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Why sell booze at all?

One of the most salient questions facing Washington voters last year was whether liquor should be handled by the state or private enterprise. The real question should have been not who is going to sell it, but should it be sold at all?

Consider: Between one-third and two-fifths of Americans are alcoholics. Many more are alcohol-dependent. Alcohol consumption plays a leading role in traffic accidents, pedestrian fatalities, business crimes, bankruptcy, family abuse and breakup, juvenile delinquency, illness stemming from intoxication, robbery, murders, and every other form of crime. It pulls down social groups and destroys self-respect.

It also provides hundreds of thousands of jobs to liquor, beer and wine manufacturers and casino/nightclub employees, who exploit the public and enable death and destruction by their employment.

Which is to be preferred? I believe the answer is obvious.

Victor E. Buksbazen

Spokane

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