Do you think kicking the 19-and 20-year-olds out of the bars at 10:00 pm will curtail college binge drinking? That is exactly what University of Iowans are wondering . This stricter bar ordinance is up for vote November 6 in Iowa City.

Down five or more drinks in a single sitting and you're exhibiting binge drinking behavior. University of Iowans are notorious drinkers and there's data to back it up -- a Harvard University study reported nearly 70 percent of Hawkeyes binged recently, compared to 49 percent of students nationwide. I also offer testimonial evidence, I'm an '89 Hawkeye graduate and can attest to the party scene. Considering their 3-5 football record of late, alcohol consumption is probably on the rise.

One bar owner thought shooing the youngsters out of the bars would lead to the destruction of the neighborhoods. One female student worried about the lack of safety at house parties. She feels safer with the police presence downtown. University president Sally Mason won't even offer her opinion on the controversy. Raising the entry age to 21 may be just as East Lansing Police Chief Tim Wilbert described -- it's like squeezing a water balloon -- you squeeze one part and the problem bulges elsewhere.

Until the college drinking culture is truly changed, I tend to agree with the Police Chief. Your thoughts?