Governments are like violent schizophrenic types suffering from advanced untreated delusions. They are ALWAYS afraid that somebody, some disgruntled person or people they have hurt will be hiding in the shadows waiting to get them one day. It is actually pretty cute, but unlike run of the mill violent schizos, they do have access to a lot of paid followers and firepower and can inflict a lot of damage... And there ARE countless people who they have harmed and do have axes to grind with them, and not just in a courtroom either... As long as firepower is not one sided, as in on their side, there is somewhat of a balance. Not "buddy buddy" compromise, but more of "you stay out of my way and we'll stay out of yours"...
