Yeah, I've got 'em too. I don't relish the idea of having to use one for defense, if it came to that, but... well, I just keep hoping it never comes to that, while trying to be prepared in case it does. Hunting, though, I have little problem with provided it's done humanely and within ecologically sound limits. Deer, for example, are overpopulated around here, and since we've managed to eradicate their natural predators, hunting is one of only a few things between them and the misery of a malthusian catastrophe. My own participation in hunting is all but nil for two main reasons... I don't have the patience and drive to do it, and I don't have the skill or facilities to deal with the quantity of meat I'd end up with if I was successful.

I agree that the conservanoia is a bit more serious this time, but there are a couple reasons for it... 9/11 is probably number one (you've heard the assorted conspiracy theories I'm sure, and that's the kind of event that had even sane people wondering, for a while, if maybe the millenialist doomsday prophets were right...) and, hate to say it, but the fact that Obama is black is a big one also. Then again, I think the fringe has been steadily getting more fringe as time goes on anyway... Eh.