Last fall, I read an article in a northern Michigan University news release where for NMU’s 125th anniversary, a local brewery was selling a special beer in the school’s honor. I immediately questioned, why is a state educational institution cooperating with a brewery to sell alcohol? Knowing the dangers of alcohol on much of the public, how is it that NMU would want to be a part of that? Now, the brewery can do what they wish and the beer probably sold well. However, to make it more questionable in my book, the article went on to say how pleased those parties were to co-sponsor this beer.

It gets worse. NMU will receive some of the profits of the sales and a percentage of that money will go to sponsor student recreation and health initiatives. Not sure about health initiatives, very ironic. NMU can spend its money, our tax money, on better things. None of us are immune to the damage of irresponsible and addictive drug use.

The addition to alcohol has ruined many families and lives. Most readers know folks to which alcohol has become poison. Rehab treatment centers never lack for clients. Billions of dollars are spent and billions are lost annually to lost jobs, family break ups and economic disasters. I work in a large jail-prison ministry in the Upper Peninsula and state wide, and I see and hear the daily effects of alcohol. Currently the Delta County has about 90% of its inmates with alcohol or drug issues.

Many people referred to the U.P. is having a drinking culture. Michigan State University operates a large forestry innovation center near Escanaba. Recently, the staff there helped a local Delta County brewery to perfect a new maple beer. Again, not sure that that is the best use of state money. MSU does not profit there.

I know I tread on shaky ground when I object to the strong initiative programs at NMU in providing degrees in cannabis management, one of its many programs offered. Normal research will show the dangers of pot, especially for those under 23. It is at that age that the brain is fully formed. In fact, becoming an addict to a substance is 20 times higher for those who use before 23, a tiny percentage of addicts after that develop. The Escanaba MSU Center was told to not touch pot.

Do not get me started on the lottery. I know that we cannot legislate morality but I think what we as a state could spend tax money, not supporting alcohol, pot, and drugs that lead to opioids. Is pot a gateway drug? I know, it’s debatable. Many health official say yes. Last fall, I sent my concern about beer promotion in a letter to the NMU president, president of the board of directors and athletic director, no response received. Should NMU or MSU support the use of any iffy substances? I am sure that I will get some disagreeing mail. That’s A-OK.