![]() ![]() Instead of statesman, puppets of a wicked king like Nero arose, and finally the invaders from the North caught them with no suitable defense or defenders. The glories of the Republic, the Conquests by Caesar, the far-spread empire with its vast system of roads, the great schools, libraries, theatres and colossal athletic events - these were gradually caught in the mesh of wine. As Greece decayed and finally collapsed because an urbanized population who had been demoralized by venial priests who exalted wine above all else in their worship and feasting, even so did Rome slowly degenerate. "Who can know how far alcoholic beverages have gone in undermining government and in changing the balance of power among the nations of the world? Every nation since earliest historical records has grown great while its population was primarily rural, hence had neither time nor money with which to pay the costs involved in drinking alcoholic beverages. John Freeman in his book Shadow Over America notes the influence of alcohol on history: Moreover, the overall economic impact of alcohol abuse in America amounts to approximately $184.6 billion, which breaks down to nearly $638 for every man woman and child in the nation. As a producer of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, it's a leading cause of mental retardation. It significantly contributes to the top three causes of death: heart disease, cancer, and stroke. ![]() Alcohol is responsible for one quarter of all emergency room visits, one third of all suicides, and more than half of all homicides and acts of domestic violence. Nearly half of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Half of all adults have a family history of alcoholism or drinking problems. Approximately 18 million Americans have an alcohol problem. "If all the combined forces of hell should assemble in conclave and with them all the men on earth who hate and despise God, purity and virtue - if all the scum of the earth could mingle with the denizens of hell to try to think of the deadliest institution to home, church, and state, I tell you, the combined forces of hell could not conceive of or bring into being an institution that could touch the hem of the garment of the tavern to damn the home, mankind, womanhood, business, and everything good on earth."Īlthough Sunday's words would likely be dismissed by most today as the misguided remarks of a prohibitionist, they still prove true time and again. Years ago, the famous evangelist Billy Sunday described the destructive nature of alcoholic beverages when he said: Interestingly enough, alcohol is not identified as a significant contributing factor." It now appears that his Hollywood career may be in jeopardy - not because he was drunk, not because he was driving and putting people's lives at risk, but because of his remarks. Butler, executive director for the California Council on Alcohol Problems, has said: "Mel Gibson was arrested for drunk driving, and during the arrests made a number of anti-Semitic remarks. Much has been said of late about the Mel Gibson saga, but little has been mentioned about the way the event pertained to beverage alcohol. ![]()
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