I used to feel the same way a you Andy. Hated violence, and still do. Hated guns too. Literally kicked a friend out of my house when I found out he had one. (I was only 19, so I was young and stupid too). But several years ago i had three separate instances where either myself or a family member was put in harms way. You know my neighborhood. I lived in Westfield at the time. So I wasnt in the hood. Sisters ex at my house once, sisters ex threatening my mom in her car at a McDonalds, and a crooked previous business associate who I ran into at a vendor who was pissed because the FBI was asking me questions about him. So now, I got my ccw and carry at all times legal except when sleeping.