Dear Editor,
 
As a concerned citizen I would like to share with the community at large some information on alcohol. The Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “That it is not safe to drink alcohol and drive.”  Alcohol use slows reaction time and impairs judgment and coordination, which are all skills needed to drive a car safely. The more alcohol consumed, the greater the impairment.  

If we allow full service restaurants into Effingham County, we are contributing to the endangerment of the lives that live in our wonderful cities and community. The Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse strongly agrees by stating, “Even at low doses, alcohol significantly impairs the judgment and coordination required to drive a car or operate machinery safely.” Low to moderate doses of alcohol can also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including domestic violence and child abuse.  Do you want to contribute to domestic violence, child abuse and aggressive acts in our community? Please vote no to bringing liquor into the county of Effingham and our communities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is beginning a worldwide study on alcohol use. A recent WHO report has stated that drinking causes at least 1.8 million deaths a year, or 4 percent of all worldwide deaths. "Public-health problems associated with alcohol consumption have reached alarming proportions and alcohol has become one of the most important risks to health globally," the report said. (May 30, 2005) If we allow full service restaurants into our county, who could be the next one to be killed as a result of a DUI; maybe someone from your family?  We must vote no.

I believe there are great risks for voting yes to alcohol.  This vote could mean the destiny of our own children, grandchildren, or perhaps you and me.
 
Philip Hudson
Pastor
North Salem Baptist Church