2008 Woodie Awards
McCardell campaign generates opposition
Kathryn Flagg
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: News
In a small office perched in the center of Middlebury's quietly charming town center, though, McCardell and his assistants seem undeterred by the coalition's efforts. "Our gestation period is over," said McCardell of the nine-month-old effort. "We've emerged."
Support 21 rallies in response
Choose Responsibility's very emergence sparked, at least in part, the Oct. 9 press conference, during which MADD and other organizations unveiled the Support 21 coalition and its extensive list of health and safety group affiliates.
"The coalition came together to really present the science about 21," said Misty Moyse, a spokesperson for MADD, in an interview with The Middlebury Campus. "The press announcement was the cornerstone of our efforts."
According to Moyse, the coalition intends to follow this announcement with a series of events and programs, though she admitted that the events will be designed on a "case-by-case, as-needed basis."
The coalition was formed in part, Moyse said, in response to Choose Responsibility, but came about largely because of renewed media attention to the issue of underage drinking. Moyse - and MADD's Oct. 9 press release - stressed the importance of studies that
"We know, based on high quality data, that about 1,000 lives are being saved [each year] by 21," said Moyse. "Substantial research took place. This isn't a new thing. We know it saves lives."
The Support 21 press release cited the approximately 50 peer-reviewed studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of a higher minimum drinking age in reducing alcohol-related traffic fatalities, and also called attention to a Gallup poll in which 77 percent of Americans said they would oppose a federal law that would lower the drinking age in all states to 18.
Stepping into the spotlight
According to McCardell, Kronenberg and Goodwin, though, the press conference only reiterated well-known talking points championed by MADD.
Support 21 rallies in response
Choose Responsibility's very emergence sparked, at least in part, the Oct. 9 press conference, during which MADD and other organizations unveiled the Support 21 coalition and its extensive list of health and safety group affiliates.
"The coalition came together to really present the science about 21," said Misty Moyse, a spokesperson for MADD, in an interview with The Middlebury Campus. "The press announcement was the cornerstone of our efforts."
According to Moyse, the coalition intends to follow this announcement with a series of events and programs, though she admitted that the events will be designed on a "case-by-case, as-needed basis."
The coalition was formed in part, Moyse said, in response to Choose Responsibility, but came about largely because of renewed media attention to the issue of underage drinking. Moyse - and MADD's Oct. 9 press release - stressed the importance of studies that
"We know, based on high quality data, that about 1,000 lives are being saved [each year] by 21," said Moyse. "Substantial research took place. This isn't a new thing. We know it saves lives."
The Support 21 press release cited the approximately 50 peer-reviewed studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of a higher minimum drinking age in reducing alcohol-related traffic fatalities, and also called attention to a Gallup poll in which 77 percent of Americans said they would oppose a federal law that would lower the drinking age in all states to 18.
Stepping into the spotlight
According to McCardell, Kronenberg and Goodwin, though, the press conference only reiterated well-known talking points championed by MADD.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
molleyk
posted 10/19/07 @ 11:27 AM EST
Dear Katie Flagg,
What does "but then of course they're famous for unintended consequences for what they do." mean?
Is he referring to a famous event? Am I the only one who doesn't know about this event or is there another reason for this quote-without-elucidation?
Thanks,
Molley
Linda
posted 10/19/07 @ 7:09 PM EST
I think Choose Resposibility would do well to go for 19 not 18 as the beginning drinking age. Many 18 year olds are still in high school, and I think that that venue presents problems. (Continued…)
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