[Restorer]

the gates are an anathema to a democratic, open society, and ... they ... make for a more fearful society.

Methinks he doth confuse cause and effect. People want to live in gated communities largely because they're scared.

That said, I'm no great fan of them.

[SaltyJoe]

If I had children, I'd prefer a gated community (especially if I lived in L.A. or similar cities).

If I had anything worthy of value, I'd consider a gated community over other communities.

It's not "fear". It's common sense and the reality that evil exists. If you value your property, then you are obliged to keep it from being stolen by people who don't value the law. Otherwise, don't own anything.

A common thug response to excusing their thieving activity is to state, "If they didn't want it stolen, they should have protected it better. If I didn't steal it, some else would have."

[stevio]

People want to live in gated communities largely because they're scared.

And vote Democrat.