Why are americans so obsessed with guns?

Solidus said, "I don't think anyone but law enforcement should be 'allowed' to carry guns, that is part of why they have a job, to protect people." Have any of you who think only law enforcement officers should be allowed to have guns read ANY news stories recently about hundreds of cities across the country laying off cops because they don't have the money to pay them? So if only cops should be "allowed" to carry guns, but there are no cops, will criminals just leave those people without guns alone? What planet are you living on?