On Thursday 30 July we all sat glued to our chairs listening to esteemed Professor Steve Allsop provide an insightful overview of the impact of drug and alcohol abuse on society and what we as parents, friends and members of the community can do.
A fascinating insight into drinking habits and how hugely influenced young adults are by what they see taking place around friends, school, family and their local community clubs.
An important message from Steve in that we should never judge those who may struggle with substance abuse. Risk factors which may influence their own personal journey with abuse include the environment, their individual circumstances, their family and their local community.
As quoted by Prof Steve on the day, I rewrite the famous speech by Mississippi legislator in 1952, Noah SS Sweat Jr. It's not an easy fix when it comes to saying yes or no to the role of alcohol in society, but what is important is that we support those who need our help and show them dignity through their struggles.
" My friends, I had not intended to discuss this controversial subject at this particular time. However, I want you to know that I do not shun controversy. On the contrary, I will take a stand on any issue at any time, regardless of how fraught with controversy it might be. You have asked me how I feel about whiskey. All right, here is how I feel about whiskey.
If when you say "whiskey" you mean the devil's brew, the poison scourge, the bloody monster, that defiles innocence, dethrones reason, destroys the home, creates misery and poverty, yea, literally takes the bread from the mouths of little children; if you mean the evil drink that topples the Christian man and woman from the pinnacle of righteous, gracious living into the bottomless pit of degradation and despair and shame and helplessness and hopelessness, then certainly I am against it.
But if when you say "whiskey" you mean the oil of conversation, the philosophic wine, the ale that is consumed when good fellows get together, that puts a song in their hearts and laughter on their lips, and the warm glow of contentment in their eyes; if you mean Christmas cheer; if you mean the stimulating drink that puts the spring in the old gentleman's step on a frosty, crispy morning; if you mean the drink which enables a man to magnify his joy, and his happiness, and to forget, if only for a little while, life's great tragedies, and heartaches, and sorrows; if you mean that drink, the sale of which pours into our treasuries untold millions of dollars, which are used to provide tender care for our little crippled children, our blind, our deaf, our dumb, our pitiful aged and infirm, to build highways and hospitals and schools, then certainly I am for it.
This is my stand. I will not retreat from it. I will not compromise."
