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Sad, sad!!
Interesting debate. I've long wondered if legalizing drugs would be the best thing for our society.
Of course quoting Donna Shelela is never going to add credibility to your argument. She can't even preside over the conduct of her own football team.
Of course quoting Donna Shelela is never going to add credibility to your argument. She can't even preside over the conduct of her own football team.
We could legalize EVERYTHING and eliminate crime altogether!! I say draw a line in the sand and stand by it. Bust a few frat houses and college parties and if underage drinking exist then fine EVERYONE $1,000.00 in the house. Those 21 and over for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and those under 21 for illegal consumption of alcohol. You can bet the right of passage into aldulthood will take a different route. Some might claim it will change to a deserted field or farmhouse but statistics have (and will) prove them wrong.
Fungo
Fungo
College Presidents conjuring up a self serving "national debate" ?
WHOODA THUNKIT
WHOODA THUNKIT
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Let's see...combine this along with recent medical research suggesting that human brains simply do not mature until the 20's and you have...Chaos!
The same arguments/rationale used in the statement for lowering the drinking age to 18...
- "This is a law that is routinely evaded,"
- "It is a law that the people at whom it is directed believe is unjust and unfair and discriminatory."
- "If the age is younger, you're getting exposed to it at a younger age, and you don't freak out when you get to campus."
- "by choosing to use fake IDs, students make ethical compromises that erode respect for the law."
- "If you treat students like children, they're going to act like children,"
- "...the 21-year-old drinking age pushes drinking into hiding, heightening its risks."
...Could also be applied to lowering the age to 16...
Great idea.
44
Let's see...combine this along with recent medical research suggesting that human brains simply do not mature until the 20's and you have...Chaos!
The same arguments/rationale used in the statement for lowering the drinking age to 18...
- "This is a law that is routinely evaded,"
- "It is a law that the people at whom it is directed believe is unjust and unfair and discriminatory."
- "If the age is younger, you're getting exposed to it at a younger age, and you don't freak out when you get to campus."
- "by choosing to use fake IDs, students make ethical compromises that erode respect for the law."
- "If you treat students like children, they're going to act like children,"
- "...the 21-year-old drinking age pushes drinking into hiding, heightening its risks."
...Could also be applied to lowering the age to 16...
Great idea.
The drinking age was 18 when I was growing up. Both in New York and Florida where I now live. I believe that the premise for any debate should center on 2 facts. 1. at 18 you can vote for our elected officials, and 2. you can serve in our military. If our young adults are believed to have the maturity to deal with these two profound issues and responsibilities, then I believe that the logic to require a drinking age of 21 breaks down.
Moderation in life is an important concept to learn. It becomes more difficult when outside pressure to prevent one from partaking in an alcholic beverage (current law) is juxtaposed against a "frat party" where the alcohol is flowing. The imperfect reasoning may be; "I need to drink all I can here", "I may not get another chance for a few days/weeks".
If an 18 year old was not prohibited from having a beer legally, he might just pick one up on the way back to his dorm to finnish under the safety of his own roof.
Not perfect, but we know that those who wish to drink will do it legally or illegally. If an 18 year old has the law on his side and wishes to partake in a drink, he very well may show better judgement and discretion if he/she has the ability to enjoy an adult beverage under their own terms.
By the way, mine is a freshman this fall.
Moderation in life is an important concept to learn. It becomes more difficult when outside pressure to prevent one from partaking in an alcholic beverage (current law) is juxtaposed against a "frat party" where the alcohol is flowing. The imperfect reasoning may be; "I need to drink all I can here", "I may not get another chance for a few days/weeks".
If an 18 year old was not prohibited from having a beer legally, he might just pick one up on the way back to his dorm to finnish under the safety of his own roof.
Not perfect, but we know that those who wish to drink will do it legally or illegally. If an 18 year old has the law on his side and wishes to partake in a drink, he very well may show better judgement and discretion if he/she has the ability to enjoy an adult beverage under their own terms.
By the way, mine is a freshman this fall.
