as long as their parents are with them

Yes. True. Wisconsin state law allows minors to drink in any bar as long as they are accompanied by a parent or spouse. of course, with prices what they are today, not too many parents are pouring $4 beers into their kids sippy cups–but it’s legal if they want to.

Rep. John Ainsworth (R-Shawano) has been trying since 2003 to change that law, but so far, no go. It’s hitting the headlines again, trying to change the law to only allow kids age 18 and older to drink in bars if accompanied by a parent or guardian. Why special permission is given to 18-year-olds when the law says you’re a minor until you’re 21 escapes my understanding, but hey, that’s Wisconsin for you. The state where binge drinking is a RIGHT, Gaddammit.

I grew up here, but I was still shocked to read the Journal-Sentinel forum, where “Scott” in West Bend says:

What about parental rights? Should it not be my decision on how to raise my child? In my opinion, this is another example of too much government involvement in personal choice issues.

or “Dan” in Port Washington (I think he’s serious):

What about the time honored tradition of deer hunting when a Father and Son {or Daughter] can share a beer and celebrate there first deer together and many other traditions that we have come to cherish. TO MUCH GOVERMENT

The state with the worst DUI and drunken driving deaths shows, once again, that they are a bunch of yaddering yahoo Ed-Gein-wannabees.