Attempts at prohibiting alcohol only add to 'mystique,' irresponsibility

Editor:

The Sept. 27 letter by Lon Purvis, "Costs of alcohol are far higher than tax revenues generated for county," was certainly vexing and insulting.

He likens any alcohol intake to evil. "No Christian has a basis for drinking," he says? In fact many Christians, as well as good people of all faiths as well as those who claim no faith around the world, can certainly still be responsible and decent even though they partake of alcohol.

Perhaps the provincial attitude of people like Purvis encourages the irresponsible intake and abuse of alcohol because they raise it to a mystique of naughtiness which some find attractive? When you give something so much power, as forbidding all alcohol would do, you also increase the abuse risk rather than encourage a "take it or leave it" attitude. Everything in moderation, you know?

My grandparents came from Italy. In fact, they made their own wine. I was raised in a culture where drinking alcohol was not forbidden, and yet I can count on one hand (perhaps a couple of fingers) how often I have a drink in a month. The difference is that one was expected to be decent and responsible because we were raised to be decent, not under threat of displeasing God.

I'm of the thought that God also had his hand in the vineyard's gifts, and historically making wine was one way to enjoy and also preserve this bounty.

Perhaps next we'll outlaw fattening church suppers where every other casserole is made with "cream of anything" soup, fat and starches. I suspect they're equally harmful to health in Columbia County.

As to the enormous amount of revenue coming into Columbia County from liquor tax revenues, I certainly have no problems with those funds being spent on increased alcohol check points and other services which might aid those who abuse alcohol or use it irresponsibly.

Madeline Moyer

Martinez