What did You Say, Mercer Island? Sept. 18-24

Each week, I'll pick two or three of the most interesting story or Facebook comments, questions, or Twitter tweets sent to Mercer Island Patch.

 commented on:

The right idea is Safe Rides ----- to encourage persons under the age of 21 (and over the age of 21) to get home safely and be responsible about drinking and driving. The wrong idea is to pass a law allowing a police department (MIPD) that doesn't have enough to do (since we are a peaceful, educated, responsible community), to focus their police efforts on our younger population, to interfere with parenting (unless abusive), or to intrude into private homes, clubs, parties and premises. The wrong idea is to give a lazy or energetic prosecutor or police, a ridiculously easy standard of proof and/or presumed guilt as an "enforcement tool", as advocated by current City Attorney Katie Knight. She is way off-base, as the recommended ordinance.

There is a very good reason why city/county/state/federal prosecutors have a high standard of proof to bear, and why police are prohibited from entering private premises ---- to prevent their abuse of citizens and the community. We don't want to live in fear of police entering private premises because police think there are people there who look under 21 (or 18 for that matter). My daughter is 24 and looks under 18. I don't want police entering and carding her in my home.

Parenting during middle school and high school can be a challenge, but that is no reason for a community (or its City Attorney) to get weird about it. The existing state statute is sufficient. City staff's requested ordinance should be denied.

 commented on:

I happened to be in the library as this was going on. My first thought was, "I'm a Frazzled Mom, how did I not know about this?!" Mom's need friends too! A coffee break with a friend is cheaper than therapy!

From Facebook,   commented on

So it's legal for the father to supply alcohol to his daughter in his home to the point where she is visibly intoxicated? Interesting. I'm surprised he wasn't charged with anything.