I don't support young people drinking BUT I have to agree with floridafan. If you allow young adults of age 18 to vote AND you send them off to die for their country, they should at least be capable of making a decision regarding drinking a beer.
I can't agree with the two previous posts. Allowing 18 yo to drink just puts more drunken drivers on the road after they legally drink at the neighborhood bar. Be it on a campus or at home.
The fact that they can fight wars is basically a career choice until they re-instate the draft.
Like many parents hear I grew up with 18 yo drinking age. It just allowed me and my friends to do some stupid, dangerous things three years more immature than they can now.
The reason for this push by the college presidents is just to take the burden and responsibility off their plates.
The fact that they can fight wars is basically a career choice until they re-instate the draft.
Like many parents hear I grew up with 18 yo drinking age. It just allowed me and my friends to do some stupid, dangerous things three years more immature than they can now.
The reason for this push by the college presidents is just to take the burden and responsibility off their plates.
I'll be talking about this issue today on the Lars Larson show (I am subbing for him this week.)
www.kxl.com from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM PDT
www.kxl.com from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM PDT
Tough argument, but I fully agree with Floridafan. I will tell you there is a lot more backroads, cornfield, state land parties (whatever the kids call it in their area) that goes on because of the 21 law. Part of going to the bar is being in a public somewhat supervised setting.
Very bad idea in my opinion. I don't believe for a minute it will make an 18 year old more responsible with alcohol. I think knowing they can drink without restriction will only increase the partying.
I think the presidents are just spinning an opportunity to lessen their responsibility.
I think the presidents are just spinning an opportunity to lessen their responsibility.
In New York City (Manhattan)and a few other major metropolitan areas, almost no one drives. So take that aspect out of the equation, and all that's left of the "prohibition" argument is irresponsible drinking..binge drinking. But that is not just a problem with young adults.
I would be curious to know how many of you who are against dropping the legal drinking age, actually waited until your 21st B-Day to take your first drink. Be honest!!!
I'd like to think that my kids have some common sense and would not get behind the wheel after drinking whether they are 18, 21 or 41. I would rather them learn how to handle alcohol under my roof in a controlled environment rather than on campus at some frat party with absolutely no supervision other than a bunch of other kids.
I'm all for dropping the age and agree with Flfan, if they are old enough to vote and serve in the armed forces, they should be old enough to have a beer.
I'd like to think that my kids have some common sense and would not get behind the wheel after drinking whether they are 18, 21 or 41. I would rather them learn how to handle alcohol under my roof in a controlled environment rather than on campus at some frat party with absolutely no supervision other than a bunch of other kids.
I'm all for dropping the age and agree with Flfan, if they are old enough to vote and serve in the armed forces, they should be old enough to have a beer.
You can already legally teach your kids to drink responsibly in a controlled environment. It is legal to give your kids alcohol at home.
I wonder how much of this debate has been fueled by the liquor lobby? From a financial POV, a lower drinking age would amount to beaucoup bucks for the industry, along with substantial increases in advertisement/ sponsorship monies for schools.
As a father, a consumer of a brew ever now and then, a registered voter and a Vietnam veteran I'm trying to understand the relationship between wars, voting, and drinking. I think the reason for the 21 year old drinking age law is most people feel as if a young person's ability to make good decisions develops greatly between ages 18 and 21. Soldiers are not asked to have good judgement -- just the opposite is expected of them. --- AND --- It would be nice if voters could make good decisions but by today's presidential nominees that obviously doesn't happen in voting either. The rampant underage drinking that goes on in colleges should be proof enough that people under 21 are NOT making good decisions when it comes to alcohol!
Fungo
Fungo
I wonder what the effects of drinking at 18 (or even younger) are in other countries where it's legal?
Fungo and others make some great points. IMHO, being old enough to vote and serve in the military has absolutely no bearing on one's ability to exercise wisdom and prudence with regard to alcohol. An 18-year-old may be considered an adult, but he cannot rent a car from most car rental offices. Young drivers pay extra high car insurance rates up 'til age 25. There are all sorts of prohibitions on young adults based on their age.
