30,000 of whom take the place of police, he said.

Kleiman emphasized that gun licenses are not going to criminals, nor to those who are mentally unstable. "We're not worried that people will [be] using guns to start robbing banks," he said.

He said the added security is worth the risk that guns might be misused.

Over here in America where terrorist attacks are not an every day occurrence and where oceans protect us from a large scale invasion, some public officials detest an armed citizenry. We are viewed not only as a nuisance but as a threat to their political power.