ZERO-TOLERANCE MISPLACED

It seems that Boulder's War on Alcohol has been about as effective as the
federal War on Drugs. Both seem to have as a premise that if you pass a law
and tell me to just say no, then the problem will disappear. When it does
not, then they assume you just need to "get tougher."

In Boulder, getting tougher included the zero tolerance policy toward
underage drinking and the ban on alcohol at football games. The ban
demonstrates what is wrong with this approach. Instead of punishing the
people who get drunk and can't handle themselves, the ban punishes everyone
- -- the responsible drinkers as well as the irresponsible ones.

I think it's time for a new approach. Lower the drinking age. At 18, a
person can vote and join the military. Why not allow that person to have a
drink? Encourage moderate alcohol use for those who wish to drink. There
are lots of ways to do this. And as part of this approach, enforce those
laws that deal with real crimes -- drunk driving, rape and violence. In the
case of alcohol at football games, punish the ones who break the rules by
appropriate sanctions -- not allowing them to attend future games or
criminal prosecution.

Alcohol and other drug use are part of life. Responsible use is not a
problem. And it is long past time that we drop the "just say no" approach.

Lee Gilbert, Boulder