Self defense can also be vital to one's survival same as healthcare. As unfortunate as it is some people in our society like to victimize others for a multitude of reasons, and often with weapons like knives or guns of their own.

But I think the point of his comment was "they are totally not the same thing," so while I note your sarcasm I can't help but think it misses the mark, as it seems like you think he thinks they are in fact similar enough to conflate the two, against his direct words.