The law allowed legal drinking at age 18 when I was in school. I did not wait until I was 18 to drink; rather, I and many classmates started hitting the bars at ages 15-16 with our fake I.D.'s. Change the law back down to age 18 and you will only be encouraging and enabling kids to legally make stupid and potentially life-altering decisions.
The law allowed legal drinking at age 18 when I was in school. I did not wait until I was 18 to drink; rather, I and many classmates started hitting the bars at ages 15-16 with our fake I.D.'s. Change the law back down to age 18 and you will only be encouraging and enabling kids to legally make stupid and potentially life-altering decisions.
IMO, this is BS.
You can't go in to bust up a party at a frat or sorority house and give everyone under 21 an MIP (MINOR IN POSSESION) then turn your back on the same minors drinking in the parking lot on tailgate weekends.
College presidents are getting a lot of pressure from groups to stop minors from drinking in public, out in the open on these weekends, and it's virtually impossible to try to control. The only time you get in trouble is if you bring attention to yourself, no way can campus police ID every college student drinking a beer.
Making the legal age 18 is not going to stop the drinking on a college campus, just easier for them to try to control, because now they don't have to go out and work at stopping minors from drinking.
18 or 21, the first time away from home ever in my entire life without my parents is going to make kids experiment and do things they wouldn't ordinarily do while living at home.
The only solution is a dry campus for everyone, including the adults that party hearty on the weekends.
If you are worried about students drinking and driving, provide and encourage free bus transportation that extends beyond the campus boundary on weekends. Many schools only provide that during the week. I know that they provide that at son's school and the buses were pretty full on the weekends.
You can't go in to bust up a party at a frat or sorority house and give everyone under 21 an MIP (MINOR IN POSSESION) then turn your back on the same minors drinking in the parking lot on tailgate weekends.
College presidents are getting a lot of pressure from groups to stop minors from drinking in public, out in the open on these weekends, and it's virtually impossible to try to control. The only time you get in trouble is if you bring attention to yourself, no way can campus police ID every college student drinking a beer.
Making the legal age 18 is not going to stop the drinking on a college campus, just easier for them to try to control, because now they don't have to go out and work at stopping minors from drinking.
18 or 21, the first time away from home ever in my entire life without my parents is going to make kids experiment and do things they wouldn't ordinarily do while living at home.
The only solution is a dry campus for everyone, including the adults that party hearty on the weekends.
If you are worried about students drinking and driving, provide and encourage free bus transportation that extends beyond the campus boundary on weekends. Many schools only provide that during the week. I know that they provide that at son's school and the buses were pretty full on the weekends.
quote:Originally posted by Rob Kremer:
You can already legally teach your kids to drink responsibly in a controlled environment. It is legal to give your kids alcohol at home.
That point was made in an interesting article in Time a couple of months ago. Just as we teach our kids responsibility through actions and support in school, baseball, driving, etc., we can teach responsibility with drinking. If the parents do drink themselves, it may prove more instructive than lecturing on abstinence. (Now, I'm not suggesting getting drunk with your kids
, but a glass of wine with a meal, a beer watching the game on TV.)Should You Drink With Your Kids?
Countries that allow drinking at 18 (and who turn a blind eye younger than that) often have one big difference from the US: easy public transportation. Our biggest worry is drinking and driving. As Louisiana said, not an issue in NYC, but outside of major-major US cities, cars are involved.
Those same countries, to a great extent, have driving ages of 18 as well (obviously enforceable). And they're equally appalled that the US allows driving at the young age of 16.
There are drinkers at at 13 and 14 now. You can buy ANY pill and ANY high school (and probably middle school) campus. If kids are determined to get high they will. The sad part is they feel so badly about their lives, they are willing to ruin their futures.
There is no good answer to this. Many, many people thought Prohibition was a great idea - gosh were they wrong. Drinking is such an ingrained (hee) part of all cultures that it is an uphill battle to make it unappealing. Smoking goes back only a few hundred years and look at how hard kicking that habit is.
