As Deirdre Clarke requested in his letter to the editor yesterday, “Alcoholism is not a joking matter,” I should address the line I wrote which reads, “Alcohol may make it easier to vent, but it cheapens those feelings to a $3 shot at the bar, unless you’re an alcoholic, then you’re just cheap.” Clarke’s point is well taken and furthermore correct. Alcoholism is not something to make light of. The last part of that line I wrote was an unnecessary attempt at edgy humor. I used the term alcoholic loosely, thinking of those who frequent the bar excessively, and not someone who is seriously struggling to fight alcoholism. Personally, I have both family members who have struggled with it and family members who have worked for organizations that help people fight addiction and similar issues. It did nothing for my column except obviously distract some readers from the main point. As a columnist, I appreciate your critique as it helps me to become a better writer and more importantly more sensitive. I encourage everybody to voice their own opinions as Clarke has, because sometimes these minor points aren’t so minor after all. Touché Clarke.