[Bigs from Michigan]

it should amaze me that so many of you think it is some form of government intrusion that you have no right to be drunk in public, but I am not.

As for our founding fathers, up to the early 1870s, it was common for public pillorying for public drunkenness. During the Civil war U.S. Grant had solders strapped spread eagle on wagon wheel for Public drunkenness.

At no time has being drunk in public been a right; tolerated, yes, legal, no. Please don't confuse public tolerance for legal right.

[Gabz]

Since when has being in a private establishment been being in public?

I assume you must also support smoking bans in private businesses? That is exactly where this nonsense has stemmed from.

[Flavius Josephus]

U.S. Grant had solders strapped spread eagle on wagon wheel for Public drunkenness.

That's a hoot. When did he take HIS first turn on the wheel?

[tpaine]

Bigs lectures:

it should amaze me that so many of you think it is some form of government intrusion that you have no right to be drunk in public, but I am not.

Get a grip bigs. The laws we have on public drunks are based on being a public nuisance/ breaching the peace. No display/breach, no nuisance.

These cops were over the line, breaching the peace of the bar customers.

As for our founding fathers, up to the early 1870s, it was common for public pillorying for public drunkenness.

Those were clearly unconstitutional State or local 'laws'; just as is the texas law in question.

During the Civil war U.S. Grant had solders strapped spread eagle on wagon wheel for Public drunkenness.

Military courts are not subject to some constitutional restraints.

At no time has being drunk in public been a right; tolerated, yes, legal, no.

At no time has being unobtrusively drunk in public been a crime; Nuisance drunks are not tolerated, yes, but 'legally', drinking is not a crime.

Please don't confuse public tolerance for legal right.

Please don't confuse the power to enact public 'tolerance' regulations for a constitutional right to prohibit the harmless acts of individuals.

Neither Fed, State, or local governments can enact regulations that deprive people of life, liberty, or property without due process of law.

[Madame Dufarge]

Lincoln was a champion of Ulysses S. Grant, who was controversial as a General due to his unkempt appearance and fondness for drinking. When someone complained to Lincoln about Grant's habits, he replied that if he knew Grant's favorite brand, he would send it to all his Generals.

Lincoln and US Grant

[weegee]

You do realize that it is LEGAL for a judge to be drinking on the bench in Texas? Right?

The code says it should be for "medicinal purposes".