Actually there are many people who don't have either of those things. Coincidentally they are the ones you see slipping and sliding all over the road :p In my opinion, they are a necessity there and if you don't have them then you are playing with your life and everyone else around you. There's only so much "safe driving" you can do until some things are out of your control.
I'm looking at getting a car now and will end up putting snow tires on it. I wouldn't feel safe without them even if MA doesn't get as much snow as NY gets. But that's my decision and I know people here don't see the need for them.
But, I completely understand where the hype is coming from here, believe me. I know this is abnormal weather for the area and people don't deal with it as frequently as we do at home. If I lived here my whole life I'd be giving into the hype, too :p I know my perspective on snow is different than other areas and not everyone is as comfortable with it as I am. Especially when driving. So I get it, and I'm not passing judgement, I just find it funny. Like people watching funny.
I will say I will enjoy my day off tomorrow! And hopefully the roads are clear "enough" on Wednesday so I can come in to work. And hopefully some people will decide to stay home then so the roads aren't super crazy. I love my 4WD, I will miss it.