Ban on cold beer and my response

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I ran across this article from the Jefferson City News Tribune http://www.newstribune.com/articles/2006/01/06/news_state/0010606031.txt
Below is my response to Senator Alter.

Senator Alter,

Interesting idea to use state tax dollars to promote a bill that would ban the sale of cold beer. With the myriad of problems this state has (job loss, education cuts, health insurance cuts) this is the best you could come up with? I also didn't realize that non-voting aged individuals in this state were allowed to dictate state legislation. According to the Jefferson City News Tribune article from January 6th, a 5th grader came up with the idea? If you are trying to find ideas for legislation in this state, I and many other tax-paying and voting adults in this state would be happy to contribute.
According to a Kansas City Star-Tribune article from December 25, 2005 it states that Missouri has seen a dramatic decrease in drunk driving fatalities in 2004. It also states that the zero-tolerance law has decreased fatalities by 10-20%. In that same time frame non-alcohol related accidents have increased by 30%. Interesting.
I noticed on you biography that you are a member of NRA which helps in promoting gun safety. I whole heartedly support legislation that promotes gun safety without limiting the access for law-abiding adults to purchase and own firearms. But what troubles me is a report by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence that gave Missouri a D+ grade, which was the second consecutive year in receiving that grade. In 2002, 72 children/teenagers died due to firearms (was this ever brought up as possible legislation with the 5th grader). According to the report Missouri received an F on having no Child Access Prevention Law, Gun Safety Locks and Safer Design Standards, and do not allow cities to regulate guns. I am including the link to the article, but then again I am not a 5th grader. http://www.bradycampaign.org/facts/reportcards/2004/mo.pdf

I know that you are looking for legislative ideas and the above is just one. When the 5th graders run out of ideas, feel free to drop us a line. I know all of us in education will be waiting by the phone to promote proper education funding.

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