Is being drunk an excuse? - Page 2 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

sprocket · 11-03-2004, 04:34 PM

Well I have this friend, who cant remember shit when he gets drunk. He is a complete alcoholic, and when he even gets the slightest buzz from *any* drug (not just alcohol), he cant remember shit. He gets fucked up every day and basically lives like the guy from the movie "memento". Thats what I call him, heheh. But he knows how he reacts to altered states of mind, as do most people (except for the first few times they get fucked up) they know how they will react to the drugs. So I'm inclined to say alcohol is not an excuse for most actions since most tend to know how they will react when drunk.

Cadwiz · 11-03-2004, 05:00 PM

Nope, not ever an excuse. Sometimesa contributing factor.

d*d · 11-04-2004, 03:20 AM

if your drunk, you do stupid things that you would NOT do sober - this is because the alchohol reduces our inhibitions. Only in the clear light of the sober day do we realise how stupid some of the actions, that while we drunk seemed perfectly acceptable, are. What other excuse do you have, you did because you were drunk.

this excuse I think holds toght for a multidude of social indiscretions and you will rightly be forgiven. More serious lapses of judgement - driving, cheating and so on are not and should not be tolerated, this is where handling alchohol in a RESPONSIBLE way comes in. Some people can't do this and should not be allowed to drink

little_tippler · 11-04-2004, 05:06 AM

It doesn't justify your actions, because you got drunk in the first place. But imagine this, you get in a stupid argument with someone when they're drunk and next morning they don't remember any of it, while you're still fuming...what do you do? Let it go? What else CAN you do?

11-04-2004, 05:14 AM

The things you do when you're drunk are the things you WANT to do when you're sober. Not remembering (or convincing yourself you don't remember) doesn't cut it, and is a nice easy way to slip into a pattern of harmful addiction.

william · 11-04-2004, 08:42 AM

Is being drunk an excuse? NO! It's not even an explanation, or a reason. You act like the fool because that's what you chose to do. It doesn't matter if you're driving or taking your shirt off at Mardi-Gras. As far as being less inhibited, grow up. If you won't do it sober, don't do it while drunk. And speak to your friends - they shouldn't let you do what you wouldn't admit to.

pinkie · 11-04-2004, 09:39 AM

Alcohol impairs your judgment, so, it IS an excuse for lack of judgement and motor skills. It also slows down the part of your brain that processes reason, making you all about emotional responses and a lack of precise motor skills. Again, it is an impairment and therefor can be an excuse.

However, I don’t think it excuses behavior while drunk, and that if someone has a problem with drinking responsibly, they should not drink at all. Ever. Accountability is the way to deal with problem drinking behavior. For most "problem drinkers," that means abstinence.

Conclusion: It's an excuse, but that doesn't excuse the behavior.

KinkyKiwi · 11-05-2004, 10:14 AM

if you cant control your actions when yoru drunk then for gods sake just dont get drunk! its no exuse.

Suave · 11-05-2004, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by william

Is being drunk an excuse? NO! It's not even an explanation, or a reason. You act like the fool because that's what you chose to do. It doesn't matter if you're driving or taking your shirt off at Mardi-Gras. As far as being less inhibited, grow up. If you won't do it sober, don't do it while drunk. And speak to your friends - they shouldn't let you do what you wouldn't admit to.

Have you ever actually been drunk? You certainly don't look like you speak from experience.

d*d: I think you provided a very good viewpoint on the topic. I agree.

water_boy1999 · 11-05-2004, 10:46 AM

Damn right it can be used as an excuse. Although I agree with the majority of the posts, I do have to say I have used it as an excuse and I have been exhonerated of my actions because of it's excuse. Example: I met a girl at a bar when I was pretty much 3 sheets to the wind. I remember getting her number at the end of the evening after we had a chance to get to know one another. I called her up and we ended up dating for a brief period of time. When we met for the second time, she was telling me things she had already told me before. She pointed out the fact that this was the second time and all I could say was, "Forgive me, I was inebriated at the time that I met you and I don't remember much of what was discussed." She wasn't offended at all. So yes, in some instances, it CAN be an excuse.

Now imagine: You leave a bar with your friend, get in the truck, drive home and on the way your friend sticks his head out the window where it is lopped off by a telephone support cable. You wake up the next morning, still drunk, not knowing how you got home but the police are there to arrest you......this is when you CANNOT use being drunk as an excuse.

