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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
...I dont know too many 18 year olds that are responsible enough to go out and have a few drinks with friends and not do something stupid. Most 18 yr olds do dumb enough things without the help of alcohol.
but an 18 year old is reponsible enough to..
defend our country with a weapon
Get married
Get themselves into tons of student loan debt or be expected to pay for college another way
Vote
so we say that 18 years old are old enough to do all these things-
but they are not old enough to drink???
it makes no sense to me
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Posted 8/22/08 9:31 AM  |
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Songwriter76
LIF Adult
Member since 4/08 902 total posts
Name:
David
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by Beth1210
...I dont know too many 18 year olds that are responsible enough to go out and have a few drinks with friends and not do something stupid. Most 18 yr olds do dumb enough things without the help of alcohol.
but an 18 year old is reponsible enough to..
defend our country with a weapon
Get married
Get themselves into tons of student loan debt or be expected to pay for college another way
Vote
so we say that 18 years old are old enough to do all these things-
but they are not old enough to drink???
it makes no sense to me
I agree completely with this.
Also, as far as raising the enlistment age, I think that would cause a problem because many kids out of HS go right into the service to earn $$ for college. If they had to wait until 21 or 22, then they would serve four years and wouldn't be out of college until they were over 30.
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:19 AM |
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yelley
Fortunate
Member since 11/07 3037 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by SweetestOfPeas
I vote for 18. IMO, if you're old enough to serve your country, you're old enough to have a beer.
I agree with you.
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:28 AM |
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Songwriter76
LIF Adult
Member since 4/08 902 total posts
Name:
David
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by smdl
Posted by Songwriter76
[
Also, what about in Europe where kids drink wine? Do France and Italy have higher numbers of alcoholics? I haven't done the research so I don't know. But my first impression would be that there would be much less abuse of alcohol if we didn't make it so taboo to kids for so long that it leads to them drinking irresponsibly.
Do you actually have info on that? Because I can tell you than kids DO NOT drink wine.
Wine is the "cool, sophisticated" drink people drink here.
AGAIN, kids DO NOT drink wine. Maybe in the country site but not when they are young.
Wine is also an acquired taste that most kid would not like.
The ONLY wine I would see mid to late teenagers drink is Champagne as a celebration. Champagne is really not considered "alcohol" in France.
Beer is muchh more popular as a drink that wine. Beer is a summer drink and most men drink it. Late teenagers also.
The only info I have is hearing all my life that kids in France and Italy drink wine starting at an early age. I have friends who are french and their kids drank wine from an early age and there was no problem with it.
I don't understand what you mean by "Kids DO NOT drink wine."
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:29 AM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by Songwriter76
I agree completely with this.
Also, as far as raising the enlistment age, I think that would cause a problem because many kids out of HS go right into the service to earn $$ for college. If they had to wait until 21 or 22, then they would serve four years and wouldn't be out of college until they were over 30.
very good point
I also find it very unfair that so many 18-22 year olds are in tons of debt to pay for college
big decesions to make when you are 17 years old (when you typically pick a school)
Of course I understand that not every parent can afford to pay for college for their child- but the burden of all of these students loans are not good for the students or the country
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:32 AM |
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Tabitha
Member since 2/07 2029 total posts
Name:
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by ave1024
I don't have a problem with lowering the drinking age to 18.
But I would also seriously stiffen the DWI laws. They should have a "probationary" period, lowering the legal BAC limit to .04 for anybody under 25.
This way the kids won't even think about drinking and driving with the intent of "well i'll stop drinking to sober up".
At .04 one drink should put you over the limit.
i like this idea for EVERYONE - one drink = illegal to drive.
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:35 AM |
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Songwriter76
LIF Adult
Member since 4/08 902 total posts
Name:
David
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by Tabitha
Posted by ave1024
I don't have a problem with lowering the drinking age to 18.
But I would also seriously stiffen the DWI laws. They should have a "probationary" period, lowering the legal BAC limit to .04 for anybody under 25.
This way the kids won't even think about drinking and driving with the intent of "well i'll stop drinking to sober up".
At .04 one drink should put you over the limit.
i like this idea for EVERYONE - one drink = illegal to drive.
Every bar on Long Island would be closed within a month.
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:37 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by Tabitha
Posted by ave1024
I don't have a problem with lowering the drinking age to 18.
But I would also seriously stiffen the DWI laws. They should have a "probationary" period, lowering the legal BAC limit to .04 for anybody under 25.
