Can alcohol cure drunk driving damage?
Few could argue that Wisconsin has a tradition of folding in alcohol consumption with entertainment and dining.
Examples:
A beer and a brat
A Friday night fish fry at a tavern - they are held at taverns because you can enjoy them with a pitcher of beer - otherwise, they would be held at Dairy Queens
Socializing at "Happy Hour" events intended to increase consumption in a short period of time after work on the way home
When does "tradition" end and destructive behavior begin?
A recent tragedy caused by a driver charged with causing injury while driving drunk may provide some insight.
Family members and friends of Josh Krueger plan a benefit for him to defray the costs of his injuries suffered in a a traffic accident. Krueger's van was struck by a car operated by a 17-year-old man who faces a charge of causing injury by drunken driving. Kruger is facing a difficult rehabilitation.
In an article in The Janesville Gazette, Kruger is pictured wearing a Jim Beam hat. The benefit is being held at a tavern featuring free beer "for a limited time."
What's the message being sent out?
I hope Krueger's recovery is sooner instead of later and it's a complete recovery. I also hope the other driver receives an appropriate sentence if convicted.
And, I hope that those attending Krueger's benefit take time to make sure everyone drinks responsibly and there are designated drivers for those who can't.
One serious injury among Krueger's friends and family that may have been caused by a drunken driver is one serious injury too many.
Jan 18, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.
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Unfortunately Wisconsin has created a culture of drinking. Drinking and this state have become synonymous, which I think is unfortunate. It has almost become a rite of passage for young teens. As a result, this continues into adulthood, which only gets intensified by the way our state factors alcohol into every event. What starts out as a few beers for special occasions, turns into special occasions being created just to drink more. I have no problems with reasonable social drinking. However, I think if Wisconsin is going to move forward and compete with other states during these tough times, we have to learn how to reduce our dependence on alcohol. In addition, by reducing our dependence alcohol, we’ll also reduce innocent victims being hurt or killed.
Jan 17, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
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Stan,
You've written what many are thinking. I was at a benefit for someone with lung cancer. We were sitting in a smoke-filled bar. It seems like 90% of the benefits for these type of causes are held in bars. Is it isolated to just this area or is it fairly common throughout the country? I hope this gentleman recovers soon. To wishabone -- I will not be attending at the event but thank you for the information on where to send donations.
Jan 17, 2009 at 12:46 a.m.
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Shame on all of you for criticizing this family. Don't judge them during this incredibly difficult time. I have had a relative in a very similar situation that Josh is in right now, and you have absolutely no idea how staggering these medical bills can be. We aren't talking just thousands of dollars, we are talking MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. Then add in the fact that you are watching the one that you love fighting for their life, fighting to have some sort of normal life again, and trying to keep the kids fed and clothed!
If you go back and read the benefit article carefully you will find that it states that the 'free' beer, and SODA is available only for a limited time only. As if anyone could afford a "free-for-all" beer benefit for 12 hours! I will be at this benefit, digging deep into my 'pockets', and will be completely sober throughout. I suggest you do the same. If you can't attend, then send a donation to the Blackhawk Community Credit Union even if it's just a few dollars.
P.S. My relative is still in 24 hour care 9 years after his brain injury!!!
Jan 16, 2009 at 4:22 p.m.
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I haven't had a drink in 15 years. I can have a brat, go to a fish fry at a tavern, visit with people at a tavern, go to a place that serves drinks while I have a meal, and I can have a good time no matter where I go without having a drop to drink. Before I saw the light and quit drinking I always thank God that I didn't hurt or kill some one.
Jan 15, 2009 at 2:08 p.m.
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Knowing the damage that drinking too much and then driving can do through their own family tragedy, the only thing these supporters can think of to do is to hold a 12 hour marathon event at a bar with free beer? Maybe I'm just dumb, but I don't get it.
Jan 15, 2009 at 11:27 a.m.
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I agree! Just last night I made the comment to my boyfriend because of the picture and that they would be serving free beer and trying to collect donations to get people a safe ride home...granted what happend is tragic, but seriously??? I hadn't even read this article and it's entertaining to me that I'm not the only one who thought this way.
Jan 15, 2009 at 9:47 a.m.
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I can let the Jim Bean hat slide; it's just a hat.
But the free beer? Considering the accident involved a drunk driver, that's outrageous!
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What's next? Cookie sale to fight diabetes?
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