There's a debate about whether Zimmerman should have been carrying

[spin]

110. Why do you feel you would walk around "being suspicious of everyone" ...

just because you have a carry permit and you are carrying?

Perhaps you're talking about the fact that many people who carry practice situational awareness. That means that they are just more alert to their surroundings than most people. They don't walk down dark streets with a cell phone glued to their ear.

It doesn't mean such people are paranoid or fearful. They do notice things about people they encounter and if a person is acting in a truly suspicious manner, they might be somewhat careful of that individual. Practicing situational awareness can actually be fun. People are interesting.

If you are alert to your surroundings you will also notice far more of nature's beauty that you often miss when you are not paying attention to your environment.

You do make a very good point about the extra responsibility involved in owning and carrying a firearm. Owning a firearm or getting a carry license is not something that everybody should do. However, you don't have to carry a gun to practice situational awareness. The simple fact that you are alert, walk confidently and make eye contact with the people you encounter may make you far less of a target for a street thug.

Situational Awareness

The most important thing to remember about self defense is to avoid the situation where you need to defend yourself. You do this by not making yourself an easy target and being aware of your surroundings. There are a number of things you do every day without realizing it that make you more or less of a target to be the victim of a crime. The following will help you avoid being victimized and know what to do if it happens anyway.

***snip***

Walking on the Street
Don’t Be a Target

Walking along talking on a cell phone is one of the best ways to put a “rob me now” target on your back. You are talking to your buddy, with the illusion of security because you are not alone, but your buddy can’t help you! Muggers look for people who act a certain way, just as child molesters know how to choose their victims. If you walk with a purposeful stride and look around, making eye contact with people who pass you on the street, you are not the first choice of a mugger. If you have a purse, don’t wear it on one shoulder on the “street” side of the sidewalk – it’s just too easy for someone to grab. If you have a weird feeling about the man/men walking toward you from the other direction, don’t hesitate to cross the street. Make it a habit to listen to what your gut is telling you.
http://www.survive2day.com/whattoknow/situationalawareness.html