Saturday, May 05, 2007

Before you shed any tears for Paris Hilton

Remember that the original conviction, for which she did not serve any time, was for driving under the influence.

According to a story in today's Los Angeles Times, at the time of that initial incident:

Within hours of her arrest, she dismissed the incident as "nothing" to radio host Ryan Seacrest, explaining: "I was just really hungry, and I wanted to have an In-N-Out burger.
Guess who kills more people than those who commit homicides by firing guns directly at other human beings?

If you answered drunk drivers, you are right. As a result of drunk drivers' murderous handiwork in just one year, 2004, the families of almost 17,000 people are now grieving for loved ones who lost their lives.

Not exactly "nothing."

The next time you see a friend who has been drinking getting ready to drive, ask yourself if taking his or her keys away would be easier than disarming someone. Because you're definitely letting them use a lethal weapon while their judgement is impaired.

So stop them. Even if they really want an In-and-Out burger.

And talk to someone who has lost a child in a drunk driving accident if you feel the need to cry.

9 comments:

Danny said...

Please forgive me for asking this in a completely non related blog post but i couldn't find one that was related to my question. I read your book "Bones" and i absolutely loved it but i have a problem i want to read the book again and many of your other titles but i just don't have the time to read any more is there any possible way that you could make an audio book of your book Bones and some others... thank you and once again forgive me for the off topic and if you want to get a hold of me here is my email addy... ozzmanbehold@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Danny,

Don't apologize -- this blog runs openly. You don't have to talk about whatever I've talked about, and in fact, I wish more people would do just what you've done here, and ask about whatever is on their minds.

So far, alas, the books aren't available on audio, except for the blind and other persons eligible to access to those recordings.

I am more than a little frustrated that commercial recordings are not available, but I'm hoping the situation will change soon. I'll post something here and put a notice up on my site if they do.

Because of the way the rights are held, for most of my work, I can't make my own audio recordings -- and having recorded only one of my short stories, I have great respect for those who take on this complex and time-consuming task.

Here's hoping I get to announce audio editions of the books, and that you get time to read!

Jan Burke said...

PS Many thanks for the kind words about Bones!

Jan

Anonymous said...

Amen! Most of us would have received a much harsher sentence and spent some time in jail or doing community service. She's complaining that she's being harassed because she's rich. Give me a break!

Anonymous said...

I love your Irene Kelley books. When will the next one be published?

Jan Burke said...

Yes -- and someone needs to tip her off that all the blame-shifting isn't at all attractive.

Jan Burke said...

Re: the next Irene --

Thanks for the kind words about the series! I am working on two books at the moment, one an Irene, the other something very different. (Not a mystery.) So, until I finish writing it, I can't really supply a date for you, but there will be another Irene!


Jan

Danny said...

thank you very much for informing me about that. please let me know what you will be able to get the audio sets for some of your books.. again thank you very much and i appreciate the your time

Jan Burke said...

I've got my fingers crossed, Danny! Thank you for your interest in my books!

Jan