• It's time to get mad at MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)

  • Sadly, I received an email regarding this petition stating that it was an "internet hoax." I think this is sad that someone could do something so horrible with something that has great potential to make a positive difference in our world. I also think it is sad that MADD (their response) does not take the opportunity to take advantage of how widespread this has gotten. MADD states there is not a specific call to action. I read in the petition that it was supposed to be sent to George Bush in the White House. Is that not a call to action?

    It would appear that MADD really only cares about drunk drivers whom are rich or important people (and that is a total shame since all people are important to the world, regardless of financial status).

I received this email (midway down this page) today (Wednesday, March 28, 2001). I read with earnest the original message. I decided to put it on all my websites.

When I was younger and living at home, my parents had a full liquor cabinet.

They also had several guns which were not locked up. I was also like the kids in Columbine (Colorado), San Diego (California), and Paducah (Kentucky). I understand what those whom shot their fellow peers must be feeling. I often think what if I had the bravery to do the same thing, would things be different for me?

I know the answer is no and I do feel for the classmates whom lost friends.

I do not condone in any facet the actions of violence to solve a problem as you see it never does. It only serves as a temporary blanket.

But, I also had parents whom cared enough to educate me regarding the use of guns and the effects of violence.

These same parents whom talked about the effects of violence also talked about the effects of drinking and driving. I was allowed to drink anything that I wished from that liquor cabinet but on one condition:

• I had to give up the car keys until they felt I was sober.

Even though my parents communicated the dangerous pitfalls of drinking and driving, I still did it once I was legal to drink (at age 21).

Yes, I ignored their words of wisdom. The fact that my parents never got off that bandwagon makes me proud and now having 1 half brother (15) and soon to have 3 step brothers (7, 11, 17); I feel it is important to re-iterate what I have been told. I have even volunteered my experience growing up, my actions as listed below, admitted my stupidity, and my lack of concern for others and for myself.

There are no pills like Paxil or Ritalin or Lithium to solve this problem. The only chance to solve it is through communication. And remember, nothing is guaranteed but to not try is the biggest crime of all.

• I can't tell you how many times I drove drunk between 1992 and 1998 when living in Dallas and Austin, Texas. I can't remember.
• I can tell you, however, that I was lucky enough to not be caught; I was lucky not to have caused anyone injury or death, and I was lucky not to have caused property damage.

Anytime you lose a friend, family member, or other loved one for any reason hurts and we often think how it could have been prevented. What we could have said or done. But, it is too late and we often grieve, become bitter, and withdrawn.

I challenge you to stand up, be heard, speak from your heart, and speak to others.

Needless deaths are a tragedy when a few words or simple action could have prevent them.

The letter below is from a young person to her mother but I think it should apply to anyone.

I Went To A Party, Mom

I went to a party,
And remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mom.

So I had a sprite instead.
I felt proud of myself,
The way you said I would,
That I didn't drink and drive,
Though some friends said I should.

I made a healthy choice,
And your advice to me was right,
The party finally ended,
And the kids drove out of sight.
I got into my car,
Sure to get home in one piece,
I never knew what was coming, Mom
Something I expected least.

Now I'm lying on the pavement,
And I hear the policeman say,
The kid that caused this wreck was drunk,
Mom, his voice seems far away.
My own blood's all around me,
As I try hard not to cry.
I can hear the paramedic say,
This girl is going to die.
I'm sure the guy had no idea,
While he was flying high,
Because he chose to drink and drive,
Now I would have to die.

So why do people do it, Mom
Knowing that it ruins lives?
And now the pain is cutting me,
Like a hundred stabbing knives.
Tell sister not to be afraid, Mom
Tell daddy to be brave,
And when I go to heaven,
Put Daddy's Girl on my grave.
Someone should have taught him,
That its wrong to drink and drive.

Maybe if his parents had,
I'd still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, Mom
I'm getting really scared.
These are my final moments,
And I'm so unprepared.
I wish that you could hold me Mom,
As I lie here and die.
I wish that I could say I love you, Mom
So I love you and good-bye.

I must say that many parents today are very poor (and I don't mean financially though some probably are). They talk of "family values." Somehow, I think the concern to get as much material possessions as possible has overwhelmed the need to raise kids and is not the meaning of "family values."

• The need to communicate (meaning to talk not BITCH or yell and to LISTEN).

• They don't talk to their kids about the guns that are lying around the house and not locked up (and just think if some had, Columbine (Colorado), Paducah (Kentucky), and San Diego (California) may not have happened or been less of a tragedy).

• They don't talk to their kids about the time their kids caught them making fun of the neighbor next door or unemployed Aunt Gladys.

• They don't talk about the need to NOT drink and drive.

• Yes, there is no guarantee that the kids will listen and follow your instructions. But, to not even try is a bigger crime. Punishing after the fact doesn't bring the dead back.

• The excuse is to blame human nature or the media (including music, TV, and movies). True, these mediums sometimes glorify drunk driving and violence. Guess what? You, the parents whom claim "family values" can make a difference.

The answer is very simply. Take some responsibility for the life or lives that you have brought into this world.

• If you can't do that, put the kids up for adoption.

• If the thought of giving up your kids pains you (and it should) and you can't bear to do that, then either practice abstinence (i.e. not having sex) or using safe sex (condoms AND birth control pills).

WE WANT 5,000+ SIGNATURES, THEN TO PASS IT ON TO THE PRESIDENT.

*Note: as a resident of Austin, Texas, I must be honest in stating I don't think George Bush really cares (Republicans generally, typically, and usually care only about the RICH people and BUSINESSES. They often talk of "family values" when it comes to excluding people because of sexual or religious preferences but never talk of "family values" when it comes to taking responsibilities to yourself and to your kids).

If you don't believe me, think back to the 1980's and the first couple of years of the 1990's. Think about whom prospered. Read online articles about this period of time.

I am not saying that the Democrats are better, worse, or the same. I am talking about the Republicans since they are the party in power. Looking at what the Democrats have done or not done would not typify the current situation.

I am not trying to make you see anything but the reality of the situation as MADD is doing with this petition.

Think for yourself for a change. If you believe something, follow it. Don't give up. Don't let the world keep you from achieving your goals.

PLEASE, sign and distribute this petition. If you are the 5000th person to sign it, and return it to:

MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving)
P.O. Box 541688
Dallas, TX 75354-1688
[email protected]
800-GET-MADD

How to start your own MADD to 5000 petition:

1. Copy the text from the title, I Went To A Party, Mom, to the end of the page. using CTRL + C  (the control key and the C key at the same time) (begin the highlight using the first word, I and holding down the SHIFT key and then highlighting the last word at the bottom of this page, removing my opinion if you like. Be sure to include the contact information for MADD).
2. Paste into a new email by using CTRL + V (the control key and the V key at the same time)
3. Start the petition by signing your name at the bottom of the pasted information.
4. Forward this to everyone you know, instructing them to forward the message to all they know.
5. This is important. Needless deaths due to lack of consciousness is no excuse.

If you have any comments or questions, please don't hesitate to contact me: [email protected] and be sure to READ the disclaimer.

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