governments do kill, but they kill those that have no way to defend themselves. those with the biceps and guns force peace. that is the only real peace, when those that would harm you don't dare to do so because of your STRENGTH.
An authoritarian government with a military will always be stronger than any individual citizen, no matter now well armed he is. If I had to choose between giving up a democratic form of government and giving up second amendment rights, I would instantly pick the latter. I'm all for strength -- the United States should do what is necessary to remain the world's only superpower, and I strongly support second amendment rights. But our strengths should be in the service of our democratic republic. If R.J. Rummel is right (I posted a link to his website) then democracies keep the body count down both by avoiding war with each other, and by not killing as many of their citizens during peacetime.