On November 13, 2006 a letter to the editor of mine was published in the Kansas City Star.
The link is:
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/opinion/local1/15997444.htm
If that has expired, the content of the letter is shown below:
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Tax and restrict alcohol
The hypocrites are at it again. More nonsmoking ordinances, attempts to raise taxes on tobacco, etc. Most of it in the name of health.
Why don’t these folks look the effects of alcohol?
Check out the information at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Alcohol is the No. 1 cause of workplace accidents and the single-highest contributor to domestic violence, and we won’t even begin to talk about those injured and/or killed by drunk drivers. And what about other crimes, including assaults, that are alcohol related?
How many billions are spent each year on the victims of alcohol abuse?
These hypocrites are worried about secondhand smoke in a bar. I’d be more concerned about the idiot sitting on the next stool who might kill or permanently injure you when you leave.
Prohibition won’t work. Tighter controls might, such as higher taxes on alcohol products and reduced hours that establishments can serve alcoholic beverages. Maybe even a "ration card" restricting the number of drinks a person can purchase in one night or the number of products that can be purchased at a liquor store.
Ray Erlichman
Shawnee
