Letter to the Editor
Death in a bottle
Published Friday, April 4, 2008
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To the editor:
I am greatly encouraged to see how Ms. Strle, our new mayor, is taking a stand against the insanity of the rampant availability of alcoholic beverages that continues to plague our social structure on every level.
While the jails are full of those arrested for DUIs and other alcohol-related offenses, and the hospitals constantly treating those who suffer alcohol related illnesses, and with all the domestic and child abuse, fetal alcohol syndrome babies, and alcohol related traffic deaths and accidents, it really makes me wonder why we allow convenience stores, supermarkets and liquor stores to peddle this “death in a bottle.”
What’s wrong with this picture?
Access to alcohol is so prevalent that booze is virtually being thrust upon us wherever we go.
We are sending a very destructive message to our younger folks by our callous and blatant disregard for the cause and effect of alcohol abuse.
For those who use alcohol responsibly, is it worth it?
For those who market this most dangerous drug, the word of God is clear.
“The love of money is the root of all evil,” and you will be held accountable for every drop you sell focusing on personal gain, while at the same time disregarding the misery that may ensue as the direct result of your enterprise, just as those who bootleg or sell illegal narcotics, and in God’s eyes there is no difference.
Our Creator intends and desires for each of us to share an intimate relationship with him, and wants us to depend on his peace, joy and the promises found in his word to sustain us through life’s difficulties and heartbreaks.
If you open your heart to Jesus and taste the “new wine” of the Holy Spirit, you will experience true and lasting fulfillment the way God intended and not be overwhelmed with stress or the desire to satisfy your soul with destructive behaviors or stimulations.
I’ve tried both and I know what works and many others share this testimony.
So put down the bottle and pick up the Bible. You’ll be glad you did.
Community Discussion
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As someone who uses alcohol responsibly, I don't see how my using alcohol responsibly makes me responsible for someone who does not. And I can say definitively that yes, my glass of wine at the end of the day is well worth it. I earned it. I don't drink the whole bottle, I don't drink another after it, I don't get in the car and drive after I've had it so - what? How am I responsible for someone who has drank the whole bottle, then another, and gotten behind the wheel or who beats their spouse or kid? How is my glass of wine at the end of the day any of your business or anyone else's? And how does that make me culpable in the actions of someone who can't or won't use it responsibly?
Booze isn't "thrust upon me" everywhere I go. It wasn't at the Ice Park. I didn't see any at the transfer station the other day. Even in places where booze is available to me - bars and restaurants - I have no problem saying "no" when it is offered (hardly thrust). There is wine at church, though...didn't Jesus himself turn water into wine? Didn't Jesus select wine to represent his blood, one half of his covenant with his disciples on the eve of his death?
I am truly fulfilled, I assure you. And while I respect your beliefs, I respectfully suggest that your way isn't everyone's way. It isn't my way. I don't believe what you believe and somehow I've managed to not become a raging, irresponsible alcoholic. I'd venture to guess there are millions of people who have not accepted your system of beliefs who don't drink all day, beat their spouse, and then crash their car into an innocent group of people on the highway.
If turning to God can help someone improve their life - great. I'm all for it. Whatever works for the individual. It's about personal responsibility. And frankly, I don't accept the responsibility you assign those of us who don't abuse alcohol in regard to the actions of those that do.
Can't find it at the transfer station? I say you're not digging deep enough in those dumpsters!
I again point out that people cannot be legislated morals. Prohibition has already happened and proven to fail in this country, unless you plan on taking away an individuals ability to decide for themselves what to do with there time you are smacking your gums together just to make a noise. If you want to change the world start with YOUR children at home, no one will ask for help from someone who is pointing a finger at them. Years ago I heard "there can be no meaningful negotiations until you remove the pressure which is forcing me to negotiate".
For those who use alcohol responsibly, is it worth it?
I used to drink fairly heavily, but in older age, drink responsibly albeit, very little. This letter is ridiculuous. I see how the author thinks they are helping, but no one can nor should legislate morality. The new mayor is trying to do this in addition to other things that I sure oppose. Her term cannot end soon enough for my liking!
"there is wine at church" There is also child rapest at church should we say that is ok too??? Read ALL the bible not just the part you like...
Sounds closer to what I hear when those guys in suits come around door to door, trying to "sell" people on religion, than about the alcohol situation itself. I guess it would be easier to write about it in an editorial than actually walking around on foot. Especially in Alaska. And I'll admit, it bothers me when people try to convert others to their religion. In this situation, what about focusing on programs that will actually help those with alcoholic issues, instead of just telling them to read the bible? I think that's a more proactive way to look at the problem, than just saying "religion will fix it." It's an addiction, and a lot of people need professional help. I'm not saying religion isn't a good thing, but I don't believe it's a cure-all.
I find this letter so extremely biased that it really fails to support the Christian way of life and the fight against alcohol related crimes.
