It has been said that absolute power corrupts absolutely; I think it should be added that Absolut Vodka corrupts absurdly. As I drive through Campustown delivering pizza on a typical Saturday night, I cannot pretend to be impressed with what I see: street fights, car accidents, turned-over automobiles and what is more than likely a whole slew of underage drinkers.

I know what most of you are thinking – I’m trying to spoil the fun. Maybe you believe I’m some sort of modern-day prohibitionist. Well, I assure you, I am not. It is not alcohol I am railing against – it is those of you who abuse the freedom you now have being away from Mom and Dad. Being away at college brings a fair amount of new responsibility; one of those responsibilities is to act like an adult.

I have seen behavior on the streets of Ames so disturbing that I am sometimes ashamed to call this my new home, as I am a recent transfer student. I have been involved in almost two fights caused by drunken students coming into my place of work, trying to cause problems. I have even had beer cans thrown at my car as I drive down Lincoln Way delivering pizza. Actions like these are inexcusable. If I was to act like this regarding some sort of political movement, I would be pepper-sprayed and called a terrorist. However, if it is done in the name of the mighty Iowa State Cyclones during a home game, it is perfectly acceptable.

I have been to a great number of cities, and partied in almost all of them. Anywhere from Dallas to Raleigh, N.C., but never have I seen such blatant disregard for self or for others. I have seen a car flipped over in the middle of Welch Avenue, blocking me in from passing through and potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage to someone’s property.

What I find even more ridiculous is the fact that this is somehow tolerated by most people on the streets.

It seems police let a fair amount of behavior slip by them. I am not saying that cops don’t ever arrest anyone, or that they should arrest everyone, but a good amount of obscene behavior is definitely tolerated. Why? Why is it OK to act like a complete imbecile, and destroy the streets of Ames? Apparently upon registering for school, you receive a free “I can do anything I want because I’m a college student” pass.

I have no personal problem with people drinking and enjoying themselves, but the rights of an individual end where another’s begin. So please, take time to consider the repercussions of your actions. Going out and getting drunk doesn’t give you the right to ruin someone else’s night. No matter how bombed you are at the bar, life will still be there tomorrow, and it will likely slap you in the face for acting so stupid.

I would like to end this rant with a plea to all you die-hard binge drinkers. Please, for the love of whatever god you wish, calm down. Next time you go out, remember these very important life lessons: No, he is not looking at you, stop trying to fight him. Yes, alcohol lowers your inhibitions. That does not mean that your drinking lowered her inhibitions. Finally, and most importantly, stop harassing the pizza guy.

– Chris Potratz is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Urbandale.