NationStates Jolt Archive

Hello all,

This is a fairly controversial subject but one of great importance to society as a whole.

Alcohol
Are there really any legitimate PROs when compared to the CONs?

I think a ban on alcohol would cure much of the world's problems.

PROs makes you "feel good"

CONs makes you irrational, dangerous, and could kill you.

Every year thousands die directly or indirectly due to alcohol.
Car accidents. Over drinking. Lying down on Train tracks, Spouse abuse, etc. etc.

The only thing alcohol "does" is create a party environment. It is "fun".
In fact it has ruined social life. We have become Less social because we do not how to be social without drinking. And once you start drinkning you aren't in control.

Some might claim that it is good for your health if you drink a little bit. But for all those who only drink a little bit, how many are there who over do it or make deadly decisions because of it.
I'd say a small health benefit (which you can get anywhere) does NOT outweigh the societal danger.

Others might point to the Gangsters of the 20s when Prohibition was in full swing. Honestly, they didn't kill even HALF as many as alcohol does.

If we were really worried about public safety we would ban alcohol thus allowing the cops to worry about REAL criminals and not "dad who had too much to drink and caused a 5 car pile-up".

In conclusion: No REAL good comes of it, and MUCH real BAD does.

And then you ban it and criminal gangs have a new source of income, crime goes up, and people take risks to get it.

Good plan.

Oh hush. There was a thing in the 1920s in the US called 'prohibition'. Look it up and you'll find out why your idea is really bad.

Banning alcohol has been done before. And what did we learn from it? We learned that Americans sure like our booze.

You haven't read my post only the title.

That is the problem. Most people don't sit down and think about it.

Prohibition WAS a good idea. The criminal element was NOT as prevalent as you think. It was way over blown.

Ouch. :headbang:

That's pathetic what you think what's good about alcohol? Well, let me tell you something, i don't drink it because it "makes me feel good", but because it tastes good. At least stuff like beer or wine (assuming you like it) does.

Question: would you also like to ban chocolate, coffee, hamburgers, etc.?

You haven't read my post only the title.

That is the problem. Most people don't sit down and think about it.

Prohibition WAS a good idea. The criminal element was NOT as prevalent as you think. It was way over blown.
We should ban cars also.

Cars kill too many people.

And guns, guns as well.

Animals! Animals kill people, lets kill them too.

Fire! we must ban fire!

Oh, and electricity too!


:rolleyes:

No(you can't change my opinion either).

(It ownz to not be banned when you see a message you gotta post in...)

EDIT: Better support that:

If you think alcohol(you gotta love the spellecheck plugin for FF) is so dangerous, then stay away from it.
(stay away from anyone drinking it, and people seem to drink at night so don't drive during the night if you're really worried)
And, it's your decision to drink it. Anything can kill you.
If you're near someone that's dangerous, go away, and you're safe.
"every year thousands die"
Every day 150k people die worldwide.
So, it would be a waste of time to ban alcohol instead of doing something else that boosts people's rights and options and stops more deaths.
If you're worried about everyone else, tell them to stay away from people that drink alcohol if they're worried about gettign hurt by people that drink alcohol.

You haven't read my post only the title.

That is the problem. Most people don't sit down and think about it.

Prohibition WAS a good idea. The criminal element was NOT as prevalent as you think. It was way over blown.

No I did read your post and thought it was stupid. Why are you even bringing this up? I thought everyone agreed this was a horrible idea in the 30s after prohibition was repealed. Personally, I think it ranks up there with slavery and Britain and France not stopping Hitler when the Wehrmacht rolled into Poland.

actually i sleep MUCH better after i drink...and being a college student, sleep is vital :)

Prohibition WAS a good idea. The criminal element was NOT as prevalent as you think. It was way over blown.

Prohibition is a vey sick and embarassing chapter in US history, and Americans are still having a kind of disturbed relationship to alcohol due it's lingering effects...

How about the protection of personal rights? That is the only "pro", and non of the "cons" can outweigh it.

And violence related to bootlegging was prevalent, just like violence related to drug trafficking is prevalent today. If you make something harder to get, many people will just work harder to get it.

You haven't read my post only the title.

That is the problem. Most people don't sit down and think about it.

