Jessica Turnbull's column, "Bootlegger's story is proof of retention (Sept. 5)," was absolutely pretentious and based on false assumptions. Turnbull has decided that people who enjoy "getting smashed" have no potential to change this campus or this world. I don't care if you drink or not. It doesn't bother me at all. But don't get a holier-than-thou attitude and look down on me and others for what we choose to do.

Turnbull should meet my mother. My mother enjoys drinking, and does so almost every night. Yet, come morning, she gets up and sees patients all day as a pediatrician at one of Virginia Beach's largest hospitals. Turnbull should also read about Ernest Hemingway. If not for his amazing talent to tell a story, Hemingway would be best remembered as a drunk. For another historical example, take Sir Winston Churchill. As a routine, he would drink several iced whiskey and sodas before dinner, champagne with dinner, and brandy late into the night. Or, if a local example is desired, Turnbull should go spend a day in the UPUA office and listen to some of their stories. Tell me these people didn't improve the world in some way, and I'll show you a liar.

Yes, there are dysfunctional alcoholics, but there are also many people who can control themselves and their drinking habits and manage to do great things, and no one should talk down to them.

Patrick Lane

senior-criminal justice