This surely is a case where the punishment does not fit the crime. The concept of rehabilitation or help for alcoholic issues does not seem to fit into the system of "justice" in this country. No societal good can come from ruining this man and his family.
There is little doubt that alcoholism is the dirty secret hidden under the airline corporate carpet. This kind of response by the law and some elements within the airline industry will only serve to push the issue further into the recesses as people with problems will diligently seek to cover their tracks with the overall result that the cause of aviation safety will not be improved.
The personal and family tragedies associated with alcoholism and alcohol abuse will continue unabated. We live in a doctrinaire society untrammelled by much intelligence or human compassion.
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