1 min read

As a child of an alcoholic, I remember the pain my family endured while my father was actively drinking. I am proud to say he was able to obtain sobriety after years of hard work and with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Having a beer is pleasant for many, and many do not become alcoholics from doing so. However, as countless individuals whose lives and those of their loved ones can attest, alcohol can be a destructive source. It is perplexing, then, that the this newspaper chose to highlight the designation of a day in our state as a Maine Beer Day (“Raise a glass on what should be Maine Beer Day,” July 1) to dovetail with National Beer Day.

When I think of days designated for celebrating, I think of honoring or memorializing veterans, Native Americans, religious holidays, parents, freedom from slavery and so forth. I question the logic of declaring a day for a beverage that causes untold pain to many.

In the 1980s, the D.A.R.E. program was initiated in our schools to educate students about the harm drugs and alcohol could lead to. I would hope that we have gained some sensibility in the 40-plus years since about glorifying an oft-ruinous beverage.

Words in the op-ed include “…(beers) are not just enjoyed, but are deeply admired.” Though the taste of beer may be admired, there is nothing admirable about the adverse effects alcohol can have on our society.

Lucy Webb Hardy
Wells

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.