Comments on: The UK has a drinking problem https://www.isegoria.net/2010/04/the-uk-has-a-drinking-problem/ From the ancient Greek for equality in freedom of speech; an eclectic mix of thoughts, large and small Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:58:45 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6.1 By: Becky https://www.isegoria.net/2010/04/the-uk-has-a-drinking-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-144 Becky Sat, 10 Apr 2010 04:08:45 +0000 http://www.isegoria.net/?p=5233#comment-144 The lowest common denominator seems to be rule in dealing with societal problems today, or as I think Moynihan said, defining deviancy down.

That is what the attempt to control every and all behavior does. If the louts are normal, then that leaves those of us with self control and dignity as abnormal and to be chastised. Sumner’s when A and B get together to fix a problem with C (of which C does not ask for help) and make X pay for……………

]]> By: David Foster https://www.isegoria.net/2010/04/the-uk-has-a-drinking-problem/comment-page-1/#comment-129 David Foster Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:14:44 +0000 http://www.isegoria.net/?p=5233#comment-129 I feel sure that this is related, at a psychological level, to the regimentation & micromanagement of all aspects of life in the UK…see for example this.

I’m reminded once again of some lines from Walter Miller’s novel A Canticle for Leibowitz:

“To minimize suffering and to maximize security were natural and proper ends of society and Caesar. But then they became the only ends, somehow, and the only basis of law—a perversion. Inevitably, then, in seeking only them, we found only their opposites: maximum suffering and minimum security.”

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