Regarding Burgetta Eplin Wheeler's Jan. 27 column "Driving home the dangers of drinking": When living in the United States, I had a special pact with my daughters that they could call me at any time in the night when the boy with whom they would be riding had something to drink. I also promised not to express any irritation or critique when they would call me at 3 a.m.
When living in Germany, the German authorities knew when parties would be held and where. They cordoned it with police cars and checked everyone. Yes, some freedoms were lost, but no one died. The Germans would also take away your license for two years when caught driving while drunk, all people, no pardon, no attorneys could change that. At the second time, you lost your license for five years or forever.
No one loses his or her freedom when life and death is at stake.