Prohibition WAS a good idea. The criminal element was NOT as prevalent as you think. It was way over blown.

Prohibition DIRECTLY led to the rise of organized crime in the United States.

No REAL good comes of it
What about getting drunk?

Yeah we should ban coffee...The fact is I feel nothing should be banned from anyone Its all about personal consumption...some do things with moderation and others dont understand that concept..We need education and parenting education to teach our children to know there limits.

Legalize everything and tax it...we can use the money argue that!

See... it's personal choice here. I am not suitably enamoured with the effects of alcohol to want to drink it, so I don't. I also think it tastes vile. But I couldn't really care less if someone else wants to. I'd say the best thing to do would be FAR harsher punishments for anyone drinking irresponsibly. Banning it, like has been said, just gives criminals yet another form of currency.

Question: would you also like to ban chocolate, coffee, hamburgers, etc.?

Do any of those cause hundreds of thousands of deaths? No.

I'm surprised at the lot of you. You are more interested in your stomachs than the common good.

As for cars killing people. More than 70% of car aaccidents are alcohol related.

If we legalized drugs crime wouldn't get any better. Twisted people will always try to get stuff that is not good for them.


"How about the protection of personal rights? That is the only "pro", and non of the "cons" can outweigh it."

You have a RIGHT to drink til you puke and then KILL someone on the road? THAT is juvenile and selfish thinking! What about the rights of those HURT?
I think Safety outweighs "I like it because it TASTES good"

No wonder this society is crap. People think with their stomachs not their brains.

You have a RIGHT to drink ... and then KILL someone on the road?
No, thats why drink driving is illegal.

Question: would you also like to ban chocolate, coffee, hamburgers, etc.?

Do any of those cause hundreds of thousands of deaths? No.

Actually heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. Ill give you a hint, it has to do with a food that starts with ham and ends in burger.

jordaxia is right harsher puishment are in oder for crimes under the infulance as for many people dieing belive it or not we need people to die.....why not let it be the idiots that canot control them selves.

if you banned mc donalds where would i eat lpease dont do that lol..

For starters, we don't want to ban alcohol because we don't want to be tyrants. Yes, when used irresponsibly, alcohol is dangerous. But so are hairdryers, campfires, shower stalls, power saws, knives, and a slew of other things. If we wanted to be fascists, we might ban all these things. However, because we like freedom, we rely on people to make responsible choices, and we punish those who harm others by making irresponsible choices (getting into fights, driving intoxicated, etc.). Just because a segment of society abuses something does not mean responsible members of society should not be allowed access.

Also, have you considered economic benefits? Your average neighborhood bar probably employs at least fifteen people and takes in at least a thousand per night. That's a lot of money being kept in circulation in the economy. Not to mention the money the bar patrons likely spend on food, cigarettes, cigars, and taxi rides. If the bars shut down, it would create a drastic dent in the economy.

Ban alcohol? Are you nuts?

Beer has been brewed since the dawn of recorded history, wines have been around for thousands of years, mead has historical backing as well!

Beyond that, in small amounts, alcohol can be fairly good for your health. Beyond that, certain alcoholic beverages (bayerische weissbier...yum!) just taste damn good.

No, people who don't use alcohol in moderation are stupid. It's not the fault of the alcohol.

You haven't read my post only the title.

That is the problem. Most people don't sit down and think about it.

Prohibition WAS a good idea. The criminal element was NOT as prevalent as you think. It was way over blown.
Alcohol consumption went up during prohibition, because it became illicit. And prohibition made the Mafia powerful, so yes it was as prevelant as people think. People became millionaires in the illegal alcohol business, that's not overblown.

It won't work, simple. People are going to drink no matter what you do or say or ban.

Despite common misconception and some ideals provided to those in consumption, there are some people (myself) that actually drink alcohol because IT TASTES GOOD. I don't usually drink to get drunk :eek: (I know).
There are a few who choose to take this to the extreme and only appreciate alcohol for it's side effect of being a depressant. I see nothing wrong with responsible consumption of any beverage. When you consume it irresponsibly it leads to mayhem, destruction, death. I agree that something should be done about irresponsible consumption of alcohol, but not a ban on the substance.

Do any of those cause hundreds of thousands of deaths? No.


