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Ash L. Brigham

Our Founding Fore-Fathers

by Ash L. Brigham []
Published on 14/11/06 in Culture
Have you ever wondered why America has one of the highest records for drunk driving accidents? Well, maybe it goes back to our roots.
Americans are the rebels of Old England, which is only so far from the truth. Our Pilgrims and run-aways wanted freedom, so they set out for new land. But is it just a coincedance that it just so happens that all of those people who came to the New Land were either young adults with no planned futures or dirt poor dead beats? It was once said that in the worst of times, those who had it rough would drink themselves into bliss and then were somehow convinced by the bastards who wanted them off their land to brave the seas and start a new life. Alcoholics started our colonies. It was also said that the first five or so colonies failed because we couldn't communicate and settle our differences.
    Have you ever wondered why America has one of the highest records for drunk driving accidents? Well, maybe it goes back to our roots.
    Americans are the rebels of Old England, which is only so far from the truth. Our Pilgrims and run-aways wanted freedom, so they set out for new land. But is it just a coincedance that it just so happens that all of those people who came to the New Land were either young adults with no planned futures or dirt poor dead beats? It was once said that in the worst of times, those who had it rough would drink themselves into bliss and then were somehow convinced by the bastards who wanted them off their land to brave the seas and start a new life. Alcoholics started our colonies. It was also said that the first five or so colonies failed because we couldn't communicate and settle our differences.
    If you think about how America has a higher drinking age than any other country, and yet we still have a high driving accident count tied to drinking, you might start to wonder. Every other country has a lower drinking age, less strict driving laws, and less car accidents. It's almost as if when America became the mixing pot, all the other alcoholics also decided to come join all of the rebels. Though not to say that other countries don't have corruption, America seems to be the epitome of it because when people who are cornered in their life hear "a new beginning", they think "Hot damn, I can escape the law!". Everyone sees this place as an escape route, and soon lose sight of ambition in their struggle. For example, New Amsterdam, Los Angles, or anywhere in California, we are notorious for going against the ideas of every other country, because that's why our ancestors came here.
    Getting back to the alcoholic founders of America, you may now question the credibility of our "Land of the Free".

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2 Comments

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ada

Another Drunk American
Listen up, you tit. From this American's point of view, you really ought to consider the car-to-person ratio as well if you're going to cast such opinions. Simply put, there are more cars here, more miles (or 1.61km increments) driven yearly, and very certainly, much longer distances needed to travel in order to lead the same fulfilling life as our European counterparts. While I do not condone driving under the influence of alcohol, you need to be aware that over here, the popular watering holes may be 15 miles or more away. Much farther than a quick jaunt, sojourn, or taxi ride would prove sensible to undertake. ("Yes, Mr. Cabbie, I'm completely snockered, and I need you to take me home. Where, you ask? Oh, it's 30 miles east of here.")

Drinking in the US is not the same as in Europe. Folks there and in the UK cannot grasp the enormity of this country, the express need for cars, and (it would seem) the subsequently higher rate of drunk-driving accidents/fatilities. We don't all have the luxury of stumbling home around the corner after a night at the bar. And certainly we don't all have the intelligence to make wise decisions. The temptation is much greater because the need to drive is so very much more prevalant. Written on 8/12/06

Caribou48

Alex Paterson

How then would you explain Canada?
I think thats a rather good argument. Canada has far greater distances to travel. Probably more cars per capita and less drunk driving accidents.
I have of course not looked into this at all , but I am sure some boffin will either prove or disprove my stats.
I wonder, is Canada the exemption because we didn't rebel?

Ahh I caved and looked at some stats. Road fatalities in the USA, 85% had Alcohol in the blood , in Canada only 65%.
I dont think its how far away the bar is. Its the fact people want to get drunk, more than they want to act responsibly.
Some country's are just better at convincing/educating people to take Cabs or have D.D's. I think it's Cultural myself. I have lived 15 years in Canada and 10 in the UK.
Drunk Driving is just accepted more in North America and apparently more in USA. Sad really
thats my 2 cents, or 1.21 pence Written on 8/12/06

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