Opinion: Defying logic produces grave consequences

I mean, if the logic is so clear that only one choice is feasible, surely no one would opt for another. Sad to say, that isn’t always the case.

If all choices were based on logic, no one would begin to smoke cigarettes. With all that is known about the effects on health of smoking and the difficulty of finding places where smoking is permitted, why would anyone start smoking?

I’m not talking about people who already smoke and don’t want to stop or haven’t been able to stop. I’m talking about that first cigarette. The choice can’t be based on anything resembling logic.

Twisted paths

The same can be said for drugs. It’s impossible that anyone can be unaware of the mountain of downsides of drug abuse. The ease of becoming addicted is common knowledge. To begin using illegal drugs that are virtually assured to hook the user defies logic.

Again, I’m not talking about those who might already be addicted to drugs. Addiction is a cruel master that gives up control only after a painful struggle. For many addicts, the control is powerful enough to stifle the logical choice to break the habit.

The human suffering, destruction of careers and normal lifestyles along with the violent crime and jail terms surrounding illegal drug activity should be powerful testimony to discourage starting a drug habit. Yet many still head down that twisted path. As a choice, it makes no logical sense.

Many other illogical choices are made that come back to haunt. The hasty decision to drop out of school comes to mind. Surely, anyone above the age of 12 knows the economic downside of facing the job market without at least a high school education.

Unlike illogical choices leading to addictions, electing to dropout of high school can be overcome. One can always find ways to get a high school diploma. Academic or technical college also is in the reach of most anyone motivated to improve their lives. Now that’s a logical choice.

Illogical driving

Forget for a moment that the lives of everyone riding in a car driven by a drunk driver are in peril, as are the lives of people in the cars it meets. If these threats don’t point to the folly, and thwart the decision to drive, the fact that the driver is equally in peril should. Besides, the choice to drive while impaired will likely be matched by the driver not using a potentially lifesaving seat belt.

In an era of heavy traffic that moves rapidly on complex roadways, it makes absolutely no logical sense for anyone to place themselves and others in jeopardy. Lately, media reports on serious accidents are indicating if alcohol was or was not involved. This is a good thing.

Dittos are in order for driving boats while drunk.

Automobiles, at least, have the advantage of marked roads with a host of lights and signs to help guide drivers, impaired or otherwise. Boats have no such clear paths and markers. Watercraft zig-zagging around the lake at fairly high speeds is a bit chancy under perfect conditions. Liquor fowls up the odds for a safe outing.

Booze and moving vehicles never go together; that’s logical.

Joe McAdoo is former chairman of the communication department at Drury University.[[In-content Ad]]