What Are They? Drunk?

Share

By By KOMO Staff & News Services

Summary

We can't keep multiple DUI offenders off the road, but State Legislators want to give away free beer and wine samples at the store?

Story Published: Feb 15, 2005 at 12:04 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jul 24, 2009 at 11:49 AM PDT

What Are They? Drunk?
SEATTLE - Ah, the dichotomy of state politics.

Take alcohol, for example.

On one hand, lawmakers are just stumped when it comes to keeping drunk drivers off the road.

On the other hand, lawmakers are now finagling a way to hand out free wine and beer samples at supermarkets.

Makes one proud to be a citizen of this great state.

Legislators can't pass tough-enough laws to keep people with multiple DUI's from careening around on our roads and highways, but they are positively tickled with the idea of passing out merlot and pilsner to folks out shopping for their groceries.

State Senator Karen Keiser is quoted as saying she just so "confused" by all the different labels in the beer and wine section of her supermarket.

Her confusion led to SB 5682, which would allow really big supermarkets to pass out 2 ounce cups brimming with beer and/or wine.

Well, I'm also confused.

I'm confused about why lawmakers find it so easy to pimp for the liquor industry, but find it so hard to pass tougher DUI laws.

I'm confused about the dichotomy of state politics, where those smart enough to be elected to public office are too dumb to know what to do once they get there.

Want to share your thoughts with Ken Schram? You can e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com