MORNING BRIEFING

T.J. Simers might be the resident wiseass, but he was simply wise in his recent columns on the horrors of drunk driving. The loss of Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart and Henry Pearson -- not to mention Jillian, Nancy, Chelsea and the other innocents -- made thousands of his readers resolve to never again drive when drinking. The risk is too great, and the pain for surviving friends and family continues every day of their lives. Thanks to Rick Baedeker and other parents for sharing their stories, and finally making T.J. relevant to Times readers.

Patrick Barry

Long Beach