Member-only story
Government
The American Ocean of Booze
We are all swimming in it — that’s a problem
The last time I attended a football game in Washington, one of my fellow fans was wearing a cap reading, “Instant Asshole: Just Add Alcohol.” And add it he did. During the first three quarters of the game, the guy drank no fewer than six Budweisers. As the game progressed, his insightful analysis of the game became more colorful. Despite there being several children in the stands nearby, he dropped dozens of F-bombs and other obscenities and responded to any referee calls against Washington with the word “mother***ker”.
Our section of the stands included several people wearing the jerseys of Washington’s opponents that day. Although their team won, they didn’t do much cheering. Why? They were afraid that the drunk might start a fight after he suggested they leave the stadium in very graphic terms.
After the game, the drunk stood up, steadied himself, and headed for the exit. I wonder if he then poured himself into his car and attempted to drive home.
