I want to state that I follow the guidelines for responsible drinking, which is, on average, I have two standard drinks per day or 14 standard drinks per week. As a beer drinker, I am insulted by lawmakers who believe that making me pay 56 cents per week will somehow be a burden to my budget.

My understanding is that abusive drinking is a significant economic burden on our state: $1.2 billion for underage drinking alone! As a responsible drinker, I am more than happy to contribute a few cents to the costs associated with alcohol use, especially beer. It seems only fair and may raise about $80 million. Why not use that money to pay for needed substance abuse and mental health service? It makes good sense.

I would rather pay 4 cents per beer than absorb the economic burden alcohol puts on society. If 4 cents is really hurting someone, he shouldn't be drinking anyway and should buy bread.

You go, Gov. Easley!

Mark Paulson, Durham

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