The President, Race Relations and Beer

Well the president had his much anticipated gathering with the professor, the cop and the beer. What I find interesting is that the media covered how the beer was served as much as what was said at the summit. It was as if the event could not take place unless they were all enjoying (as my sociology professor used to say a little Colorado Cool-Aid). Now before I go any further, let me say that I am not opposed to people making the choice to drink. But what bothers me is the message this event sent to our youth. That message being: in order to ensure a successful event, you must serve alcoholic beverages. As I read the hop by hop description of the beer, I was reminded of an event that I went to as a college student. I had signed up to take the state department test for possible employment. When my name was called, I was taken into a room where I sat with a very nice young man who asked me questions about my knowledge of the world. He then began to ask some personal questions. After answering those, he looked me straight in the eye and asked me what I like to drink? "Coke" I answered. "No" he said "I mean what do you like to drink?" I looked at him, saying "oh you mean alcohol?" I confessed to him that I was not really a drinker. "I am sorry" he said, "but since you do not drink, the state department can not use you". He went on to explain that drinking is so prevalent in almost all cultures through out the world, that it was important that state department employees drink as not to cause incidents. From that point on when ever I read an article or see footage of an important national or international event, I always look for the bottle or glass being used to celebrate that event. Guess what? Eight out of ten times: I see or read about the glass or bottle included in that event. I challenge you to join me in my little game. The next time you read or hear about an important event here or abroad, look for the glass or bottle. And we wonder why our kids are confused by the mixed messages we send them when it comes to alcohol.