Chivalry may not be dead.
But, tragically, it can sometimes kill.
Stan Dixon of England was on a city bus with a lady friend when the 60-year-old army veteran confronted some thugs about their profanity.
Here's what happened next, according to the Daily Mail of London:
"He asked them to refrain from swearing in front of a woman -- but the couple were met with a torrent of abuse.
"To avoid any further confrontation, they decided to get off at an earlier stop than they had planned.
"But as they stood at the doors of the bus, which was nearing Mr Dixon's home in Horden, County Durham, two of the gang allegedly pushed him in the back.
"The father of three fell forwards off the bus, on to the road where he collapsed unconscious with major head injuries."
He later died. A 23-year-old tough is now charged with his murder.
Dixon's untimely demise touched us, every bit as much as if it had happened on one of our own streets. Some things, some principles, are universal. Decency should be one of them.
By all accounts, Dixon was a good and decent man who was "renowned for his traditional values," the Mail said. In other words, he didn't cotton to profanity, and certainly not in front of a lady.
There are many ways one can die with honor. Unfortunately, standing up for simple decency and decorum has become one of them.
Stan Dixon died with honor, having stood for decency and having been knocked down for his trouble.
All of us who seek a civil, genteel life should feel diminished by his passing, and should rededicate ourselves to standing up for decency and decorum.
Tragically, we will have to be ever wise in choosing our battles.
Comments
Anthony Burgess' "A Clockwork Orange" was prophetic. Had Dixon lived in Atlanta, GA law would have empowered him after the first of this month to receive a permit authorizing his carrying of a concealed weapon to protect himself. Had Dixon been a legal weapon-carrying MARTA rider, he might have been alive this morning to read in his morning AJC the account of a foiled attack by feral youth upon a civilized elderly passenger on a MARTA vehicle.
Good point, but even being armed wouldn't keep you safe if they're pushing you off the bus from behind.
Morons like that sense weakness. It almost like a dog sensing fear. The ole fight or flight mechanism has many advantages. Feel the "fight" and they will sense it and reconsider. I am a generally passive person but I have had to feel the "fight" and on two occasions even outnumbered they backed down. They are looking for easy targets. People like that are cowards. I guess they think anyone crazy enough to take on three or more people by himself must be packing a weapon. Psychological warfare- turn the tables.
Never turn your back on a human cockroach.
Uh, Craig, using your example, the thugs would also be carrying heat (possibly) legally.
Actually the thugs would likely get their weapons from family or black market. 80% of criminals get their handguns that way. So no laws would likely influence criminals possessing weapons.
Uh, grouse, the gentleman would still be dead. The solution is obvious England should outlaw pavement.
This is why I do not like public transit.
Whoa..And I was looking forward to a trolley system In Augusta. That story just changed my mind.
I think some vigilante could go to town packing heat on Broad Street or the Riverwalk at night. Death wish revisited. I have mixed emotions about that-it is wrong, but man would it save us a bundle of money for crime related costs. hee,hee,hee. My Bad!
Bizarro, I think you let Hollywood movies supply you with a lot of examples. Do you feel using the fantasies of the far left as a foundation for your arguments is a viable or sound move?
Well Patti art mimics life or is that the other way around? It wasn't meant to be an argument. I feel some animosity from you as of late. I hope Bizarro hasn't offended you. Personally I like you, but Bizarro does his own thing. I can't control him. hee,hee,hee. Personally I would not give much credence to what that idiot say anyways. I can't figure if he is just stirring the pot or smoking it. LOL. Does he really believe he can be President??? Hey this reminds me of a movie. I think Robin Williams was in it-good actor by the way. Hey this puts a whole new twist on grass roots effort. Bizarro Head of State. Dang that is funny, Just kiddin though.
I am so sorry that this fine man lost his life as a result of street punks and their profanity. You are correct, Dr. Spinks; however, I doubt if many of this group has read "A Clockwork Orange". You speak over the heads of the masses.
The 23 year old tough guy was no doubt a wannabee 'droog".
Well ghtty you are probably right they didn't read the book. They saw the movie. hee,hee,hee,hee. O.K. Patti the silent treatment-I get it.
I knew Decorum personally and very well. I hate to hear of their untimely demise. The death of Decorum will sorely be missed. I don't believe Decorum will ever be replaced. Rest in peace my friend.
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