Republicans, Choose a Leader, Not a Dictator
A recent op-ed said that Ron DeSantis could be the Republican winner. DeSantis has committed acts of abusing people, and these acts are consistent with those done by former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. DeSantis is using taxpayer money to transport immigrants without their understanding and depriving Florida students of a full education on how to get along with different people. Let him not repeat the mistakes of history.
Republicans, choose a leader, not a dictator.
— Dana Law
Leominster
Not all drinking is pandemic drinking
While the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly been stressful, it is misleading to say that it has “driven many Americans to drinking” and that “the binge drinking continues.”
The majority of adults who drink drink responsibly, and significant progress has been made in reducing harmful consumption.
More than 8 in 10 U.S. adults drink as much or less than they did pre-pandemic, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and adult binge drinking declined 6% from 2016 to 2020 . Additionally, in his 2022 Gallup poll, the American said he drank an average of 4 drinks per week in 2019, compared to 3.9 drinks in 2022.
It is also inaccurate to suggest that the recent increase in alcohol-related deaths is related to pandemic drinking. It explicitly states that it should not determine whether the estimate has changed over time.
The spirits industry is making further strides against alcohol abuse and in favor of targeted, evidence-based approaches such as screening by health professionals and simple interventions.
Raising alcohol taxes as a deterrent is misguided. A recent study found that higher alcohol taxes in Illinois did not reduce overall alcohol consumption, as consumers simply switched to cheaper products. The tax hike will unduly burden hospitality businesses that are slowly recovering amid new challenges such as inflation and staff shortages. These companies need help from legislators to create jobs and generate much-needed tax revenue.
Adults who consume alcohol should follow U.S. dietary guidelines that recommend limiting alcohol to one serving per day for women and two servings per day for men. Cocktails with friends at Zoom happy hours have been a great source of joy for many adults during the pandemic, but it’s important to talk to health care providers and seek resources (e.g. SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1 -800-662-HELP). If your drinking is affecting your relationships and daily life.
— Dr. Amanda Berger
Vice President of Science and Health
spirits council