And neither does alcohol.


I'm surprised at the lot of you. You are more interested in your stomachs than the common good.

It's not the common good; it's your personal belief.


As for cars killing people. More than 70% of car aaccidents are alcohol related.

You're going to have to cite a source for that.


If we legalized drugs crime wouldn't get any better. Twisted people will always try to get stuff that is not good for them.


If we legalized drugs, there would be no criminal element associated with it. If you can buy a pack of joints at the gas station, why would you bother going to a shady gangster to get it? And people who take drugs are not "twisted"; stop with the pathetic emotive language.


"How about the protection of personal rights? That is the only "pro", and non of the "cons" can outweigh it."

You have a RIGHT to drink til you puke and then KILL someone on the road? THAT is juvenile and selfish thinking! What about the rights of those HURT?
I think Safety outweighs "I like it because it TASTES good"

You do have a right to drink until you puke. You do not have a right to kill someone on the road. That's why drinking yourself sick is illegal, but drunk driving is not. It harms no one but yourself if you end up puking your guts out, so there's no reason to stop people from doing that if they so desire. People are capable of making their own stupid decisions. Drunk driving harms others; that's why it's illegal. And besides all that, you're going to have to provide some sort of evidence that banning alcohol would significantly reduce the amount of drunk driving incidents.


No wonder this society is crap. People think with their stomachs not their brains.

This society is crap because it is run by people who believe that they have the moral omniscience to determine what is best for everyone else.

Certain countries in Europe have long tradition of making beer and wine. Good beer and wine (at least, some of them). Want to destroy all that tradition and culture associated with that? Crazy! :mad:

Hello all,

This is a fairly controversial subject but one of great importance to society as a whole.

Alcohol
Are there really any legitimate PROs when compared to the CONs?

I think a ban on alcohol would cure much of the world's problems.

PROs makes you "feel good"

CONs makes you irrational, dangerous, and could kill you.

Every year thousands die directly or indirectly due to alcohol.
Car accidents. Over drinking. Lying down on Train tracks, Spouse abuse, etc. etc.

The only thing alcohol "does" is create a party environment. It is "fun".
In fact it has ruined social life. We have become Less social because we do not how to be social without drinking. And once you start drinkning you aren't in control.

Some might claim that it is good for your health if you drink a little bit. But for all those who only drink a little bit, how many are there who over do it or make deadly decisions because of it.
I'd say a small health benefit (which you can get anywhere) does NOT outweigh the societal danger.

Others might point to the Gangsters of the 20s when Prohibition was in full swing. Honestly, they didn't kill even HALF as many as alcohol does.

If we were really worried about public safety we would ban alcohol thus allowing the cops to worry about REAL criminals and not "dad who had too much to drink and caused a 5 car pile-up".

In conclusion: No REAL good comes of it, and MUCH real BAD does.

So? It is not the place of the government to ban something because someone is /able/ to use it to bad things. If that was the case, most tools, as well as computers would be banned.

Alcohol has been mixed with human history from the dawn of time, back to the civilizations between the Tigris and Euphrates. And, unlike any other substance, any produce such as fruits and grains can be used to make it, so there is always a medium available to do so. Fermentation is a natural process, so unless you can ban nature you won't have much luck.

Plus, some studies show a serving of alcohol every day or so can actually be somewhat good for your heart, as in red wine. So, everything in moderation.

i would think making alcohol illegal would actually increase drunk driving incidents...who would call a taxi for a ride home from the bar, if there was a chance that the taxi driver would turn you in to the cops for breaking the law? making a substance that people want to have illegal (whether its alcohol, cigarettes, pot, or roses) will make those same people go to any length to get the banned substance, and go to even greater lengths to ensure that they don't get caught for doing so.

Alcohol is a great invention. It helps mankind deal with the stresses of modern life, and in moderation it imbues the user with heightened charisma and confidence. It comes in many great tasting varieties and puts food on the table for countless brewers, distillers and vineyard owners and employees.

Even if it didn't have these splendid properties, there would still be no justification for banning it. Like many people have already said, banning it doesn't get rid of it, it just fuels crime and gives power to unscrupulous bootleggers and mafia members.

Besides, it's not the government's business if people want to harm themselves. And you can get hurt with practically anything. You can slam your head on a toilet bowl. Should we outlaw toilets?

