The Drinking Age Should be Lowered to 18

[DisneyfeverTN]

I think if you enlist in the military, you should be able to show your military ID and purchase alcohol. Otherwise, I think 21 is a good legal age to purchase alcohol.

However, I think a person 18 and over should be able to purchase a drink while dining with parents and should also be able to drink while being supervised by parents in their own home. Just like a teenager gets a learner's permit and has to drive with a parent, I think when an 18 year old consumes alcohol, it would be better if they learned the affects of alcohol while being supervised by a parent.

 

[DawnCt1]

Yes, and, I agree that there needs to be some laws preventing teen drinking, as well as punishment for parents who allow it, whether in the house with a wink, or worse, go and by it for kids. It would be nice if our kids were the best educated in the world in regards to health and safety, but we know that is not the case. Can't say they are worse than other places, but they make tons of choices that are not healthy, even as far as their lunch choices in schools. And, to a degree the school lunch rooms are to blame. Fries on the menu everyday, and pop machines throughout the buildings. Never mind poor drug, sex, drinking choices. Maybe it's that the kids know it and simply disregard it anyhow.

Frankly, I think that is sadly the case.

 

[DawnCt1]

I think if you enlist in the military, you should be able to show your military ID and purchase alcohol. Otherwise, I think 21 is a good legal age to purchase alcohol.

However, I think a person 18 and over should be able to purchase a drink while dining with parents and should also be able to drink while being supervised by parents in their own home. Just like a teenager gets a learner's permit and has to drive with a parent, I think when an 18 year old consumes alcohol, it would be better if they learned the affects of alcohol while being supervised by a parent.

The ability to consume alcohol is not a 'quality of life' issue. No one's life is going to be improved by drinking alcohol so no one is being deprived of anything beneficial that gives someone an "edge" in society. There are a lot of things that are incremental; PG-13 movies, ability to buy cigarettes at 16, ability to drive at a specific age in certain states. Most states allow for a parent to serve their own child alcohol in their own home if they feel that they really need to "teach" them the effects of drinking. There is no reason that a restaurant should have to enter into a different contract with regard to serving liquor because a parent is there. How do you prove that you are a parent and not an "older friend"? I can't think of anything more cumbersome. Furthermore, the military doesn't allow alcohol consumption on base for enlistees under 21 either, so why would states be required to provide an accommodation that military bases do not provide?

 

[golfgal]

I think if you enlist in the military, you should be able to show your military ID and purchase alcohol. Otherwise, I think 21 is a good legal age to purchase alcohol.

However, I think a person 18 and over should be able to purchase a drink while dining with parents and should also be able to drink while being supervised by parents in their own home. Just like a teenager gets a learner's permit and has to drive with a parent, I think when an 18 year old consumes alcohol, it would be better if they learned the affects of alcohol while being supervised by a parent.

GREAT SUGGESTION!!!!

In many states parents CAN LEGALLY allow their children to drink at home or in their presence. Look back a few pages, I posted a website that outlines this (page 2 or 3?).

 

[DisneyfeverTN]

Most states allow for a parent to serve their own child alcohol in their own home if they feel that they really need to "teach" them the effects of drinking.... I can't think of anything more cumbersome. Furthermore, the military doesn't allow alcohol consumption on base for enlistees under 21 either, so why would states be required to provide an accommodation that military bases do not provide?

Tennessee does not allow the consumption of alcohol for a person under the age of 21 anywhere. If my 18 yr old wanted a glass of wine, or whatever, I could not legally give it to him. I just don't agree with that. BTW, I do obey the law and don't let him have alcohol. Actually, I don't even keep any at our house to tempt him. But it would have been nice if I could intoduce it to him in moderation.

Regarding the military. IMO, if an 18 yr old is willing to put his life on the line for our country, then he should be given ALL the rights of an adult, including being able to purchase and consume alcohol. I mean if he can't be trusted with alcohol, how can our government let him choose to risk his life for our country? That makes no sense.

 

[Charade]

Question, Dawn, Why do republicans say they want less government and then support crap like this?

Because it's not crap?

 

[NYBlue1]

Because it's not crap?

Your so right, its not crap, there has to be a distinction between infringing on right that cant injure or kill anyone and things like helmet laws and underage drinking laws. There are too many unintelligent people in this world that just do not know better. If you want to take a stand for free will do something that is not potentially life threatening for goodness sake.

 

[Andy B]

Your so right, its not crap, there has to be a distinction between infringing on right that cant injure or kill anyone and things like helmet laws and underage drinking laws. There are too many unintelligent people in this world that just do not know better. If you want to take a stand for free will do something that is not potentially life threatening for goodness sake.

So at what age can someone own a gun?

 

[bluefairy13]

Because it's not crap?

Typical Republican answer. Not crap to you so not crap that's just the way it is and no one should disagree.

You want less government when it concerns things that you don't want the government deciding for you, but have no problem deciding other things for everyone else.

This is why I can't vote republican.

 

[bluefairy13]

If you want to take a stand for free will do something that is not potentially life threatening for goodness sake.

If it is my life, and not yours, then it is really none of your business.

Should we make cigarettes and drinking completely illegal? Both are potentially life threatening. Why are we letting people drive motorcycles at all, that's pretty dangerous. Andy brought up guns and I guess no one should own one, because they are dangerous!

