Guns banned in Michigan State Capitol.

[TaraJo]

I still don't understand people's need to carry guns all over the place.

Here's a little more of my background:  From January 2014 to July 2016, I lived in one of the rougher neighborhoods in Houston.  I was one of the only white people living in a very poor barrio (communicating was a bitch since I don't speak Spanish).  Down near highway 45 and telephone road, for those of you who know the area.  I often had to walk to or from work late at night.  I had other times I had to catch a bus downtown and downtown Houston doesn't have a lot of police and does have a lot of unstable, desperate homeless people.  I never felt the need to have a gun.  If anything, I suspect a gun may have escalated things.  Keeping a charged phone handy and staying aware of my surroundings kept me safe far better than any gun could have.  I'd rather avoid violent situations, gun or no, and I've seen way too many gun enthusiasts who like to pretend they're some kind of urban commando.  I'd rather avoid any kind of shooting over a shootout and, yes, even if you're going to be the ever popular "good guy with a gun," there's going to be a shoot out.  

I've been binge watching Doctor Who lately.  Know what I like about this show?  He thinks his way through situations.  He doesn't force his way through problems with force or guns or muscles.  He's smarter than the other guy.  That's so rare in media today and it's something I REALLY value.  Why are we in a society where violence and aggression are valued more than intelligence and creativity?

Anyone who thinks they can find life's solutions in a TV show has a tenuous grasp at best on reality.

My point is that I think compassion and intelligence should be valued more than prancing around with the biggest gun imaginable and pretending you're Rambo.