Others might point to the Gangsters of the 20s when Prohibition was in full swing. Honestly, they didn't kill even HALF as many as alcohol does.
Care to back that up? And by "back that up", I want stats on how many people were killed by gangsters during prohibition, how many people were killed by alcohol then, and how many people are killed by alcohol now.

I am of the opposite opinion. Gangsters wreak too much chaos on society. For this reason, all drugs should be legalised. I know that this will create some social problems, but I don't believe that it will be as bad as it is now. The price of prohibition is too high.

Hello all,

This is a fairly controversial subject but one of great importance to society as a whole.

Alcohol
Are there really any legitimate PROs when compared to the CONs?

I think a ban on alcohol would cure much of the world's problems.

PROs makes you "feel good"

CONs makes you irrational, dangerous, and could kill you.

PRO: Red Wine has been shown to decrease the prevalence of heart problems...


Every year thousands die directly or indirectly due to alcohol.
Car accidents. Over drinking. Lying down on Train tracks, Spouse abuse, etc. etc.

As well as automobiles, drowning, suffocation from respitory blockage while eating, being caught in fires, falling from high places...



Some might claim that it is good for your health if you drink a little bit. But for all those who only drink a little bit, how many are there who over do it or make deadly decisions because of it.
I'd say a small health benefit (which you can get anywhere) does NOT outweigh the societal danger.

Their are more people who drink alittle, than alcoholics who drink alot....


Others might point to the Gangsters of the 20s when Prohibition was in full swing. Honestly, they didn't kill even HALF as many as alcohol does.


So?...


<snippity Snip snip.... let me pull out strawmen...>


Could care less...

Prohibition does not work... Because it just creates an enviroment where more crimes can flourish...

We should ban cars also.

Cars kill too many people.

And guns, guns as well.

Animals! Animals kill people, lets kill them too.

Fire! we must ban fire!

Oh, and electricity too!


:rolleyes:


I thought you knew. Guns don't kill people. Physics kill people.

Right. You want to ban booze. Ok.

However, there's a problem.

Alcohol is - oftentimes - the safest way of consuming water. Yup, you read that right.

The alcohol content in 'quick' beers and meads (sweet, fizzy, none too strong) actually acts as a decontaminant for most forms of water-bourne bacterial infections. It's safer for you to make beer from river water than it is to drink the water itself.

Plus, alcohol has been proven to reduce the chance of heart disease when taken in moderation.

In addition to that, do you have any idea how much money the production, marketing, distribution and sale of alcohol brings in annually? In Ontario alone, the LCBO - Liquor Control Board of Ontario - brings in almost 1 billion dollars per year in profit. Can you name another form of retail store that does that?

Banning alcohol is a poor decision, health-wise, socially and economically.

There are health benefits to alcohol beyond the social effects, as long as the use is moderate (direct from my nutrition text):

-decreases blood pressure mildly
-increases HDL-cholesterol (that's the good kind)
-some increase in bone mineral content in women
-linked to increased estrogen output
-decreased risk of dementia
-decreased risk of certain bacterial infections in the stomach
-phytochemicals (in red wine)

That said, we're talking about 1-2 glasses a day for a normal/healthy-weight adult.

Out of curiosity, do you have a personal reason for wanting to ban alcohol?

Ouch. :headbang:

That's pathetic what you think what's good about alcohol? Well, let me tell you something, i don't drink it because it "makes me feel good", but because it tastes good. At least stuff like beer or wine (assuming you like it) does.

Question: would you also like to ban chocolate, coffee, hamburgers, etc.?

Is it me or is there an obivous diffrence between beer and chocolate?








Take my chocolate and i keel j00 !! :P

Why don't you propose a bill for better education, rather than banning something?

Or maybe if we just allowed people to go to a drunk driver's house who killed someone and beat the shit out of them whenever they wanted, that would probably work a lot better.

Banning alcohol has been done before. And what did we learn from it? We learned that Americans sure like our booze.
:) nice.
Also, what about religious uses for alcohol? For example, Jews drink four cups of wine on Pesach. And we have to get REALLY drunk on purim.

