Celebrating alcohol not helpful

I have to respond to the Sunday front-page article regarding the distillery bill passed by our Legislature. Now, I am no prude when it comes to alcohol. I enjoy a margarita when I go out for a Mexican dinner, and I have a favorite wine I always get from Ste. Michelle winery in Woodinville. I consider myself to be a conservative social drinker and guard my intake, since I grew up with an alcoholic father.

I am bothered by the lengthly article, on the front page, no less, because I know a number of people who struggle with alcohol addiction. The large picture of a martini, complete with olives, is just the trigger for an alcoholic to satisfy an urge he or she is trying to overcome. Then to read the recipes for five other mixed drinks is the icing on the cake. For the recovering alcoholic, liquor is a drug which, taken in any amount, sets off a chemical reaction in their bodies that has dangerous consequences. I work daily with individuals who deal with this addiction.

I read in The Herald all too frequently about the fatalities caused by drivers under the influence. It’s the innocent victims who generally are killed or maimed, but the drunk driver often walks away with minor injuries. I also read about the cost to the taxpayer of extra patrols set up by law enforecment on special weekends or holidays to combat this problem. Then to see a front-page article with no rebuttal as to the adverse effects that such drinks can have on a recovering alcoholic, and our society, doesn’t seem right to me. This sets a double standard for The Herald. We need to admit our society has a problem with over-consumption of alcohol when it infringes on the rights of others.

Larry Robinson

Everett

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