This way the kids won't even think about drinking and driving with the intent of "well i'll stop drinking to sober up".
At .04 one drink should put you over the limit.
i like this idea for EVERYONE - one drink = illegal to drive.
I think there currently is a zero tolerance law for drivers under 21 - at least in Nassau? (And I think it's a great idea for underage drivers!)
I am ALL about tougher DWI laws, but we can't make them so restrictive that I can't take some robitussen and drive myself to the doctor... or worry about using mouthwash and accidentally swallowing some... or something like that.
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:39 AM |
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Beth
The Key to your new home....
Member since 2/06 24849 total posts
Name:
Beth
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
.
I think there currently is a zero tolerance law for drivers under 21 - at least in Nassau? (And I think it's a great idea for underage drivers!)
I am ALL about tougher DWI laws, but we can't make them so restrictive that I can't take some robitussen and drive myself to the doctor... or worry about using mouthwash and accidentally swallowing some... or something like that.
yes- there are those laws
and in suffolk as well
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:45 AM |
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HomeIsWithU
Baby #2 on the way!
Member since 9/07 7816 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by jbellis74
Posted by HomeIsWithU
Posted by jbellis74
I voted for 25 because I know that when I was 21 I did some real stupid things, nothing that caused anyone harm but stupid none the less.
The fact that you can serve our country at 18 should have zero to do with how old you should be when you can drink.
Could you imagine a soldier at 18 drunk while he or she is in the field of battle???
Thats insane people......sorry if not 21 than 25 def not 18 under any circumstances.
Think about it if your 18 yr old child was in the military drunk in the middle of a gunfight
Okay, these statements are just plain ignorant. Nobody in the military drinks while in the field. It's like any other job -- they dont operate guns while drinking. They drink in their recreational time (weekends and after work) and when they're deployed they're not allowed to drink at all.
And why does the drinking age have anything to do with serving? Because these men and women are out there at the age of 18 (which is ADULTHOOD) risking their lives protecting and serving the same country that is prohibiting them from sitting back and having a beer. I'm sorry...for those of you who seem to think that at 18 people arent mature or responsible enough to make the decision to enlist, you should probably take a second and realize that many of our grandparents were mature enough to make the decision to marry and have children at 18. Not to mention, many of those same 18 year olds who enlist are more responsible than a lot of 25 year olds. For God's sake, if you can put your life on the line for the rest of America (preserving their rights) you should d a m n well be able to have a few drinks.
At 18 you are considered an adult in every other aspect -- voting, marriage, buying a house, and serving your country, paying taxes. But the government is going to say "hey...you're an adult, except when it comes to having a glass of wine. You're not mature enough for that yet" That's completely unfair.
First of all life isnt always fair.
Regardless what you think about my comments the legal drinking age should not be 18...I dont know too many 18 year olds that are responsible enough to go out and have a few drinks with friends and not do something stupid. Most 18 yr olds do dumb enough things without the help of alcohol.
...and I know many 21 and 25 year olds for that matter that go out every weekend and get smashed and do stupid things. So, what makes it okay for a 21 year old to drink and not an 18 year old? You realize there's very little maturity difference between an 18 year old and a 21 year old? We're not talking a difference of 13 and 16 here.
The fact is, its age discrimination of an ADULT. How would you like it if they made a law saying that no one under the age of 26 could purchase a house because they're not mature/responsible enough and statistics show that younger people default on mortgages more? As an adult and a contributing member of society, that seems a bit discriminatory, doesnt it?
Whether you like it or not, 18, 19, and 20 year olds are adults in every aspect of the word and contribute to this country just as much (if not more in terms of the military) as any other adult. It's complete discrimination to single them out and say that they cant drink alcohol.
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| Posted 8/22/08 7:28 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by Songwriter76
Posted by smdl
Posted by Songwriter76
[
Also, what about in Europe where kids drink wine? Do France and Italy have higher numbers of alcoholics? I haven't done the research so I don't know. But my first impression would be that there would be much less abuse of alcohol if we didn't make it so taboo to kids for so long that it leads to them drinking irresponsibly.
Do you actually have info on that? Because I can tell you than kids DO NOT drink wine.
Wine is the "cool, sophisticated" drink people drink here.
AGAIN, kids DO NOT drink wine. Maybe in the country site but not when they are young.
Wine is also an acquired taste that most kid would not like.
