It's deeply sad to see that George Best has passed away - the alcoholism that ravished and destroyed his liver has now taken his life. He made the great error of allowing drink to take more from him, then he took from it. Last night new licensing laws came into effect, surrounded with controversy and insinuation. Fears abound that the violence and aggression that so often result from a night on the lash will rise, and shocking figures are summoned to tarnish drinkers. Apparently, drunkenness creates the lairy and intolerable.
I believe that something is missing from this debate: the positive case for drinking. Whereas an alcoholic wastes precious drinking time at meetings, a drunk does not. A drunk drinks, to establish a glorious drunkenness where strangers become friends, and adventures begin. The great social lubricant - responsible for so many of our great times, and our loves - kicks into gear to provide inspiration and unapologetic leisure. The Productive Drunk is responsible, choosing to drink, choosing to get drunk. Drunkenness makes us happy, friendly and open to the beauties of life. Wine falls like sunshine, nudging us gently into the glorious state of intoxication.
For those of us who write, create, and think for a living drunkenness increases our productivity. It permits perspective, creates escape, and motivates the spark of enterprise. If is a treasured input, as it has been for so many great people. The bottle is the passion of the genius, the fuel that quenches the thirst of discovery.
When alcohol consumption is being discussed, alongside the apologists and the prohibitionists link to The Productive Drunk^. We are activists who praise drinking. We speak up for the silent majority - for those who want to enjoy a quiet pint without feeling guilt, and for those who just want to go out and get shit-faced. Cheers!
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