Brrrrrrrr..... Just reading your post is scary!
Hand Gun's, well, not use to that, I hate those... anyway, not allowed in
Canada unless you have 12 permits (he he) and you're a priest.

My English is probably not elaborate enough to fully understand your post
but if I hear you well, your telling me to arm myself so I can sleep
better.... Your heard me wrong, I sleep light, even in the comfort of my
home, I sleep better in the Westy.

I don't know if the FL citizens attitude is different from the rest of the
USA but I know about most other states, all I can say is am always very
impress by the warm, generous, polite and welcoming attitude of my southern
neighbors, every single people I have met in USA or Canada have be so nice
to me.

Last year many have warned me about TX police... Well,  I was stuck with a
broken and very loud muffler between San-Antonio and El paso (not sure
where), I was arrested by an highway patrol car with 2 officers, at first I
have to say that they look a bit scary, but to cut that short, they escorted
me to the nearest town, help me find a garage, stayed with me and even offer
the coffee afterward... so, good attitude will always get you anywhere, that
is how I see life men...

As for protecting myself against those nasty American bandidos.... (He he he)
Believe me, I've seen a lot worse in my travelling life, I carry a weapon
call; Good and positive attitude... very dangerous... if that doesn't work,
well that life... (or the crowbar under my seat can always help in ultimate
situation)

Don't mess with a Canadian/Indian/German mix/bastar* like me! he he he he

Happy travelling.
http://www.benplace.com