Gratitude to the president of the Lithuanian Republic Adamkus for the attention shown towards the problems of alcoholism by approving, in spite of pressure, the act which limits publicity of alcoholic beverages was expressed in the past days by Cardinal A.J. Backis. The prelate said he is worried about “the ever-spreading consumption of alcohol among the youth, for the physical spiritual degradation it provokes” and “for the little importance often given by politicians, also when confronted with tragic data issued by toxicologists”. “It’s sad and unsustainable”, the Cardinal said, “that the Lithuanian government, by promoting the production of alcoholic beverages is following in the wake of Soviet administration. It’s hard to believe that the production and sale of alcoholic beverages is so important for the Country’s economy, as also the related publicity for the industry and the media”. According to Cardinal Backis, “for those who don’t accept religious thinking, the concept of freedom is often marked by sick roots and wounded by the moral erosion of consciences. Freedom is therefore identified in goods and services which aren’t regulated by moral criteria, nor are they aimed at the common good and the development of society”. “It is not this kind of freedom – he exclaimed – which- aroused the masses in the battles for independence! The prohibition to publicize and sell alcoholic beverages is not a burden to be annulled in democracy and free market conditions. It’s time to heal from the allergy to prohibitions”. Hence, the prelate’s invitation to “all government members to commit themselves “for the good” of the whole of society”.