Personally, I feel the age for beer and wine could be lowered to 18, leaving the hard stuff to 21. That is the way it was in NC back in the '70s. Back then it was all wink wink nudge nudge though, but I don't remember one class mate killed in a DUI accident either. That happens way too often now.
There is no good answer to this. Many, many people thought Prohibition was a great idea - gosh were they wrong. Drinking is such an ingrained (hee) part of all cultures that it is an uphill battle to make it unappealing. Smoking goes back only a few hundred years and look at how hard kicking that habit is.
Personally, I feel the age for beer and wine could be lowered to 18, leaving the hard stuff to 21. That is the way it was in NC back in the '70s. Back then it was all wink wink nudge nudge though, but I don't remember one class mate killed in a DUI accident either. That happens way too often now.
If they're old enough to take a bullet for their country, be treated as an adult in the eyes of the law, then the drinking age should be 18. Underage drinking will go on no matter what the age limit is so what's the point.
Interesting point about mass transit.
When we were in France, our oldest drank wine with dinner. He was 12, and it was watered down. He thought he was so cool.
My brother says the French have hard livers, and strong hearts, we are just the opposite in the US.
When we were in France, our oldest drank wine with dinner. He was 12, and it was watered down. He thought he was so cool.
My brother says the French have hard livers, and strong hearts, we are just the opposite in the US.
None of my kids drink. (Yes, I am sure!) But I have to tell you, I think our generation is a bunch of hypocrites.
When I was 18, beer and wine were legal. And yes, there were times when I was irresponsible with it. Luckily I was on a campus where parking permits were almost impossible for an underclassman to get, so I had to stagger (not drive) home.
But after a while, you get tired of living like that and (most of us) grow out of it.
Now we all run around saying, "Do as I say, not as I did," and usually for no better reason than that we boomers are totally self involved and we are now think the law should revolve around our parental worrying.
Sooner or later, you've got to let your kids grow up. I agree with Floridafan on this one, because the way it is now, I think all we've accomplished is to push adolescence back to the age of 21. Now we have 21-year-olds acting like childish brats because we aren't willing to cut the apron strings.
I'm not arguing for repeal of child labor laws or anything, but I'm all for anything that helps return us to the notion that the teeange years are the years when you have to do your growing up, so that by the time you're adult age you are actually an adult.
When I was 18, beer and wine were legal. And yes, there were times when I was irresponsible with it. Luckily I was on a campus where parking permits were almost impossible for an underclassman to get, so I had to stagger (not drive) home.
But after a while, you get tired of living like that and (most of us) grow out of it.
Now we all run around saying, "Do as I say, not as I did," and usually for no better reason than that we boomers are totally self involved and we are now think the law should revolve around our parental worrying.
Sooner or later, you've got to let your kids grow up. I agree with Floridafan on this one, because the way it is now, I think all we've accomplished is to push adolescence back to the age of 21. Now we have 21-year-olds acting like childish brats because we aren't willing to cut the apron strings.
I'm not arguing for repeal of child labor laws or anything, but I'm all for anything that helps return us to the notion that the teeange years are the years when you have to do your growing up, so that by the time you're adult age you are actually an adult.
Just a personal anecdote to add to the mix: My aunt and uncle started letting my cousins drink wine and beer at home in their late teens. They later thanked their parents for teaching them how to drink responsibly. They said that when they got to college, people around them who had never before had access to alcohol went nuts, and they saw a lot of binge drinking. Those two young men turned out fine - one played college baseball and is now a HS coach; the other is a Marine who just finished a tour in Iraq and is getting ready to go back.
We talk about this at home fairly regularly because 2Bdad and I imbibe on occasion. 2B right now says he's not going to drink at all. I think it has mostly to do with how downright silly 2Bdad gets when he's got a little Captain in him... As for me, I was a teetotaler until I got married. How times change...
I hope we've set a good example by moderating, and not drinking and driving, I hope we've done the right thing by talking about it, and I hope when the time comes, 2B makes the right decision, and I also hope that if he messes up, he'll trust us enough to call us for help.
