The Maryland legislators who are opposed to the proposed direct shipping bills are really missing the point. The wholesalers have testified that their main objection to the bills is that it will make it easy for Maryland minors to obtain alcohol and their (the wholesalers') main purpose in life is to protect minors. Yet 35 other states, including bordering states West Virginia and Virginia, and the District of Columbia, have successfully implemented direct shipping while very effectively preventing minors from obtaining alcohol through direct shipping. The legislators who buy into the Maryland wholesalers' arguments are effectively saying to their constituency that they cannot be trusted to be responsible. Only the wholesalers and retailers are responsible enough and care enough about the minors in Maryland to make sure that they do not have access to alcohol. The legislators in 35 other states feel that their constituents are responsible enough to have the legal right to have wine shipped directly to their homes.
Maryland voters who are 21 years or older are just as responsible and concerned about under-age drinking as voters in the 35 states that currently allow direct shipping. Frankly I find it insulting and patronizing of the Maryland wholesalers, retailers and other interests that argue that I am not responsible enough to be trusted with the right to have wine shipped directly to my home. And I am outraged that Maryland legislators buy into this specious argument.
I would like to hope that my next post in this series will be in celebration of passage of the direct shipping law in Maryland. But alas, that is not likely. Stay tuned...
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2 comments:
THANK YOU! you have hit the nail on the head. After attending the testimony on Monday, I never cease to be amazed! The opponents to this bill continue to bring up illogical arguments. It seems evident that people are afraid to shake up the three tier system…a system that is currently limiting the rights of consumers. I couldn't believe that at one point, one of the opponents even said that we need to keep the process of shipping wine “in the hands of responsible people” it is quite insulting. I think its time to really show our legislators how we feel…this is a consumer issue and we consumers need to be a presence in order to make an impact on this bill! thank you for addressing the relevant issues!
...and thank you, Anonymous, for attending the hearing and sharing your thoughts here. Please send a link to this blog to anybody you think might be interested in this topic.
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