Unfortunately, the local news continues to address the issues of drunken driving and the catastrophes which follow.
Coincidentally, on the very day that Ms. Cook's past was investigated as part of a front page story ("Bishop called 2010 DUI arrest 'a major wake-up call,'" Jan. 31), I received a major wake-up call of my very own.
I was informed via email that the drunk driver who killed my son was due to be released from prison within the next 30 days. Originally sentenced to 10 years, the term was reduced to five. The judge's reasoning behind lessening his internment was that he perceived the defendant to be "a good man who made a mistake." All told, he will be free after serving less than three years.
Perhaps if those in the judicial system provided a far more serious deterrent for individuals who make the irresponsible decision to drive an automobile after drinking, maybe, just maybe, those who drink and drive would make a more rational, life-saving choice.
With that humane resolve, I know that those of us who are now and forever will be "victims" would hope many lives or just one life will be saved!
Christopher Cheswick, Taneytown