We talk about this at home fairly regularly because 2Bdad and I imbibe on occasion. 2B right now says he's not going to drink at all. I think it has mostly to do with how downright silly 2Bdad gets when he's got a little Captain in him... As for me, I was a teetotaler until I got married. How times change...
Good points made I am not really sure what the right answer is.
When I was 18 it was legal to drink in NYC and we would go to the bars and get drunk silly and not really sure how we often made it home alive (we drove). In college, where beer and other things were much in supply, I never thought twice about getting into a car with someone because they had too much to drink. By 21 I was married and over that stage. I don't think we were any different than as some kids are now. I raised my kids knowing that kids are kids, just told them never to get into a car, drive while drunk, or while underage, call if you need a ride home, stay where you are to sleep or take the bus at school for party nights and they listened.
Funniest thing, when son turned 21 it was a sunday, couldn't go to the bar because of the SC blue laws. He said it was really no big deal anyway. He was now a lot different at 21 than at 18 when he left home.
I think that setting good examples when your kids are growing up is important regarding alcohol consumption. But don't grill then to death, just let them know the worst consequences, your fears and what you expect from them.
One thing, I know that you all really trust your kids, but don't always beleive them when they say they have never had a drink or never will. They are most likely saying that because they are not sure if you would approve or not.
JMO.
When I was 18 it was legal to drink in NYC and we would go to the bars and get drunk silly and not really sure how we often made it home alive (we drove). In college, where beer and other things were much in supply, I never thought twice about getting into a car with someone because they had too much to drink. By 21 I was married and over that stage. I don't think we were any different than as some kids are now. I raised my kids knowing that kids are kids, just told them never to get into a car, drive while drunk, or while underage, call if you need a ride home, stay where you are to sleep or take the bus at school for party nights and they listened.
Funniest thing, when son turned 21 it was a sunday, couldn't go to the bar because of the SC blue laws. He said it was really no big deal anyway. He was now a lot different at 21 than at 18 when he left home.
I think that setting good examples when your kids are growing up is important regarding alcohol consumption. But don't grill then to death, just let them know the worst consequences, your fears and what you expect from them.
One thing, I know that you all really trust your kids, but don't always beleive them when they say they have never had a drink or never will. They are most likely saying that because they are not sure if you would approve or not.
JMO.
This brings up another point and possibly phase #2. Should we teach our kids how to ingest other substances responsibly? Maybe we could start at home with some weaker stuff so they will be ready for the "killer" stuff later on? Or let 'em light up a swisher sweet so they can appreciate a Padron or an Arturo Fuente later on.
Fungo,
One can't be with their kids 24/7, you need to try to make them understand about making responsible decisions in regards to their choices.
For example, I have no problem with you having a bottle of beer, but I have a problem with you drinking all six in the pack (or in some cases 12).
One can't be with their kids 24/7, you need to try to make them understand about making responsible decisions in regards to their choices.
For example, I have no problem with you having a bottle of beer, but I have a problem with you drinking all six in the pack (or in some cases 12).
TPM I do understand this is a difficult challenge for parents. Parenting alone is tough but when society changes the rules it becomes tougher. Add into the mix that our "kids" are in transition stage of becoming adults and it becomes even more complex. When do we push, when do we pull? I don't know if the law should be 18 or 21 but whatever it is, it wouldn't change my approach to parenting --- well grand-parenting now (I have a grandson that's a freshman at LSU and they drink a lot in Baton Rouge).
Fungo
Fungo
I agree, whether 18 or 21 I wouldn't change my approach either, not that it was the right approach, but it worked for us. The key is to understand the transition period and how to deal with it.
I just don't buy into that changing the legal drinking age to 18 will stop drinking on college campuses or binge drinking or prevent alcohol related deaths. I am ever so grateful that after the 15-18 hours a week of classes, mine also had baseball to keep him occupied. The ones who find trouble are the ones with way too much free time on their hands.
Regardless, they both made it through that transition period and now both self supporting responsible adults.
Unfortunetly as you and I know, Baton Rouge isn't the only place where they drink alot.
