Debating the Alcohol Ordinance in Laurel County, Kentucky

This is a response to recent discussions concerning the alcohol ordinance in Laurel County, Kentucky.

I rarely drink, so the ordinance won't affect me in any significant way. However, I'm angered by the outrageous restrictions placed upon our upstanding and supposedly free citizens.

London went "moist" and now permits alcohol sales in restaurants. That's progress, but why is alcohol still banned in stores? Shouldn't we make it easier to buy alcohol and take it home rather than restrict consumption to restaurants, where some folks will inevitably drive home after drinking?

Why must responsible adults take inconvenient, costly trips out of town to stock up on beer? Why not allow these naughty brew-indulgers to buy alcohol locally? Wouldn't that give a small boost to our economy?

What dictator decreed that we cannot drink and simultaneously listen to live music, dance, throw darts or play a damned game of checkers? Have we reverted to the Dark Ages? Have we submitted to self-righteous tyrants who squelch all enjoyment from our miserable lives?

Do prohibitionists claim that they're preserving public safety? There are already punishments for D.U.I., public intoxication and selling alcohol to minors. Let the police enforce the law, don't punish law-abiding citizens.

Do moral "experts" assert that alcohol is sinful? If you don't want to drink, no one is forcing you. When you see alcohol in the convenient store, turn your head and keeping walking. It's that easy.

Do public officials argue that they're looking out for our best interests? It's more likely that they're looking out for their own interests or they're stooping to the special interests of a small group of loud, organized bullies.

Here's a standard that should guide voters next election: This is a FREE COUNTRY. The government has no business telling us how to live our lives. As for you sanctimonious busybodies, keep your lame austerity to yourselves.