The ONLY wine I would see mid to late teenagers drink is Champagne as a celebration. Champagne is really not considered "alcohol" in France.
Beer is muchh more popular as a drink that wine. Beer is a summer drink and most men drink it. Late teenagers also.
The only info I have is hearing all my life that kids in France and Italy drink wine starting at an early age. I have friends who are french and their kids drank wine from an early age and there was no problem with it.
I don't understand what you mean by "Kids DO NOT drink wine."
Well I happen to be born in France so I know that kids do not drink wine. Unless maybe in the country side and it's an exception vs the rule.
Message edited 8/22/2008 7:32:20 PM.
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| Posted 8/22/08 7:31 PM |
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luvsbob4603
To a healthy 2013
Member since 5/05 21840 total posts
Name:
To a brand new year to a healthier me
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
I voted for 25 years old, I had a cousin who was killed by a drunk driver.   Even though it was 13 years ago it's still hard and i miss him.
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| Posted 8/22/08 7:38 PM |
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
i was waiting for this topic to be raised.. i read an article about in newsday today.. link
my opinion... i believe that every culture is different. what works in europe might not work in the US.. and the two should not be compared. i also do not think that the legal drinking age and serving your country have anything to do with each other.
in our society alcohol is looked down upon and what do kids want to do??? the want to buck society and do 'cool' things... i think that if alcohol was part of everyday lives it would not be considered as taboo. i see nothing wrong with a 14 year old having a glass of wine with dinner.. ONE glass.. it teaches them at a young age that its just a drink!!
that being said.. i dont think this is possible to accomplish in todays world.
if the drinking age was lowered to 18.. like some university presidents suggest in the article they would have 18 year old kids running a muck on campus all excited on their 18th birthday to get drunk.. because its legal.. and lets be serious.. what 18 year old is mature enough to make adult decision, especially when impaired?!?!
i think that lowering the drinking age would just make even YOUNGER kids want to drink... not so good.
i dont know if i made myself clear..
so basically in a perfect world... alcohol is just another part of everyday life and not abused..
OBVIOUSLY-- its not a perfect world.. and i believe that lowering the drinking age would do more harm than good.
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| Posted 8/22/08 7:45 PM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by luvsbob4603
I voted for 25 years old, I had a cousin who was killed by a drunk driver. Even though it was 13 years ago it's still hard and i miss him.
 
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| Posted 8/22/08 7:49 PM |
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june262004
But I love the Snow!
Member since 5/05 15379 total posts
Name:
Kristin
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by Ophelia
do you know ANYONE who waited until 21 to have their first drink?
Both my DH and I
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| Posted 8/22/08 7:53 PM |
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HollaDay
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/08 620 total posts
Name:
Holla!
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
i'm between 18 and 21. any younger/older than that seems silly
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| Posted 8/22/08 8:01 PM |
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itkocak
Member since 7/07 7639 total posts
Name:
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Message edited 11/21/2011 3:32:17 PM.
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| Posted 8/22/08 8:19 PM |
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tray831
Dee-licious!
Member since 3/06 5355 total posts
Name:
His Baby
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by Milk-n-Cookie
I voted to keep the drinking age at 21.
Aside from myself, I maybe knew 1 person in HS that was responsible enough not to get smashed at house parties. No way would I want to be on the road when any of those kids drove themselves home.
I'm not really sure that we can compare kids in the US to those in Europe because IMHO, I believe European kids are slightly more mature as a whole.
I AGREE....I don't think Europe & the U.S. should compare in the least. Two totally different upbringings IMO.....The U.S...is a bit more on the spoiled side. That is why I would think there would be more tragedies if the drinking age was lowered here. Being able to vote or serve for this country has nothing to do with how an individual can handle Alcohol. If an 18 year old is old enough to vote or serve, how is that equivalent to how he/she can handle the decision to not drink and drive.
Just think about it....and 18 year old just learning how to drive and drinking at the same time. To me, that is a fatal mix. Too little experience for both to be happening at the same time.
Again......this is just an opinion. 
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| Posted 8/22/08 8:20 PM |
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mcl916
my two loves
Member since 10/06 5133 total posts
Name:
Megan
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by Beth1210
think about Europe
the drinking age is lower- and it's so not a big deal there
we make everything such a big deal here- sex, drugs, drinking
it just makes kids want to experiment
I think 18 is a good age- if you can die for this country in war, vote for a president, get married with out your parents consent, go off to college- live on your own- and be expected to pay for it
you should be able to have beer legally
I totally agree. Once I turned 21 drinking was no longer as much fun becuase I wasn't getting away with anything!!
