“Here We Go Again” Legalization of Alcohol – Letter to the Editor
8-18-12 *Letter to the Editor*
Here We Go Again
The bulk of sniveling, whining, foot stomping, nose picking, pencil necked, politically correct, Nanny State advocates, and hypocrites are at it again. All kinds of dribble has been written by the anti booze people. Bring the booze to town and all kinds of terrible things will happen. Men will beat their wives, their children their mothers and even grandma. Of course, were they sober, none of this would happen right? Accidents only happen because of Booze. Out of 346 accidents according to the Miami Herald 11 were blamed on Booze, what in God’s green earth caused the remainder? I can only suppose these accidents were just merely accidents? Or was it the Pork chop they just ate. It’s control, some people just need to control everything one does.
I’ve written many articles on this same Booze subject, some in the County have called me a drunk, or one needing a drink. Let’s get this part of the article out of the way. The last time I had a beer was three years ago on the 4th. of July at my home with my wife in 96 degree heat and 90 percent humidity. By the way, I truly enjoyed that beer. The last time I shared a drink other than with my wife at home, was with my friend Tommy Greene. It was 8:PM I was building some firearms when Tommy walked in and offered me a drink of “Irish Whisky” Ya gotta love the man. Tommy and I sat together sharing a couple of drinks and repaired all of the worlds problems, two hours later Tommy walked out and went home. Anybody ever see Tommy Green sit down and talk for two hours? I didn’t think so. We bonded that evening, and we became friends. I would give the remainder of my life, for just another hour shared like that evening with Tommy, it was that enjoyable.
We need jobs in this County, I read where we had 8.6% percent unemployment rate in Madison County a few weeks ago, that figure has now been changed to 10.6%. Well, we all know that’s a bunch of crap, It’s really closer to 30%. We have hundreds of people in Madison County that have never, ever, looked for a job, much less actually worked a job, well, other than uploading and downloading babies, and these people are not included in either of these figures.
Now! please understand, Booze will not bring in baskets of hundred dollar bills by itself. However, it will bring in some adult entertainment, perhaps enticing other businesses to our town. Yes, I’ve been to bars. I’ve been to bars located in Hotels, Restaurants, Sports bars etc. These are the places where business is often times finished. I’ve taken orders worth hundreds of thousands of dollars written on the back of a napkin in these same bars. However, bars are not what I’m trying to bring up. Business Men/Women need a place to go after the day’s work going over the day’s accomplishments, planning a five or ten year program. Some call this entertainment, some call it bonding. I have never seen anyone intoxicated, at these business gatherings, ever.
We talk of bringing in tourists to Madison, well, we may get a handful or so at times doing a little fishing and or hunting, but by large, tourists go to Disney, they don’t come to Madison. By the way, a traveler stopping on the Interstate does not make them a tourist they only pay the tourist tax. We have a gaggle of people in Madison trying to figure a way to bring in tourists, my question is “what will they do when they get here?” We are very proud of our (Four Freedom) however, drive 50 yards out of the County and no one has a clue as to what we’re talking about. What we need are manufacturing jobs, would we invest more time enticing manufactures instead of tourists, we may prosper somewhat. Manufacturers need to keep their employees happy, and that ladies and gentlemen takes a little adult entertainment.
There are hundreds of businesses all over California, New York, Illinois, Connecticut, and other States that are unhappy with where they are, due to being taxed to death and Union problems. Perhaps with a little enticement, a little encouragement, and a little push in the right direction one would move to our County and bring in good paying jobs? Texas has enticed hundreds of businesses to their state, why can’t we do that also? On August 28th, the people of this County can either move to the 21st. Century or stay in the 19th. Century. The choice is now ours for the first time in years. Just think, some of you elders, preachers, and those that are at our churches the moment the doors open then act asinine the moment they leave would no longer have to go out of town to get their booze either.
Yes is how I will vote, how about you?
