What in the world?

I AM NOT A PRUDE!! There, I needed to say that and get it off my chest. Consider this post to be 90% ranting and 10% musing... In 70+ posts, this is my first fueled by outrage. Hopefully it will be a long time till my next rant.

We were pulling out of a local business on Saturday and I noticed a sign across the street in front of a beer and soda distributor. The sign was promoting their special on a 30 pack of beer. The headline read, "Family Pack" then the product, size, and price.... I thought, (What a deal!) All I could think of was the controversial "Joe Camel" cartoon character that was used in cigarette advertising years ago. You remember the character that seemed to appeal to children and youth.

Since when did using the family unit become a tool for selling alcohol. I must have missed that revolution. I don't drink and really have no objections to anyone who does. It is a personal decision. But really, is it ethical to use the word "Family" in your distribution of a substance that has been the demise of more families than one can count in a month of Sundays?

I'm not naive to think that many family get togethers do include adult beverages. However, in my mind's eye, I see infants and children dealing with the aftermath of parents with hangovers, angry outbursts, broken marriages, and money spent on alcohol rather than clothing, healthy food, and proper healthcare.

If the reports are true that Mifflin county is one of the poorest counties in the state, (One of the top three poorest) then something needs to be said to address this vicious cycle of dysfunction that will never allow people freedom from such treacherous legal drugs of consumption.

While I'm on the ranting crazy train, I took notice of a shop that sells tobacco of all kinds and the parking lot was jam packed. Another black hole where money gets absorbed never to benefit one's family, health, and welfare. Addictions seem to be quite healthy in our town.

"And God spoke all these words: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of

the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an

idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You

shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God,

punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who

hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my

commandments." (Exodus 20:1-6, NIV) [My emphasis added)

Not sure if consuming alcohol or using tobacco constitutes an idol, but using these substances can certainly diminish our societal health and absorb tax money for increased police coverage, court costs, and in some cases incarceration (Not to mention healthcare costs).

PS: The advertising tag line, "Drink Responsibly" is an oxy-moron. Alcohol lowers our inhibitions and sound judgment so "Drink Responsibly" sounds nice but is rarely ever realized.

Okay, I'm done ranting and my outrage is slightly less now than yesterday. Pray for me as I deal with my judgmental spirit.