As much as I find inane a day dedicated to reckless inebriation, I find the efforts of authorities to quash State Patty’s Day to be paternalistic, insulting and largely counterproductive.
An alcohol-free downtown is over-zealous. The assumption appears to be that anyone who patronizes an alcohol-serving establishment, especially on State Patty’s Day, is there to get drunk.
However, common sense dictates an assumption that such persons intend to behave responsibly. The existing framework of liquor laws and regulations — which, frankly, in Pennsylvania are too strict — should be enough to control anyone who acts irresponsibly every day of the year, including State Patty’s Day.
I find it insulting and paternalistic that the authorities believe responsible adults should not be allowed to purchase a pint or two at downtown establishments on a Saturday.
I do not support State Patty’s Day, but I do not support university and borough authorities’ stance on it. They need to get in touch with the realities of a university town.
Danny Brouillette
graduate-meteorology
