Thanks. I just get tired of people advocating that beer and wine is a "sinful" moral issue. Since when does an inert liquid become a moral crisis? Morality refers to the concept of human action which pertains to matters of right and wrong (Good and Evil if you will). Morality is based upon individual personal principles. It pains me to realize that today in our country individualism is viewed a truly irrelevant concept. This great republic was founded by great individuals who believed in the idea of true freedom. We are a republic not a democracy (MOB RULE). But I digress.

The issue at hand with alcohol by the drink is one of pure economics. Tourism is the main (some say the only) industry in Fannin County. We have the little quaint shops and the views to bring the people to us. But when you drive for 100 miles or more for the spectacular scenery do you really want to embark on the gastronomic conundrum of which burger place that you want to settle for. NO!! You want a juicy rib eye, you want some shrimp pasta, and you want a nice beer or glass of wine to go with it. The biggest problem that I have is that opponents of alcohol b-the-drink have no qualms about going to a restaurant in another county eating their steaks or chicken with sweet tea (some with beer or wine) in an establishment that sells alcohol. However, they for some reason do not want the same opportunity for Fannin County. I, being a native, cannot express how many times over the years I have overheard or even spoken with visitors to our great county inquiring as to where they can get a nice dinner and something to drink only to see the bewilderment come to their faces as they realize that its an afternoons journey to find the object of their desire. Its economics folks! Supply and Demand! The tourists demand the ability to have a drink if they wish, and it is the duty of the business leaders and county administrators to supply them with what they request.

That being said the idea that alcohol is a "sin" is such a farce that it pains me to even give attention to it. Alcohol is a lifeless substance. It has been on this earth since pre-history. Alcohol within itself cannot corrupt. It is a substance with out purpose other than drinking. To corrupt something must have a driving force a sense of self and a sense of others. However, I know that all of this is falling on deaf ears. I'm a believing Baptist myself, but I know that most parishioners in our local churches pay more attention to the church covenants and by-laws than what is found in the pages of the Bible.

The main thing to remember from this whole debate is that the United States of America was formed by people who wanted the opportunity to make individual decisions about their life and not be told by a controlling force. Many individuals like me want the same thing for the citizens and visitors to Fannin County. Give us all a chance to make a choice. If you feel strongly that you will not give money to a facility that sells alcohol then do just that. Stand up for your own individual principles and do not monetarily support a business. There will still be places that will not serve alcohol for you and others who believe as strongly as yourself to frequent.