There are health benefits to alcohol beyond the social effects, as long as the use is moderate (direct from my nutrition text):

-decreases blood pressure mildly
-increases HDL-cholesterol (that's the good kind)
-some increase in bone mineral content in women
-linked to increased estrogen output
-decreased risk of dementia
-decreased risk of certain bacterial infections in the stomach
-phytochemicals (in red wine)

That said, we're talking about 1-2 glasses a day for a normal/healthy-weight adult.

Out of curiosity, do you have a personal reason for wanting to ban alcohol?

its also good when eating red meat, like steak....

:) nice.
Also, what about religious uses for alcohol? For example, Jews drink four cups of wine on Pesach. And we have to get REALLY drunk on purim.

The Blood of Christ for us Catholics, too.

:) nice.
Also, what about religious uses for alcohol? For example, Jews drink four cups of wine on Pesach. And we have to get REALLY drunk on purim.

Agreed, it is also an integral part of the Reformed, Lutheran and Catholic faiths...

if you banned mc donalds where would i eat lpease dont do that lol..
If someone banned mcdonalds, i'd show up at their home with a 12-gauge, and a bad attitude.

If someone banned mcdonalds, i'd show up at their home with a 12-gauge, and a bad attitude.

if someone banned mcdonalds, maybe more people will make it past the age of 30...

Hello all,

This is a fairly controversial subject but one of great importance to society as a whole.

Alcohol
Are there really any legitimate PROs when compared to the CONs?

I think a ban on alcohol would cure much of the world's problems.



As a libertarian, I have a little something for those who seek to take away my right to enjoy a drink at the end of a hard day of work: The business end of my .357. Enjoy it with friends. :D

I thought you knew. Guns don't kill people. Physics kill people.
Let's ban physics! I don't like my physics teacher anyway.

if someone banned mcdonalds, maybe more people will make it past the age of 30...
The person who banned it sure wouldn't!

its also good when eating red meat, like steak....

Well, that goes without saying! :D

where theres beer, theres hot chicks...
https://zetes.safe-order.net/mjvar/images/14935.jpg

Care to back that up? And by "back that up", I want stats on how many people were killed by gangsters during prohibition, how many people were killed by alcohol then, and how many people are killed by alcohol now.

I am of the opposite opinion. Gangsters wreak too much chaos on society. For this reason, all drugs should be legalised. I know that this will create some social problems, but I don't believe that it will be as bad as it is now. The price of prohibition is too high.

Wow, something we agree upon

:gundge: :headbang:
If we were really worried about public safety we would ban alcohol thus allowing the cops to worry about REAL criminals and not "dad who had too much to drink and caused a 5 car pile-up".

In conclusion: No REAL good comes of it, and MUCH real BAD does.[/QUOTE]

Dad goes home and goes off at mummy, the kids....that's domestic violence, a CRIME.

yOU ARE A FRICKY INDIVIDUAL, CONTROL yourself instead of everyone else.
Have a drink, COME DOWN... u choose how. Your choice is discusting 4 my taste.

Have a good life excelency the kingk

It was tried. It resulted in tommy gun shootings in the streets, illegal "speak easy" bars, and people going blind from poorly made bootleg liquor. On the bright side, many Italian-American people made a nice living off of prohibition, and I know how to build a still.

if someone banned mcdonalds, maybe more people will make it past the age of 30...

There are already too many people making it past the age of 30. How the hell are we gonna fix social security if people keep staying alive?

Hello all,

This is a fairly controversial subject but one of great importance to society as a whole.

Alcohol
Are there really any legitimate PROs when compared to the CONs?

I think a ban on alcohol would cure much of the world's problems.

PROs makes you "feel good"

CONs makes you irrational, dangerous, and could kill you.

Every year thousands die directly or indirectly due to alcohol.
Car accidents. Over drinking. Lying down on Train tracks, Spouse abuse, etc. etc.

The only thing alcohol "does" is create a party environment. It is "fun".
In fact it has ruined social life. We have become Less social because we do not how to be social without drinking. And once you start drinkning you aren't in control.

Some might claim that it is good for your health if you drink a little bit. But for all those who only drink a little bit, how many are there who over do it or make deadly decisions because of it.
I'd say a small health benefit (which you can get anywhere) does NOT outweigh the societal danger.

