Bryant As Y’s Hometown Foods owner Dusty Wise attempts to turn Brownsboro wet, this isn’t the time for selfrighteousness and misperceptions.

For some, alcohol is a dirty word. And those who oppose its mere existence would have the rest of us believe it’s one of the many tools of the devil.

Utter nonsense.

When personal convictions or preferences prohibit people from drinking any amount of alcohol, that’s understandable.

But to pervert Scripture and twist Christian theology (www.biblestudy.org) to justify opposing something as legitimate as a liquor election is deplorable.

Although I’m no longer associated with the denomination, I grew up in the Southern Baptist church. I’ve visited other denominations as well. I’ve heard all the arguments against alcohol, TV, radio, clothes, card games, and dancing.

And I dismiss them all.

Alcohol, as with many other things, must be handled responsibly. And what the Bible does teach is moderation.

To be sure, drinking in Jesus’ time was acceptable, and it’s acceptable today. Only the misguided claim otherwise.

Those on the other side of this argument know better.

Alcohol can be addictive. So can the Internet, TV, sports, sex, food, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and work.

Are we to believe, then, that we should not access the Web, watch TV, have sex, eat, take medicine, and go to work?

Of course not, because that would be silly and irrational. So is arguing against manufacturing, selling, buying, and consuming alcohol.

I can understand people with health issues not drinking or using any products that contain alcohol. I can understand people who just don’t like the taste of alcohol. I can understand those who just have no use for it.

But I will never understand those who demonize people who feel differently.

Furthermore, do people who rail against alcohol frequent restaurants that sell it? Do they have friends who drink? Do they have relatives who work in liquor stores or in businesses that otherwise sell alcohol? Obviously, people die from alcohol poisoning and drunk driving. Others become intoxicated and hurt people and property.

Does that mean Wise and his grocery store should be punished for the sins of others? Does that mean people who drink responsibly and never drive drunk or hurt anyone should be demonized?

No, it does not. So let’s stop with the judgmental attitude. What he’s trying to do is not unlike what’s being done in Bullard, Whitehouse, and Troup. Besides, most of Texas, according to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission, is wet. Brownsboro might as well get in on the action.

I’ve told Wise that I support this liquor petition, and that’s not going to change. I believe him when he tells me some in the community urged him to go wet. I also believe him when he says Brownsboro needs the tax revenue.

Anyone driving through town on State Highway 31 can see something has to be done about vacant commercial properties, deteriorating buildings, and bad roads.

What’s more, those who drink beer, wine and liquor are going to find it somewhere.

Turn Fork Package Store on Farm-to-Market Road 314 near Chandler is a popular place. But it’s not the only place.

Wet areas get plenty of business from drinkers who live in dry areas, which means tax dollars are being spent elsewhere.

They might as well get spent here, where they can do some good. Just don’t preach to us about a Bible mandate against alcohol.

Because, quite simply, it doesn’t exist.

Paul Bryant is managing editor of The Chandler & Brownsboro Statesman. In a 16-year career, he has been recognized by state press associations for investigative and political journalism, features writing, and photojournalism.