Letters

The OLCC Responds

Wassup OC:

Your April 3 series on OLCC brought back memories of my college days. Like many students today, I saw little use for the OLCC. But in the intervening years I've seen the toll alcohol abuse has taken on families, friends and society in general. I eventually changed my view.

I appreciate the time and ink you took to get information to your readers about OLCC's health and safety mission. And I understand that not all your readers, much less OC's editorial policies, appreciate that Oregon is a liquor-control state. But I'm sure we all can agree on the importance of informing Ducks and other feathered folks about their responsibilities under the law. Your series was of great help in carrying that message to students - a key audience for OLCC.

In fact, I'd bet that OC and OLCC have more in common than a partially shared acronym. Clearly we're both interested in ensuring that students have reasonably in-bounds, safe and legal fun for example. OC and OLCC could easily form a strong public-private partnership - that's government lingo for working together over the long haul.

And by the way, I'm also sure that your liquor price guide for minors was simply meant as casual information for your readers. As a socially responsible publication, I'm confident that OC would not encourage or otherwise advise breaking the law. But you know, the Great Communicator was fond of saying, "Trust, but verify."

Sincerely, Pamela S. Erickson Administrator, Oregon Liquor Control Commission

Dear Ms. Erickson:

Thank you for your response to our April 3, 2000 OLCC issue. We at the Oregon Commentator appreciate the fact that you took the time and effort to reply to our criticism of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

Given the tone of your letter we draw the conclusion that you intended, a) to connect with us by speaking the "lingo" of our "generation," b) to talk down to our level, or c) no disrespect and this is simply how you always address professional letters on official, State of Oregon letterhead. Nevertheless, we were honored.

Our main point of contention is, and continues to be, who should be making decisions about the consumption of alcohol: the individual, or the collective? The Commentator is of the opinion that individuals should make such decisions for themselves, whatever the consequences; it is not the place of bureaucrats in Salem or Washington to regulate private actions.

Students should have the right to enjoy themselves however they see fit, without interference from a government-imposed morality, so long as they do so in a manner that does not harm others. We also believe that students are going to drink and will to do so regardless of what we print or how strict you make your laws.

We thank you again for your letter and hope to continue this discourse into the future. If you have any comments or inquiries, please do not hesitate to write again or call. Next time you're in Eugene, drinks are on us.

Sincerely, Oregon Commentator