Creep of the Week - September 14, 1996

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

When people band together for a common cause, the results can be very powerful. Many groups, through energy, synergy and sometimes just their sheer numbers, can bring awareness to the ideas they profess, and create positive change in society. But throughout history, whenever a political or social group has had some success, it seems to encourage a few individuals to cross the line into extremism or blatant publicity-seeking, which reduces the effectiveness of the cause they claim to be fighting for. The pro-life movement is a perfect example. The charter members were genuinely moved by the thought of innocent babies dying. As their numbers have grown, however, those who have become the leaders and spokesmen for that cause seem not to talk about babies at all. They are consumed with hating women, advocating the murder of abortion doctors, and are so sexually repressed themselves that the idea of anyone else having sex and enjoying it causes them to go into jealous rages. Instead of bringing about some positive change, they've polarized the country on this issue.

The latest victim of the Hyenas-Running-The-Zoo syndrome is Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). This organization has an admirable mission: to stop drunk driving and support its victims. Their programs for public awareness, victim services and student education have raised the consciousness about drunk driving in people's minds to the point where it's no longer a laughing matter, but something most of us take seriously. That is a Good Thing. But now the yahoos have taken over. MADD wants to ban one of America's cultural icons: The Budweiser Bullfrogs (you know - "Buuuuuuud" - "Wise" - "Errrrrrrrrrrr!"), one of the most creative and humorous advertising campaigns of all time. In a news conference this week, MADD president Katherine Prescott said the Bullfrogs were the Joe Camel of beer ads, stated that the commercials are targeted at young kids, and demanded that they be pulled off the air.

Well, Katherine, you make an interesting proposal, but why stop there? You need more than a beer to be a drunk driver, you also need a car. Let's ban any car commercial that appeals to youths. If kids don't see those ads on television, you can bet they won't use the products. Banning cigarette advertising from TV ended teen smoking, didn't it? Did I hear you mention Ed McMahon and the Clydesdales? Whoa, off with their heads! And what about those Coors ads with the guy walking around in the woods, talking about clean mountain water? Might encourage drunk hiking - we better get rid of them, too.

Enough of that, let's have a beer! MADD has gone over the line with this one, succeeding only in making themselves look ridiculous. The next time one of the Mothers comes around looking for your support, just say "Buuuuuuuzz Off".

Let me know what you think at montgome@servtech.com

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