In short, I guess being able to use 'drunk' as an excuse is situational.

11-05-2004, 10:56 AM

Your inhibitions are reduced sure, but those things you did are the same things you always wanted to do.

Things like sleeping with that girl, or punching that guy, or telling that home-truth, or whatever - all of those things are what you WANTED to do. You probably wouldn't dream of expressing those thoughts, which is where the beer kicks in.

So, if the shame of whatever action is based on whether you would admit to secretly wanting to perform that action, then being drunk is no excuse.

If the shame comes from the expression of a desire we are all quite happy to admit to having, but which we suppress for various reasons, then *maybe* being drunk is an excuse.

However, people getting drunk because it gives them the feeling of freedom to act with impunity really is a dangerous thing to do. So if in doubt, hold them responsible. What's the alternative? Taking Budweiser to court with a class action suit?

pinkie · 11-05-2004, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zen_tom

Your inhibitions are reduced sure, but those things you did are the same things you always wanted to do.

It is my experience that while sober, you want to do the right things. Make choices for yourself that are the safest, and in the best interest of yourself and others. That’s not always the case with someone who is drunk. They literally lose their ability to judge right from wrong because they’re running on impulses and not reasonable, rational, sober, thinking. Many of these people are called alcoholics. They have what seems to be a medical condition that shuts off their ability to know limitations with drinking. Not everyone is like this, but if you are, you should not drink.

There’s a reason why you’re not supposed to let your friends drive drunk. Because they don’t know any better at the time. Of course it’s an excuse. If it’s an excuse to take your friend’s life into your own hands, then it’s an excuse for behavior that was inexcusable. I know that sounds like a contradiction, but it makes since.

My best friend, and the father of my child killed himself in a one-vehicle drunk driving accident. His front driver’s side tire caught a steep embankment and the car flipped, throwing him from the vehicle 180 feet to his death in a field across from where his car flipped. His girlfriend had asked him to drive home, even though he’d called her to tell her he could not drive. Was his drunkenness the excuse for his accident? Yes. Would that accident have happened if he had been sober? Most likely not.

pinkie · 11-05-2004, 12:38 PM

P.S. I was not the girlfriend.

ironman · 11-05-2004, 01:14 PM

when i was 21 up to 25 i never had blackouts, no matter how much i drank, nowadays sometimes i can't remember shit, go figure...

solaron1 · 11-05-2004, 09:43 PM

I personally had maybe 3 sips of alcohol before my 21st birthday. And afterwards I still haven't drank that much. But about a week ago, I went way past my limit without even knowing it. The next morning I wake up, and find out I was saying alot of personal stuff about myself that night. The most personal thing I've ever said was, I really hated that movie.

I was drunk is a good excuse when you do something minor such as that.
However if you do something horrible its a good excuse to die by firing squad.

targus · 11-07-2004, 08:10 PM

the only acceptable excuse: Fuck, I don't know - I blacked out.

f6twister · 11-07-2004, 09:09 PM

You can search the news just about anywhere in the world and find a story about some drunk who woke up in jail and had no memory of:

Getting into that accident that killed an entire family, running over the guy in the crosswalk, robbing the gas station and blowing the head off the clerk, (fill in what ever situation you want here).

In every situation, "because I was drunk" has never held up in court nor will it in the future.

The words, "Drink in moderation" and "Drink responsibly" aren't put there so the drunk can laugh at the words later.

d*d · 11-08-2004, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zen_tom

Your inhibitions are reduced sure, but those things you did are the same things you always wanted to do.

Things like sleeping with that girl, or punching that guy, or telling that home-truth, or whatever - all of those things are what you WANTED to do. You probably wouldn't dream of expressing those thoughts, which is where the beer kicks in.

So, if the shame of whatever action is based on whether you would admit to secretly wanting to perform that action, then being drunk is no excuse.

If the shame comes from the expression of a desire we are all quite happy to admit to having, but which we suppress for various reasons, then *maybe* being drunk is an excuse.

However, people getting drunk because it gives them the feeling of freedom to act with impunity really is a dangerous thing to do. So if in doubt, hold them responsible. What's the alternative? Taking Budweiser to court with a class action suit?

