Lower Drinking Age? Options

[cnelson]

Not sure if this has already been brought up or not.. However I am bored, and have always thought that this was a good topic to debate on.


Recently I started my freshmen year at college. I'm going to Coastal Carolina University, if anyone lives around the Myrtle Beach area you probably know that nearly are whole football team was suspended due to alcohol related incidents. I have been a "legal" adult for over a year now. I just turned 19 a couple weeks ago. Being away at school my parents and myself both knew I was going to drink. I guess my family is very open and my parents trust me enough not to make any decisions to put myself or others at risk. I have been drinking probably since I was about 16.. Always socially, not by myself or anything like that. So lets say I am.. "Drinking Responsibly"

Now I, more than most probably understand the need for laws. I also understand the need for equality. Although I know no one can ever truly win this argument I believe that I have some good points that I would like to get off my chest..

We can start off with a few simple points. The whole.. "If I'm old enough to die for my country, be convicted for a crime, pay child support etc.. at 18, than why am I not old enough to drink?" This is probably the most influential point anyone can make.. Look if I can go fight a war, but I can't drink a damn beer. Someone has there facts mixed up, because last time I checked fighting a war is much more dangerous than drinking a beer, or even a few beers for that matter.

I know a lot of people think that teenagers are not responsible enough to drink, and do it with a adult manner. WRONG. A lot of people also think that teenagers don't care about drinking and driving. WRONG. The fact of the matter is, I am right in the crowd with these very people.. Of all the things I always see, the one I see most is.. Friends not letting another friend drive home because he's had to much to drink, or giving someone a ride home because you know there is no way you would want them to drive, or someone asking for a ride home because they know there is no way they should be driving.

My final point is simply this.. People are going to drink and drive at any age, 21, 31, 41, 51, 91. It doesn't make a difference. The only thing that makes a difference is if we are properly educated about the risks with drinking and drive. My message is, Stop throwing the issue under the table by saying teens aren't responsible enough. Start by educating people, teaching them that you can drink and still maintain a right state of mind.

I know there will always be people who disagree, and I'm sure there will be many people who do not like my comments, and people who agree with me. I would like to make a change, and although I am only one young person.. We are growing in numbers everyday. Right now politicians may be able to ignore us because we aren't the majority vote, However soon enough our voice will be heard and questions will not be able to be thrown away. One day we will have a common voice as young people, who can make a difference on any situation, not just the drinking age. Thanks for any comments you may have.

This post has been edited by cnelson: Dec 15, 2008 - 4:07 PM

[Legit94GT]

As far as the gun thing goes, yes you can by a rifle at 18, not a handgun, its kinda hard to walk down the middle of the street with a rifle in your hands with out gettting the cops called on you. Handguns are 21.

The drinking age is fine where it is, at 21. It does suck for those of us who are under 21, like me... However i think they should change some of the rules that are around it.

Parents who let their kids(and other kids) stay at their house, supervising shouldn't get in any trobule, that is silly. Kids will be kids, we will get booze and drugs, you just can't avoid it, and thinking you can is just naive. So why are we punishing the parents who are actively doing something to make sure that their kids are drinking in a controlled situation. Key word is parents(or legal guardians)

We give permits to drive, that require you to have a parent or someone older than 21(depending on states) so that the kid can learn to drive with someone who has been there before. Yet when it comes to drinking we punish the older people, I understand that it is breaking the law, and thats what they should change. Not the age. We all do stupid stuff but I think that if we change the laws that would allow for parents to supervise their kids they would be less likely to drink and drive, less likely to drink way to much, and less of chance for girls to get raped and guys to get in fights.

If the bars and clubs let you drink at 16 there would be way way way to much jail bait in those places! If you wanna make it 18 thats one thing, but not 16, that is just way to young.

Just my opinion