American Contradiction, #448

The Free Counter Point Loose Canon blog has had a few discussions in the past about American drinking laws compared with the world. Two days ago, I visited one of the large liquor store chains in the Red River Valley, and they were holding a press conference. Former North Dakota gubenatorial candidate Heidi Heitkamp(D) was attending along with numerous ND Highway Patrol, County sheriffs, and local Police. They were there to discourage "underage" drinking, and this is what was on the little slips of paper they handed out:

"IT'S A LITTLE KNOWN FACT THAT OF THE KIDS WHO DRINK, 65% say they get their alcohol from family and friends. We're doing our part to keep alcohol out of kids' hands. Here are some tips on what you can do:
1.) Talk with Your Child About Alcohol.
2.) Be a Good Role Model.
3.) Disapprove of Underage Drinking.
4.) Reinforce that Underage Drinking is Against the law.
5.) Supervise Your Child Including Their Online Activities.
6.) Recognize Problem Behavior and Seek Help When Necessary.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP KIDS ALCOHOL-FREE.
VISIT WWW.CENTURYCOUNCIL.ORG"

To these Century Council folks, "underage" drinking is the equivalent to "Binge Drinking" (consuming in one night about half of what JJ downs in about an hour). There's no mention about sacred uses of booze, nor is there any mention about how the puritanical American repression and disdain towards booze might lead to the Binge Drinking they understandably deplore.

Before leaving, I said to the cashier, "Isn't it interesting how we're fighting a war in Afghanistan and Iraq under the pretense of 'freedom,' but how half the soldiers fighting this war can't legally purchase a beer, or drink?" She said she was equally disgusted. The American Contradiction is alive and well, Gentlemen.