I am all for criticism of ineffective or deficient programs or practices — it is a form of informal assessment and should serve to make programs better or end those that are using unnecessary resources. But simply criticizing programs or practices without offering better solutions or ideas on how to make something more effective is very easy to do and it does not really solve any problems.

The Daily editorial board recently said a keg registration ordinance would be worthless (“Keg registration law would be as effective as a cup full of foam,” Feb. 15), and the reason cited was that college students purchase kegs, and college students would just find a way around this ordinance. I would have to agree that ISU students are some of the most innovative individuals around.ÿ However, this ordinance does not only apply to them. It equally applies to other individuals purchasing kegs.ÿ

The editorial board’s assertion that students have a “stupid friend” thatÿwould be the one to purchase the keg further supports keg registration. Rather than trying to change behavior by discussing that something is wrong or dangerous (which has often proven futile — and would obviously not work with the so-called “stupid friend”), keg registration is an attempt to changeÿan environmental circumstance for purchasing alcohol for minors.

Also, the $500-or-more fine that goes along with purchasing alcohol for a minor may be a deterrent for that individual, who will likely only play the role of “stupid friend” once. It is easier to do something like this and see results than it would be to try to convince every possible individual who may purchase a keg for minors that this might be not be the best idea.ÿ

Last year, a group of high school students from Keokuk County worked to have statewide legislation for keg registration introduced, and although it did not pass, the students are continuing to encourage this legislation. It was this group that identified an issue within its peer group, and saw this as a way to take action. I don’t imagine the students believed they would end underage drinking; they just saw a problem and considered some practical ways to approach it, based on what many other states and counties had implemented.

With any programs or policies, we often hear criticisms of why it won’t work, or that it does not make a difference. I guess maybe for many individuals, this is true. However, if a policy might influence an occasional adult not to purchase a keg for 40 or more high school students, then I guess I would consider it worthwhile.

Maybe for some of those students, they will find another way to drink. But it is also possible that some of them will choose to find something else to do and will avoidÿany number of consequences that sometimes accompany parties (legal consequences, injuries to themselves or others, fighting with someone, doing something that they regret while drunk, drunken driving accidents,ÿetc).

Sara Kellogg

Program Coordinator

Substance Abuse Prevention