Please forgive the spelling errors. I am working abroad and off a computer with no check.
It's all about personal responsibility and accountability, just like everything in life. These seem like simple concepts but I rarely see people take them seriously on a daily basis, in politics, careers, marriage, or family life. Too many people keep looking for other's approval to tell them that something's OK or NOT OK, especially every time this topic is brought up. We as a country need to man up and make our own decisions, and then take responsilbility for those decisions.
With that philosophy in mind, I would offer the following oppinion on this matter.
To those who choose NOT to drink and carry: I take my hat off to you. You've made a responsible decision and it will pay off in the long run no matter what happens.
To those who choose to drink and carry: If its legal where you live, you have the right to do it responsibly. However, should something adverse occur (i.e you miss your target and hit an innocent, you make a wrong judgement call) , be prepared to live with the choices you made. Don't go on the news and blame anyone but yourself.
Personally, I know my limits and I don't see a problem with having 1 beer with a meal when we go out to dinner. If I intend to have more than that, then the gun stays locked up. But I'm about 6,2 198 pounds, so I can't say that everyone could do the same. I have seen some fellows get more buzzed off of a cigarette than others after 3 or 4 beers. (If you don't think cigarettes alter your senses, your fooling yourself). Still , even with such little consumption, I realize that I am taking a "caclulated risk" and I am willing to take responsbility for that if need be.
Bottom line, know yourself, use your best judgement, and make a decision your willing to stand by.
just my two cents