A sobering problem: N.D. culture often soft on drunken driving
July 10, 2012 at 2:00 am in The Jamestown Sun
Days after a West Fargo family was killed in an alcohol-related crash, officials debated Monday how to address North Dakota’s growing problem of drunken driving with some blaming society’s lax attitudes and others pushing for tougher state laws.
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A good start would be to impose mandatory jail time for the first offense.
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Also, make the fine a minimum of $2500 or more.
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Also, make the fine at least $2500. They need to give the punishment some teeth.
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Until this country can come to terms with a culture of drinking, nothing will change and deaths will continue. We seem to need alcohol included in any kind of social gathering, the thought being that without alcohol, it’s just not a party, or, we can’t have fun without alcohol. What garbage. Alcohol has no redeeming value. It causes disease, heartache, divorce, illness, incarceration, family problems, money problems, higher insurance premiums, and death. It seems to serve no viable useful purpose. We’ve taken tobacco to task, and taken a hard stance against it’s use, yet, alcohol causes more death and destructive behaviour, and we embrace it, because of its social societal inclusion. Time to pursue alcohol use with the same vigor tobacco has endured.
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The Prohibition Act worked out real well didn’t it.
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That excuse rings very hollow. We have changed significantly since prohibition. There’s thousands of new dynamics to be thrown into the mix that would change every aspect of removing alcohol from our culture. This is a new millennium. We are not still stuck in the 1920s and 1930s.
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like ANYTHING… alcohol needs to be used in moderation… but does not play friendly with DRIVING so therefore do NOT ever put the 2 together… this was such a needless waste of lives.. the fines and punishment need to be much harsher.
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Well, apparently, old lady tailgater, we don’t seem to be getting the drift of the word moderation. Too many drink to excess, which is why DUI’s are again at a record setting pace to top last years total number. What’s the answer? I don’t know, but preaching moderation ain’t it. That falls on deaf ears. Short of prohibition, which didn’t work, I’d be for mandatory jail sentences, 1st time offense, 1 year in jail, no work release, no early release. Or, instead of the jail, a $10,000 fine to be paid in full, immediately upon conviction. Too tough? Tell that to the survivors of the West Fargo family that was killed. What price is too high for murder. It’s all about personal responsibility, and owning up to your actions.
Hot debate. What do you think?
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I wouldn’t say they’re sick. But the people that can defend the use of those who drink to excess , with very little hardship or consequence, are those that seem to be against real reform, heavy fines, and long jail sentences, because they know one day it may affect them, and they’ll have to stand up in court and plead for mercy. We don’t want real tough reform, because too many americans drink, and drink alot, and it’s all socially acceptable. We embrace it, and drinking is always shown in a good light……..tailgating before a football game, 4th of july celebrations, family get togethers……it all looks fun and innocent. It’s garbage. And these kinds of depictions should be outlawed. We all laugh at the guy at the party who’s had too much, stumbles, slurs his words, and acts comical. We think its funny. This kind of acceptance and behaviour is what has to change. That guy at the party isn’t funny. He’s a bum, a slob, and nothing to laugh about. Right?
Hot debate. What do you think?
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The red flags are because nobody likes you, not the fact that innocent people were killed.
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Bingo and of course he had to mention the driver was from Jamestown. We all know his hate for our town. It doesn’t matter where the family was from or where the driver was from. The point is that drinking and driving need to be taken more serious in this state. Slapping ones hand is not working.
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