George Pouliotte
“Too bad good people are investing so much time and effort into this dead end issue. Staying dry won’t stop people from drinking, and going wet will not lead to any significant economic development as long as the schools are in the shape they are in.” (stated L.N.)
Finally I see a comment about this wet/dry issue that’s worth reading! I’m so tired of this old debate. I want election day over with so this site will have something worth coming here to view. I’ve stopped visiting here as frequently because there’s little to read besides liquor posts. Maybe if I gave a hoot about drinking I would be passionate about this topic, but frankly I find it silly. Move on to important things, people!
As L.N. pointed out, “The “way to catch up with the rest of the world” has to do with education, not drink.” That’s why it’s time for me to hit the textbooks again. I encourage you to do the same.
In todays Greene Publication (FRIDAY) the hypocracy continues with people that should have remained quiet for their own sake , living in the proverbial glass houses that they do . Gene Stokes writes at length against legal alcohol but it is my understanding Stokes’ daughter & son in law managed the Elks Club for years . Joe Peavy , with your 16 years on the Highway Patrol & 28 years as sheriff you apparently chose not to enforce the law as to your friends , buds & powerful political backers . If you are so concerned about the evils of alcohol when you had the power why didn’t you raid , shut down & arrest the folks at these private clubs that were/are selling alcohol illegally ? State alcohol control had no trouble raiding these places for illegal activity . What hypocracy .
Mary Ellen told me once that they like to buy their liquor in Georgia but they want to keep Madison dry. Smitty’s in Lake Park was selling Tommy Greene’s cookbook at one time with all the recipes that involve alcohol. That is hyprocrisy at its finest in my opinion. Let’s all vote YES and end this two faced nonsense.
Saw in the latest edition of the “Greene Rag ” ( I refuse to call that a newspaper ) that Mary Ellen Greene in her editorial has resorted once again to people’s most base instincts , blaming outsiders that have moved here for the pro alcohol movement , like no native locals drink or support this effort . The anti’s must really feel threatened by this election . With George drinking whisky with her late husband , she can’t attribute a dry county to him any longer & most already knew he & his family imbibe . What hypocrits . She says that if the outsiders don’t like a dry Madison they should move . We can only hope that if this thing passes her & her clan will move .
The “way to catch up with the rest of the world” has to do with education, not drink. The only reason I can really think of to vote yes is so that the kids won’t drive across the state line, get soused, and drive back drunk.
Too bad good people are investing so much time and effort into this dead end issue. Staying dry won’t stop people from drinking, and going wet will not lead to any significant economic development as long as the schools are in the shape they are in. :/
To OFFENDER that same powerful person advocated the ten commandments monument and drove it all over town, doesn’t the ten commandments say keep the sabbath holy? Why are his stores even open on sunday making people work on the sabbath? Get it? Im in total agreeance as you can read. MR. GEORGE STATED IT IN THIS ARTICLE. again those powerful people know its about money. I dont understand when folks retire in madison and then strive to keep anyone from excelling.Is that human nature or ego? We dont see their kids advocating the family patriarch of their local business.
I think it’s funny how a “powerful” man in the community is “deadset” against this… But sells “beer” in every store he owns. (all over state) while another “buisnessman” (which is against it too) doesn’t sell beer in any of his stores, and never has. #mindblowing
I do not drink or smoke but I do not believe I should put my beliefs on other people. We are surrounded by wet counties and people are getting their drinks from other locations. The money being spent in other counties and states can be used to improve the life of Madison County. Let’s stop pretending that we are pure as gold and get rid of the smote out of our own eyes. Let the wheat and tares grow together and God will do the separating on that great getting up morning. Those against alcohol being sold in the county may be doing something else that is offensive to others, would you want them to stop you from doing what you enjoy doing? THROW AWAY THE STONE AND LET GOD HANDLE THE PROBLEM.
