I posted in the past how the Air Force required all members of our unit who owned firearms to sign a form letter acknowledging our understanding of what it means to have and to use lethal force in an altercation.

Some people are serious conscientious objectors -- meaning they would rather take their chances at being injured or killed than take another person's life.  Those people will probably choose to not carry, and I think that is the best decision for them. 

If you're unwilling or even unsure if you could point a gun at another living person and pull the trigger -- even if it's not guaranteed that you'll be killing them but just stopping them from killing you -- then you would potentially place yourself in greater danger by having/drawing a weapon in hopes the attacker sees it and flees.  If they sense you are unwilling to shoot, they will take it from you and possibly use it on you and/or others.

The willingness to fire is just one aspect of "Use of Lethal Force" the letter covered.  It also asked about your understanding of self defense laws, safe storage around minors or mentally challenged individuals, routine practice guidelines, and so on.

I found it a very well written letter that touched on all the "arguments" one should consider before choosing to carry -- or even own guns for home/self defense.  The gun isn't going to protect you.  That's your job.  The gun is simply a tool that provides lethal force if used properly.  If you have any reservations about storing, using or carrying a firearm, you should examine these questions and honestly assess the reality of "what would I do?" before deciding to carry -- or own -- firearms for protection.

I read an interview once where the person was beaten almost to death in his home by intruders.  He stated he would not buy a gun even if it meant being beaten again, or worse.  "I'd rather die myself than take another person's life.  All lives are precious, and I'm not going to be the cause of someone's death."

I get what he's "feeling," but he has to realize his attacker isn't going to stop just because he acquiesces.  In fact, a display of weakness is what attracts attackers to you as an easy target.  Predators don't often go after prey that demonstrate a willingness and ability to fight back.

Anyway, these are discussions that are best left to private, individual debates and conversations, not boiled down into soundbites for a pubic news report.

Most people project their own characteristics and feelings onto others in order to make it easier to think they know how the other person thinks.  If they believe themselves to be untrained, unwilling and incapable of safely carrying and using a firearm in public, then they also believe nobody else should, either.  It's a typical mindset many people use to judge others and force their decisions on the population at large.