This article appeared in the Bear Facts, the Lake Braddock newspaper. The editors of the Bear Facts attempted to seriously distort some parts, and I was forced to fight to remove their changes. This is the original piece. In bold is the quote taken out by the editors.

                                             -Jonathan Strong

My Opposition to B.A.D.D.

By Jonathan Strong

After reading the title of this article, you might be wondering why I would be against a club advocating responsible drinking. Supporters of drunk driving are an equivalent to fans of Hitler. Clearly, I am against the terrible act of driving while intoxicated. However, is a club against drunk driving appropriate at the high school level? I recently had a discussion with the president of B.A.D.D., Safia Hagmati (sp?).

“Is B.A.D.D. a chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions?” I asked her.

“I’m not sure,” she replied.

“So, you’re the president of B.A.D.D. and you don’t know whether B.A.D.D. is a chapter of S.A.D.D.?” I asked. This was important because S.A.D.D. has clearly outlined a no use policy for alcohol.

Sofia then told me about B.A.D.D.’s policy of campaigning against drunk driving at homecoming.

This is where my argument comes into play. I find it highly ironic that a club advocating responsible drinking exists at a school in which none of it’s enrolled students are legally allowed to consume alcohol. Underage drinking is a pressing crisis not only for Lake Braddock Secondary but for the youth as a whole. Why, then, would a high school club tackle one minor aspect of the larger problem? One has to question the actual intent of the members. I have heard more than once that membership to B.A.D.D. appears good to colleges.

As a matter of principal, a club at Lake Braddock should not advocate responsible drinking. Just because underage drinking is rampant, it isn’t ok or right to accept it. Rather, it should create a sense of urgency to solve this problem. The members of B.A.D.D. should reflect upon the consequences of intoxication, an act they offhandedly condone if done in a “responsible” manner.

Alcohol is a toxic substance intended to make a person’s mind unable to function properly. How, without a working mind, will the high school students be responsible?

If there were a Bruins Against Drinking club, B.A.D., I would be sure to join it. However, I find a significant farce within the name of Bruins Against Drunk Driving, driving me to question the premise of this club.