Anonymous ™ says:
August 19, 2012 at 10:05 am
The majority should never be permitted to dictate their values on the minority. They can suggest, persuade, or admonish, but passing laws benefiting one group over another is just plain wrong.
——————————————————————————————
Wow, really?! Isn’t that what happens at EVERY election? EVERY time a vote is tabulate?
LN [ chicken or the egg] this is a way to catch up with the rest of the world. A AND B WILL COME. ALONG WITH INVESTING BUSINESSES. i agree there will not be improvement next month or 6 months. but it will come. i dont see any reason not to vote yes. vote no keeps just badmouthing claims no one is making.
I don’t have a dog in this hunt. Don’t care one way or the other. I have wine in the house…and have had the same full bottles for years. So, yeah, I like a glass of wine now and then, but my now and thens don’t roll along very often.
I’ll tell you one thing, though: anyone who thinks that drink will bring business to Madison is living in a fantasy.
What will bring business to Madison is an “A” or “B” public school system, plain and simple, drink or no drink. Watch and see.
“Business Men/Women need a place to go after the day’s work going over the day’s accomplishments, planning a five or ten year program. Some call this entertainment, some call it bonding.”
Thank you George Pouliotte for the above statement, which again proves what this “wet-dry” election is really all about. It is about convenience. It is not about bringing hundreds of jobs to Madison County, and even the proponents of MadisonYes know this. It is about convenience, and ten years from now – if Madison County votes “wet” – it will still be about convenience.
BJP, now pull up the stats on non alcohol related crashes with fatalities. Anyone can make things seem really bad if they only give one side of the story. I guess the better thing to do would to ban cars and go back to the horse and buggy days, DUI problem solved. Madison being dry has never stopped one single person in this county from drinking or obtaining alcohol.
It’s kind of like people using crime stats for stricter gun control. They just forget to mention that 99% of the time it is not licensed law abiding citizens commiting the crimes, it’s the criminals. Look at New York and DC, you cannot legally own a gun yet they have some of the highest murder and gun crime rates in America.
To all those that vote NO!, please include your name, that way when I see you in GA buying your booze I can add you to my list of hypocrites! May even cutdown on the alcohol related accidents, think about that, I mean if I have to drive 30 miles to buy it instead of 5 miles, I’d be more inclined to have a drink or two on the way back. Think about that, I’m Marvin Webster!!!!!!
i agree with mister george and a little with catron. it is hard to comment on this issue without seeming way one sided. i am for it . madison yes. sorry i dont use spell check or write for two hours to say what i mean. oh yea i reckon to speak about religion is un avoidable the second coming has happened. jesus has been resurrected in several older folks in madison to lead us and to have full control of younger folks. since the saviors of madison walk among us their perception is at threat that is why they fight. 150 years of protecting madison….. has any one seen THE VILLAGE movie by m.night.
THANK YOU MISTER GEORGE
p.s. not really about alcohol about the trickle down effect
“Morality is the best of all devices for leading mankind by the nose”
Friedrich Nietzsche
Mighty fine group gathered around this post. Wish we could all sit down around a table with some sour mash and talk it out. Doubtful we would come to consensus, but the peasant would certainly enjoy the conversation.
Some decades from now, Feudal Lords may be like dentists: Nobody likes them, but everybody is looking for a good one!
Billy Joe , why don’t you take your message to Atlanta or Savannah & see how well you are received .
Another thought: Morality is NOT decided by majority vote.
Perspective:
1. 33 states have laws which allow local governments to prohibit the sale of liquor. Three states
are entirely dry by default (Kansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee). Counties specifically must
authorize the sale of alcohol in order for it to be legal and subject to staste liquor control laws.
2. Florida specifically allows counties to elect to go dry by public referendum.
3. Georgia specifically allows any local jurisdiction to go dry.
4. 17 states have laws which preclude the existence of any dry counties whatsoever.