I agree with what your saying but there are also descisions you make when drunk which may have nothing to do with "what you really want to do but are to shy when sober" such as the descion I made to try and give my key a gentle kick when it got stuck in my lock - busting the key and locking me out- my excuse"I WAS DRUNK" there is no way I would have done it or even wanted to do it sober

Dizzet · 11-08-2004, 02:03 AM

Well driving drunk is the worst... I have lost 2 freinds and have a now brain damaged cousin after an accident with a drunk driver... therefore i always is sober when im driving...

turbofish · 11-08-2004, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

What absolutely annoys me to no end, in this country, a person gets into a car, drunk, and goes to drive home (because they're a better driver when they are drunk), and gets into an accident and kills someone. What do they get charged with? Vehicular Manslaughter -- they were drunk and weren't in control of their actions...

It's no excuse... For anything... Unless someone poured the booze down their throat and then forced them to get into that car, they knew what they were doing. Drunkenness is just one more excuse in the wonderful world of "accept no responsibility". Always have something to blame.

I really can't understand that in the States... In Europe it's pretty much inconcivable (sp?) to drive drunk, yet in the states everyone seems to have a go... Wtf? Care to enlighten me what your thinking getting in to a car drunk?

d*d · 11-08-2004, 05:24 AM

I have noticed in american films and shows we get over here there seems to be no stigma attached to drink driving, people are often seen to be driving home from bars or parties

f6twister · 11-08-2004, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d*d

I agree with what your saying but there are also descisions you make when drunk which may have nothing to do with "what you really want to do but are to shy when sober" such as the descion I made to try and give my key a gentle kick when it got stuck in my lock - busting the key and locking me out- my excuse"I WAS DRUNK" there is no way I would have done it or even wanted to do it sober

Another good example of being responsible for your actions. Why did the key need a gentle kick? Was the lock stuck or were you unable to open a lock due to your level of intoxication? No matter what the reason was, you can't tell me that somewhere between not getting the lock open and kicking the key that something inside didn't say, "This is a very bad idea". Everyone, sober or drunk, should know that keys, locks and kicking only work in movies.

HockeyGuy · 11-08-2004, 06:45 PM

Nope, can't say that it counts as a valid excuse for me.
Everyone does things that they regret when they are drunk, wether remembered or not (i've had a few occations when i have balcked out) but still is no valid excuse.
my .02

chance · 11-08-2004, 06:58 PM

I hate the people that get drunk and act loony. My sister needs to be put in a straight jacket when she drinks. I hate to use the lame excuse "they are drunk", but what other conclusion should I come to.

arf · 11-09-2004, 04:48 AM

Hey all I live in Australia and drinking is pretty much part of the culture. I've been drinking since I've been 17 till now (i'm 23). Anyway through my years of experience i've learnt how to control my drinking, like I know when i've had enough to have fun and not to much to throw up everywhere. But in my young days my friends and I were use to drink way over our limits and it would sometimes end up a mess but we have fun (we use to get up to a lot of stupid stuff). I believe being drunk is an excuse maybe not a good one and definately not good enough for the law, but as people have said already being drunk lowers your inhibitions which makes you do things you wouldn't do if you were sober but still want to do. The key word there was drunk, when you are sober you have reasoning between things you want to do and things you should or shouldn't do. When your drunk that reasoning may dissapear (thats why it's a bad idea to drink and drive) so in a sense the excuse of I was drunk is right because being drunk removes that reasoning.

d*d · 11-10-2004, 02:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greedy75

Another good example of being responsible for your actions. Why did the key need a gentle kick? Was the lock stuck or were you unable to open a lock due to your level of intoxication? No matter what the reason was, you can't tell me that somewhere between not getting the lock open and kicking the key that something inside didn't say, "This is a very bad idea". Everyone, sober or drunk, should know that keys, locks and kicking only work in movies.

If my reasoning faculties were intact, I wouldn't have been drunk

NorCal_DC4 · 11-11-2004, 01:04 PM

Getting intoxicated is a concious act in most cases.
(Granted, there are exceptions like spiking a drink w/ GHB - but that's another disturbing issue.)

In the majority of cases, then intoxication is no longer a valid excuse.
It's only part of an explanation.

