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Comment by rexgallorum2 | Hacker News Reader

Looks like the usual hatchetators are here to play.

Bars and pubs are not the same. Bars just serve alcohol, but pubs are public living rooms and centres of communal life. A pub is where life's milestones are celebrated, the departed are grieved, friendships are cemented, matches are made, and revolutions are plotted.

And some of us prefer the pleasures and pangs of gradual self-destruction to the quasi-religious cult of self-improvement.

Some of us truly our 'best selves' after a few pints of something dark and bitter.

I for one never trust anyone who doesn't drink.

Cheers!

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"And some of us prefer the pleasures and pangs of gradual self-destruction to the quasi-religious cult of self-improvement."

Bravo!

Hope I run into you in the pub! Cheers!

> I for one never trust anyone who doesn't drink.

And if they can't drink for medical reasons?

Medical and religious reasons are totally exempt in my book. Though I strongly recommend getting wasted on Raki with (Muslim) Turks. They have hollow legs. And it totally breaks down any preconceptions or irrational prejudices one might have. I once had a Pakistani Muslim over for Christmas dinner, and I offered him some single malt scotch. He said his duty to accept my hospitality outweighed his duty to abstain from alcohol. We had an excellent time. :)

But really if it's medical, it can't be helped. And if it is really a matter of faith, then abstinence is absolutely worthy of respect.

What’s your opinion on recovering alcoholics?

Known many, and that I respect as well. True alcoholism is an absolute monster, and the truth is that some people simply cannot stop once they start. Don't assume I think everyone should drink just for the sake of it--many people have excellent reasons for not doing so. Totally understandable. Many people who do not drink are beyond reproach.

And then some others are, well, Cathy/Kate from Steinbeck's 'East of Eden'.

Might change my original position to 'I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink without a good explanation such as a medical condition that precludes the enjoyment of the drink, religious convictions, or a history of or proclivity towards alcoholism. Sounds rather like an American prescription drug ad though.

They don’t have to deal with someone who are incapable of seeing people beyond their well-reasoned sobriety. I, for one, consider it a win.

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