I have been intrigued with the frequency of President Obama's interest beer consumption. Specifically, how often this consumption is being tied to him in news articles, press releases and in his speaches or press conferences. I'd like to know how others feel about this.

I am not a beer drinker. I am not against people over 21 drinking beer. I dislike the smell of it enough to get past my nose to my face. I serve it if guests want it. I pay for it at dinner out if my guests order it. I am a MADD member, so you can guess from this that I'm strongly opposed to drinking and driving, but drinking responsibly is not ever an issue for me. Drinking responsibly is, most of all, drinking after one has passed the age of 21 AND has plans to tell when enough is enough.

I am also a student of the brain. I am fascinated with how the brain works. As an educator, I have gobbled up most publications that have come along as brain research has been published. So here is my point. We now know that the frontal lobe of the brain, where decisions are made, continues to develop in critical areas from the age of 12 into the mid-20s. These are the years in which critical periods of brain development take place, and where the effects of alcohol can impair learning. (White, A. (2001). Alcohol and adolescent brain development. Duke University Medical Center. Durham, N.C.).

We also know that when drinking is delayed until the age of 21, a person is four times less likely to become an alcoholic (Moritsugu, Dr. K.P. (2007). The surgeon general's call to action to prevent and reduce underage drinking. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.)

Even if we keep only these two things in mind, doesn't it seem judicious to minimize the exposure to impressionable young people of the President's (arguably THE most powerful man in the world and certainly ONE of the most influential people in the world) affinity for beer? I'm not suggesting that we try to hide things from the nation's children. What I am asking if it wouldn't be wiser and more responsible not to make "beer" the central focus of so many prominent issues? In fact, when recently asked about having a beer with Sean Hannity, the President responded, "...I'm always up for a beer."

Is anyone else concerned about the influence that the publicity about the President's enthusiasm for beer drinking is having on our youth (people under 21)?

I'd be very interested in hearing how my fellow bloggers feel? Do you think I am over reacting?