> ...it would also be far more useful in determining how "responsible" alcohol is for sexual assault.
>
> -Eric Sleator

It doesn't seem to me that anyone is claiming that alcohol is "responsible" for anything. Alcohol, being in this case a beverage and not a sentient being, cannot be responsible for much. However, the effects of alcohol on the brain can, if consumed a large enough quantity, bring out the worst in people. It is known to lessen coordination, affect the area of the brain that exercises judgement, and lower inhibitions. These, of course, are just a few of the effects on the body. But in all but very rare cases, the person who consumed the alcohol did so willingly and with full awareness of the effects that it would have. The person who drinks is responsible for their own action regardless of their state of intoxication. Alcohol is a tool, much like a gun. In the hands of the immature and/or unbalanced they are dangerous things. But if used the way they are intended they become much less of a threat. In the same way that, should guns somehow cease to exist, people are always going to commit murder if they can figure out a way, if alcohol was no more, people would find ways to become inebriated if that is their intention. People will find a way to do whatever it is that they want to do. Guns, alcohol, cars, and the like are just ways to get it done more efficiently.