Because people in Arlington aren't pathetic enough...

^ I disagree to some extent. Granted, I don't think schools should be teaching a stance on anything resembling a controversial issue, but third grade teachers are (for better or worse) part of the development of character, integrity, and morals of their students.

If Johnny hits Bobby, I expect, even demand, that the teacher say, "Johnny, it is wrong to hit others."

They have the opportunity and therefore the responsibility to teach right from wrong.

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Richie Reflux said:

True, you can get liquid samples at Sea World and I think at Bush Gardens, but not at Sesame Place. I guess you can't down one with Ernie and Cookie Monster.

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Funny you should mention that... I took my 2 year-old to see Elmo on stage two weeks ago, and sure enough they were serving beer. (Also, I give him a lot of credit for liking the Count more than Elmo... that's what listening to The Cure while in the womb will do for ya.) I didn't drink, but there were others that did. Wouldn't you know it, no confrontation and no stumbling drunks.

Last time I was in Europe, I was in a restaurant and a youth group with some nuns as chaperones came in. The kids were 11, 12, 13. Some of them drank Pepsi. Some water, some wine. A couple of them went up and filled their glasses with draft beer. (Moretti to be exact.) How much do you want to bet these kids grow up with an understanding of responsibility and moderation better than the "yucky puke on rides" kids?

That's 1...2...3! Three puddles of yucky puke...uh uh uh...

My schools are funded by the taxes on alcohol and cigarettes. What about Six Flags writing to the kids telling them that they wont sell alcohol and how the kids wont have books.

^ Dear school children,

THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS!

Love,

Six Flags over Texas.

:-D

What's the big gray area here? Aren't children able to understand the concept that there are things that are appropriate for adults but not for children? Parents get to drive, kids don't. This medicine is for mom and dad, not for you. Big brother gets to ride that roller coaster, but you can't right now.

Kids do get it--- they might not like it, but they get it. Why aren't they taught that alcohol (a legal substance in most counties in the country) when used appropriately by adults is not a harmful substance? Instead they're being told it's inherently evil and harmful. And that anyone who so much as looks at the label on a beer bottle becomes deathly ill, causes accidents on the highways, and becomes a violent menace to society. Many adults responding to the newspaper articles apparently believe the same thing.

Impulsive, I don't think it's only JimBob in the Kansas trailer park who can't handle alcohol. There are plenty of sophisticated urban professionals who set a poor example. And I'm sure the Italian countryside has its share of drunks too.

Knott's Berry farm sells alcohol. At least at TGI Fridays and Mrs. Knotts Chicken dinner restraunt. People. I beleave they they also sell it at the Ghost town girll, and Costers. No one really cares. They have a beer or two and have fun. Thats that. Security should be able to take care of people who are having to many drinks.

I totally agree with RGB. I think teaching kids in black and white does them, and society a disservice.

What should be taught is the difference between being responsible and irresponsible and how this applies to drugs, alcohol, driving...and life in general. Teach kids how to be responsible for their lives and actions instead of placing the blame on corporations, etc.

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aren't they taught that alcohol (a legal substance in most counties in the country) when used appropriately by adults is not a harmful substance?

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Because this is the United States, and not Europe. In some families, though, alcohol is taught to be used with tolerance and moderation. I plan on being the first person in the world to have a drink with my daughter. The problem here is what Jeff referred to above; many adults, as adults, see the world in black and white. The big gray area is exactly what is not being seen by the adults behind this action to stop the alcohol sales.

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I totally agree with RGB. I think teaching kids in black and white does them, and society a disservice.

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I could not agree more. Empathy works in the same manner. You can teach a child to view another's persepctive and how their actions make them feel, but it takes awhile for them to understand it without guidance, but this certainly works in the same way. The problem, though, is that there needs to be an understanding that a child's mind naturally shifts towards the "black and white" reasoning.

Not just a child's mind...

You know what a good assignment would have been in addition to this, ways alcohol is regulated, including laws against selling alcohol outside of bars to anyone intoxicated, drunk driving laws, etc. Maybe that would make the kids see beyond the whole cause-effect relationship of alcohol = puke/death.

Lets not teach kids alcohol is bad, lets teach them being hedonistic is bad, and not just with booze, but with food, video games, etc. Lets not teach them that tobacco is evil, but that additional components in them is what makes people die.

Wake up and wake the sun people, lets make some changes.