We are indeed on our own. That type of thinking is what rural people excel at, and look how they vote.
No idea what the answer is. Violence, or even defense, from the left will be crushed, just like you said about the protests.
All I can say is that I will do me best to defend my family. If shooting back means my death, so be it. But unlike many libs, I’m not going to roll over when they come for me and mine.