Warning Labels on Alcohol

I witnessed at first hand the effects of greed, power and fear upon our state Legislature. Senate Bill 96, alcohol labeling, by Sen. Gary Hart (D-Santa Barbara) was heard by the Senate Health Committee. All this bill intended was to warn pregnant women that drinking alcohol during pregnancy may cause fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), a recognizable and authenticated birth defect. A pictograph of a pregnant woman next to a glass of alcohol with a slash through it would be placed on bottles containing alcohol.

The bill had overwhelming public support, from the California Medical Assn. and the Academy of Pediatrics to the Children’s Hospital, Oakland and the California Coalition of Nurse Practitioners.

In all, more than 60 consumer and public health organizations supported SB 96 as a step in protecting those most innocent of us all, our children.

Perhaps I am naive, but I thought that our elected officials were supposed to represent “we the people.” That certainly was not the case. Where was that representation, Sens. Torres, Campbell, Henry Mello (D-Watsonville), Royce, Ken Maddy (R-Fresno) and Dan McCorquodale (D-San Jose)?

However, there were three legislators who voted to represent their constituents. Senators who were willing to take a stand against the alcohol industry and its money. To Chairwoman Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) and Sens. Hersche Rosenthal (D-Los Angeles) and Joseph Montoya (D-Whittier), I would like to publicly commend you for your willingness to take a stand.

Your constituents are lucky that they have as representatives legislators who indeed do listen to what “we the people” are saying. A lesson your peers could well heed.

PATRICIA RAMIREZ

State Director

California Mothers

Against Drunk Driving

Roseville