My History of Violence
Alan Pogue | February 20, 2009 | Afterword
After being assaulted, longtime Observer photographer Alan Pogue reconsiders the role of violence in his own past.
A fine article, Alan. I, too, grew up with guns in a context where gun use and ownership had a history and tradition that wasn't associated with right wing ideology. I, too, killed my first deer with a .22 at age five. I wish we heard from more reasonable people like yourself on the insight and responsibility that goes along with self defense capabilities. Thanks, Jesse
Posted by Jesse Sublett on May 29, 2009
$38,000 in medical bills is what stands out in the end! For an assault for which the attackers were never found, incarcerated, nor victims (there are 2 in this tale) in any way compensated. However, you may have saved a life. Maybe stay in your car and call the cops next time; the most threatening thing to the attackers could have been calling the police.
This actually happened to a martial arts instructor I had in Bulgaria--he was attacked by a former student who wanted to "prove" himself by attacking his former teacher. It didn't take long for the police to arrive. Even martial arts sifu masters aren't always able to deflect an attack!
Posted by Jenell on May 06, 2009
Very interesting article - convincing points.
Posted by Colleen (Byrne) Plummer on March 10, 2009
Your story is pretty amazing. While living in Chicago, I witnessed countless beatings on the street, including one incident of road rage that frightened me so much that to this day I refuse to honk at people. It happened to the man in the car in front of me, and after dialing 911, I just watched as two men beat this poor man. Everyone just watched. We were stuck, as they were in the middle of a small street. The police took forever to get there, and the image is forever imprinted in my mind. I wish I could have done something, but short of running all three of them over, I was powerless (I couldn't beat off a bee if I tried).
By the way, I wonder if you might have gone to high school with my mom. She went to Ray HS in Corpus as well (she graduated in '64).
Posted by Nica on March 05, 2009
Hi Allen, I've talked with at Wheatsville a time or two. Very well-written, conscientious. I'm also surprised you've been in so many tight situations. Sorry about your taking it in he chin after you helped that woman. Goodspeed, James
Posted by James Buechler on March 04, 2009
You are a brave man and I am glad there are people like you.
BTW I also practice Shotokan Karate. I am only an orange belt but I love it.
Posted by Deborah Scamman on March 03, 2009
in 60 years I have not gotten into one such situation. I hope that I would jump out and help in the same way. I have a bunch of guns and hope never have to use them to protect my family but I'm happy to have them.
Good article.
Posted by Bob Co on February 26, 2009
you are inmortal?...í´m inmortal ?...........the human is inmortal ?.....what is the problem ?.......
Posted by leonel merino on February 21, 2009
Good article. Thanks for writing it.
Posted by Bret Branon on February 21, 2009
Alan I'm glad you survived to rethink your priorities. The world needs more people like you, willing to risk everything for another.
Posted by Ken Martin on February 21, 2009
Knowing Alan Pogue, it doesn't surprise me that he knows how to defend himself. What does is that he has found the need so often in Austin. I had no idea. I would have expected that his prowess with martial arts might have been necessary in the middle east, Africa or even Central America. But Austin? Now I'm thinking about that 45 - 410 for myself.
Posted by Alison Dieter on February 21, 2009
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