Which means that 39% of black males shot by police were armed.

"It feels much better than it ever did, much more sensitive." John Wayne Bobbit

In a right to bear arms kinda society...

Nick.... Very few Americans walk around strapped.

In the second instance that would be armed. Granted someone beating the s*** out of someone is a threat but one where the use of a taser or nightstick is a very viable option over shooting which could easily end up wounding the victim

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]

Now that would be a seriously interesting job!

Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand!

My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right.

(Member of the School of Optimism 1969-2016 inclusive)

Given that only around a third of households are reported to have guns (including hunting households and farmers), that sounds like a huge exaggeration. As Jimenez said, that's also Texas where gun ownership is far more common than it is up in New England (for example).

Having lived in gun friendly states (Texas, Kansas, and Vermont), I can honestly say I met very few people who ever 'packed' a gun. I know a bunch of people who hunt, and quite a few who shoot as a sport (mostly targets at a range), but I know very few who carry a firearm.

Much like the current debate on these boards, most of what is written is hyperbole or second hand anecdotal.

As for the matter in hand, the police a far too militarized and too ready to pull a firearm in a confrontation. As President Obama pointed out last week (loosely paraphrased), that might be no surprise given the sea of guns and crime in some of the communities the police are tasked with maintaining order. He did not condone poor policing, neither did he excuse it.

If you come to a fork in the road, take it.