Editorial
Question 1
Massachusetts residents must decide one simple thing before they vote

on Question 1.

Is the question a business decision or is it a philosophical one?

In terms of business, it does not make sense to try to outpace the local markets that are already established in towns and cities with the liquor stores.

One local grocery store owner says that he works with the area liquor stores to keep everyone at an even keel and that he doesn't want to hurt their business. That seems fair in a small town like those in our coverage area.

But much of the recent debate about this question comes to whether liquor should be more available and whether young people are more likely to steal it from a grocery or a convenience store.

Should the fact that we are debating that issue, tell us about the values we are teaching our youngsters?

Is it a sad commentary that in our debate about liquor and wine sales we can't get over the debate that selling wine at a grocery may be easier to steal?

The first thing that we need to do is teach kids not to steal.

The general premise of larceny is wrong ... it is also a crime. This should be taught to kids early on.

The lesson hit home this week with the conviction of Jeff Skillings for his part in the Enron fraud scandal. You steal from the company you work for, you'll get fire ... or worse.

We needed to start young and teach kids that stealing is wrong regardless of how accessible the items are. This debate over whether or not to sell wine at a grocery store should not be decided on whether it's too easy for children to steal the wine.

The other debate with this question is: How much of a taboo should wine be?

If we, as a society, teach responsibility and discretion - both of which relate to the selling aspect of the debate - then children can learn that a drink can be enjoyed not abused by adults. And that there is no positive outcome in getting drunk.

We need to teach people about the reality of responsibilities and then decide what type of business world we want to live in that will reflect those lessons.

Editor's note: Please remember to drive safely on Halloween. There will be many children walking on the streets.