This is the conclusion I think of. I've never wanted a gun, I have hated them, I'm embarrassed that our society has so damn many... but at this point, what else works? I'd like to volunteer my time to tutor low income kids. I'd like to spread more positivity in my neighborhood and make kids feel like they're actually cared about because their parents sure as hell don't give a fuck.

But if I'm riding my bike or walking alone at night, I'm a target. I'm a white young female. If a group of teens target me, what the hell can I do? And the reality is they will if I put myself in these situations.

No, I don't want a gun and I don't want to shoot anybody. But the reality of my life is now I stay home at night. Now I'm on high alert when I ride my bike to work at 4:30 am. I'm actually fucking terrified when I see stupid hispanic teens hanging out at this time of day.

I'd like to feel confident that I can defend myself. My immediate solution is NOT to get a gun, but to take self-defense classes and be on high alert at all times. But if our city keeps getting worse and worse, the possibility that I'd apply for a CCW will grow higher and higher.

They're not the solution, but if you don't defend yourself, you could die just for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. At least, that's how I feel.