Friday, January 6, 2012

                                                                                                                                        January 8, 2012
Last Sunday, on their way to church services, the Longstreet family from Lexington, encountered one of our social ills—a drunk driver. Many in the family and a third party were injured.  Emma, the six year old daughter, was tragically killed, and others in the family are still in critical condition.  And again the drunk driver was not injured.
We all know these days that any day of the week, any time of the day, the roads can become extraordinarily dangerous when alcohol consumption is added to the equation.  I do not intend to offend anyone here who drinks socially, but it always bothers me how we approach this freedom in our country.
I hear remarks like, “Well, I am sure he did not intend to kill anyone.” Or someone will remark, “People should always designate a driver if they are going to party.”  Being a victim of drunk driving myself, I am a bit harsher in my evaluation.  I believe that once a person decides to drink excessively then they have already made the decision that human life is to some small degree less important than their desires.  I have good friends who are really good people, who would never imagine being in a similar situation to the man who caused this accident. And I know of people who have experienced near misses with the same type of headline.
A simple wake-up call is due today.  For just a moment, imagine your name in that headline.  Imagine the cost to you, your family and the innocents.   Is there any behavior being observed under control in your family that your children one day will practice and will not be able to control?  Is the temporary buzz or whatever is experienced worth the loss and suffering forced on others who have no choice in the matter?  I hope we can all receive this alarm with the love and concern with which it is offered.
Coach/PJ

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