<p>KPMOM,</p>
<p>I would like to add that the Midshipman Pub (which is just part of Land Hall) is only open to 1/c Midshipman 21 or older and ONLY Midshipmen (you can’t bring in outsiders or guests). I believe they only serve beer and it costs more than the average bar would charge. It’s social drinking - something that is done not only in the public world, but largely in the military too. I know that the superintendent makes visits and just socializes with the mids. It’s hardly a rowdy time. Nobody’s falling flat on their faces or being rushed to the hospital. </p>
<p>You claim it leads to bad behavior and social problems, citing the other Academies as examples of “dry student bodies” (according to the PR, which I do not believe at all). Yet, KP is the ONLY academy that has NOT recently had incidents of rape, assault, harassment etc (which all four of the other academies have been tainted over for in the news lately). </p>
<p>I would not at all consider myself a heavy drinker - it’s something I just don’t do, and I attribute this to the fact that I was raised to enjoy, but respect alcohol. I tasted my first beer when I was probably just 8 or 9 (given to me by my parents at dinner). My parents taught me responsibility and I’ve learned how to enjoy alcohol in moderation.</p>
<p>We’re being trusted with millions of dollars worth of equipment and cargo, can be sent overseas to war zones, yet there’s a problem with allowing a little social drinking with our class mates with whom we’ve been together with for the best and worst of times for the past few years? </p>
<p>Also, look at it this way - if every person out of here became an alcoholic, we’d all be having trouble keeping a job. I challenge anyone that says that there is a more watched-upon and regulated industry out there than commercial shipping when it comes to drinking.</p>
<p>Sorry, but I respectfully disagree with you on this.</p>