Pubdate: Thu, 30 Aug 2001
Source: Lawrence Journal-World (KS)
Copyright: 2001 The Lawrence Journal-World
Contact:  http://www.ljworld.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1075
Author: Bill and Susan Skepnek
Editor's Note: Sorry, no mention of illegal drugs, but the references to 
prohibition and to the references to the appropriateness of laws pertaining 
to alcohol, and then personal responsibility are well reasoned and worthy 
of reply.

ALCOHOL IS OK

To the editor:

Al Bohl, KU's new athletic director, is trying to lift restrictions on 
"tailgating" at KU football games. In "Alcohol, games don't mix" (J-W, Aug. 
15) KU Law Professor Mike Hoeflich wrote opposing the effort.

The reality is anything associated with "alcohol" is an easy target. If the 
argument starts with "alcohol, (fill in the blank) don't mix", the argument 
is over before it begins. If you believe alcohol leads inevitably to 
"rowdiness" and "drunken driving," how could it ever be an accepted part of 
any human activity?

* Alcohol, house-painting don't mix

* Alcohol, yard work don't mix

If alcohol is "evil," what can you "mix" with it? Nothing mixes with "evil."

If we start with "alcohol is evil" where do we end up? The answer is: 
"Prohibition." But that failed. Why? Because most of us don't believe 
alcohol is evil, or that it leads, as Hoeflich suggests, inevitably to 
"rowdiness" or "drunken driving" any more than dancing leads to promiscuity 
or swimming pools lead to drownings. Alcohol is simply another of the 
options offered to each of us in this world, to be used or abused. The real 
issue is personal responsibility, expecting people to take responsibility 
for their own conduct.

Hoeflich believes allowing adults freedom to drink while tailgating at 
football games will encourage underage and binge drinking.

But, what about any celebration - graduation, family picnics, birthdays or 
bar mitzvahs? Alcohol is typically involved. Do weddings ever get rowdy? 
Yes. So is the answer: "Alcohol, weddings don't mix"? I hope not. The most 
that can be said is "Alcohol abuse, (fill in the blank) don't mix."

KU football games are celebrations. Each is a time for students and alumni 
to celebrate their experiences at KU, and in this town. We can't control 
"rowdyism" with prohibition. We have laws to punish people who do not act 
responsibly. Personal responsibility is the answer. Indeed: Alcohol, games 
do mix.

Bill and Susan Skepnek,

Lawrence
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart