The editorial regarding my legislation to require keg registration is misguided and misrepresents the growing need to address underage alcohol abuse (“Keep kegs,” SN 2/6).

I would hope the events of the last several years in East Lansing would result in greater concern among ASMSU - MSU’s undergraduate student government - representatives and The State News for the types of tragedies that go hand-in-hand with underage and binge drinking. Unfortunately, stories of alcohol poisoning, sexual assaults, serious injuries, drunken driving and even tragic deaths are becoming all too common in this and other area newspapers.

In fact, in the same issue your editorial opposing my bill appeared, The State News ran a story about Cindy McCue - whose son Bradley died as a result of binge drinking (“McCue addresses dangers of alcohol,” SN 2/6). How ironic and disappointing it is that you chose to oppose this simple bill on the same day you reported Cindy McCue’s crusade to keep other students from befalling the same tragic fate as her young son.

Will registering kegs keep all minors from obtaining and abusing alcohol? Of course not. Will it completely eliminate the problems of drunken driving and binge drinking? No. But will registration provide a clear reminder to the purchaser that he or she is legally responsible for who consumes the beer they purchase? Yes. Will it give those who may be considering providing beer to minors reason for pause? Yes. And will it give law enforcement another tool in investigating the type of tragic incidents that we have all witnessed in recent years? Yes.

I hope ASMSU and The State News both reconsider their position against this bill, which could prove to be a step, no matter how small, toward reducing underage and binge drinking associated with keg beer.

And I hope they choose to join the growing coalition of some of Michigan’s most respected law enforcement groups, health organizations and educational institutions supporting the bill. This coalition includes the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, all 15 state universities, the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Michigan State Troopers Association, numerous student groups and many more.

I am confident the people of Michigan and the students of MSU will be willing to take an extra minute to provide some basic information when buying keg beer, if it may result in fewer tragic stories like those we read on a regular basis in this and other newspapers.

Sandy Caul
state representative, Mount Pleasant