Although the letter, “Free yourself from the demon booze” (April 20) had a very poetic and catchy opening paragraph, the article was filled with insensible information. This information likely comes from inexperience and the baseless denial of the wonderment of “he who goes by the name of Alcohol.”

Taylor Wolf seems to be mistaken when he speaks of “kids these days” who apparently have real problems because they enjoy indulging in college social life and having a few cocktails. Students work hard scholastically throughout the week — greeks work hard throughout Greek Week — so they can have the chance to celebrate and let loose at the week’s end. Drinking and having a great time with their friends is a great way to celebrate. Just because students enjoy getting a little inebriated and cutting loose, however, doesn’t mean those students rely solely on Jack Daniels or Sam Adams to have a good time. Personally, I can think of many activities I enjoy sober and that bring great joy to my life.

As your suggestions of alternatives to alcohol and partying: “Camping” is a respectable suggestion; however, I have rarely heard of campfire songs that sound better sober rather than drunk. “Karaoke” is an interesting suggestion, because it is a pastime that individuals rarely have the guts to perform sober and frequently have the guts to perform after a few confidence-boosting alcoholic drinks. “Playing tag and/or playing hide and seek” are simply amazing suggestions. If an individual still believes, after 13 years of education, that tag and hide and seek are pastimes that would tempt a college student, he is surely going to have a rude awakening when he shows up for a job interview.

Yes, you and many others have a different outlook on things because you don’t drink. Therefore, “Don’t knock it until you try it.” Although alcohol is technically considered a downer and frowned upon for its wide usage, you would be amazed at the life it can give to a person when used responsibly — introverts and extroverts alike — and the benefits it can help present toward meeting new people and being more socially outgoing.

Alcohol should by no means be used as a crutch, but should not be frowned upon when used as a possible catalyst toward having a good time.

College is a time to go out, have fun and meet people; indulge yourself in the ISU party life, because I guarantee that if Taylor Wolf does so responsibly, he will live a happier and more fulfilling life while bettering his social skills for future endeavors.

Art Templin

Senior

Civil Engineering