I remember what it was like being of college age...honestly all I wanted to do was party. I think it's a "coming of age" ritual that everybody goes through to some extent. It's part of growing up.
The problem as I see it with UMass is they haven't figured out how to teach kids to party safely. Just taking booze away from campus events doesn't work at all. Locking kids up in jail for partying doesn't work.
The only thing that worked for me was getting it out of my system in a safe environment. UMass could offer that or something like it. They could offer safe places for kids to "get it out of their system" in tandem with learning about it and how bad it is, etc.
"I remember what it was like being of college age...honestly all I wanted to do was party. I think it's a "coming of age" ritual that everybody goes through to some extent. It's part of growing up."
Maybe that's how you were. I guess I was a bit more mature at that age. I saw drunks and partiers as losers. I still do.
Larry, I'm hesitant to put my name on this *only* because the c-heads will drown out what is a legitimate research question:
As a percentage of the student body, are athletes more or less likely to find their names on your dishonor role?
I think that would be a really interesting question to tabulate statistics on for a year or so -- and I would do it for both male *and* female athletes -- two generations into Title IX, I suspect that the girls can be every bit as bad as the boys....
Adam -- the problem is that UM simply says "don't you ever drink, ever, anywhere, or we will do double unpluss good things to you."
That creates three problems. First one of having to *be* everywhere to prevent them from drinking.
Second, Lit'l Enku is running out of draconian punishments as she can't kick EVERYONE out.
But third -- and most important -- this external-control approach totally eliminates all forms of internal self restraint. It creates the attitude of wanting to drink as much as you can, whenever you can, the only restraint on consumption being external forces.
The university doesn't address the unmet social needs, the university simply *prevents* drinking and creates a situation similar to when a fire burns in an oxygen-scarce environment -- flammable gasses (including carbon monoxide) are superheated way above their combustion temperature and instantly ignite when oxygen becomes available.
This is why these wild parties explode out of nowhere -- they are the social equivalent of a "backdraft."
A practical approach for reducing drunk driving in a college town:
For a nominal fee, the APD will issue a "no tag/tow" which is valid for any safely parked vehicle, including on private property, until noon the next day, with it being extended until 6 PM at the discretion of the officer, subject to established protocols (i.e. hour, level of intoxication).
Limits are established on the number of times one can do this, but the first three times are without penalty and UM agrees to this as well. Lit'l Enku agrees (or is told) "hands off."
Some would argue you are enabling intoxication, and perhaps you are, but you also are addressing the issue of 'getting the damn car home' and APD can't catch them all....
I wonder if shining a spotlight on the very small percentage of corrupt and criminal cops at UMass or in town, would have the effect of making other cops think twice about engaging in criminal activity, like you believe shining the spotlight on kids who drink and drive or who party illegally will. You could call it Crooked Cop Roll Call or something.
Then again, I guess that's what YouTube is for, that site is replete with video of cops harassing citizens, committing other crimes... I hope they are having the effect of bolstering and strengthening our police forces rather than casting a negative light on all cops while the overwhelming percentage are trying to do their jobs to the best of their ability.
How does name-calling of people who work hard at trying to reduce ill behavior on the part of a small percentage of UMass students reduce drunk driving in our town?
I just read Ms. Gelaye's Spotlight article on the UMass website and she seems very capable and bright. I've also heard wonderful things bout her from residents of Amherst and employees at the University.
Thank You for the hard work you are doing Ms. Gelaye!
I remember what it was like being of college age...honestly all I wanted to do was party. I think it's a "coming of age" ritual that everybody goes through to some extent. It's part of growing up.
ReplyDeleteThe problem as I see it with UMass is they haven't figured out how to teach kids to party safely. Just taking booze away from campus events doesn't work at all. Locking kids up in jail for partying doesn't work.
The only thing that worked for me was getting it out of my system in a safe environment. UMass could offer that or something like it. They could offer safe places for kids to "get it out of their system" in tandem with learning about it and how bad it is, etc.
Anyway just some random thoughts
"I remember what it was like being of college age...honestly all I wanted to do was party. I think it's a "coming of age" ritual that everybody goes through to some extent. It's part of growing up."
