09-15-2003, 01:51 PM
From 1960 to 1975, the Unites States lost some 55, 000 dead in Viet Nam, and a few hundred thousand maimed and crippled.
From 1960-1975, the United States averaged 50,000 dead each year on the highways, about two thirds of whom were from drinking and driving. (The numbers are actually down these days due to a variety of reasons.) So, who killed more Americans: Victor Charlie, or "innocent" Americans using a deadly weapon: an automobile in an idiot's hands.
Where were the protests? In the streets, they wre against The War.
It took a new generation to start the MADD protests, and it took them over a DECADE to get social and political change. (I used to wear a "Drunks Against Madd Mothers" T-shirt due to the hypocrisy of the founder, though the cause is on the balance a just and good one: most people can't drive impaired without being a _severe danger_ to their fellow citizens, and therefore should not do it. ) It is easy to mobilize the public against someone else, but to mobilize the American public against itself takes a generation and a very good case, such as the case against smoking and the case against drunk driving. The usual initial response is:
"Everyone should be allowed to go to hell in their own way, but don't you, the government, tell me how or when or where to go to hell, or even if I get to buy a ticket." That is consistent with baseline American cultural lore on the relationship between the citizen and his government.
A moment of silence? I could have used a bit more of that from the media last week. Too many words, not enough of them with any meaning.
Some of us raise our flag every day, and have for years. I hope you will forgive us the raised eyebrow at the "Johnny come lately" crowd, OK? ;)
From 1960-1975, the United States averaged 50,000 dead each year on the highways, about two thirds of whom were from drinking and driving. (The numbers are actually down these days due to a variety of reasons.) So, who killed more Americans: Victor Charlie, or "innocent" Americans using a deadly weapon: an automobile in an idiot's hands.
Where were the protests? In the streets, they wre against The War.
It took a new generation to start the MADD protests, and it took them over a DECADE to get social and political change. (I used to wear a "Drunks Against Madd Mothers" T-shirt due to the hypocrisy of the founder, though the cause is on the balance a just and good one: most people can't drive impaired without being a _severe danger_ to their fellow citizens, and therefore should not do it. ) It is easy to mobilize the public against someone else, but to mobilize the American public against itself takes a generation and a very good case, such as the case against smoking and the case against drunk driving. The usual initial response is:
"Everyone should be allowed to go to hell in their own way, but don't you, the government, tell me how or when or where to go to hell, or even if I get to buy a ticket." That is consistent with baseline American cultural lore on the relationship between the citizen and his government.
A moment of silence? I could have used a bit more of that from the media last week. Too many words, not enough of them with any meaning.
Some of us raise our flag every day, and have for years. I hope you will forgive us the raised eyebrow at the "Johnny come lately" crowd, OK? ;)
Cry 'Havoc' and let slip the Men 'O War!
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete
In War, the outcome is never final. --Carl von Clausewitz--
Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum
John 11:35 - consider why.
In Memory of Pete