Alan Halsband of Warwick wrote me recently regarding the tolerance that society generally shows toward the drinking of alcohol.

While laws exist regarding its distribution and intake before driving, its abuse causes regular mayhem on our roads, with innocents all too often getting maimed or killed.

The recent accident in upstate New York which involved a drunk woman crashing her vehicle and killing herself and seven others, including four children, is an extreme case in point.

"Your two recent stories about drunk driving show that people don't care that people drink," Halsband wrote, adding that concern is only expressed when drunken drivers cause accidents.

"People love to drink. Everyone drinks after work. Fridays night, Saturday night clubs and bars are packed."

"Lawmakers and judges drink and that is the reason I think that they won't change anything. Is drinking a social crime? Of course not."

And while we outlaw driving while under the influence of alcohol, Mr. Halsband alluded to the thriving industry that exists among lawyers ready to defend anyone so charged.

He makes a good point. Fact is alcohol is part of everyday life and used properly is fine. But its misuse can really cause problems.

I am often struck by the spectrum that alcohol covers. At one end, we have a rarified world of experts sniffing and quaffing fine wines and bottles going for gazillions at auction.

But the other end, we have the horrors of alcoholism and the destruction it causes to individuals and families let alone innocents caught on the wrong road at the wrong time.

Peter C. T. Elsworth