Risky rides home
Supporting a safe rides program outweighs the possible dangers.

A revolver, a semi-automatic firearm and hollow point pistol rounds – bullets made to kill – rode in the taxi with him as a University student was robbed at knife-point early Wednesday morning.

He just wanted a ride. The cab driver wanted more – about $70 more, according to the police report.

Earlier this semester, we suggested the University help fund WatchDawgs – a student-run organization providing students safe rides home – since the organization lacked funding to operate this spring. We understand the administration doesn’t want to endorse underage drinking by supporting a safe rides group whose usual clientele includes intoxicated students barely able to stumble back to their residence.

But Wednesday’s incident brings a new meaning to “safe rides.” Alcohol and steering wheels aren’t the only dangers facing students.

Taxi drivers – and others – sometimes go to great lengths to get cash, even if it takes the intimidation of weapons pointed at our peers.

The theft further reinforces the need for a legitimate safe rides program in the Classic City. We hope the University rethinks its position on WatchDawgs funding or develops a similar program to help students get home unscathed.

Safe rides are worth the cost.

- Kelly Shaul for the editorial board

Legal at last
You’re not obligated to take every shot your friends buy when you turn 21.

The big night has finally arrived. You’re crossing that last barrier to pure adulthood.

You’re now 21. And you’re headed downtown with the intent to make memories that last a lifetime as you savor you’re first legal drink.

There’s the unfortunate likelihood, however, that sometime along the way, you’ll drink the cocktail that breaks the camel’s back. When you wake up hours later, instead of great memories, all you have in your head is a dull, painful ache.

Most members of editorial board already have reached the 21-year milestone. Believe us when we say you’ll value it a lot more if you get home conscious and with clean clothes on.

We believe in taking responsibility for one’s own actions. No one can force another to drink. But it sure is tough to pass up those tequila shots when your friends are chanting your name.
Students often feel an obligation to ensure their friends have “memorable” birthdays, but they should realize that “memorable” shouldn’t imply extreme drunkenness.

Bartenders also should know when it’s time for the girl in the golden tiara to call it a night.

To those students still on the younger side of age 21, make the decision now to be responsible on your first legal night out. Don’t feel pressured to take those SoCo & lime shots your buddies buy you.

After all, you’re 21; you’re too old for that stuff.

- Drew Wheatley for the editorial board