bitch and wine, part II

I've ranted before on the whole corrupt "can't buy wine in a grocery store in Tennessee" thing.

And it continues. And Cousin Barry seems to be out in front.

From the local (Nashville) ABC affiliate:



The legislator says, "This is a complicated issue."

NO, actually. It's NOT.

There are only two arguments for keeping wine out of grocery stores:

(1) Financial-the lobby of those with a monopoly on wine sales and distribution would lose money if re-opened to retail competition.

(2) Religious: Small-town and small-minded Christianists think that alcohol is evil and will destroy families, therefore should be able for sale but not conveniently or where people sell food. Wait, sorry, beer is just fine. But wine? Eeeeeviiiiiil. (Only book-learnin' liberal commies drink wine anyway.)

Neither point should hold any legal merit. And on top of it all, the prohibition is anti-American.

It's against freedom of choice, freedom of (and from) religion, free markets, free market-capitalism, and just the freedom to pick up a bottle of freakin' wine when I buy the steaks instead of driving across town and making another stop. (It's even anti-environment!) And the freedom of all retailers to offer the same products should they choose to.

Selling wine in a grocery store is not a complex issue at all, and it's embarrassing that the Tennessee legislature thinks it is. Of course, the money from these lobbies and special interest groups is legendary, as is the corruption of the typical Tennessee legislator.

UPDATE: This e-mail just in from Cousin Barry—

I would like to bend your ear for a quick second to tell you about an important issue that you may have seen in the news recently. The sale of wine in food stores has tremendous consumer support. I have been a supporter of Red White and Food since the first days of the campaign last year. Yesterday - I went to Capital Hill and spoke to a Wine Study Committee about this hot topic. There are thousands and thousands more Tennesseans like me who believe this change is possible in our state. This won't be my last time I go to the Capital to speak. The Wine Study Committee will likely meet again in November and at the first of the year. I will need you to attend with me. It is important to just be there in the audience and let them know we are watching. I will let you know a date and time - let's be ready to make ourselves known personally.

I am president of the newly formed Red White and Food Voters Political Action Committee. Here is where I need your help today.

PACs normally accept money from a small group of people, e.g. executives in a particular type of business. The Red White and Food Voter PAC is different. All the money we raise will come from everyday consumers who want more choice.

If you would like to be able to buy a bottle of wine in food stores - please go to www.redwhiteandfood.com and donate and join TODAY! We can accept contributions from anyone who wants wine sales in retail food stores. You decide - even if it's just $5. Legislators will be paying as much attention to how many people give as how much they give.

Tell your friends.
Thank you.