Alcohol control and Gun Control

[G.A. Heath]

Seminole Texas had an election on the sale of beer and wine for off premises consumption only. During the run up to the election I saw every anti gun and pro gun argument used. One tactic that a number of people told me caused them to change their vote was from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Before I go into what that tactic was and how it affected the vote a little back story is needed. About 10 years ago a family was going home when a drunk driver hit the side of their vehicle. The family consisted of both parents. two girls ages 10 and 6, and one little boy that was 31 days old. The drunk driver had taken a tire service vehicle parked at a party and was travelling at a high rate of speed when she hit the left side of the family's vehicle. The mother and father were hospitalized while the children were all three killed. This event left a huge scar on the small town that even ten years later hurts. You can learn more at this link: http://www.kcbd.com/story/3394078/one-f ... unk-driver" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The alcohol election passed and now Seminole is a wet city. The tactic that back fired was the use of the family's vehicle to push an agenda against legalizing sales. The family's vehicle now sits enclosed within a display trailer and is part of a campaign by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. During the run up the trailer with the family pickup was displayed around town. A number of people told me that it did in fact change their vote, but it changed their vote to allow for alcohol sales. The explanations I received were that this terrible tragedy happened when everyone thought Gaines County was completely dry. Seeing as how that didn't stop the worse local tragedy anyone in the county remembers, being a dry city doesn't work and they felt there was no reason to remain dry.

The fact is that there is a lesson to be learned that in your face tactics, shock tactics, and other potentially surprising actions can have major unexpected consequences that can just as easily hurt your cause as help it.

[Oldgringo]

Agreed!

Beer and wine sale passed here in Rusk a half dozen years, or so, ago. The promised teen age wrecks, spouse abuse , divorces, etc., etc. never happened. Two years later, the sale of demon rum was on a ballot and approved by a majority of the voters. Rusk has a new Fire Engine, etc. from increased sales tax revenue and the doomsday predictions of the abolitionists have yet to befall this sleepy hamlet.

The point is, as G. A. Heath pointed out, in your face, scare tactics are out of style and no longer work on a thinking public.

[VMI77]

Seminole Texas had an election on the sale of beer and wine for off premises consumption only. During the run up to the election I saw every anti gun and pro gun argument used. One tactic that a number of people told me caused them to change their vote was from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Before I go into what that tactic was and how it affected the vote a little back story is needed. About 10 years ago a family was going home when a drunk driver hit the side of their vehicle. The family consisted of both parents. two girls ages 10 and 6, and one little boy that was 31 days old. The drunk driver had taken a tire service vehicle parked at a party and was travelling at a high rate of speed when she hit the left side of the family's vehicle. The mother and father were hospitalized while the children were all three killed. This event left a huge scar on the small town that even ten years later hurts. You can learn more at this link: http://www.kcbd.com/story/3394078/one-f ... unk-driver" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The alcohol election passed and now Seminole is a wet city. The tactic that back fired was the use of the family's vehicle to push an agenda against legalizing sales. The family's vehicle now sits enclosed within a display trailer and is part of a campaign by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. During the run up the trailer with the family pickup was displayed around town. A number of people told me that it did in fact change their vote, but it changed their vote to allow for alcohol sales. The explanations I received were that this terrible tragedy happened when everyone thought Gaines County was completely dry. Seeing as how that didn't stop the worse local tragedy anyone in the county remembers, being a dry city doesn't work and they felt there was no reason to remain dry.

The fact is that there is a lesson to be learned that in your face tactics, shock tactics, and other potentially surprising actions can have major unexpected consequences that can just as easily hurt your cause as help it.

Well, yeah, because if you can't go to a bar, no one will drink alcohol at home or at a party. I think the tactic is an example of how agenda driven ideologues attempt to manipulate emotions over making a case with facts and logic....and this is especially true when the facts and logic aren't on their side.

[ronin]

Agreed!

Beer and wine sale passed here in Rusk a half dozen years, or so, ago. The promised teen age wrecks, spouse abuse , divorces, etc., etc. never happened. Two years later, the sale of demon rum was on a ballot and approved by a majority of the voters. Rusk has a new Fire Engine, etc. from increased sales tax revenue and the doomsday predictions of the abolitionists have yet to befall this sleepy hamlet.

The point is, as G. A. Heath pointed out, in your face, scare tactics are out of style and no longer work on a thinking public.

Does that mean campus carry and other reform finally has a chance in Austin?

[C-dub]

That sure is an interesting analogy. How many would agree if decriminalizing marijuana were on a ballot?

[VoiceofReason]

That sure is an interesting analogy. How many would agree if decriminalizing marijuana were on a ballot?

As an example, the propaganda video “Reefer Madness” not only didn’t stop the use of marijuana, it is ridiculous and hilarious today.

[joe817]

That sure is an interesting analogy. How many would agree if decriminalizing marijuana were on a ballot?

Well, there's a thought C-dub! If it were, and enacted into law, and a ridiculous tax placed upon it, then the state coffers would soon be overflowing with excess money, and maybe...just maybe they might be able to do away with all the cursed toll roads popping up everywhere!

The opinions expressed above do not necessarily represent the opinions of the author.

[ajwakeboarder]

That sure is an interesting analogy. How many would agree if decriminalizing marijuana were on a ballot?

I honestly don't care that much. To me it's like alcohol. Set the age at 21 and tax it. For the record i've never smoked the stuff and hate the smell of it. Also, I have done a little research on the medical potential of cannabis and cannabis oil. I think the potential rewards might outweigh the risk. Even if legal though I most likely wouldn't use it.

[talltex]

That sure is an interesting analogy. How many would agree if decriminalizing marijuana were on a ballot?

Probably more than expected...passed in four more states Teusday. I've never used it, but was around a lot of it in college back in the early 70's. Making it legal isnt going to make me suddenly start now, so it's not something I personally have an interest in passing. However, I'd probably vote for it, just to eliminate at least some of the wasted money and manpower that has been thrown away over the last 40 years trying to stop people from using it with no effect. The only result of that effort has been the creation of an entire industry that relies on the "war on drugs" for its existence. Prohibition didn't work for alcohol and it's been a failure with drugs also. I just got back from an end of the season flyfishing trip in Colorado last Sunday. Driving across southern Colorado, I passed by 3 marijuana shops in a 250 mile stretch that's not very heavily populated. It's been legal there for almost a year, and aside from seeing the green cross logo for medicinal marijuana on the store signs, I failed to notice any difference whatsoever. I asked a buddy that has a sporting goods store and guide service about it and he said it's pretty much been a non issue once it was passed. Those that already used, still do...but without fear of arrest, and those that didn't still dont. And the state makes a very healthy tax on each sale.

[hillfighter]

That sure is an interesting analogy. How many would agree if decriminalizing marijuana were on a ballot?

It's not a legislative priority for me but I think it would free up resources for real crimes with real victims.