Benefits of abstinence

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August 28, 2012

Dear Sir,

We are deeply concerned about the numbers of people who find themselves before the courts for driving while impaired. It has been suggested we need a change in the culture, to which I agree.

We speak with the passion of an evangelist about drinking and then getting behind the wheel and so we should. Sir, the culture in Bermuda is that we love to drink and do so on every occasion without any thought given to why we shouldn’t.

Here’s a novel thought. How about a campaign aimed at encouraging our people to abstain from alcohol, especially our young people.

Drivers behind the wheel impaired by any mind altering substance are a menace to themselves and public safety. Why not go full throttle with energy and zeal at convincing people of the benefits of zero tolerance for wines and spirits as a life choice? Admittedly we would not get buy-in from everyone but for those who do they will never drive drunk! What is the downside to clean living and not bring drowned in drink? It simply is not true that in order to relax we must belt down a few or that to be sociable we must imbibe.

At the risk of being called an annoying spoil sport and I need to lighten up, look at the stats on DWI. We must drive, ride or walk to the bus for our transportation needs, all of these can be better achieved sober. No designated driver needed and we are all protected from some selfish individual behind the wheel, on a bike or stumbling on the bus as a drunken irritant.

So let’s tie one on and paint the town red and live it up, but we have to return to our homes. This can be achieved best without drink. Is there a more compelling case? Just another suggested solution to a vexing and very serious problem! The benefits of abstinence far exceed any negatives. Decreased DWI could put paid to the well performed but distressing song, Bermudians love to drink. Drive well and drive sober.

WAYNE B SCOTT

Smith’s

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