After four years of reading about the opinions and protests of our fellow students, we have decided to take a stand on an issue that may affect the lives of many Penn State students as well as millions throughout the country. After obtaining information on a proposed Congressional bill that would raise the excise tax on beer by nearly 300 percent, we feel obligated to inform others of the details.

The proposed bill would cost the 80 million loyal American beer drinkers nearly one dollar for every purchased six pack.

For example, if you purchase a case of beer every other week during the school year, plan to spend an extra $60 if the bill is passed.

Furthermore, the same special interest groups who are lobbying for this excessive tax are attempting to ban all advertising of beer on television. If this ban is enacted, many sports programming will be forced to broadcast on pay cable networks instead of commercial television (This would eliminate many of the most entertaining commercials).

Fortunately, organized public protest has been strong enough to fight off previous attempts to raise beer taxes. While we are supportive of efforts to decrease the federal deficit, we do not believe the answer lies in punishing beer drinking Americans. Tax on beer is already three times that of consumer goods.

We urge you to join the cause to keep beer taxes at their current level. Write to your Congressman or send a letter to:

Beer Drinkers of America
150 Paularino Avenue, Suite 190
Costa Mesa. CA 92626-9699

and help fight for a cause that is worth fighting for . . . BEER!