I wasn't going to reply at all to this thread, but instead I think that maybe I can assist you some just not in the way you initially asked for.
As stated most of the questions are personal, and make no mistake most folks feel that it's nobodies damned business what you have or why you choose to posses it. It's not so much about being paranoid as being private and valuing privacy. Now top it off with concern, and some amount of paranoia. Backed up with the known that Obummer and Frankenstien others as well have made it clear, either by outright statements or actions, that they do want to disarm all of us. Take into to what the patriot act and NDAA means, as well as now we have them not only wanting to fly spy drones over American soil but want to arm some of those drones. That Vetrans affars (what ever the official name is) is actively trying to disarm vets over ******** disabilities. I would be amazed if you didn't run into the responses you've seen here.
As to the differences you've seen in responses in Texas vs. here you have to realize that Texas from it's birth has been built on Saying "F&% you" yea I got it it's mine you'll have to TAKE it. State by state Texas is unique that way, but don't mistake that as everybody else not feeling the same way, everybody does. The difference is most everybody else would much rather just come out of the blue with no warning. In short Texas controls the rattles, but we are all the whole snake saying
DON'T TREAD ON ME
Hope this helps you with your paper