For many years prior to my reverting to Islam, alcohol was a very big part of my life. There was always alcohol at social functions even state functions and office celebrations. Alcohol was a daily occurrence with meals. A few drinks with co-workers and contemporaries was very much a part of life.
I can honestly say i never got drunk deliberately. But, there were more then just a few occasions during which my alcohol tolerance was lower than I expected.
So, my answer to the poll is yes. but, that does not change my opinion about drunk driving. I do classify drunk drivers as murderers and do not excuse it because the person was incapacitated by alcohol.
The simple fact is if a person is going to be in a place they may imbibe alcohol, no matter how little, they have no business having their car keys with them or access to driving.
the best choice is do not drink.
but, if a person is insistent on drinking, no matter how little they plan to drink, it is their responsibility to be certain they will not be able to access a car for the purpose of driving.. If a person does not do so I believe they should be held accountable for every action they do and any negligence should be considered premeditated.
I can also say on the occasions I was drunk, I did not consider myself drunk and thought my driving ability was unaffected. I am extremely grateful I never was in an accident nor injured anyone Mashallaah. But that was only because Allaah(swt) prevented such from happening. Yes, I believe if I had caused a death under such a condition, I should have been prosecuted for premeditated murder or if no life was lost, for attempted murder.
BTW I have not touched alcohol since I reverted.
TRIVIA: Texas has the harshest drinking laws of any State. In every county in Texas it is illegal to be in public if you have been drinking recently or if their is any indication you have been drinking. It is also illegal for anyone serving alcohol to allow a person to drive if they suspect the person may be drunk. Having more then one drink is considered reason to suspect.
I believe alcohol related deaths in Texas are now the lowest in the nation. Also in nearly half of the Texas counties it is illegal to sell alcohol and in the remainder it is very regulated and discourged.
I am not certain what the penalties in Texas are, but assume they are very high.
We call "stinky" weed here in the states Skunk too but, it is usualy use as an adjative like, "this weed is skunk," and is not usualy reffered to as a type. Admitledly I can see that being the case just wanted to make sure we were seeing eye to eye. Thanks Tony.