Something fewer than 4,000 people have been killed by terrorists in the U.S.; most on September 11, 2006, but others in Oklahoma City, or by individual actions such as victims of the Unabomber. Each of those premature deaths is, of course, a tragedy.
However, something like 17,000 people are killed in alcohol-related traffic fatalities — each year.
17,000. Each year.
Friday night in downtown Denver, a drunk driver ran into a family as the parents — in a crosswalk with the green light — pushed a stroller carrying their two children across the intersection of 15th and Arapahoe streets. The mother, and two children ages 2 and 4 were killed. The father is recovering; as The Denver Post reported it: “Physically, he is doing well,” said Benny Samuels, spokeswoman for Denver Health. “Emotionally, he’s having a rough time.”
Well, I guess.
Saturday night on I-25 north of Santa Fe, a drunk driver going south in the northbound lanes hit a family returning from a soccer tournament in Bernalillo, New Mexico. The impact nearly separated the family’s van in two. The father, mother, two daughters and a stepdaughter were killed. The daughters were 11 and 10 and the stepdaughter 17. Another stepdaughter, age 15, survived. As reported by The Albuquerque Journal: “Arissa was recovering Sunday at St. Vincent Regional Medical Center from a broken left arm, fractured hip, and bruises to her head and chest— and from the loss of her three siblings, mother and stepfather.”
Well, I guess.
The New Mexico driver also died in the crash. The Denver driver, who fled the scene, is under arrest. Both were intoxicated. The New Mexico killer had five previous DWI arrests and a blood-alcohol content of 0.32.
17,000. Each and every year. Why does this madness continue? What is wrong with us?
Which type of terrorist are you more frightened of?
This is a very powerful entry. Thank you for putting it on your blog.