Others might point to the Gangsters of the 20s when Prohibition was in full swing. Honestly, they didn't kill even HALF as many as alcohol does.

If we were really worried about public safety we would ban alcohol thus allowing the cops to worry about REAL criminals and not "dad who had too much to drink and caused a 5 car pile-up".

In conclusion: No REAL good comes of it, and MUCH real BAD does.


I understand where you're coming from. Bars shouldn't even have parking lots. How many people that are driving them cars outside go in and drinks 1 beer or 2 then stays 3 hours for it to leave their system? But DUI fines rake in alot of doe.. they wouldn't want it to stop. The state I'm in, the average size person drinks 2 beers in an hour.. they are over the legal limit. Is why I drink at home or at a friends house without having to drive anywhere. I don't drink to be "social" (although it helps a hell of alot).. I drink to get drunk. I don't drink often, but when I do... I put down a 12 easy. Is less than I use to drink though. So at least its going down and not up.

I'm not really for it being banned. And what someone does in their own home is their own business. I just don't like dumbasses who repeatedly drive drunk(The real drunk.. not "legally intoxicated"). And I feel for kids that have to grow up with an alcoholic parent or parents.

As for the health factors ..whatever health problems I get from it, will be my own fault. I do think that it's hypocrytical for marajuana to be illegal and alcohol to not be. I've done both for years and know first hand that booze causes more problems than smoking some weed (other than the illegal part).

Wow, something we agree upon
There's probably much more than you think. [/mysterious] ;)

Hello all, (snip)
In conclusion: No REAL good comes of it, and MUCH real BAD does.
(snip)


Well, what about the health benifits of modorate consumption of alcohol?

We should ban cars also.

Cars kill too many people.

And guns, guns as well.

Animals! Animals kill people, lets kill them too.

Fire! we must ban fire!

Oh, and electricity too!


:rolleyes:

I can see it now, A dealer on the street corner saying, what cha need?
I got matches for $10 each
A lighter for just $100
AAA batteries for $20 each.

As a college student I feel obligated to say: You may take my life, but you can never take my booze!

As a college student I feel obligated to say: You may take my life, but you can never take my booze!
Lol, "Give me booze, or give me death!"




Well, what about the health benifits of modorate consumption of alcohol?We talked about that already.

well i just did a report on prohibtion in school and here is a site i found which states why prohibtion fails

http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa-157.html

(snip)We talked about that already.(snip)

Sorry, Im slow.

Hello all,

This is a fairly controversial subject but one of great importance to society as a whole.

Alcohol
Are there really any legitimate PROs when compared to the CONs?

I think a ban on alcohol would cure much of the world's problems.

PROs makes you "feel good"

CONs makes you irrational, dangerous, and could kill you.

Every year thousands die directly or indirectly due to alcohol.
Car accidents. Over drinking. Lying down on Train tracks, Spouse abuse, etc. etc.

The only thing alcohol "does" is create a party environment. It is "fun".
In fact it has ruined social life. We have become Less social because we do not how to be social without drinking. And once you start drinkning you aren't in control.

Some might claim that it is good for your health if you drink a little bit. But for all those who only drink a little bit, how many are there who over do it or make deadly decisions because of it.
I'd say a small health benefit (which you can get anywhere) does NOT outweigh the societal danger.

Others might point to the Gangsters of the 20s when Prohibition was in full swing. Honestly, they didn't kill even HALF as many as alcohol does.

If we were really worried about public safety we would ban alcohol thus allowing the cops to worry about REAL criminals and not "dad who had too much to drink and caused a 5 car pile-up".

In conclusion: No REAL good comes of it, and MUCH real BAD does.

Archeaologists discovered something rather interesting, our ancestors grew wheat for food but mostly alcholic based substances.

Besides do you want to recreate the prohibition where more gangs and blood shalt be shed

Ban alcohol?

But...

But...

I really like alcohol! There are few things in life I find more rewarding than coming to the end of a hard day and settling down to a quality pint of ale or stout, or a glass of red wine, or a single malt. Friends optional.

Besides, when you ban something like booze you get a lot of angry people and a big black market. Not to mention a massive reduction in tax revenue.

Another thing. The state likes beer like cigarrets, they get a lot of money from it. Banning something for having less pros then cons makes little sense.

