TO THE EDITOR:
Much to my dismay, I feel compelled to respond to the nonsense published in Thursday’s article “Retailers caught selling alcohol to minors” for fear that no one else will. Am I the only person who sees the absurdity in law enforcement spending taxpayer money and resources to bust businesses that sell alcohol to adults under 21? I don’t know about the rest of the readership, but I believe law enforcement would spend its time more wisely doing its job, preventing actual crime, not enforcing paternalistic laws that discriminate against adults age 18 to 20, who should be entitled to the same rights as other adults.
Perhaps why law enforcement focuses on these minor infractions is because they prove easier than preventing real threats to the public. A police officer would prefer issuing citations to patrolling the dark alleyways and preventing violent crime. But this does not excuse law enforcement from performing its mandated job, and it is our responsibility to remind them what it is. Here’s a suggestion: Instead of an alcohol enforcement task force, maybe a task force or other serious initiatives are more needed to dissuade violent acts such as rape or muggings, especially in light of the recent shootings and rape. That would be a much better use of police resources.
Andrew Smith
Outreach coordinator, College Libertarians
