Honestly you guys, I see this as an honest discussion with various view points. I have read through this a few times and I do not think that anyone is particularly acting out of line or needs called out. It is a touchy subject and like all touchy subjects it can be emotional. That said I have seen far worse bahaviour on this forum where no one says a peep. Sometimes we just have to agree that we don't all agree. We all have our own reasons for feeling about how we do on this issue. So maybe we should just keep in mind that it is an emotional topic. I don't think anyone here was trying to hurt anyone else. I know I felt a bit offened at one statement about being so reasonable as a parent. But I also realize that people see it different and my discomfort lies with me in that.

For myself, I can have alcohol. Yes I was an alcoholic years ago. But there is zero chance I would ever go back to that. That said I don't enjoy the taste, like your friend Hamster I also have a sulphite allergy which triggers my asthma badly, so that is not really safe for me to drink wine when it can have such high and undetermined levels of sulphites which are undeclaired on labels. Yes you can get sulphite free wine, but I also do not enjoy the flavor. I don't really feel any want or need to drink at this time in my life.

I realize there are a lot of studies about the benefits of moderate drinking, and there are many on the negative effects as well. So it is confusing, just like with food. It seems there is always so much contradictory info around. But for me I will probably just continue the way I am for now. I think I have an allergy to alcohol or something because no matter what kind I have tried about 15 minutes later every muscle in body aches terribly, like I just ran a few marathons and then I get a headache.