5. There are four dry counties in Florida (Lafayette, Liberty, Madison, and Washington).
6. Cherokee County in Georgia (where Walaeka is located) is not identified as a “dry” locality.
After the ballots have been counted on August 28th those who voted will decide whether {1} Madison County remains a “dry” county and {2} if the vote is not to remain a dry county – if alcoholic beverages (beer, liquor, and wine) above the limit which can be sold in a dry county may be sold by (a) drink and package or (b) by package only.
The decision to vote and to decide on how to vote is personal.
Whatever the law is on August 29th, it should be enforced. ( It is better politics for Lowndes County deputiies to arrest Madison County voters on DUI charges than for Madison County law enforcement officers.)
@Billy Joe Parker:
What you may not understand about your Madison, Florida, audience is that we are not very welcoming to outsiders telling us how to live our lives.
We have listened to such “free advice” in the past and it has never turned out to be worth more than what we payed for it.
Talk to your fellow Georgians, instead.
We are glad George Pouliotte enjoys his beer and his job. It’s too bad that 660 of his fellow Florida citizens who were killed by DUI in AD 2010 will not be able to ever enjoy their lives or jobs again. It cost Florida $3.46 billion dollars to clean up the holocaust in lives and damages. $3.46 billion dollars taken from education, from teachers’ pay, and from low cost loans to help young people get started in business that will bring true freedom and prosperity. There are armies of George Pouliottes across the United States that have addicted themselves to alcohol, worship it as a god, think only of being a job slave for servile labor, and want their personal freedom that is deadly even to themselves to eat up the lives and happiness of others. Florida needs wisdom more than she needs alcohol and its hundreds of deaths that rob the state of billions of dollars. Florida and George Pouliotte need some good old fashioned common sense and enough love to stop the dying in Florida.
Billy Joe Parker
Georgia Prohibition
1143 Debord Drive
Waleska, Georgia 30183
THE USA’s NEED FOR A PROHIBITION AMENDMENT
10, 220 DUI deaths in the USA
Florida–660 DUI deaths Alabama–279 DUI deaths Tennessee–283 DUI deaths
$3.43 billion dollars $1.31 billion $1.33 billion
North Carolina–388 DUI deaths Georgia–298 DUI DEATHS South Carolina–357 DUI deaths
$1.9 billion dollars $1.46 billion dollars $1.74 billion dollars
Mr. Peasant,
this discussion is taking place within the context of Madison County, not some intellectually charged club devoted to the pursuit. of truth and beauty. We are, for the most part, simple folk who have for the most part seen hardship and suffering. We believe in our load Jesus Christ, and have dedicated ourselves to full time christian service.
Good point. The culture in Madison is decidedly christian in nature, however that does not trump the natural rights of others in the same community. The majority should never be permitted to dictate their values on the minority. They can suggest, persuade, or admonish, but passing laws benefiting one group over another is just plain wrong. The establishment clause was needed for this very reason. Interestingly enough, it was to prevent one group of christians from outlawing or restricting another group of christians.
I’m glad you keep mentioning the Beatitudes. They have long been held as the compendium of all Christ’s teachings; they are beautiful and rich with meaning. It is interesting to note that the Beatitudes did not originate with Jesus. The Essenes used the same or similar wording in writings found in the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran. Similar wisdom sayings can be found in Buddhist writings. My point here is that if the Christians in Madison County would understand that they do not hold the patent on morality, that other people and other religions share similar core values, perhaps we could all get along and be good neighbors.
I appreciate the discussion, brother Peasant.
Amen George, couldn’t have said it better myself!
Peasant , thank you for making your position very clear this time , sometimes I can’t figure out what you mean . I remember back to a question I asked you awhile back on economics & you indicated that you had farmland down state . That’s fine with me but I do not think you are the bottom of the economic spectrum that you at times talk about . I have come to believe you are quite well off & a limousine liberal . So why don’t you pour yourself some moonshine from a Madison producer or an Ezra & I will have a brandy . By the way , when you get your moonshine do you ever see any of the Madison church people there getting their jug filled ?