When it's by your own hand, being intoxicated does not mitigate culpability.

fatbob · 11-11-2004, 05:27 PM

hee hee i love getting drunk...i love doing daft mischievous things when i'm drunk but there is a huge difference between this and getting violent and dangerous or just down right evil. i also have been known to become over amorous when drunk which has not always gone down well with girlfriends...
i have a couple of friends who get become all testosterone when they are drunk and it really pisses me off. according to stats more than half of all violent crime is committed under the influence of alcohol...i tend to get either sleepy or really giggly (spelling?)

now if everyone smoked weed then we'd get rid of these problems and probably find solutions for all the worlds ills.

joeshoe · 11-12-2004, 11:19 PM

I usually don't consider negligence or ignorance to be good excuses. It may rationalize, but it doesn't justify.

Blackthorn · 11-13-2004, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

Now, I know you are teasing.. however.. Prohibition isn't the answer... because if you tell someone that they can't have it, makes them want it all the more. Drinking isn't evil, however some people become quite evil when tehy drink.

Drinking responsibily is something that people need to learn, though some never do. People should know what their limits are, and stop themselves from going beyond that point.

Video tape people when they're drunk, and make them watch the video, no, they aren't the best singer, no they aren't the funniest, or most charming, or best looking, or really anything but biggest fool when they are drunk....

Ehh -- I've spent too much time around drunks -- I'm not amused by it...

I seem to quote you often Mal but that's because we share similar views on a lot of topics. Being drunk is a symptom. It's NEVER an exucuse. Period.

macmanmike6100 · 11-13-2004, 06:59 PM

it's not an excuse but serves as part of an explanation.

Seething · 11-13-2004, 08:28 PM

I've done quite a bit of hardcore drinking, and will continue to do so. And every single time, my mind functions perfectly (almost), but things like vision and balance decline, and my little voice saying "Don't do that" completely disappears. Which actually makes for fun times during big parties. I'm normally a pretty reserved, shy person, so if I weren't drunk, I'd hate big parties. Drinking actually gets me up and talking to people. So in that respect, drinking is my enabler; something I wouldn't normally do, but within reason. I agree that being drunk is an explanation of your actions, but no way is it an excuse. Sure being drunk helps me be more social, but it doesn't make me start making out with every girl I see.

Clark · 11-13-2004, 09:11 PM

As some one who spent his 20's getting very drunk a lot of the time I was always aware of what I was doing and what I did I did. Being drunk is no excuse for anything. Well maby a hang over but that is it.

isis · 11-13-2004, 09:44 PM

I hit my face on a cab door. My excuse? I was drunk. You lose motor skills and perception. For inexcuseable behavior, its obviously not going to make you come out scot free.. but for sheer stupidity, its their fault for getting drunk. I mean, am I going to blame that cab door for coming out and hitting ME in the face? haha.

BigGov · 11-13-2004, 11:43 PM

It all depends on the person.

I personally have a very high tolerance and matabolism for alcohol and other drugs. I had about 18 beers in under 90 minutes less than two hours ago and I'm sober up pretty well right now and know I won't have a hangover tomorrow. I know when I am plastered off my ass I might let one or two things more slip than I would if I was sober, but other than that I talk and act about the same. I have never had to rely on the "I was drunk excuse", if I ever had been drunk and said something, I will correct myself in the morning by saying, "yes, that wasn't the best thing to say, but it is true."

From that respect, I simply do not know what people say when they cannot recall the next day, when they say, "I'm sorry, I was drunk." But I do have the ability to respect it as not everyone has the same tollerance/metabolism as I do.

Personally, I don't go and get pissed drunk in public where I could possibly offend someone else. If I ever get truely drunk off my ass, I do it in relative private where the only people I would come in contact with would be friends. I would recommend this to everyone because any true friend, in my opinion, should be able to say their fellings when they are so far drunk that they do not remember even starting drinking the night before.

TipsyMcStagger · 11-13-2004, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoSoup

A bit of background:

When people use the excuse "I was drunk" - is that really an excuse?

You're damn right it is. No, it's not an excuse, it's a fucking reason and a justification. It is my god given right to act like an ass and do stupid shit when I'm drunk. This question offends me.

Blackthorn · 11-14-2004, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TipsyMcStagger

You're damn right it is. No, it's not an excuse, it's a fucking reason and a justification. It is my god given right to act like an ass and do stupid shit when I'm drunk. This question offends me.

It's been nice knowing you...I predict a boom-stick in your not so distant future.

