the 'pastoral approach' to drunk driving

By Diogenes ( articles ) | May 08, 2009

 Imagine that your local police chief suddenly becomes inspired by the logic put forth by Archbishop Donald Wuerl. Criticizing the "legal approach" that throws drunk drivers in jail, he decides to devote himself exclusively to the "pastoral, teaching approach" that emphasizes speeches in classrooms and billboards urging people not to drink and drive. 

Unfortunately some people continue to drink and drive despite the public-service announcements. What should we do about them? The chief says that "one has to take the long view." Keep talking to them. Keep trying to change their minds. There's no sense prosecuting them, because "I have yet to see where the [juridical] approach has changed anyone's heart." 

Of course it's foolish to compare support for abortion with drunk driving. If irresponsible people knew that they could drink and drive with impunity, the roads wouldn't be safe. Drunk drivers kill people. 

Oh, wait.