It struck me as interesting during an interview last week in regards to a planned article on domestic violence that its not alcohol that triggers such violence, but issues of power and control.

The abuse of alcohol messes up enough lives without being the prime mover of violence behind closed doors.

Its almost ironic that alcohol plays such a huge role in the lives of persons throughout the United States, throughout the world. And, stated bluntly, that role often dips into the negative spectrum.

Its often said, regularly in jocular tones, that you cant tell a 16-year-old anything. Many that age, at least during a temporary phase of life, know all the answers and want little input other than from peers.

Unfortunately, many youth first encounter alcohol at about that age and a higher percentage than commonly is thought do not drift far from the bottle as their years progress.

The fear of becoming physically addicted to alcohol can deter some from abusing drink, and yet addiction, though the most extreme negative consequence, is only one of many harms alcohol can induce to the human body.

Still, alcohol consumption remains the norm.

Dave Duncan, a worker for Safe Harbors, made a comment during the domestic violence interview that seems apropos to this discussion. He said domestic violence has become a cultural norm, yet expresses his hope that, through increased education and other means, the next generation wont have to operate under the same cultural norm as is witnessed today.

But chances of lowering the incidence of domestic violence seem far greater than making major cutbacks on negative impacts resulting from disrespecting, even abusing the right of alcohol consumption.

Look at facts that: Prohibition from 1920-1933 created outlaws of previously law-abiding citizens and opened gaping holes for organized corruption to flourish; alcohol-related traffic deaths can amount to as high as 40 percent of all traffic deaths; alcohol can hinder heart, liver, and brain health.

And yet not one of those compelling factors, as a whole, even hints that the cultural norm of excessive alcohol drinking will slow.

And for what purpose would we Americans, as generic human beings, even want to drink less?

Being a drinker (of moderation, of course) much of my life, I cannot begin to share the wonderful memories Ive encountered courtesy of alcohol.

For instance, there was the occasion when a close buddy and I sat in a Seattle pub and drank freely while enjoying an NCAA championship basketball game many years back. Well aware of my limitations, I decided not to drive home that night and instead slept on a couch in the home of my friend and his wife.

Being from Wallowa County and knowing how well I could operate a vehicle in an intoxicated condition I, alone, drove my car in the general direction of his house. However, even in those days finding parking within walking distance of any Seattle residence was a challenge.

I slept very well that night, but it wasnt until late the following afternoon before I finally discovered where I had parked my car.

Hangovers can be a challenge, but easily skirted if one makes the decision to kill that pain with more alcohol.

Of course there are the stalwarts who argue that, from a medical standpoint, its beneficial to drink one glass of wine for dinner each night.

I certainly dont disagree, nor am I opposed to six glasses of wine per night if thats what the person chooses.

God gave all of us free will, and far be it from me to attempt to infringe on the free will of another.

Jabberwock II columnist Rocky Wilson is a reporter for the Chieftain.