I could not believe my eyes when I read recently that the leading argument against legislation to ban open containers is that it would infringe on the rights of University of Tennessee fans who wish to enjoy a cocktail on the way to a football game in Knoxville.

That is the most juvenile, self-serving reason I can imagine. People can drink at home, restaurants and bars. There is no need to carry open containers of alcohol in cars, regardless of whether you are driving or are a passenger.

Come on General Assembly, what’s the most important issue here? Is it someone’s fun or possibly saving lives? With the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and many sheriffs endorsing the bill, how can it still be under question? As the kids say: Duh!

LYNDA LIPSCOMB WEXLER

Johnson City