Drinking = trouble

Another sad headline:

Brenda Martin in and out of prison since parole 

Brenda Martin, a Canadian who spent two years in a Mexican prison for her part in a highly publicized case of money laundering and was later flown home in a government-chartered jet, has been in and out of prison since returning to Canada, a National Parole Board document shows.

This woman was incarcerated in a Mexican prison, then brought back to Canada to serve out her 5-year sentence. The sum of the story: she has been violating parole by getting intoxicated and getting into trouble. 

This is the time to get intensive counselling, as she appears to be suffering from many issues. If someone you love has these issues, talk to them. Her story is a sad one, one which must have profoundly affected her psyche.

Read more:

IN DEPTH: Brenda Martin

Freed from prison, Brenda Martin wants to go back to Mexico

Brenda Martin granted parole

Brenda Martin returns to Canada

In another story, intoxication landed a policewoman in trouble. She refused to leave the bar. The bar called police.There are questions around this issue: she was off-duty, does this impact her work?
Do police officers have a higher duty to keep the peace? Certainly, teachers have been fired for immoral behaviour.

Ottawa police officer arrested for intoxication 

Ottawa police have confirmed that a female sergeant was arrested Sunday night after refusing to leave a restaurant while she was intoxicated.

One would hope that the people around these women would help them find their way out. Tough love, an important concept. Many people have issues around alcohol.

And then, in a bizarre story:

Ontario bar hours extended for World Cup 

The Ontario government is allowing the rest of the province to follow Toronto's lead in extending legal drinking hours in bars and restaurants during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

What on earth are they thinking?
Far too many people raise hell after sports events, many unconnected, non-fans. Much antisocial behaviour happens while under the influence. Canada has a reputation to consider. There are sporting events people attend in some parts of the world where you know there will be injuries or even deaths.

I adore K'Naan's song, Wavin' Flag, he shows all that is good about living in Canada. A safer place than many parts of the country. A place that is sought by refugees, and those who want to escape the violence of their home country. During my last year teaching in Ottawa we studied him, his lyrics, and his message of peace. Ironic that he is connected to FIFA, while they want to extend bar hours.