Drunk Driving

[bambam31 168]

I don't believe that driving drunk is a largely accepted social crime. I don't need or want to drink to be social, and I have no sympathy for anyone who gets a DWI. My own adult son got one once and I hoped they would throw the book at him! Don't get me wrong, I love him with all my heart, but how do you correct a wrong behavior? With discipline. Alcohol consumers have no business getting behind a wheel, and that goes for pot smokers as well. Anytime you are impaired mentally or emotionally (like right after the news of the death of a loved one, or a fight or intense argument with someone, after drug use, etc.)you should walk, not drive.

Patty,

With all due respect, I don't believe you're necessarily the most diverse subject sample or travel in the most diverse circles.

In many sectors of life, a person with a drunk driving charge is viewed much less harshly than say someone with a shoplifting charge - even though, the shoplifter didn't directly endanger the safety of the public.

Brad

[HeatherO 7]

In many sectors of life, a person with a drunk driving charge is viewed much less harshly than say someone with a shoplifting charge - even though, the shoplifter didn't directly endanger the safety of the public.

I think it all depends on the circles you run in as far as which is considered the bigger offense. Circles in which drinking is considered more of a social norm might consider it less of an offense than shoplifting.

The other side of the coin is that shoplifting on a small scale exacts a much smaller penalty legally than a drunk driving offense.

The majority of people I know would have much less sympathy for drinking and driving then shoplifting because of the potential for physical harm both to the driver and others.

[bambam31 168]

I think it all depends on the circles you run in as far as which is considered the bigger offense. Circles in which drinking is considered more of a social norm might consider it less of an offense than shoplifting.

The other side of the coin is that shoplifting on a small scale exacts a much smaller penalty legally than a drunk driving offense.

The majority of people I know would have much less sympathy for drinking and driving then shoplifting because of the potential for physical harm both to the driver and others.

Laws in every state are different, but both are 93 day misdemeanors here. Only thing that makes OWI a higher penalty are the fines and license sanctions.

I suppose it's probably true that if you're exposed to social drinking you may have a different take on which crime is worse. Perhaps a poll question has been born...

Brad