ReplyDeleteMaybe that's how you were. I guess I was a bit more mature at that age. I saw drunks and partiers as losers. I still do.
officer nick chandler is an outstanding police officer. very nice, very easy to work with.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this will affect Mr. Carini's scholarship.
ReplyDelete"Victims: Nick, Scott, Town of Amherst." Ummm... There has got to be more to this one than just him being a drunken football hero.
ReplyDeleteGranted, he may be that, but I somehow think there is a tad bit more.
Larry, I'm hesitant to put my name on this *only* because the c-heads will drown out what is a legitimate research question:
ReplyDeleteAs a percentage of the student body, are athletes more or less likely to find their names on your dishonor role?
I think that would be a really interesting question to tabulate statistics on for a year or so -- and I would do it for both male *and* female athletes -- two generations into Title IX, I suspect that the girls can be every bit as bad as the boys....
Bad girls, bad girls ... watcha gonna do, watcha gonna do when they come for you.
ReplyDeleteHas a nice ring to it.
Adam -- the problem is that UM simply says "don't you ever drink, ever, anywhere, or we will do double unpluss good things to you."
ReplyDeleteThat creates three problems. First one of having to *be* everywhere to prevent them from drinking.
Second, Lit'l Enku is running out of draconian punishments as she can't kick EVERYONE out.
But third -- and most important -- this external-control approach totally eliminates all forms of internal self restraint. It creates the attitude of wanting to drink as much as you can, whenever you can, the only restraint on consumption being external forces.
The university doesn't address the unmet social needs, the university simply *prevents* drinking and creates a situation similar to when a fire burns in an oxygen-scarce environment -- flammable gasses (including carbon monoxide) are superheated way above their combustion temperature and instantly ignite when oxygen becomes available.
This is why these wild parties explode out of nowhere -- they are the social equivalent of a "backdraft."
A practical approach for reducing drunk driving in a college town:
ReplyDeleteFor a nominal fee, the APD will issue a "no tag/tow" which is valid for any safely parked vehicle, including on private property, until noon the next day, with it being extended until 6 PM at the discretion of the officer, subject to established protocols (i.e. hour, level of intoxication).
Limits are established on the number of times one can do this, but the first three times are without penalty and UM agrees to this as well. Lit'l Enku agrees (or is told) "hands off."
Some would argue you are enabling intoxication, and perhaps you are, but you also are addressing the issue of 'getting the damn car home' and APD can't catch them all....
I wonder if shining a spotlight on the very small percentage of corrupt and criminal cops at UMass or in town, would have the effect of making other cops think twice about engaging in criminal activity, like you believe shining the spotlight on kids who drink and drive or who party illegally will. You could call it Crooked Cop Roll Call or something.
ReplyDeleteThen again, I guess that's what YouTube is for, that site is replete with video of cops harassing citizens, committing other crimes... I hope they are having the effect of bolstering and strengthening our police forces rather than casting a negative light on all cops while the overwhelming percentage are trying to do their jobs to the best of their ability.
How does name-calling of people who work hard at trying to reduce ill behavior on the part of a small percentage of UMass students reduce drunk driving in our town?
ReplyDeleteI just read Ms. Gelaye's Spotlight article on the UMass website and she seems very capable and bright. I've also heard wonderful things bout her from residents of Amherst and employees at the University.
Thank You for the hard work you are doing Ms. Gelaye!
Anon just now. Not going to publish that. Try toning it down.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you answer my question first and then I'll answer yours.
ReplyDeleteAre you the fellow Cowardly Anonymous Nitwit who said "I don't engage in cyber-bullying, I only ask pointed policy questions"?
Oh, Brave New World
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThat was then, this is now. I just wrote a 5-figure check to a lawyer with a four words of instruction: "make them equally miserable."
ReplyDeleteIt isn't about the money anymore, it never really ever was.
And for being the person who coined the term "CAN", well, Mr. CAN.....
Too bad every time the conversation gets real you check out.
ReplyDeleteAt least I know I'm a CAN and have accepted and embraced it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful way to misuse our legal system and cost us all tax money, by the way.
ReplyDeleteROFL - Matt Carini is not 5'10"
ReplyDeleteHe is 5'8" on a good day wearing timberlands