StormBerlin · 11-14-2004, 12:11 AM

It could totally be an excuse the first time you do something stupid, but once you learn from your mistake and don't drink that much again, then it is no longer an excuse. It isn't even a reason. If you know you will sleep with whoever when you drink too much, then you don't need to be drinking that much, and if you do then don't use "I was drunk, it wasn't my fault" line because it's bullshit.

SVT01Cobra · 11-14-2004, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoSoup

A bit of background:

Recently, I turned 21, which is the legal drinking age here. I have never really been an avid drinker, and probably drank heavily maybe 3-4 times a year, and even then wasn't really considered that drunk.

Anyway, on my 21st birthday I took an obsene amount of shots, probably more alchohol than I had in the past several years combined. I did get extraordinarily wasted, but still was aware of what I was doing and remembered it all the next day.

My question, based on my experience, is this:

When people use the excuse "I was drunk" - is that really an excuse?

Here is my thinking, I'm curious as to whether or not anyone else feels the same way. First of all, I don't believe it is an excuse simply based on the fact that if you are unable to take responsibility for your actions while drinking, you shouldn't be drinking at all. Secondly, although alchohol certainly lowers inhibitions, but you still know the consequences of your decisions. It ticks me off when people think that being drunk is the end all be all excuse for everything. I think that drinking allows one to do things that they would normally not have the guts to do... for better or worse.

On a side note, I realize that alchohol affects people differently. When I get drunk, I am usually pretty quiet and just revel in being drunk. However, when I do speak, I am quite certain that I am the most humorous guy on the planet. Others, unfortunately, are not quite as amused

It's not a good excuse, but it's a reason for why things happen.
They made a conscious decision to get drunk. What happens after that is completely their fault.

However, it's a perfectly good reason for why they acted like such an idiot.

hiro-acid · 11-14-2004, 03:20 AM

Consumption of alcohol impairs motor reflexes and judgement, everyone of atleast their teen years should be aware of this. So if you choose to drink, you're choosing to impair yourself, and are therefor responsible for the consequences you may reap (be it saying hello again to lunch, that giant cucumber in the bathroom [hellooooo tequila!], or the death of another vias-a-vie drunk driving). Never an acceptable excuse, only a reason..

Devin

11-03-2004, 04:34 PM	#41 (permalink)
sprocket Psycho Location: In transit	Well I have this friend, who cant remember shit when he gets drunk. He is a complete alcoholic, and when he even gets the slightest buzz from any drug (not just alcohol), he cant remember shit. He gets fucked up every day and basically lives like the guy from the movie "memento". Thats what I call him, heheh. But he knows how he reacts to altered states of mind, as do most people (except for the first few times they get fucked up) they know how they will react to the drugs. So I'm inclined to say alcohol is not an excuse for most actions since most tend to know how they will react when drunk. __________________ Remember, wherever you go... there you are.

11-03-2004, 05:00 PM	#42 (permalink)
Cadwiz Insane Location: work	Nope, not ever an excuse. Sometimesa contributing factor. __________________ Semper Fi

11-04-2004, 05:06 AM	#44 (permalink)
little_tippler Leaning against the -Sun- Super Moderator Location: on the other side	It doesn't justify your actions, because you got drunk in the first place. But imagine this, you get in a stupid argument with someone when they're drunk and next morning they don't remember any of it, while you're still fuming...what do you do? Let it go? What else CAN you do? __________________ Whether we write or speak or do but look We are ever unapparent. What we are Cannot be transfused into word or book. Our soul from us is infinitely far. However much we give our thoughts the will To be our soul and gesture it abroad, Our hearts are incommunicable still. In what we show ourselves we are ignored. The abyss from soul to soul cannot be bridged By any skill of thought or trick of seeming. Unto our very selves we are abridged When we would utter to our thought our being. We are our dreams of ourselves, souls by gleams, And each to each other dreams of others' dreams. Fernando Pessoa, 1918

11-05-2004, 10:14 AM	#48 (permalink)
KinkyKiwi "Without the fuzz" Location: ..too close for comfort..	if you cant control your actions when yoru drunk then for gods sake just dont get drunk! its no exuse. __________________ Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps. Play with each other. Play with yourselves. Just don't play with the squirrels, they bite.