In comparison, letting my daughter have a drink once in a while is pretty safe.

 

[NYBlue1]

So at what age can someone own a gun?

Ages for legal permits vary from state to state and in some bigger cities, city to city. I dont think that the age one can own a gun as been a problem like the drinking age has been, so I would say that for the sake of this discussion its pretty irrelevant.

 

[Andy B]

Ages for legal permits vary from state to state and in some bigger cities, city to city. I dont think that the age one can own a gun as been a problem like the drinking age has been, so I would say that for the sake of this discussion its pretty irrelevant.

You would think that but as this discussion has ventured into civil liberties then I think it is as relevant as motorcycle wearing and unlike helmet waring can impact of the wellbeing of others.

 

[NYBlue1]

You would think that but as this discussion has ventured into civil liberties then I think it is as relevant as motorcycle wearing and unlike helmet waring can impact of the wellbeing of others.

There does not seem to be an issue with legal handgun ownership as far as age goes in this country, that being said the laws , restictions and ages seem to be right on the mark

 

[Charade]

There does not seem to be an issue with legal handgun ownership as far as age goes in this country, that being said the laws , restictions and ages seem to be right on the mark

In PA, you have to be 21 to own a handgun. 18 for long guns.

(sorry if this has already been stated)

 

[Andy B]

There does not seem to be an issue with legal handgun ownership as far as age goes in this country, that being said the laws , restictions and ages seem to be right on the mark

I understand but you were defending the principle that Republicans, who would profess to be supporters of less government intervention in to people's lives, could support government intervention into areas which can impact negatively on others. I would contend that there is more potential harm from owing a gun at a young age than drinking at a young age.

 

[Andy B]

In PA, you have to be 21 to own a hangun. 18 for long guns.

(sorry if this has already been stated)

Thanks for actually answering my question rather than try to change the point.

 

[Kath2003]

Wow. I'm actually speechless.

 

[Andy B]

Looking back again through this thread I do find it depressing the number of people who seem to equate drinking an alcoholic drink automatically with being drunk.

My son 16 regularly has a drink with dinner two or three times a week, this teaches him respect for drink, appreciation of flavour not affect, and takes away the rebellious attraction of drinking which can lead to illicitly getting drunk.

 

[NYBlue1]

Thanks for actually answering my question rather than try to change the point.

I answered your question in my first post, it varies from state to state sometimes county to county and city to city in the bigger cities.

 

[Froggyswife]

I imagine that happens when anyone drives drunk. You are punishing everyone for the mistakes of some.

At least an 18 year old has parents that should still be guiding him a little. Now the 30 year old tailgaters after the game, I don't know who's guiding them. Maybe we should make the drinking age 31. For our own protection.

The drunk driver that almost killed my dh was 35 years old. I agree parents should teach their children the dangers of over indulgence in alcohol and know when to stop drinking. As well as NEVER drink and drive. I think the designated driver idea from MADD has done more good for the teen drinking and driving statistics than the age limit. That comes down to responsible parents teaching their kids the responsibility of drinking. IMO.

For the most part that is because parents have not taught their kids to drink responsibly. Those 18 year olds who drink irresponsibly will not magically improve at 21, or even 30.

ITA.

a little devils advocate
Kerri

I have an image of a puppy chaseing it's tail.

You might want to read a little more before you agree with the OP.

I'm still not sure if she is for or against the last few pages are against.... I will stop there.

Why not just lower the drinking age to 12? Then they'd really be trained to enter the real world by 18!!!

.....MUST.....NOT ....Points... ahhhhhhhh that was hard.

The drinking age is just simply irrelevant, kids are drinking and doing drugs today as low as 10 years old, yes 10 years old, more common for the 12-13 year old crowd. Kids can get alcohol if they want alcohol, they can get drugs if they want drugs, make the drinking age 16 18 20 40 is not going to matter one bit.

What does matter parents taking responsibility for their children. You should know where your kids are and what they are doing. You should know if they are always at a friends house, who the friend is and what they are doing, you should have rules with your kids, talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol and when your kids come home at night, which should be a normal hour depending on age , talk to them look at them and make sure they are not drunk or on drugs. More importantly try being home for your kids.

Parents that do this will have well adjusted kids with common sence and ability to make intelligent choices when it comes to their lives, drugs and alcahol more often than not.

I have seen too too many parties with parents present for high school seniors that result in children with alcohol poisoning and hospital visits ,kids that I have found three houses down passed out in bushes, nobody even knows they are there, after all the parents are watching the kids at the house drink into poisioning.If I EVER found out a parent was serving my kid alcohol they would be sued within an inch of their lives. For what? make them do years of community service with kids that have been effected by underage drinking, I dont want a cent of their money.

Kids that are 18 should not be in wars, they should not be voting and they certainly should not be drinking, you are a CHILD at 18 years old, like it or not. But thats just my opinion. If you dont agree with it, I honestly could care less.

As always your post is well thought out and very well put.VERY good post. I agree that 18 year olds are KIDS still especially today's 18 year olds. They aren't taught to take responsibility for their actions as much or as strictly as in the past. Most think they can get away with anything because mom and dad will bail them out. But yet our government has deemed, in it's infinite wisdom, that these 18 year old Children are mature enough to handle mortal combat. If they are mature to do that they are mature enough to drink. I don't personally think they are mature enough to handle either of the 2.