Letter to the Editor of a Dry County

Everyone who owns a handgun is a murderer. Everyone who goes to church on Sunday is a Christian. Everyone who smokes a cigarette will eventually be a hard core drug addict.
If the above statements just don’t seem logical to you, you are correct. But they are no more illogical than the statement ‘Everyone who takes a drink is an alcoholic’ or ‘Everyone who takes a drink will get drunk’. There is a huge difference, both physical and psychological, between a person who has a glass of wine on their deck after a long day at work or a cold beer with a pizza at a restaurant. Many of these people who enjoy a drink do not drink because they must, as an alcoholic does, or because they want to be drunk. They either enjoy the taste or they like the relaxation that a drink brings. It is a fallacy to believe that everyone who takes a drink will be an alcoholic.
Likewise, many people who drink alcohol drink responsibly. They know their limits and do not desire to be drunk and out of control of their emotions and facilities. They do not drink and drive, preferring to drink in the home or with a designated driver. It is a fallacy to believe that everyone who drinks will get drunk or be a killer on the highway. Likewise, all who have a drink are not unemployed or homeless.
Lastly, anyone who desires to drink can get something to drink, even in a dry county. I would guess that those who go to surrounding counties or the local package store at the golf course to get their alcohol are the same ones throwing their cans and bottles out on the road to my house, those who are keeping their drinking a secret and are obviously drinking and driving. It is a fallacy to believe that living in a dry county keeps people from drinking. It is also a fallacy that just because alcohol could be purchased in a grocery store or at an eating establishment people will overnight become drinkers. Someone who does not believe in drinking will not be forced to drink just because it is available. I would hope that he/she has more conviction and will power than that.
I really don’t care if we remain a dry county or not; it will not make a big difference in my life, one way or another. What I do care about is the lack of logic concerning this argument. Let’s get the facts straight and quit believing the propaganda that we hear concerning the sale of alcohol in Mitchell County. Let’s also quit judging others concerning their personal decision to buy alcohol and have a social drink if they desire.
Jan Graham