Monday, February 1, 2016

Stranger in Paradise

"Take my hand, I'm a stranger in Paradise
All lost in a wonderland,
A stranger in Paradise."...
Those are the opening lyrics to the song, 'Stranger in Paradise' from the 1953 musical, Kismet. I find those lyrics coming to mind more frequently in these, my twilight years. And why not? More and more I recognize less and less of America's core values not to mention common sense.

This past weekend, I read a news report that Florida State University's higher education leaders have agreed to begin selling beer at Florida State baseball games. Let's quickly connect the 'common sense dots.' All 50- States established the legal drinking age at 21. Approximately, three-fourths of college age students would be under the age 21. Nonetheless, FSU is going to dangle alcohol temptations in front of their students attending athletic events.  Of course, beer at $7.00 a bottle will 'line' some pockets. Stranger in Paradise? You bet! In 1959, I squeezed the hell out of $15.00 a week for food.

A recent survey suggests that nearly 60% of college students drink alcohol monthly. Please consider the following yearly numbers on American college campuses:
(1) 1,800 alcohol related deaths, (2) 700,00 alcohol related assaults and (3) over 90,000 sexual assaults/rapes.

The NCAA, which has by-laws protecting the heritage of Native Americans concerning the use of 'Indian-mascots,' and yet is conspicuously absent protecting the young lives of university students regarding the serious alcohol issue on college campuses.

..."All lost in a wonderland
A stranger in Paradise.

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