WE CAN NOW ADD the name of Channel 5 News anchor Amanda Davis to the long list of public figures, judges, preachers, doctors, coaches, athletes, entertainers and other celebrities who have had their lives altered by alcohol.

We are told by society today that drinking is the “mature adult” thing to do, “the good life.” We are told to get all the “gusto” we can “relax and be sociable.”

As long as you can control it you can be part of the crowd, be popular and have a good time. You in truth, cannot control it. You never know when you take the first/next drink where it will end. Many people have controlled it for years and then lost it.

You may say it is an adult beverage, I am an adult, and I will drink if I want to. You may say it affects anybody but me. What about your family, friends and associates, not to mention the uncounted masses you meet on the highway? What about those people you may influence to drink who can’t control it. Are you without blame?

It is one thing to play Russian roulette with your own life but you have no right to jeopardize the lives of countless others.

While alcohol is legal and socially acceptable it is no less destructive than any of the other mind altering addictive drugs which are filling our hospitals and grave yards, leaving many broken hearts and broken lives along the way.

It is pride, self-indulgence and complete disregard for others that causes you to think that you are so smart that it can’t happen to you. It can and very well may.

Now why don’t you tell me about the virtues of alcohol while I ride with you to the emergency room at 1 a.m.

Whose name will be added to the list next?

I don’t need the crutch of alcohol to be a man or have a good time!