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From: Jeff.Dubois@p666.f207.n163.z1.fidonet.org (Jeff Dubois)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: blind self defense
Message-ID: <16530@handicap.news>
Date: 28 Jun 91 14:44:05 GMT
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Index Number: 16530

[This is from the Blink Talk Conference]

I probably give blind people a bad reputation.  Let me explain.  Joy and
I were on the platform at Blair station waiting for the 95 express to
come home from a family visit.  I'm the only person there.  It was in
the late fall of last year, and with the time change it was dark, not
that that can matter at times, however I know when its light or dark.
On with the story.  This young fellow, no make that punk, comes out of
the tunnel and starts whistling and slapping his thighs to get Joy's
attention.  I was polite.  I told him she's working and please don't
distract her.  He stopped his antics, passed in front of me, then
proceeded into the enclosed shelter.  He only stayed there about 15
seconds.  He came back out on the platformand Joy was fidgeting.  She
kept creeping towards me.  She twitched, and I think though I can't be
100% sure of this that he was either stepping on her tail or back leg.
I asked him to leave the dog alone, not so politely, but not downright
ignorant.  His reply was that it was just a *ing dog and that if I
wasn't blind he'd kick the * out of me.  He didn't have time.  I punched
him right in the face as hard as I could.  I've never been a fight in my
life.  I got him right on the nose and I know it bent.  He hit the
ground, got up, then ran down the platform to the tunnel.  My heart
raced for 15 minutes and my hands trembled.  When I got home I threw up.
 It was wrong.  I mean he deserved it, but it was wrong.  The next time
he sees a blind person he might take it out on them.  I don't know the
answers for this type of situation and I still think of it.  I've
thought of martial arts, and I would justify it for exercise.  However,
in that situation, what would have happened?  Get my point?  I'm single,
29, and Joy is not my guide.  She's my little girl.  Yes, she's a dog,
but not a dog.  She's the most important thing in my life, and I'm
probably too protective over her.
I probably should have poked that guy in both eyes and simply walked
away.

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