Should "alcopops" have been banned?

If this group (PEM) ever wants to have any agency deal with them again on a professional basis Dianne Ribbe must step down or be removed from her position at PEM. To criticize agencies when they disagree with you as she did in this case and many other cases, shows her complete lack of professionalism. The group has good intentions, but her tactics are similar to a bully on a playground. If she cares for the youth as much as she says agencies that disagree with her do not, then she would step down now and allow someone take the helm that would work with these agencies with integrity and professionalism!

I'm w/ u on this one, Cacher. it always seemed to me that they were more concerned w/ prohibition over prevention of underage consumption anyway.

The Telegram should bring back the Hot Topic about the airport. It was only on for a few days and recieved a lot of interest. Of all three of the current "Hot Topics", there are very few comments on all of them combined.

I would like to know who makes the decision to remove items from the list and when/why. From what I see, it is when people are really giving their opinion and it probably does not agree with the person that is in charge of those decisions at the Telegram.

PEM is a big joke. They need to get a life. There are bigger issues out there. Everything is expensive enough the way it is. They really should find a new hobby. They don't have half the power they think they do. Next they will TRY to change the drinking & smoking age with no success. If they want to call they shots then run for Governor of Nebraska & waste your money just to lose badly. Good bye now

To Who: I put up most of the hot topic questions. When the questions go up, an end time is assigned and the questions come down at that time. Sometimes if a question generates no interest, I pull it early. Sometimes, if a question gets overrun by inappropriate remarks, I pull it. The opinion of The Telegram or its editors have never played a factor in when a topic is taken down.

Yep, as someone who has had a relative killed due to underage drinking, trying to get kids not to drink is a big joke. I mean, come on, who's to try and stop a teenager from drinking and driving--certainly not groups such as PEM or MADD. I'm sure these groups do this just as a hobby, and could actually care less about young people getting killed. Thanks for opening my eyes Robby--I'll think of your great wisdom everytime I think of Kari.

I think the Telegram should put together a ”best of list” of some of the most hilarious, ridiculous, insightful, thought provoking, other big words, etc. comments from here.

Are these comments copyrighted?

Is it OK for "agencies" to bully private citizens?

Anyway, regardless of PEM's motivations or success, there is no substitute for parental involvement.

But they should be in the same category as beer. They ARE beer. Its not like anyone under 21 can roll into a liquor store and buy smirnoff or mikes hard lemonade like theyre a case of pepsi

This just in. Just watching the KETV news and PEM and their cronies aren't done yet. They didn't get their way with the Nebraska Liquor Commission so now they are calling on the Governor of Nebraska to step and do something. One of their so called Community Organizers even went as far as to say they he felt that these "Alcopops" aren't only targeting teens but are designed in such a way they "distract the clerk" ringing up the sale so they don't realize that it is alcohol they are selling!! Give me a break, will they stop at nothing!! I can't wait to see what names they call the Governor or how uncaring he is about our youth. Give it up and resign already Ribbe, you are an embaressment!!!!!

If it's made like beer, it is beer. That's what it is. PEM needs to get a life. News Flash-prohibition ended a long time ago and it isn't coming back. Cacher, your comments are very well said.

for crying out loud, the governor? it's this petty bickering and childish tactics that PEM insist on engaging in are exactly why nobody takes them seriously.

To Yep, i'm truly sorry for the bad ordeal you referenced, and i want it known that i don't believe underage drinking is acceptable nor is driving under the influence at any age. However, i do believe that the way that PEM is going about preventing it is a poor way. In my opinion, this duty lays with parents and of course, the people selling the booze to be carding the purchasers. It's not PEM's duty to dictate the law. Not on the local level, and not on the state level. As i said earlier, and as Someone said also, the days of prohibition are gone. Just b/c it doesn't taste like beer, doesn't mean it's hard liquor. Therefor, it shouldn't be taxed likewise.

i think underage drinkers are going to find away to buy liguor or beer either way..

If the aim of PEM is to to reduce or eliminate underage drinking, why do they think that trying to get "alcopops" taxed at a higher rate than beer is going to achieve that goal?

Assuming they succeed, the only result is that everyone will pay higher taxes on these beverages. For kids already determined to buy them, the thought of paying a few extra cents will not deter them a bit. Adults who enjoy these beverages responsibly will pay a higher tax. Granted, it might not be unduly burdensome, but the simple fact of the matter is that a higher tax on "alcopos" will not reduce underage drinking one iota.

This of course begs the question: "what does PEM really want?" Clearly, the answer is not a reduction in underage drinking but rather a return to prohibition. Instead of hiding behind an otherwise well-intentioned agenda they should just come out and say they don't want anyone to drink, responsibly or otherwise.

It is my hope and belief that the Governor and the Attorney General will defer to the well reasoned decision of the Liquor Control Commission in this matter, and that Ms. Riibe and PEM will find something more worthwhile on which to focus their attention.

well said, Ponder This. no amount of responsible drinking will be responsible enough for these people.

Why should we have to pay more for mikes or bartels and james it especially if it is the same alcohol content as beer that is not right and i do not agree with that

PEM is a joke...you folks go find a full time job. Prohibition Extra Mile.

PEM should do a little more research on what underage drinkers are drinking. At least in the Columbus area it seems the preferred drink among underage drinkers is vodka and Red Bull, Mountain Dew, 7up, etc. The vodka is already at a higher tax, maybe they want to tax pop differently. Also, much of the alcohol consumed is stolen so they won't be paying the tax anyway!!