The Old West

Laws in the old West were sometimes capricious and arbitrary. What was advantageous to the corrupt was either created, or abused, to acquire, or to keep, power to those with wealth, or criminal organizations. Local law enforcement was sometimes far outnumbered, and it was not unusual to change officials with violence. 

That's where we are as a nation. Large cities have crippled law enforcement, and even if the officers perform their job, ruthless thugs are quickly released to continue their mayhem. The poorer sections of the city can only be described as anarchial societies. Criminals control, people fear retaliation if they try to stop the crime. Law enforcement will only arrive to document events, and to file the paperwork as prescribed by rules. 

The smaller cities, and rural counties, have people that know their security is never guaranteed by those hired to enforce laws, so they're armed, prepared, and will react to crime with what is sometimes described as "extreme prejudice". They know this is their only choice, and failure to be prepared can lead to becoming a victim. 

So, here we are, 150 years past the Wild West, and things are back as they were. Corruption and violence are prevalent in the large cities, smaller cities can be overwhelmed with the same problem, and those that live in rural areas are safe, as long as they have plenty of ammunition, with a network of neighbors for support. 

I've read many places where those with measured thought warn of getting out of the larger cities. It's good advice these days, and necessary for those that want to have more control of their lives.