Guns
Cars
Animals
Computers
Qwerty Keyboards
Humans
TV

would all be band. Same with

words
reading
writing
artimetic
math
ss
communists
fascists
democratic republics
States
properties
Me
The other me
My other chaotic side
Pencils
pens

Drunk drivers may kill people but how about all the people that get raped in 40 min. Its a big number. How about people who die from animals, plants, people, fire and electricity.

Damnit I forgot one important point ill make before i take my leave.

Red wine is good for the heart.

Red wine is alchol.

Drunk drivers may kill people but how about all the people that get raped in 40 min. Its a big number.
Wow, you gotta admire the sexual stamina of rapists... 40 minutes! I probably wouldn't be able to last 5.

Damnit I forgot one important point ill make before i take my leave.

Red wine is good for the heart.

Red wine is alchol.
It's also an anti-oxidant.

Yeah. Ban alcohol.

Not only would we not be able to get drunk, we'd all die from diseases from not getting out arms swabbed before getting a shot.

If anything, we should ban clouds. Cuz, I mean, clouds deserve it! Look how many people die from tornados, or lightning strikes, or floods caused by rain, or angry fog. It's all the clouds' fault! Ban clouds!

hokay... here we go.
first of all, you are scapegoating. What problems are solved by banning alcohol, specifically?

as for your pros, there are many many more. Alcohol itself leads to improved health when consumed in moderation (2 drinks a day) It is highly beneficial to the heart. In fact, the health benefits/risks of drinking form a perfect bell curve. If someone has 0 drinks, they have equal fatallity as someone drinking 4 a day. Additionally, beers and red wines in particular contain high levels of anti-oxidants, a natural protectant from cancer. And no, you cannot get these benefits anywhere.

Every year people die of stupidity. Sure, in your argument, alcohol is the means...but ultimatly, it is due to bad choices.

"In fact it has ruined social life. We have become Less social because we do not how to be social without drinking. And once you start drinkning you aren't in control."

that is NOT a fact, that is an opinion, do not confuse the two. We have had alcohol since before man existed (since the first animal ate a rotten grape or apple or other fruit). We are becoming less social because we are not going into social environments as often. We now have IM and internet instead of face-to-face contact. Also, you can be in control when you drink. If I have a beer or two with dinner, I am NOT some crazed drunken lunatic.

And so what if people get drunk? I'm in college in America. Needless to say, there is a LOT of drinking on weekends, even if it is a dry campus. If I am caught with alcohol, I could be arrested or expelled (or both) Yet I still do occasionally drink. It shows that, regardless of what the law, people will still do it. They just hide it more. Additionally, people have the right to choose what they do. There are laws in place that make it illegal for people to drink and drive or hit their wife/children. If they do these things and are caught, they will suffer the consequences. Why should we take away alcohol (a huge part of our culture and economy) just because a few idiots can't control themselves?

Perhaps the best way to help reduce abuse of alcohol is to ban all advertising of alcoholic beverages and all alcohol sold in generic containers.

Movies and television shows that display the consumption of alcohol should be discouraged.

Alcohol is the only thing keeping me from going on a killing spree.

Put that down as 1 in the arguments for alcohol staying legal column.

Perhaps the best way to help reduce abuse of alcohol is to ban all advertising of alcoholic beverages and all alcohol sold in generic containers.

Movies and television shows that display the consumption of alcohol should be discouraged.

Nah: that is tackling a symptom rather than a root cause. Would it not be better to ask why some people are driven to drink excessively or dangerously?

Alcohol like many other substances is subject to possible abuse by individuals. We can't just ban it based upon the actions of individuals. Being 21, I am legally able to purchase and consume alcohol. I also understand the concept of doing so in moderation. Those individuals are not criminals they are sick and need to be treated through rehab.

Drunk drivers often do injure and kill many people, sadly a lot of those are repeat offenders caught up in a complex legal system. Perhaps some time in rehab might work wonders for several of these individuals.

Irrational behavior isn't just caused by substance abuse. I've seen many people who are irrational and don't think who are perfectly sober. Therapy perhaps is one of the few cures for that, and once again rehab helps.

Banning alcohol might seem like a great solution to this, but in reality it's just an over reaction to the issue at hand.

