By Bart O’Sullivan, Guest Columnist
In response to a letter published in the March 29 edition of the Cherokee Scout with the headline, “Why interest in alcohol?” I feel compelled to offer a different view on the upcoming Music & Brews Event set for Saturday, April 22.
First off, I personally don’t believe that the leaders of our town are “pushing” anything. What I believe is that the town leaders were presented with a proposal to support local business in a fundraiser to support Shepherds Men.
Rather than chastise the town leaders, I would suggest that one should look at the whole story before commencing with the condemnation. Who is promoting the event, and why?
Perhaps if the writer were to take the time to look at the promoter, who in this case is Buck Bald Brewing, they would see through their support of numerous charities – including United Way of the Ocoee Region, Humane Society of Blue Ridge, Toys for Tots and Shepherds Men – that this company is so much more than just a brewery.
If you visit the Murphy location of Buck Bald Brewing, you will see numerous signs that say Shepherds Men 22. So who are they, and what does the “22” mean?
Shepherds Men is a nationally renowned nonprofit agency that since 2014 has raised nearly $7 million for veterans that have suffered traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress syndrome post 9/11. You would also see that all proceeds from this event will go to this cause.
There are many charities out there, but I can’t think of any group more deserving of our support than our veterans. And 22 represents the number of veterans who commit suicide on average every day. PTSD and TBI are as real as it gets.
I don’t believe people “stumbling around” in an inebriated state will be an issue. In my nearly 30 years as a resident of Murphy, and despite the fact that we have at least 11 establishments downtown where one can get inebriated, I’ve yet to encounter all those staggering people.
Not to mention the casino. I do believe they serve alcohol, too.
While I will agree that alcohol can be a problem for some people, I would say look at the number of arrests in our county involving alcohol and or drugs impairment, with 13 arrests from Feb. 1-28.
I would say the vast majority of adults who consume do so in a responsible fashion. People will drink, and that won’t change regardless of the venue.
So while, yes, there will be alcohol, there will also be celebration and camaraderie. Take the time to come hear some music, spend a few bucks for a worthy charity and fill your mind.
The writer is a resident of Murphy.