I just don't buy into that changing the legal drinking age to 18 will stop drinking on college campuses or binge drinking or prevent alcohol related deaths. I am ever so grateful that after the 15-18 hours a week of classes, mine also had baseball to keep him occupied. The ones who find trouble are the ones with way too much free time on their hands.
Regardless, they both made it through that transition period and now both self supporting responsible adults.
Unfortunetly as you and I know, Baton Rouge isn't the only place where they drink alot.
The time overlap between being driving a car to a package store to legally buy alcohol at 7pm, and continue rolling around (in the car) past midnight is my biggest concern.
Here in Europe, legal drinking ages range between 16-18, but you can't drive until 18.
Elsewhere in the world, 18 is the widely accepted age (for driver's licenses).
Here is some age-integrated drinking/driving analysis.
If you drink, drive and kill yourself thats one thing.
If you drink, drive and kill someone else thats another.
Here in Europe, legal drinking ages range between 16-18, but you can't drive until 18.
Elsewhere in the world, 18 is the widely accepted age (for driver's licenses).
Here is some age-integrated drinking/driving analysis.
If you drink, drive and kill yourself thats one thing.
If you drink, drive and kill someone else thats another.
Coffeyville student found dead in a dorm bathroom
Updated: Aug 18, 2008 12:19 PM CDT
After one day of classes, and what authorities say was too much alcohol, a freshman student turns up dead.
Police do not suspect foul play.
Emergency responders were dispatched early Friday morning to Coffeyville Community College after a report of an unresponsive male in a dorm bathroom.
Authorities pronounced Austin Slanker-Wilson, 18, dead at the scene. Police believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the man's death.
An autopsy is scheduled in Topeka.
Updated: Aug 18, 2008 12:19 PM CDT
After one day of classes, and what authorities say was too much alcohol, a freshman student turns up dead.
Police do not suspect foul play.
Emergency responders were dispatched early Friday morning to Coffeyville Community College after a report of an unresponsive male in a dorm bathroom.
Authorities pronounced Austin Slanker-Wilson, 18, dead at the scene. Police believe alcohol was a contributing factor in the man's death.
An autopsy is scheduled in Topeka.
The night we returned from dropping HaverSon off for his freshman year (an 18 hour drive), we turned on the evening news in Kansas City, and the lead local news story was about a drunken K.U. freshman who waundered off a high-rise dorm balcony before ever attending class.
The story still haunts me.
The story still haunts me.
Change the draft age to 21 (I know there is no draft, yet...) along with every other age assumption of adulthood and it will make sense.
It is hypocrytical that 18 is too young to drink when you can die for your country (volunteer or not)
I was a cop for 14 years before a drunk driver ended my career. He was 58. Two of my friends were killed by drunk drivers and the drunks were well over 18.
Someone said "Soldiers are not asked to have good judgement -- just the opposite is expected of them". I think times may have changed since the 70's.
It is hypocrytical that 18 is too young to drink when you can die for your country (volunteer or not)
I was a cop for 14 years before a drunk driver ended my career. He was 58. Two of my friends were killed by drunk drivers and the drunks were well over 18.
Someone said "Soldiers are not asked to have good judgement -- just the opposite is expected of them". I think times may have changed since the 70's.
as a recovering alcaholic ( i think thats the term, i don't drink). i just really liked the taste.the age was 18 in my day. that only meant i could buy at 16 after the football game. i had my first dwi before i could legally buy beer or vote.
my view is mostly mixed.if they can fight and vote then thay should be able to drink. but the 21 drinking age makes parenting just a little bit easier, drinking is illegal. so we have all the police/stores, helping us keep the kids sober for a little while.
kind of like drug testing in school helps us, with one more reason not to use drugs. two diffferent things ,but never the less two tools to help us parents. and let's face it we can use the tools from time to time.
as with most everything in this wide, wide, world. there are 18 yr olds that can drink,there are 30 yr olds that can't drink. kids today can buy drugs on line, delivered to your own door step. it is just too easy to abuse substances today.
bottom line, if we teach them right from wrong. then they should know better.right? they do, but it won't enter into their minds when the party lamp is lit.
