I was recently invited to present an overview of alcohol and addiction at a nearby high school. Tony (not real name) was doing a senior project. And he would get extra credit if he could get a speaker. He had put together a power point presentation and speech. And he was nervous. After he had presented a wonderful speech, he introduced me. As I was talking to the fifth, sixth, and seventh graders on the dangers of underage drinking, the students were very attentive. I explained the development of the brain and how it is still growing well into the 20's. I gave a brief overview of how excessive alcohol use can actually change your brain. We talked about the Youth Diversion Classes that are sometimes required if you have been charged with minor consumption. Also important is the actual monetary cost of all that charge may imply. A night in jail, missed work, finding a ride to and from school, classes, court, etc. This can actually add up to a substantial amount, in one case $2000 for the teen. The students asked all kinds of questions. Perhaps the one that sticks in my mind was from a 6th grade student. She was shy and quiet and I had to ask her to repeat her question. The question was simple: "If alcohol is so bad, why doesn't the President make them quit making it?" Wow. How do you explain to a 6th grader commercialism, stocks, complicated legislation? I kept it simple. I said "Money". Beer and liquor distillers make a lot of money making it. I also encouraged her to ask her parents to let their congressman know her feelings. I don't think she understood my answer completely, but she accepted it. Just like all the rest of us.