Befehl ist befehl in German literally translates to “order is order”, it means the same as “I may not like it, but it’s my job.” It is better known as the Nuremburg Defense because of the Nazi war criminals who tried to escape justice during the famous war trials by claiming they were “just following orders.” Maybe it’s just a case of befehl ist befehl, especially considering that her most recent statement about DUI checkpoints being ineffective is totally baseless. It’s as if she is angry because those only moderately under the influence may be inconvenienced by a sobriety test, but we know the real reason is she just wants customers to feel comfortable in their decision to drive mildly intoxicated.
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The Beverage Institute argues checkpoints are highly publicized, and easily avoided by the worst abusers of alcohol while inconveniencing moderate drinkers who drive legally. ~ MSNBC
She does work for the ABI, an association of restaurants that just happen to make the majority of their profits not from food, but alcohol sales. So this puts her in the unenviable position of having to defend those that drink and drive to and from these particular profit centers. While I am sure that they haven’t threatened to shoot her if she refuses to support the cause… one has to wonder if she is under duress, just greedy, or truly believes the party line.
I guess the answer really doesn’t matter because befehl ist befehl was a hollow defense then (the Nazi war criminals still hanged) and it still is now. Driving under the influence regardless of BAC is impaired driving, and using the excuse that one was not legally drunk rings just as hollow as befehl ist befehl when someone is dead because of an alcohol related accident.
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“moderate drinkers who drive legally”: It’s more of our culture of how it’s all about me. The only thing that matters is whether or not I get into legal trouble. If I can get away with drinking and driving, I’ve won the game; at least that’s the myth our society perpetuates, by doing such things as promoting this:
http://www.gadgettastic.com/2008/11/27/iphone-accessories-the-ibreath-alcohol-detector/
is considering the stigma and negative repercussions of getting a DUI. You are right, it’s all OK until someone gets caught or kills someone.
The breathalyzer I-phone concept is similar to this rade show trinket I was given a few months back.