By now you’re probably well aware of the assault on alcoholic energy drinks, primarily the ominous Four Loko. A quick Google news search shows the drink popping up across the country as Public Enemy No. 1, allegedly the primary cause of recent car accidents, shootings and blackout binges. What is this terror coursing through innocent veins and how did it create such a frenzy?

To be honest, I’m simply not a fan of this type of drink. Aside from whatever physical damages they might do to the body, they’re simply too cloyingly sweet, and borderline rancid. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t choke back a few cans of Sparks in college during basement rock shows, but that was college, and I don’t remember going ballistic. These drinks aren’t new, but for some reason the conversation has reached a fever pitch, and the media isn’t helping. See Exhibit A, courtesy of NBC New York and Brooklyn Assemblyman Felix Ortiz:

“Now, he’s putting his words in action—graciously offering to be the test subject by guzzling as much of the controversial drink as he can in one hour.

As the hour goes, the Assemblyman’s pulse shoots up and his blood pressure slows as the alcohol, a depressant, starts to take hold. Sixty minutes later, two and 1/2 cans in, the equivalent of three large cups of coffee caffeine, Ortiz is intoxicated. His pulse is up to 86 beats per minute and his blood pressure is 126 over 84. At this point we have to stop filming as Ortiz begins vomiting.”

At best, this is simply sensationalist, fear-mongering reporting—a flashy way to get page hits and offer nothing to the conversation. What I learn is that I’ll vomit if I force myself to drink Four Loko until, well, I vomit. Sure, the strain this drink puts on the heart is worth researching and disseminating to the public, but this story is far from scientific. The problem with this kind of reporting is that it fuels public outrage, which then translates into brash statewide bans. This issue is far too nuanced to simply ban big, bad alcoholic energy drinks across the board. What constitutes an alcoholic energy drink? Is it simply any alcoholic beverage that contains any amount of caffeine? If so, say goodbye to Founders Breakfast Stout, Kona Pipeline Porter and the rest of the great coffee or chocolate beers on the market. Luckily, the Brewers Association announced it will petition the TTB to allow “incidental caffeine from ingredients that have a long tradition in brewing.” Yet, with the amount of doomsday stories filling up news feeds, and politicians looking for a relevant cause, it’s already an uphill battle.

I’ve never been one to write my state representative, but this issue might deserve a letter or two from beer lovers. I don’t want to imagine a day when the Samuel Adams Chocolate Bocks of the world are forbidden, but I can still drink as many Red Bull vodkas as I’d like at the bar. Perhaps members of the media should put down the drink they’re witch-hunting and take a closer look at the issue as a whole.