"Sometimes people think it's OK if they take their keys away, but it's not all about drunk driving. Research shows the brain is not fully developed until age 21 and many things can damage the brain until then. All of those things that you absolutely would not wish on your child come from underage alcohol use.”
my view is mostly mixed.if they can fight and vote then thay should be able to drink. but the 21 drinking age makes parenting just a little bit easier, drinking is illegal. so we have all the police/stores, helping us keep the kids sober for a little while.
kind of like drug testing in school helps us, with one more reason not to use drugs. two diffferent things ,but never the less two tools to help us parents. and let's face it we can use the tools from time to time.
as with most everything in this wide, wide, world. there are 18 yr olds that can drink,there are 30 yr olds that can't drink. kids today can buy drugs on line, delivered to your own door step. it is just too easy to abuse substances today.
bottom line, if we teach them right from wrong. then they should know better.right? they do, but it won't enter into their minds when the party lamp is lit.
"Sometimes people think it's OK if they take their keys away, but it's not all about drunk driving. Research shows the brain is not fully developed until age 21 and many things can damage the brain until then. All of those things that you absolutely would not wish on your child come from underage alcohol use.”
Does it not seem irrational that at the age of eighteen a person is able to legally buy a car, house, gun(shotgun or rifle); enter into all legal and binding contracts; make all medical decisions(including abortions); join the military without having to get permission from either or both parents. Think about it, an 18 year old no longer has to get permission from Mom or Dad
to do anything. Colleges will not discuss anything concerning academics with parents unless the student gives permission. Doctors will not divulge medical information unless the 18 year old approves. But that same eighteen year old is able to drive their OWN car from their OWN house to the grocery store but cannot buy a sixpack of beer to take back to HIS/HER house
and drink a brew in front of the TV.
IMO the legal age for drinking and all others should be one and the same-18,19,20,21-whatever, but to say that an 18 year old girl is mature enough to make the decision to have an abortion but not to have an alcoholic drink is bordering on the absurd.
To say that a young man can carry a rifle and make the decision to take a life in a war but is not mature enough to drink a beer is equally as absurd.
I may be all wet here. Am I missing a point or two?
to do anything. Colleges will not discuss anything concerning academics with parents unless the student gives permission. Doctors will not divulge medical information unless the 18 year old approves. But that same eighteen year old is able to drive their OWN car from their OWN house to the grocery store but cannot buy a sixpack of beer to take back to HIS/HER house
and drink a brew in front of the TV.
IMO the legal age for drinking and all others should be one and the same-18,19,20,21-whatever, but to say that an 18 year old girl is mature enough to make the decision to have an abortion but not to have an alcoholic drink is bordering on the absurd.
To say that a young man can carry a rifle and make the decision to take a life in a war but is not mature enough to drink a beer is equally as absurd.
I may be all wet here. Am I missing a point or two?
quote:at the age of eighteen a person is able to legally buy a car, house, gun(shotgun or rifle); enter into all legal and binding contracts; make all medical decisions(including abortions); join the military without having to get permission from either or both parents.
Maybe in your house. Not mine.
A person is considered an adult in pretty much every aspect of life when they turn 18 except when it comes to alcohol. The arguement that there will be more drunk drivers just doesn't make sence to me. Kids are drinking anyway, but say they weren't, lowering the drinking age would increase the number of drunk drivers. Why not increase the drinking age then? Wouldn't that decrease the number of drunk drivers? Other countries have no problem with a lower drinking age. I don't think it's the age in which you start drinking, but the way you are brought up and how society is today. Kids are tought that alcohol is wrong, don't drink it, never till you're 21. When they do decide to drink they don't understand the effects. They don't understand how important it is to drink in moderation. Schools don't teach the health benefits of an occasional drink or the effects of going too far and drinking too much. They just tell you alcohol is bad, don't drink you'll become a drunk.
what debate? the college administrations just want to cover their rear end. Student is 18 19 drinking on campus something bad happens(and it does) they are not liable.