This discussion really has no place on a post honoring Joe, who did enjoy alcohol, just not beer. Feel free to email me if you’d like to continue this dialogue. But let’s not do this here.

People are responsible for what happens in their pools. They can lock gates and prevent harm.

People driving down the road all too often encounter someone seriously impaired by alcohol and cannot lock a gate against the drunk weaving into their lane. Hardly a misconception.

The jokes about Joe’s tastebuds were first made by Joe himself. I’m sure he’d be fine with you not thinking they were funny. He was that kind of guy.

And if by “legal drugs” you mean “beer” and by “promote” you mean “talk about,” then I say yes, it is perfectly appropriate. Beer has a history that goes back to the dawn of civilization, and plays core roles in cultures and religions around the world. Beer, when consumed in moderation, conveys a number of health benefits. Brewing contributes to science, and is a powerful economic force. Beer is also dogged by a number of misconceptions, such as it “has destroyed thousands of lives” and is therefore evil. The same can be said of swimming pools, yet I doubt you’d get righteous about talking about them.

Good thing you stopped listening. I can’t imagine your response to the jokes about Joe’s love of porn.

Is it really appropriate to continue to promote legal drugs that have destroyed thousands of lives?

I’m sure Joe Murphy will be missed, but was it really necessary to be so juvenile about his tastes in beverages?

It would be incredible if we were all a little more like Joe to honour his memory. That would improve the world dramatically.

Drinking rootbeer and toasting to Joe from West Oz.