Let me be the first to welcome a new hillbilly to FR ;)
Well, I am from TX, but being a hillbilly doesn't make me ignorant, stupid, or irrational, I am very well educated. On another note - of course a dog should not be completely humanized and trusted(though I trust my dogs over many of my species), but still, they are a part of your family as well as your siblings and parents. They know when you are sad, angry, happy, joyous, etc. and feel these emotions with you. Pit Bulls are no different, they are just dogs, and when raised right and with great care are in my OPINION some of the greatest dogs you can own (though I am also very partial to Rat Terriers and Dachsunds too) :)