Bad Economy = Booze = Crime?

Mike Paulus |

It’s no secret that bad economic conditions lead to bad behavior like crime and alcohol abuse … unless you’re the reporter who wrote this little piece for WEAU.com. In that case, it’s brand new news. From the article:

  • Local law enforcement officers say the depressing economy is making more people turn to alcohol.
  • Eau Claire County Sheriff Ron Cramer says it's tough to know why people drink because officers don't typically ask people that question when they're arrested.
  • But he says there's data showing an increase in drinking, most likely he says because of the tough times.

Indeed. And I’d like to add that recent data shows a remarkable spike in local moodiness, and startling numbers of people have been located down in the dumps. What can we do about it? Sheriff Cramer says people need to find a new outlet. WEAU.com quotes: "If people would go exercise instead of sit and drink, obviously we probably would see a lot less people involved in criminal activity." Once again, indeed. If only people could somehow realize that exercise is good and whiskey is bad.

OK seriously, I’m no expert, but it doesn’t seem like people who lose their job and turn to alcohol are doing it because they’ve never heard of jogging. I don’t think Sheriff Cramer is stupid, not at all, but this article sure doesn’t make him sound too savvy.

To sum up … duh.