Although I support responsible drinking, Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon's comments deserve a response ("PSU spokesman blames alcohol for student death," Feb. 22).

Mahon needs to be reminded that many people influenced by this alcohol culture risked their own safety to hold down Josephy Ventura and prevent him from escaping. So it seems that despite all the drinking, most of the individuals were actually trying to help the situation. It is ridiculous for Mahon to blame alcohol for the actions of one individual when most of the individuals drinking alcohol were trying to help the situation. Even if Ventura were drunk, it is still up to him to drink and behave responsibly. There were plenty of other people in the bar who were drinking and not engaging in such violent acts.

If the alcohol culture really promotes crime, then how does Mahon explain the fact that State College is consistently rated as one of the safest towns in the nation?