Virginia’s big ABC beer bust

I have been following the story about the Alcoholic Beverage Control agents in Charlottesville. To begin with, why is the Virginia taxpayer paying for six armed agents to be out on a beer bust at a single location?

And why, with six armed men surrounding a vehicle with three college girls armed with bottles of water, did an agent feel the need to draw his weapon? I would be reviewing that officer’s psychological evaluation for mental stability. It appears he lacks the temperament for this line of work.

Furthermore, why does this agency even exist? The fact that there were six officers proves they lack a legitimate purpose and are looking for something to fill their workday.

This entire situation was created by the poor judgment of six state employees. It appears they created the situation in order to be able to defuse it with backup already on hand. Unfortunately, as taxpayers, we have to rely on other state employees to discipline their own, which never happens.

As a society, do we need to monitor underage drinking? You bet. However, now is the time to rethink how this mission is accomplished. It is readily apparent that our current solution isn’t working.

PHILLIP BANE
ROANOKE

Weather Journal

5 hours ago

1. 41-vehicle wreck ties up traffic Sunday on I-81 in Rockbridge County 

2. Virginia Tech football roster has holes on picture day

3. Medicare penalties hit hospitals in Roanoke, New River Valleys

4. Microfestivus beer event gets downtown Roanoke hopping 

5. McFarling: 2 little numbers are a big hurdle for Virginia Tech football 

6. Arrest made in case of missing Nelson County teen

7. DAN CASEY: Copter cost still stirring up dust

8. Roanoke farmers markets making local foods more accessible

9. Virginia attorney general's office grows under Ken Cuccinelli 

10. Man's drowning is 5th in Lynchburg area