CONGRESS MEMBERS SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM ALCOHOL, TOO

I would like to reply to the outstanding suggestion by a letter writer
regarding drug testing congressional members.

The idea of drug testing members of Congress seems a necessity. Due to the
level of power that Congress wields, it would only be effective if done by
an outside agency.

In an effort to keep Americans truly safe, however, I propose Congress also
be banned from having any alcoholic beverages, as this could easily have an
effect on their ability to make clear decisions regarding the safety of
American citizens.

Although legal, it is proven that alcohol has serious mind-altering effects
which can easily impair judgment long after it has been consumed.

Requiring our elected officials to abstain from alcohol is not too much to
expect. After all, besides the increased level of judgment in such an
important position, wouldn't it be also sending a positive message to our
children?

ERIC KNUDSEN,

St. Louis Park, Minn.