Congratulations on never having encountered a police officer. If you do, you'll be very aware of the fact that they're treating you as if you were armed. I am aware of it, and I'm not even black -- and I've seen how much worse it is for black people.

Congrats, also, on graduating school before school shootings became a big thing. Me, too. It was great not having to go through metal detectors on my way to class.

I am sorry you don't ever fly, though. It's not a lot of fun, but there are a lot of great places to go, and it's usually worth the hassle of being checked for guns.

I’m not white and I’ve been stopped by police numerous times and have never been afraid of being shot. The chances of being involved in a school shooting are lower than the chance of being hit by lightning.

I also have flown many times. Nobody has ever ‘checked me for guns’. Generally they are checking for knives and explosives. You might be too young to remember, but much of today’s airport security was brought in as a response to 9/11.

If you really think a gun might appear at any moment, I recommend you do some research on how unlikely that actually is. It’s a totally unrealistic fear, and one that can only result from being misinformed.

I'm not talking about you being afraid of being shot. I'm talking about them being afraid of being shot by you.

> I'm not talking about you being afraid of being shot.

Aren’t you? Here’s what you said earlier:

> The actual murders are comparatively few, but the ability of guns to appear at any instant keeps the entire country on edge, all the time.

I guess you must have changed your mind. I’m glad you are no longer on edge at the thought of a gun appearing at any instant.

> I also have flown many times. Nobody has ever ‘checked me for guns’. Generally they are checking for knives and explosives.

Oh, come on. You seriously don't think the metal detectors pick up guns too?

> It’s a totally unrealistic fear, and one that can only result from being misinformed.

Police officers routinely justify their actions on such grounds.

You never been told to keep your hands on the wheel where they are visible to the police officer and not to make any sudden movements, when you are pulled over?

Yes, I have been told that. Frankly I always forget to be quite so procedural about it, but I’m always polite and cooperative with police, and generally let them guide the interaction, so it has never been a problem.

My kids don’t go through metal detectors. The mistake here is to presume large urban centers define the US.