11-05-2004, 10:46 AM	#50 (permalink)
water_boy1999 Fly em straight! Location: Above and Beyond	Damn right it can be used as an excuse. Although I agree with the majority of the posts, I do have to say I have used it as an excuse and I have been exhonerated of my actions because of it's excuse. Example: I met a girl at a bar when I was pretty much 3 sheets to the wind. I remember getting her number at the end of the evening after we had a chance to get to know one another. I called her up and we ended up dating for a brief period of time. When we met for the second time, she was telling me things she had already told me before. She pointed out the fact that this was the second time and all I could say was, "Forgive me, I was inebriated at the time that I met you and I don't remember much of what was discussed." She wasn't offended at all. So yes, in some instances, it CAN be an excuse. Now imagine: You leave a bar with your friend, get in the truck, drive home and on the way your friend sticks his head out the window where it is lopped off by a telephone support cable. You wake up the next morning, still drunk, not knowing how you got home but the police are there to arrest you......this is when you CANNOT use being drunk as an excuse. In short, I guess being able to use 'drunk' as an excuse is situational. __________________ Doh!!!! -Homer Simpson

11-04-2004, 03:20 AM	#43 (permalink)
d*d Addict	if your drunk, you do stupid things that you would NOT do sober - this is because the alchohol reduces our inhibitions. Only in the clear light of the sober day do we realise how stupid some of the actions, that while we drunk seemed perfectly acceptable, are. What other excuse do you have, you did because you were drunk. this excuse I think holds toght for a multidude of social indiscretions and you will rightly be forgiven. More serious lapses of judgement - driving, cheating and so on are not and should not be tolerated, this is where handling alchohol in a RESPONSIBLE way comes in. Some people can't do this and should not be allowed to drink

11-04-2004, 05:14 AM	#45 (permalink)
zen_tom Guest	The things you do when you're drunk are the things you WANT to do when you're sober. Not remembering (or convincing yourself you don't remember) doesn't cut it, and is a nice easy way to slip into a pattern of harmful addiction.

11-04-2004, 08:42 AM	#46 (permalink)
william Psycho	Is being drunk an excuse? NO! It's not even an explanation, or a reason. You act like the fool because that's what you chose to do. It doesn't matter if you're driving or taking your shirt off at Mardi-Gras. As far as being less inhibited, grow up. If you won't do it sober, don't do it while drunk. And speak to your friends - they shouldn't let you do what you wouldn't admit to.

11-04-2004, 09:39 AM	#47 (permalink)
pinkie Helplessly hoping Location: Above the stars	Alcohol impairs your judgment, so, it IS an excuse for lack of judgement and motor skills. It also slows down the part of your brain that processes reason, making you all about emotional responses and a lack of precise motor skills. Again, it is an impairment and therefor can be an excuse. However, I don’t think it excuses behavior while drunk, and that if someone has a problem with drinking responsibly, they should not drink at all. Ever. Accountability is the way to deal with problem drinking behavior. For most "problem drinkers," that means abstinence. Conclusion: It's an excuse, but that doesn't excuse the behavior.

11-05-2004, 10:56 AM	#51 (permalink)
zen_tom Guest	Your inhibitions are reduced sure, but those things you did are the same things you always wanted to do. Things like sleeping with that girl, or punching that guy, or telling that home-truth, or whatever - all of those things are what you WANTED to do. You probably wouldn't dream of expressing those thoughts, which is where the beer kicks in. So, if the shame of whatever action is based on whether you would admit to secretly wanting to perform that action, then being drunk is no excuse. If the shame comes from the expression of a desire we are all quite happy to admit to having, but which we suppress for various reasons, then maybe being drunk is an excuse. However, people getting drunk because it gives them the feeling of freedom to act with impunity really is a dangerous thing to do. So if in doubt, hold them responsible. What's the alternative? Taking Budweiser to court with a class action suit?

11-05-2004, 12:38 PM	#53 (permalink)
pinkie Helplessly hoping Location: Above the stars	P.S. I was not the girlfriend.