I believe that if you are going to complain, it is also your responsibility to assess the situation and offer good ways to fix it. I don't feel like taking the right to drink alcohol is going to be an effective way of controlling this issue.
In saying that I do believe limiting the availability of the root of the problem is good. Our mayor is addressing the situation well and with out negating our right to purchase and drink responsibly. She is addressing the abuse that comes along with the substance.
I also believe that there is a balance between morals, the word of god and life. As the writer suggested "So put down the bottle and pick up the Bible. You’ll be glad you did." offers nothing other than putting down one crutch and picking up another. If you have a problem relying one ANYTHING to heavily, Please seek help weather in a treatment center or at a shrink.
Hmmmm....
Christina:
Having been around a few chronic drinkers it was always apparent to me that alcohol had totally consumed then. On top of that there is abuse, other chemical dependence, and mental issues. GOD isnt even part of there world. Unless people like yourself get involved (with the lords help) and use your talents to support and assist groups who interceed people with said problems.
Yukonjohn:
I like to read your posts and agree with alot of the things you write however I dont think the mayor is trying to legislate morality. She is trying to control the frequency of stores which sell alcohol in that area. If people want booze they can go a little further down the road to get it. If the mayor wanted to legislate morality she would attempte to shut down all alcohol related stores in that area.
Looks like we have an Islamic Facist here since God was mentioned as against alchoal consumption. Jesus made water into wine and encouraged his followers to drink and Jadaism does not state that alchoal is evil either. That leaves Islam as the remaining major monothestic religion (as Deism is unfortuntally out-of-style). Next he will be ranting about the evil of sex and that all women not in headscarves and burkas should be beaten. Even moderate Muslims sometimes drink alchoal.
"So you think that money is the root of all evil? Have you ever asked what is the root of money? Money is a tool of exchange, which can't exist unless there are goods produced and men able to produce them. Money is the material shape of the principle that men who wish to deal with one another must deal by trade and give value for value. Money is not the tool of the moochers, who claim your product by tears, or of the looters, who take it from you by force. Money is made possible only by the men who produce. Is this what you consider evil? - Ayn Rand
Once again, if the social costs of alcohol are not fully included in the market price of alcohol, raise the taxes on it up to the point that they are, or up to the point where a black market would exist. That is it.
There is no denying that a lot of treatment centers around spirituality and help from God. The opening prayer and literature of AA meetings is a good example of this. But simply telling somebody to read a Bible and not drink is hardly a plausible solution. Recovery and spirituality take time and growth. Counsel with others and addressing deeper problems are a part of this, also. The Bible does not address your specific problems, rather guides you through salvation. Besides, if there were no vices in this world (taking away people right to sin via drunkeness; for example) there would hardly be anyone seeking salvation. Free will is what makes us loved so much. Our CHOICE to seek Him. Why eliminate the choices provided?
Thank you for showing me the way. My path is now clear. Booze bad God good. And thank you Ms. Strle I look forward to having downtown safe, I guess I'll have to move there since all the drunks will now be ruining all of our non-tourist neighborhoods.
RRRRAAAAAALLLLLLLPPPPPPHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
***sound of newsreader puking after reading this editorial***
I'll post more after I clean myself up and calm down...
*shakes head while rolling eyes*
Marty Bradley. Wow. There are so many issues in this letter that it is frightening.
First let me say that if you are looking for converts, this is the wrong way to go about it. You don't beat people about the head with your particular brand of morality and expect them to love your God. As a Christian, I have found that the best way to "convert" people (for lack of a better word) is to live your life in a way that proves your love and happiness in God (not that I succeed all the time, btw). This is the way to show people how unaccepting some Christians can be. God gives me a lot of strength in my daily life, but He is not a lucky charm to keep all the bad things away, my friend (as evidenced by the alcoholic religious folk in the world). People are not divine; they are still people subject to choice in their world.
Oh, I had an entire list, but I think I'll just close with I want less government intervention, not more - from the local on up to the federal levels. This includes allowing people the choice to be drunks. Once they break the law, then their behavior can be punished. Until then, it makes little sense to punish the whole because of the poor choices of the few.
The bible also states "All things in moderation."
As far as I am concerned all drugs should be legal...those who would abuse or kill themselves with any substance will do so regardless of whether it is legal or not. Or where it is located.
Alcohol IS one of the worst of the abused DRUGS out there and as has been pointed out prohibition did not work!
Personal responsibility is not something that is learned as an adult without a lot of pain, as is pointed out in your letter.
It comes easiest to those who were held responsible for their actions even as young children. We should be raising children who will be strong, educated, disciplined adults who are supposed to oversee our government! The lack of these is WANTED by our government in order to control us! Our public education system is set up for this... Conformity in thinking by the lower ranks...
