What's Low-Carb Got To Do With The 'Drunk Machine?'

These alcohol vaporizers are all the rage, but what's the link to low-carb?

This Bradenton, Florida-based Herald story had a headline today that mesmerized me so much so I had to write about it.

It simply read: "Lawmakers want second chance to ban quick, low-carb drunk machine"

Did I read that right? A "low-carb drunk machine?" What in God's holy name is that? Okay, you've capture MY attention with the headline, so I guess I should read what this is all about.

According to the story written by Associated Press writer Brent Kallestad, I found out that there is a bill currently being considered by the Florida state legislature to outlaw alcohol vaporizers which give people, primarily college students, an easy way to get drunk without drinking alcoholic beverages.

The alcohol vaporizer, known as a "drunk machine," allows spirits, liquor and alcohol to be oxygenated to form a vaporous gas that can be inhaled for an instant buzz. By virtue of the fact that you do not drink or ingest anything with this aparatus, the story says it allows someone to get drunk without "absorbing the calories" of alcoholic beverages.

Okay, I have read this entire news story three times now and NOT ONCE is the term "low-carb" mentioned in the column itself, just the headline. Then what may I ask was the point of describing these alcohol vaporizers as a "low-carb drunk machine?!"

I consider this a deliberate negative association with low-carb by this Associated Press writer and I will not stand idly by and take it. He could have very easily described the machines as a "low-calorie drunk machine," since Kallestad does mention calories in his story. Or even a "low-fat drunk machine" for that matter.

But no, Kallestad had to use "low-carb" to link yet another cynical connotation about this wonderful way of eating that millions of Americans have used to lose weight, get healthy, and improve their overall health. We cannot allow such needless attacks on something that is so near and dear to us be trampled on by a reporter who is trying to be cute.

I could not locate a direct e-mail address for Brent Kallestad, but you can send an e-mail to The Herald to let them know how disgusted you are with the headline that Kallestad used ridiculing and mocking low-carb. If we let these kinds of tactics go unchallenged, then we will be giving those who oppose the low-carb lifestyle direct control of the terminology. Stand up on behalf of low-carb and make your voice heard!