Dear Editor:
Re: What's the big deal about New Year's, In My Opinion, The Record, Dec. 28.
As the mother of a child killed by a drunk driver I was shocked and dismayed to read Matthew Claxton's column.
His opinion regarding "the drunks will have some natural light so they can find their car keys and avoid puddles of vomit" shows a callous and cavalier attitude towards the catastrophic consequences of individuals who choose to drink and drive and kill innocent people.
Indeed the fact that this article came out on the very day that Natalie Warren was sentenced to 37 months in jail for driving drunk and killing Kassandra Kaulius makes it even more disdainful.
Does he read the newspapers? Does he watch the news? Does he live in the '60s? These factors make me wonder how he can call himself a "reporter."
The blame doesn't fall entirely on him however. The editor of The Record should have removed his ignorant remarks before publication.
This is, after all, the Christmas season when people are reminded at every turn not to drink and drive.
I would have expected some common sense from both parties on such a sensitive issue.
At the very least, Matthew Claxton should be offering up an apology to all of the victims of drunk drivers for his insensitive comments.
Sherry Dion, New Westminster
