Editorial for December 15, 2005


Stick it to the drunks

’Tis the season to overuse the phrase ’Tis the season, but we’ll do it anyway: ’Tis the season to shop, drink and be merry — and to pay the price if you drink and drive.

Since this is supposed to be a land of laws, it’s time to get tough — really, really, really tough — on drunken drivers, who join rapists, murderers and child predators as the lowest forms of human life and the scum of the earth.

The Iranians have been known to cut off the hands of shoplifters, and, while that may be a bit drastic for America, we should get almost as tough on drunken drivers.

Even before George W. Bush is finished sticking it to Iraq, he should use his national bully pulpit to stick it to drunken drivers. Mr. Bush knows a thing or two about the excesses of drinking too much, so he should be quite eager to lead the federal government in enacting a crackdown on those who dare to get behind the wheel of a car when they have had one too many for the road.

Call it the Federal Drunken Driving Elimination Law — one strike and you’re out. A drunken-driving conviction will cost you your driver’s license for life. That’s a deterrent effect that surely would save lives. A zero-tolerance policy on drunken drivers should also include holding bartenders fully accountable and legally culpable if they serve drunks.

Meanwhile, parents, as you prepare to imbibe for the holidays, please consume these words of wisdom from Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board chairman Jonathan Newman, who notes that adolescents identify parents as the leading influence in their decision not to drink.

"Children learn by your words and your actions, so while talking is valuable, making responsible choices about your own alcohol use is also key."

So says the chairman. Are you listening, Mr. and Mrs. America? ••

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