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Chamber’s Bowie plans disappointing
Published Thursday, September 25, 2008
I am not here to be a person who attends few events, yet raise my voice when something I don’t like goes on. I have attended the Jim Bowie festival for many years now, my children have ridden many rides and the youth group from my church has rented a booth at this event and others to do fundraisers.
I support the Jim Bowie festival, as I do any community event.
However, last year I noticed the changes coming. My statements today are not to fuss about the business that had a liquor stand last year. My issue today is with a public entity promoting an environment that is dangerous to people’s lives.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving statistics, in 2006 more than 15,000 people died in alcohol related auto accidents. That is one person every 33 minutes. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2005, the leading cause of death among teenagers was auto accidents, of which 25 percent showed alcohol in their blood.
I would imagine that the majority of people have felt the pain of losing a loved one due to an accident of some sort that involved alcohol.
Even with all the proven data, this information alone is not my reason for being disappointed with the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce.
I am 29 years old and a father of 3. Today, as I see the chamber’s decision, I think of myself as a teenager, and how I too used to drink alcohol. I think of how I started drinking because I thought it was the cool thing to do because of the people older than me who drank.
There were many times when I should have been seriously hurt and killed from dumb decisions I made while under the influence of alcohol.
At 19 years old I gave my life to Jesus Christ, because I realized that He had paid such a high price for me and for my freedom, that I didn’t have to depend on the alcohol to have a good time, to cope with a stressful situation or even just to be social.
The common statement given is, “we all drank as kids and we turned out OK.”
I beg to differ. If everyone turned out OK, then Alcoholics Anonymous wouldn’t exist. If we all turned out OK, then many children would not live in abusive homes as a result of a parent who drinks to much. Lastly, if we all turned out OK, then we would not have a drug problem in our country, since the first drug a user will take is almost always alcohol.
As a Christian, youth pastor, former drinker of alcohol, husband and parent, I am disappointed in the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce and the message they are sending to our young people. As a parent, I hope for the safety of my own family, that the chamber will change its mind about the message it is sending and the endangerment it is placing on my family. I understand a person who sells alcohol doesn’t care about my family, but I would expect the promoters of my town to promote a safe living environment for all family.
The Vidalia Chamber of Commerce may only want to sell beer, but it very rarely stops with just a beer.
Danny Reed
Vidalia resident
Comments
Posted by samjones (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 7:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I just want to say that I welcome opinions for or against this letter to the editor. Yes, I will be responding as a representative of the Vidalia Chamber, but I'm interested in what the public has to say about this issue.
Sam Jones,
Vidalia Chamber of Commerce
Posted by happybunny (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I commend the way you turned you life around, however many festivals include alcohol without incident and many people attend becasue there is alcohol available. People that drink will drink and your values will not change their way of life. If they aren't at the festival (providing revenue to the local chamber), then they will be in a bar or at a party, still drinking and driving. You cannot change this regardless of what you do. Both drinking and non-drinking can enjoy the festival rather than restricting it based on your beliefs. This is not a church event.
Posted by vidalia71373 (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I too am disappointed in the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce. I don't think alcohol should be sold at a family event. Especially one that is tied in with D.A.R.E.!
Posted by happyasalark (anonymous) on September 25, 2008 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, happybunny, I agree also that this is not a church event- but it IS a family centered event, and noone wants to bring their children to an event where there are potentially going to be drunks staggering around... talk about really ruining a fun filled family saturday.
Posted by BOBCAT1974 (anonymous) on September 26, 2008 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It really is a sad day when people think they have to have alcohol to have a good time.It only takes one tradgedy, to happen, to someone, to realize, it's not worth it.Once it happens, you can't take it back.I lost a Brother and a sister due to alcohol.Iv'e seen my folks go threw heartache,it's been 21 years for Tony and 9 years for Punk.My Dad died and My Mother is still alive.She says it's like yesterday.And any parent should not have to bury a child that you gave birth to it should be the other way.I know when it's you're time to go,but in these cases it's about choice, and i think this is when you help death along.It's like giving them a loaded gun.I'm with you Bro. Dan.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on September 27, 2008 at 9:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let the few make all the moral decisions for everyone. America, built on FREEDOM.
Posted by Bobaloo (anonymous) on September 27, 2008 at 9:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
John Barleycorn must die!!!
Posted by Hambone (anonymous) on September 27, 2008 at 11:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't have a problem with it. You cannot shelter your family from alcohol forever. This may be a good way to teach them about moderation. Maybe a compromise would be to have alcohol sales start at a certain time.
Posted by sammohon (anonymous) on September 28, 2008 at 10:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sam...one Sam to another...I applaud your willingness to be on the blog under your real name...shows courage.
I also applaud your attempts to push the Jim Bowie Festival to the next level. My wife and I actually came over and checked it out this year for a change...didn't seem to be much reason before.
The Memphis In May connected Bar-B-Q contest needs to be played up...I used to be a volunteer in Memphis and while I know Vidalia isn't Memphis, the contest can become a wonderfully crazy competition if done right.
Regarding the sales of alchohol, I think it's a must for the festival to expand. I understand the philosophy of those opposed. I also understand the philosophy of those who don't attend. If it is handled right those who oppose will benefit enough to offset their opposition and those who are for will attend, in more numbers, such that the musical venues will attract far more folks.
Again, I applaud your efforts to be open to the the folk's opinions...now you have mine...LOL.
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