Government wants us all of us "peons" fighting over petty *stuff* like marijuana, abortion, race ect..so we look to them in our stupidity to tell us what to do & are divided and not looking at what is truly important...Being the educated overseers of Government we are supposed to be! A people should NOT be afraid of it's Government, Government should be afraid of it's people! Government in it's fear of the people will try it's hardest to control them.
"Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day," Thomas Jefferson 1816
bikebuilder-
Unfortunately, due to the fact that I do not believe in God, I wouldn't be able to utilize His or Her help in any way. Thank you for the suggestion.
bugger-
I am aware there are rapists at Church, however I don't think they are there at Christ's behest, as wine and unleavened bread are. As a recovering Catholic, I don't need a lecture on pedophilia in the clergy, but thank you. Additionally, not every Church is infected with molesters. I've had the privilege of knowing some wonderful priests and ministers in my life. They enriched my life - regardless of my current status in regard to religion - and managed to do it without touching my privates.
My point was more that 1. I don't like hard-core proselytizing and 2. holding me and my single glass of wine with dinner responsible for fatal drunk driving accidents or fetal alcohol system is the same as holding McDonalds responsible for making someone FAT. It's the same as making my recreational skiing responsible for fatal ski accidents. It's the same as making the occasional fire in my woodstove responsible for a forest fire 200 miles away.
Well said, NativeAlaskan
"For those who market this most dangerous drug, the word of God is clear."
Sorry, but the supposed word of god is anything but clear. Tell me, which is it, "Turn the other cheek" or an "eye for an eye"?
This is typical of those fundamentalist religious types - use your many millennia old crutch along with your invisible friend to try to push your own brand of morals on the rest of us.
This letter embodies EXACTLY what my problem is with religion. This person probably thinks that they are actually doing good. Instead they are spreading hate and telling people to turn from reason to embrace an antiquated belief system that has been responsible for more death, slavery, tyranny, and EVIL than any other invention of man. Once again, we see that by using God as your enforcer, you try to dupe the masses into believing what you say. Religion defies logic, defies reason, and can corrupt so thoroughly that even the follower who commits evil can feel good about themselves since they are serving "God Almighty"...
Next, I'd like to express my agreement with bugger. He makes two good points.
Read all of the bible. I challenge anyone to read all of the bible and take the words at face value. Don't read a bunch of mystical mumbo-jumbo into it. Just read it. You'll find much wisdom, you'll also find slavery, racism, sexism, rape, incest, murder, war, human sacrifice - most of which is done in God's name - and the list goes on and on and on.
And, yes, bugger, rapists and wine in church! I don't know about anyone else, but I'd like to start a campaign to remove these evil dens of iniquity from our community - the CHURCHES that is.
Anyone else wanna join?
Finally, I say to you, Mr. Bradley, put down your bible, open your mind, and GROW UP! My daughter stopped believing in her invisible friend when she was about 4. How old are you?
I like beer.
"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
-- Benjamin Franklin - a Deist
This letter sounded real good until you starting throwing "our creator" and "god wants us" around. Is there an exception to communion wine somewhere in this argument? With every religion I've ever encountered there always seems to be an exception to something. "Thou shalt not kill...unless it's in the name of god". Need I continue?
Whats the point of having all this freedom if we cant use it? Oh, I guess thats the point isnt it? Ensure that people live how you want them to live.
The political spectrum is not a straight line but a circle.
The Far Left Liberal and Far Right Conservative come together and rule over us too stupid or unenlightened to live for ourselves.
I am with Newsreader, I want to throw up.
Note, where I am right now I cant have a drink, so pop a top for me, will ya?
Will do Reader1, will do!
1. Prohibition failed in this country at the FEDERAL level. I dont see how anyone can hope to justify it at the local level. Its time to stop playing bad-apple politics; stop taking away freedoms from everyone because a subset of the population chooses abuse. This doesnt work with guns; it doesnt work with pot; it doesnt work with reckless driving...the list goes on, and I assure you as long as there is a farmer growing potatoes alchohol will be available to anyone who wants it.
2. Please people, no matter what your personal beliefs are, lets leave them out of rational discussions of law. You identify yourself as a nutcase if you use quotes from the bible, the koran, or any other religious book. Why? Because in this country there is a SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE, and trying to impose personal values on another gets you ridiculed and ignored, and causes discussion to splinter.
While claiming alcohol as the most dangerous drug, Mr. Bradley is thrusting upon us the most dangerous drug of them all... RELIGION!!!
How ironic is that?
For some reason I feel closer to my creator when I am drinking.
I read an article a couple of weeks ago and this guy said there is a weed or something that grows in the holy land that is hallucinagenic and most likely Moses was high when he saw the burning bush and talked to God.
Anyway. Most people drink responsibly. Own guns responsibly. Drive responsibly. Even practice religion responsibly without strapping a bomb to themselves.
Lets try to keep all this in mind, Marty.
While the writer of the original letter is intolerant, I feel those