Why Is It That...?

I had a funny discussion the other day regarding assassinations or attempted assassinations. He and I were surprised that there hadn't been an attempt on President Bush. But, I then got to thinking (yeah, a shocker, I know). It seems that all those who've been assassinated or even who've had assassination attempts, have been good people (and/or presidents).

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Mohandas K. Gandhi was assassinated. John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Someone attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan. But, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Richard Nixon, amongst others, haven't even been shot at (that we know). The five presidents who've had the worst approval ratings in history are: Harry Truman, Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. None of them have been assassinated. Although, for the record, while Carter wasn't the most popular president, he's an amazing human being.

So, why is that? Is it just a coincidence or is there something to it? While there may be more dislike towards these unassassinated presidents, is there more fear toward them, as well? Because of the Patriot Act, the NSA wiretapping, and other scandals or potential ones looming, is there a greater fear toward the president and his administration than, say, Lincoln, Kennedy, or Reagan? Are presidents safer since Reagan because security has been upgraded? Are these both factors along with others? It's hard for me to say, as I've only been alive from Reagan through Dubya. But, regardless, it is interesting to ponder about.