Regarding the statement by an advice columnist that alcoholism is a disease: if it is, it is the only "disease" that kills and maims multitudes who do not themselves have the "disease" right along with those that do. According to an article in "Newsweek" alcohol is responsible for 30% of all suicides, 50% of all automobile fatalities, 60% of all child abuse, and 80% of all home violence.

It is the only "disease" that is bottled and canned, licensed by the state, and supposedly restricted to those of mature age. It is the only "disease" that is habit-forming and that is promoted on TV and radio. Why don't we call it by its proper name, SIN?

"Social drinking" seems to be generally accepted, but drunkenness is not. But where do the drunkards come from? From the ranks of the social drinkers, of course! No one ever expects to become an alcoholic. The person who drinks is surrendering the control of his life to a power that can destroy him, and in many cases it will.

The only sure way to keep from filling a drunkard's grave is not to drink at all. Think of the tragedy and heartache this world would have been spared if no one had ever taken the first drink!

I've read a lot lately about people's "rights" to possess and consume alcoholic beverages. Is that the only "right" that's important?

What about the person who is killed or maimed by a drunken driver? Didn't he have a right to life and happiness?

What about the victim of a crime committed by someone who was under the influence? Didn't he have rights?

What about the families of the policemen who go to settle drunken brawls and don't come back? Don't they have a right to husbands and fathers?

What about the little children who have to hide when Daddy comes home on Saturday night, and the wives with bruises and broken teeth and bones because Daddy gets mean when he drinks? What about the wives and children who lack the necessities of life because the husband and father drinks up his pay check? Don't they have rights? What about the little children who are locked in the house alone while Mama spends her time at the corner bar? Don't they have rights?

What about the parents of the girl who is kidnapped and assulted and maybe left in little pieces by a drink-crazed sex maniac? What about their rights?

What about the high liability and collision insurance rates that sober drivers have to pay because others drink and drive? What about the property owners who have to pay higher taxes because of crimes caused by alcohol? Don't we have rights?

Or are the people who want to drink the stuff the only ones who have any rights. And when they drink it, what good does it do them?