Alcohol is the only thing keeping me from going on a killing spree.

Put that down as 1 in the arguments for alcohol staying legal column.
Ohhh, yes.

hokay... here we go.
Additionally, beers and red wines in particular contain high levels of anti-oxidants, a natural protectant from cancer. And no, you cannot get these benefits anywhere.

To be fair, grape juice from red grapes does just as well. Also, eating the actual grapes. The anti-oxidant part comes from the grape skins.

Let me point out that they've already tried that in the US from 1920 to 1933 and it didn't go well. There were bootleggers and smugglers like anything. When Rosevelt got congress to amend it, they actually started playing things like good times are back in the midst of the great depression.

I'm not fond of the stuff when it's used to get drunk and people don't think before doing it. I don't mean socially, I mean even socially drinking way too much. But it doesn't matter too much since it'll never be banned outside the muslim world.

I guess if this law is implemented it would prove that history repeats itself since the government already tried prohibiting alcohol. Then, the rest of history would repeat itself and organized crime would go way up, as well as the illegal gun and alcohol business. Governments would be even more corrupt and more people would die by murder than alcohol. It only becomes a worse problem if it is prohibited. Bad idea.

Hello all,

This is a fairly controversial subject but one of great importance to society as a whole.

Alcohol
Are there really any legitimate PROs when compared to the CONs?

I think a ban on alcohol would cure much of the world's problems.

PROs makes you "feel good"

CONs makes you irrational, dangerous, and could kill you.

Every year thousands die directly or indirectly due to alcohol.
Car accidents. Over drinking. Lying down on Train tracks, Spouse abuse, etc. etc.

The only thing alcohol "does" is create a party environment. It is "fun".
In fact it has ruined social life. We have become Less social because we do not how to be social without drinking. And once you start drinkning you aren't in control.

Some might claim that it is good for your health if you drink a little bit. But for all those who only drink a little bit, how many are there who over do it or make deadly decisions because of it.
I'd say a small health benefit (which you can get anywhere) does NOT outweigh the societal danger.

Others might point to the Gangsters of the 20s when Prohibition was in full swing. Honestly, they didn't kill even HALF as many as alcohol does.

If we were really worried about public safety we would ban alcohol thus allowing the cops to worry about REAL criminals and not "dad who had too much to drink and caused a 5 car pile-up".

In conclusion: No REAL good comes of it, and MUCH real BAD does.

Nice idea, but it woulden't work. It would be hard to enforce, make criminals out of everybody, and people would riot in the streets.

This just proves that American history classes in public schools suck. Thanks for proving my point Eriadhin.

Also, just because you (the author of this thread, I mean) have a problem with alcohol, doesn't mean everyone else does. Don't try to force your morals upon others. It's every American over 21's god given right to get drunk, and people will fight for that right, too.

This just proves that American history classes in public schools suck. Thanks for proving my point Eriadhin.
At what point did you think that American schools do not suck?

At what point did you think that American schools do not suck?

Well, they don't suck at spending much needed money in the classroom on stadiums and sports equipment. We need our sports! ;)

If you want to get nitpicky about it, alcohol and the taxing or banning thereof has been the cause of most of the internal discord in the United States since the Declaration of Independence. However, a -huge- chunk of the country's revenue comes from taxes on alcohol... do you really want to make that up out of your pocket?

I strongly agree that the best thing to prevent drunk driving is to increase the penalties and fines. However, banning alcohol isn't going to stop people from consuming it. It won't even make it more difficult to procure. Reason? Beer, wine, and even distilled beverages are ridiculously easy to make. The contents of an average kitchen can give you everything you need to make wine, and from wine to something stronger all you need is a few more kitchen implements.

You might as well ban water. After all, it's harder to come by drinkable water than it is to come by alcohol, and I have it on greatest authority that every single person currently serving time for murder-- all 100% of them-- drinks water on a regular basis.

To be fair, grape juice from red grapes does just as well. Also, eating the actual grapes. The anti-oxidant part comes from the grape skins.
this is true....however, the antioxidants in beer I dont think are found in wheat (if anyone knows more about this, let me know. I'm kinda curious) For some reason I remember reading that it had something to do with the fermentation process.