Learn to Drink

Here's a predictable adjunct to having large numbers of young people overseas fighting a war—the ones back at home want to drink. BeerRadio has started a "Countdown to 21" program featuring an intern, Jennifer Wiley, 20.

Wiley wonders out loud about the logic of U.S. alcohol laws in ways that simply are not permitted in polite, neo-prohibitionist company.

"I got my learner?s permit when I was 15?. I could drive when I turned 16 and vote when I turned 18. I can be married and a mother, own property or my own business. I can join the military or be a pilot." Wiley said. "It would be great to have some type of learner's permit for beer that could ease us into being legally able to drink."

Not a bad idea. But highly unlikely.