retrorepublican
09-27-2007, 02:39 PM
Here is my response (it has to be under 400 words, it's graded, and is submitted to the local newspaper for a chance to be published):
"The absolute best way for parents and authorities to stem underage drinking would be to encourage young Americans to learn and love freedom. This would only be possible through education and example. In a free society, you can do whatever you want as long as you don’t endanger the life, liberty, and property of another. I think this is a pretty sweet deal as a kid entering the adult world. The rules of freedom are broken with DUI accidents and other alcohol-instigated tragedies.
The only thing a parent can do to ensure their teenagers make the right decision with alcohol is to love them and to play a constructive role in their lives. They should set a good example in the home, be great role models, and communicate with us. In the end, no law can change a society, only its people can. It would take more responsibility, particularly on the part of the parent, to effectively eliminate the need for alcohol in their children’s lives. It may sound hard, and there is no political quick-fix for it, but it’s the only way to see permanent and long-lasting change. Sometimes, it’s the “old-fashioned” way that works best.
On New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio last week, “The Jersey Guys” asked listeners to call in with stories on the topic of the dumbest thing you ever did as a teen. One woman reminisced about the time her mother gave her a bottle of champagne as a gift for her school bus driver. The bottle never made it to its intended recipient, instead her daughter shared the bottle with other students on the bus, and well, you can guess the rest. I also remember my mom telling me once about a friends’ parent allowing underage drinking in the home so long as they were sleeping over. I mean c’mon!
Authorities are limited in what they can do. The laws currently in effect do more to deter the acquirement of the alcohol, than the actual consumption of it. Unless breathalyzers are implanted in our throats, this will never change, because the decision to drink ultimately falls on the morality of the individual. The problem is one that needs to be addressed in the family while it still can be. Unfortunately, the State doesn’t make much better parents. Hear that mom and dad? You’re the only ones I got!"
What do you guys think? My mom wants me to take out the first paragraph, because she thinks it makes me sound like a crazy person, and she says everyone will be like "What the hell are you talking about?" It's annoying and upsetting arguing with her. What do you guys think?
"The absolute best way for parents and authorities to stem underage drinking would be to encourage young Americans to learn and love freedom. This would only be possible through education and example. In a free society, you can do whatever you want as long as you don’t endanger the life, liberty, and property of another. I think this is a pretty sweet deal as a kid entering the adult world. The rules of freedom are broken with DUI accidents and other alcohol-instigated tragedies.
The only thing a parent can do to ensure their teenagers make the right decision with alcohol is to love them and to play a constructive role in their lives. They should set a good example in the home, be great role models, and communicate with us. In the end, no law can change a society, only its people can. It would take more responsibility, particularly on the part of the parent, to effectively eliminate the need for alcohol in their children’s lives. It may sound hard, and there is no political quick-fix for it, but it’s the only way to see permanent and long-lasting change. Sometimes, it’s the “old-fashioned” way that works best.
On New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio last week, “The Jersey Guys” asked listeners to call in with stories on the topic of the dumbest thing you ever did as a teen. One woman reminisced about the time her mother gave her a bottle of champagne as a gift for her school bus driver. The bottle never made it to its intended recipient, instead her daughter shared the bottle with other students on the bus, and well, you can guess the rest. I also remember my mom telling me once about a friends’ parent allowing underage drinking in the home so long as they were sleeping over. I mean c’mon!
Authorities are limited in what they can do. The laws currently in effect do more to deter the acquirement of the alcohol, than the actual consumption of it. Unless breathalyzers are implanted in our throats, this will never change, because the decision to drink ultimately falls on the morality of the individual. The problem is one that needs to be addressed in the family while it still can be. Unfortunately, the State doesn’t make much better parents. Hear that mom and dad? You’re the only ones I got!"
What do you guys think? My mom wants me to take out the first paragraph, because she thinks it makes me sound like a crazy person, and she says everyone will be like "What the hell are you talking about?" It's annoying and upsetting arguing with her. What do you guys think?