Sorry, was preparing a comment and somehow posted an early draft. Will review my mistake early tomorrow and attempt to offer more lucid comments.
Please forgive!
@Anonymous ™,
Thank you for your lucid comment. Naturally I find myself in agreement with many of your assertions. However, this discussion is taking place within the context of Madison County, not some intellectually charged club devoted to the pursuit. of truth and beauty. We are, for the most part, simple folk who have for the most part seen hardship and suffering. We believe in our load Jesus Christ, and have dedicated ourselves to full time christian service. This service includes the teachings found in the gospels. Reckon I need to post the relevant ones.
The text of St. Matthew runs as follows:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 3)
Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. (Verse 4)
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. (Verse 5)
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. (Verse 6)
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Verse 7)
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. (Verse 8)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Verse 9)
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Verse 10)
@ peasant.
Gonna have to disagree with you on this one, bro.
on a fundamental level, religion appears to be the only institution stepping forth and through the scripture showing how we all share a common faith, beliefs and nature.
Which religion does that? Historically religion is the most divisive concept in the world where there are some 33,000 different Christian denominations, all with different theologies, doctrines, and interpretations of ONE BOOK, it is prima facie evidence that NONE of them are receiving divine revelation from any one source.
The Religious Right has, for years, attempted a radical theocratic coup aimed at American politics. This flies in the face of the concepts put forth by classical liberalism and the founding of this country. Attempts have been made to re-write U.S. history based on providential and christian perspectives, and all are illegitimate (another word for outright lies).
The only political landscape that can allow for the peaceful co-existence between religious adherents and non-religious individuals is the concept of liberty inculcated within the Preamble, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
I agree with you that drunkenness is anathema to clear thinking. That’s a very good statement. That’s why we don’t make decisions while drunk! What you seem to be implying, and what most people will take away from that comment is, anyone who drinks is unable to think clearly. That is certainly an absurd notion and completely unfounded.
I also agree with you that the coming election will be about race and religion, and that is a sad, sad state of affairs that we have allowed our society to enter. It will take generations, or revolution, to correct our abdication of critical thinking to the auspices of the pulpit.
I have no problem with religion. However, I am violently opposed to any group of people who are bent on controlling other groups of people through violence. Collectively, we should be smarter than that. Let’s take back our brains and work together.
@George,
Using my old friend Tommy Greene, is a real give away to the weakness of your argument.
You see, the peasant knew Tommy for over 50 years. I loved him like a brother, but frankly his philosophy and world view was greatly out of touch with the reality before us. Enormous resources have and are being expended to create and enhance tribalism among our citizens. Yet, on a fundamental level, religion appears to be the only institution stepping forth and through the scripture showing how we all share a common faith, beliefs and nature. Religion and hope are powerful forces for those in despair. Demon rum and his cousins are anathema to clear thinking.
This issue and the fall race for the Whitehouse is gonna be about race and religion. Suggest you tighten up your seat belt and get ready.
Romney: I don’t like the left.
Obama: OK Mitt, I’m going to start hitting you with the right.
The peasant is gonna vote for Biden
And Obama might get a vote with that.
So be it!
Thank you, George.
The same tired old, illogical prohibition era arguments have been used for over 100 years. Sadly, they work because they are based on fear rather than truth. They are meant to energize the unaware who rely on the pulpit to tell them how to think. The current C.A.L.L. group are the ideological descendants of (the Women’s Christian Temperance Movement). A group who uses propaganda tactics that are designed to bypass the rational brain and appeal directly to the emotional mind. It is brainwashing, and it is abuse.
This issue is NOT about religion, it is about the freedom to buy and sell. It is about wrestling control from a group of people intent on forcing their antiquated ideals, their oppressive agendas, and tyrannical dictates within the borders of Madison County.
Very good George , the hypocracy is rampant in this county .