J. THOMAS ROGERS: Under The Influence

30 August 2010

A word from the publisher: The Heartbeat

   Driving Under the Influence or "DUI" is a curious legal term. Obviously every person on earth is under many different influences. Drugs and alcohol are obviously destructive influences for drivers. But wouldn't it be fascinating if it were possible to know every single chemical influence a motorist was under?
   They could test for drowsiness from tryptophan (from excessive turkey consumption). Or they could check for sleeplessness from caffeine (AKA "Sleepless In Seattle"). Some husbands might request that they check on hormonal mood swings in women "under the influence" of pregnancy or menopause. Hmm...maybe we better not.  
   I began thinking about the many different influences our bodies are subject to yesterday when I was on my back and watching blood pour out of my body.

   Perhaps the scene was not quite that dramatic. I was actually giving a mere pint at a blood drive bus in town.
   The only part of donating that was slightly difficult was filling the many pages of forms needed in order to give my pint. After carefully completing the paperwork they asked me special questions about exactly which countries I visited in Central America.
   I understand that Malaria and other blood-borne diseases are common in Honduras.
   "But I was only there for a few hours," I explained.
   The guys who took my blood ( team Edward I presume) told me I could get my test results Monday.
   Losing some blood and watching a lot of "action thrillers" on Netflix provided a moment of paranoia.
   "How private are those test results? Will the results go into a national database forever?" I wondered.
   Perhaps someday they could even test my blood for all kinds of influences besides disease or illegal drugs.  
   Aside from chemical influences there are many other environmental and psychological influences. I imagine people drive differently under the influences of stress, sleep deprivation, depression, ego, fear or shame. Though it might be interesting to investigate it all, I am grateful we are only judged for the chemical influences we choose to be "under."

Counselor Of The Influenced

   This morning I met Linda, a Sociology graduate who is working to counsel repeat DUI/DWI offenders in Henderson, Texas. After three offenses the addicts are mandated six months of counseling by Linda or her colleagues.
   Linda said, "Some say, 'I am not addicted'; even after being caught three or more times."
   What influenced these people to drive under chemical influence three, six and even twelve times?
   I suppose these repeat offenders have long lists of negative influences that serve as excuses for their habits. A rough childhood, a bad marriage, grinding poverty...all of these influences are powerful.
   Even if they never chose to be under these influences, the victims are deeply, often permanently, affected by them.
   Yet none of these factors will justify a DUI offender in court. A court cannot decree that one wrong excuses another.
   No doubt, this world has wronged these offenders, and each one of us.
   But no matter what sorrows your tattered soul may bear, your cross can be carried. And your Counselor is there.