Pubdate: 01 Aug, 1999 Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI) Contact: http://www.madison.com/ Author: Gary Storck KOHL CAVES IN TO BEER INDUSTRY Senator Herb Kohl likes to trumpet his supposed tough stance on drug policy, but recently demonstrated that it all depends on the drug in question, and the strength of it's lobby. In late June, Kohl caved into the liquor industry's intense lobbying and voted against an amendment that would have included alcohol in a $1 billion, five-year advertising campaign by the Office of National Drug Control Policy Despite the fact alcohol is a "gateway" to more serious drugs and poses a greater health risk to teenagers than illegal drugs, Kohl joined the majority in a hypocritical 58-40 vote to table the measure. The Washington Post reported on how pressure from the deep-pocketed beer industry trumped Mothers Against Drunk Driving, its allies and a seemingly sympathetic cause with a relentless, sophisticated lobbying campaign. If drug policies are to have any credibility, Congress needs to take a balanced approach and start making decisions based on common sense and actual potential for harm, not pressure from groups that benefit from keeping the current failed policies in place. Gary Storck, Madison - --- MAP posted-by: Thunder