11-05-2004, 01:14 PM	#54 (permalink)
ironman Smithers, release the hounds Location: Guatemala, Guatemala	when i was 21 up to 25 i never had blackouts, no matter how much i drank, nowadays sometimes i can't remember shit, go figure... __________________ If I agreed with you we´d both be wrong

11-05-2004, 09:43 PM	#55 (permalink)
solaron1 Upright	I personally had maybe 3 sips of alcohol before my 21st birthday. And afterwards I still haven't drank that much. But about a week ago, I went way past my limit without even knowing it. The next morning I wake up, and find out I was saying alot of personal stuff about myself that night. The most personal thing I've ever said was, I really hated that movie. I was drunk is a good excuse when you do something minor such as that. However if you do something horrible its a good excuse to die by firing squad.

11-07-2004, 08:10 PM	#56 (permalink)
targus Upright	the only acceptable excuse: Fuck, I don't know - I blacked out.

11-07-2004, 09:09 PM	#57 (permalink)
f6twister Addict	You can search the news just about anywhere in the world and find a story about some drunk who woke up in jail and had no memory of: Getting into that accident that killed an entire family, running over the guy in the crosswalk, robbing the gas station and blowing the head off the clerk, (fill in what ever situation you want here). In every situation, "because I was drunk" has never held up in court nor will it in the future. The words, "Drink in moderation" and "Drink responsibly" aren't put there so the drunk can laugh at the words later. __________________ A little rudeness and disrespect can elevate a meaningless interaction to a battle of wills and add drama to an otherwise dull day. Calvin

11-08-2004, 02:03 AM	#59 (permalink)
Dizzet Psycho Location: Denmark	Well driving drunk is the worst... I have lost 2 freinds and have a now brain damaged cousin after an accident with a drunk driver... therefore i always is sober when im driving...

11-08-2004, 05:24 AM	#61 (permalink)
d*d Addict	I have noticed in american films and shows we get over here there seems to be no stigma attached to drink driving, people are often seen to be driving home from bars or parties

11-08-2004, 06:45 PM	#63 (permalink)
HockeyGuy Psycho Location: London, England	Nope, can't say that it counts as a valid excuse for me. Everyone does things that they regret when they are drunk, wether remembered or not (i've had a few occations when i have balcked out) but still is no valid excuse. my .02

11-08-2004, 06:58 PM	#64 (permalink)
chance Tilted	I hate the people that get drunk and act loony. My sister needs to be put in a straight jacket when she drinks. I hate to use the lame excuse "they are drunk", but what other conclusion should I come to.

11-09-2004, 04:48 AM	#65 (permalink)
arf Upright Location: Australia	Hey all I live in Australia and drinking is pretty much part of the culture. I've been drinking since I've been 17 till now (i'm 23). Anyway through my years of experience i've learnt how to control my drinking, like I know when i've had enough to have fun and not to much to throw up everywhere. But in my young days my friends and I were use to drink way over our limits and it would sometimes end up a mess but we have fun (we use to get up to a lot of stupid stuff). I believe being drunk is an excuse maybe not a good one and definately not good enough for the law, but as people have said already being drunk lowers your inhibitions which makes you do things you wouldn't do if you were sober but still want to do. The key word there was drunk, when you are sober you have reasoning between things you want to do and things you should or shouldn't do. When your drunk that reasoning may dissapear (thats why it's a bad idea to drink and drive) so in a sense the excuse of I was drunk is right because being drunk removes that reasoning.

11-11-2004, 01:04 PM	#67 (permalink)
NorCal_DC4 Upright Location: The Left Lane	Getting intoxicated is a concious act in most cases. (Granted, there are exceptions like spiking a drink w/ GHB - but that's another disturbing issue.) In the majority of cases, then intoxication is no longer a valid excuse. It's only part of an explanation. When it's by your own hand, being intoxicated does not mitigate culpability. __________________ Unfortunately Flammable

11-11-2004, 05:27 PM	#68 (permalink)
fatbob Insane Location: Edinburgh	hee hee i love getting drunk...i love doing daft mischievous things when i'm drunk but there is a huge difference between this and getting violent and dangerous or just down right evil. i also have been known to become over amorous when drunk which has not always gone down well with girlfriends... i have a couple of friends who get become all testosterone when they are drunk and it really pisses me off. according to stats more than half of all violent crime is committed under the influence of alcohol...i tend to get either sleepy or really giggly (spelling?) now if everyone smoked weed then we'd get rid of these problems and probably find solutions for all the worlds ills. __________________ change happens when those who don't normally speak get heard by those who don't normally listen.

11-12-2004, 11:19 PM	#69 (permalink)
joeshoe Crazy Location: California	I usually don't consider negligence or ignorance to be good excuses. It may rationalize, but it doesn't justify.

11-13-2004, 06:59 PM	#71 (permalink)
macmanmike6100 High Honorary Junkie Location: Tri-state.	it's not an excuse but serves as part of an explanation.

11-13-2004, 08:28 PM	#72 (permalink)
Seething Insane	I've done quite a bit of hardcore drinking, and will continue to do so. And every single time, my mind functions perfectly (almost), but things like vision and balance decline, and my little voice saying "Don't do that" completely disappears. Which actually makes for fun times during big parties. I'm normally a pretty reserved, shy person, so if I weren't drunk, I'd hate big parties. Drinking actually gets me up and talking to people. So in that respect, drinking is my enabler; something I wouldn't normally do, but within reason. I agree that being drunk is an explanation of your actions, but no way is it an excuse. Sure being drunk helps me be more social, but it doesn't make me start making out with every girl I see. __________________ Common sense is uncommon. Ironic, isn't it?

11-13-2004, 09:11 PM	#73 (permalink)
Clark Crazy Location: Pittsburgh	As some one who spent his 20's getting very drunk a lot of the time I was always aware of what I was doing and what I did I did. Being drunk is no excuse for anything. Well maby a hang over but that is it. __________________ Dyslexic please excuse the spelling.

11-13-2004, 09:44 PM	#74 (permalink)
isis Insane Location: In the Woods.	I hit my face on a cab door. My excuse? I was drunk. You lose motor skills and perception. For inexcuseable behavior, its obviously not going to make you come out scot free.. but for sheer stupidity, its their fault for getting drunk. I mean, am I going to blame that cab door for coming out and hitting ME in the face? haha.

11-13-2004, 11:43 PM	#75 (permalink)
BigGov WoW or Class... Location: UWW	It all depends on the person. I personally have a very high tolerance and matabolism for alcohol and other drugs. I had about 18 beers in under 90 minutes less than two hours ago and I'm sober up pretty well right now and know I won't have a hangover tomorrow. I know when I am plastered off my ass I might let one or two things more slip than I would if I was sober, but other than that I talk and act about the same. I have never had to rely on the "I was drunk excuse", if I ever had been drunk and said something, I will correct myself in the morning by saying, "yes, that wasn't the best thing to say, but it is true." From that respect, I simply do not know what people say when they cannot recall the next day, when they say, "I'm sorry, I was drunk." But I do have the ability to respect it as not everyone has the same tollerance/metabolism as I do. Personally, I don't go and get pissed drunk in public where I could possibly offend someone else. If I ever get truely drunk off my ass, I do it in relative private where the only people I would come in contact with would be friends. I would recommend this to everyone because any true friend, in my opinion, should be able to say their fellings when they are so far drunk that they do not remember even starting drinking the night before. __________________ One day an Englishman, a Scotsman, and an Irishman walked into a pub together. They each bought a pint of Guinness. Just as they were about to enjoy their creamy beverage, three flies landed in each of their pints. The Englishman pushed his beer away in disgust. The Scotsman fished the fly out of his beer and continued drinking it, as if nothing had happened. The Irishman, too, picked the fly out of his drink but then held it out over the beer and yelled "SPIT IT OUT, SPIT IT OUT, YOU BASTARD!"

11-14-2004, 12:11 AM	#78 (permalink)
StormBerlin Happy as a hippo Location: Southern California	It could totally be an excuse the first time you do something stupid, but once you learn from your mistake and don't drink that much again, then it is no longer an excuse. It isn't even a reason. If you know you will sleep with whoever when you drink too much, then you don't need to be drinking that much, and if you do then don't use "I was drunk, it wasn't my fault" line because it's bullshit. __________________ "if anal sex could get a girl pregnant i'd be tits deep in child support" Arcane

11-14-2004, 03:20 AM	#80 (permalink)
hiro-acid Upright Location: Middlanowhere, Canada	Consumption of alcohol impairs motor reflexes and judgement, everyone of atleast their teen years should be aware of this. So if you choose to drink, you're choosing to impair yourself, and are therefor responsible for the consequences you may reap (be it saying hello again to lunch, that giant cucumber in the bathroom [hellooooo tequila!], or the death of another vias-a-vie drunk driving). Never an acceptable excuse, only a reason.. Devin