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Comment of the week: in praise of alcohol Comment of the week: in praise of alcohol
(4 months later)
In a new series, Comment is free writers and editors want to highlight some of the best comments on the site. Each week, either an editor or the author of a recent piece will pick a comment that they think contributes to the debate. We'll get in touch with the commenter and ask them to expand a little on their post, as well as tell us some more about themselves. Hopefully, it will give staff and readers an opportunity to see how thought-provoking such contributions can be and allow great posts the chance to be seen by a wider audience.In a new series, Comment is free writers and editors want to highlight some of the best comments on the site. Each week, either an editor or the author of a recent piece will pick a comment that they think contributes to the debate. We'll get in touch with the commenter and ask them to expand a little on their post, as well as tell us some more about themselves. Hopefully, it will give staff and readers an opportunity to see how thought-provoking such contributions can be and allow great posts the chance to be seen by a wider audience.
In our second instalment of this series, Deborah Orr has picked a comment found below her piece on the problem with alcohol. The comment is by PhilipD:In our second instalment of this series, Deborah Orr has picked a comment found below her piece on the problem with alcohol. The comment is by PhilipD:
"Reading articles like this I often wonder if I'm alone in drinking because I … like the taste of alcohol. I don't find getting drunk all that pleasant or a good social prop (quite the opposite, I hate making a fool of myself because drink has dulled my social reactions). Because of its depressant effect I find I drink less when I'm feeling down than when I'm feeling good. I drink because I don't know of anything nicer than a rich red wine or port on a winter's evening, or a crisp, mineral white wine on a summer's day. I love the complexity and sharpness of a good IPA and the satisfying richness of a well poured stout. Any mix of fruit juices tastes vastly better with the body and kick of a clean-tasting vodka or tequila. Alcohol, like good food or fresh air or the smell of flowers, is just one of the things that makes a good life that bit better."
"Reading articles like this I often wonder if I'm alone in drinking because I … like the taste of alcohol. I don't find getting drunk all that pleasant or a good social prop (quite the opposite, I hate making a fool of myself because drink has dulled my social reactions). Because of its depressant effect I find I drink less when I'm feeling down than when I'm feeling good. I drink because I don't know of anything nicer than a rich red wine or port on a winter's evening, or a crisp, mineral white wine on a summer's day. I love the complexity and sharpness of a good IPA and the satisfying richness of a well poured stout. Any mix of fruit juices tastes vastly better with the body and kick of a clean-tasting vodka or tequila. Alcohol, like good food or fresh air or the smell of flowers, is just one of the things that makes a good life that bit better."
Orr explains why she chose this comment:Orr explains why she chose this comment:
"Writing articles like this, one often focuses too narrowly on one aspect of an issue. Obviously alcohol's only a problem when it's a problem. PhilipD's comment described the pure, sensual joy of alcohol – reading it was like having a cold gin and tonic on a warm spring evening. Which was a point sadly missing from the piece."
"Writing articles like this, one often focuses too narrowly on one aspect of an issue. Obviously alcohol's only a problem when it's a problem. PhilipD's comment described the pure, sensual joy of alcohol – reading it was like having a cold gin and tonic on a warm spring evening. Which was a point sadly missing from the piece."
PhilipD explains his reasons for commenting on Orr's piece, and tells us a bit about himself:PhilipD explains his reasons for commenting on Orr's piece, and tells us a bit about himself:
For how long have you commented on Comment is free?For how long have you commented on Comment is free?
On and off for about six years I think.On and off for about six years I think.
How would you describe the community of commenters you find here?How would you describe the community of commenters you find here?
Haha, can I be rude? Well, let's just say that the 20% or so who are smart and witty and insightful make up for the other 80%.Haha, can I be rude? Well, let's just say that the 20% or so who are smart and witty and insightful make up for the other 80%.
Why did you feel motivated to comment on this piece?Why did you feel motivated to comment on this piece?
I'm getting a bit tired of the self-righteousness developing around alcohol and its (undoubted) potential for harm. I just wanted to point out that most people are perfectly aware of its harm, but still drink because it's such a pleasant thing to do.I'm getting a bit tired of the self-righteousness developing around alcohol and its (undoubted) potential for harm. I just wanted to point out that most people are perfectly aware of its harm, but still drink because it's such a pleasant thing to do.
In regard to your comment highlighted here, do you feel you changed the conversation or moved the debate on?In regard to your comment highlighted here, do you feel you changed the conversation or moved the debate on?
I was surprised that it got so many recommends, so I think it did strike a chord.I was surprised that it got so many recommends, so I think it did strike a chord.
Where are you in the world?Where are you in the world?
I can see the Guinness brewery in Dublin from where I'm sitting right now.I can see the Guinness brewery in Dublin from where I'm sitting right now.
• Let us know your thoughts on this exchange in the comments below, and tell us whether it has given you a new insight into your drinking habits.• Let us know your thoughts on this exchange in the comments below, and tell us whether it has given you a new insight into your drinking habits.
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