Considering that the official state beverage of Wisconsin is a sober glass of milk, it’s hard to miss the irony in that the state also leads the nation in those that admit to driving under the influence. Add the fact that it also has the dubious honor of scoring the highest percentage in the nation for underage drinking, and it’s even harder not to ask the question, “What’s wrong with Wisconsin?”
Is it the cold winters combined with the world’s cheesiest headwear? Officials state that they are not surprised since drinking is so accepted and a large part of the culture.
Moberg said. "People who come from other states remark on it. Any event you go to (in Wisconsin) has alcohol. But Emerson also said the widespread acceptance of drinking here might well make Wisconsin residents more likely than people elsewhere to answer honestly when asked about driving under the influence. ~ AJC.com
Reading the quote above, I’m not quite sure if they are saying that the people of Wisconsin drink so much that they just accept this behavior or maybe they have just drank themselves honest? Either way it’s bad mojo.
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The drinking and driving is just plain stupid, but the underage drinking probably gets under my skin more than anything. That goes for every state in the Union not just Wisconsin even though the problem seems rampant in land of milk and cheese.
Almost 40 percent of 12- to 20-year-olds in Wisconsin reported drinking alcohol within the past month, the highest rate in the nation, according to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). ~ SAMHSA
Studies show that the younger one starts to drink the more likely they will have substance abuse issues. My experience is that it is rare indeed to find an alcoholic in the group that waits until adulthood to drink and it’s one of the main reasons I am for keeping the minimum drinking age at 21.
I can’t tell you what is wrong specifically with Wisconsin, but I can tell you that the problems of driving under the influence and underage drinking are national issues and not just the problem of anyone state.
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It's because elected officials don't know what to do and because the alcohol indsutry does not want them doing anything that will harm their profits or image.
There is no excuse or reason why substantial improvements can't be made. Doing will greatly reduce the death and injury rates that stem from drunk driving and underage drinking.
I was first executive director of MADD and am author of two books on drunk driving control. I have new concepts to share and am looking for leaders or those who want to learn how to lead an effort to address the drunk driving and underage drinking problem in your state. I will donate my time to help if you are qualified and serious about volunteering. I know how to trun your state around.
Contact me at stopdrunkdriving@gmail.com
I would like to ask you a few questions but Wisconsin though, is not my state.
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