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:06 PM |
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by june262004
Posted by Ophelia
do you know ANYONE who waited until 21 to have their first drink?
Both my DH and I
me too.
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| Posted 8/22/08 10:57 PM |
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LittleBlueBug
Happy Mommy
Member since 9/06 4074 total posts
Name:
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by imthekevinofcindyandkevin
Posted by HomeIsWithU
The fact is, its age discrimination of an ADULT. How would you like it if they made a law saying that no one under the age of 26 could purchase a house because they're not mature/responsible enough and statistics show that younger people default on mortgages more? As an adult and a contributing member of society, that seems a bit discriminatory, doesnt it?
Whether you like it or not, 18, 19, and 20 year olds are adults in every aspect of the word and contribute to this country just as much (if not more in terms of the military) as any other adult. It's complete discrimination to single them out and say that they cant drink alcohol.
Like I said in my first post on this subject. The physiological development that happens in the years between 18 and 21 is huge. Chronologically they are adults but physiologically they are not.
It's not age discrimination, it's more about not damaging developing young minds and bodies. At least that is how I look at it based on talking to my daughters pediatrician on the subject. Yes I am a little ahead of the game but I like to be informed.
This is correct. Legally they may be considered adults at 18, developmentally their brains have not finished developing completely. I also agree that the maturity and attitude of entitlement in our society is a lot different from Europe. Although there are plenty of 30 year olds with the same lack of maturity and sense of entitlement, add inexperience to the mix, it's not such a hot idea. I would not raise the drinking age, actually I would keep it at 21. I think we would see a huge increase in DWI if they lowered the age. It's bad enough young drivers are already one of the top age groups in automotive fatalities, I don't think the maturity level of kids in this country would result in good decision making.
I think saying it's age discrimination is a little bit of a stretch. Physiologically they are not mature. Emotionally, they definitely aren't mature.
Message edited 8/22/2008 11:59:34 PM.
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| Posted 8/22/08 11:54 PM |
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tourist
Member since 5/05 10425 total posts
Name:
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by smdl
Well I happen to be born in France so I know that kids do not drink wine. Unless maybe in the country side and it's an exception vs the rule.
They don't mix it with soda? I know that sounds gross, and maybe the French value their wine too much, but I know people from other parts of Europe serve it to teens like that, or at least used to.
Message edited 8/23/2008 12:19:37 AM.
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| Posted 8/23/08 12:19 AM |
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wannabemom
look who's freshly baked!
Member since 12/07 7364 total posts
Name:
aka marriedinportjeff
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
I'm going to fess-up and come out as one of the 16 voters....
reason being in europe, that is the norm. In the US, young drinkers are equated as being binge drinkers. It is very likely this is becuase kids are taught from a very young age that drinking is 'bad' and it makes you 'lose control' (2 things teens actively seek-out).
in europe (and in my upbringing), there is no alcohol stigma. kids have a sip at the dinner table when family comes over. it's viewed more like eating cake or drinking coffee... never eat the whole thing becuase it will make you sick, but a little is fine and is yummy.
if it's not restricted or tabu, it's not tempting to abuse... less binges and less drunk driving incidents..... (There are also MUCH tougher driving laws / penalties in the EU if arrested for a DWI)
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| Posted 8/23/08 12:26 AM |
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HomeIsWithU
Baby #2 on the way!
Member since 9/07 7816 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
Posted by LittleBlueBug
I think saying it's age discrimination is a little bit of a stretch. Physiologically they are not mature. Emotionally, they definitely aren't mature.
again, I'll repeat my previous statement. If they;re mature enough to do all the other things adults do, then they're mature enough to drink.
In fact, I think it takes a lot more maturity to do all of the other things that they ARE allowed to do -- like serve their country or buy a house. You realize that anyone who serves this country has an entire platoon worth of men whose lives are in his/her hands everyday. If you're mature and responsible enough to be keeping yourself and 20 other people alive in the line of duty every waking moment of your life, then you have more than enough maturity to handle yourself with alcohol.
I completely disagree with the statement that 18 year olds are not emotionally and psychologically mature. I think too many people severely underestimate the maturity of 18 - 20 year olds and severely overestimate the maturity of everyone else.
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| Posted 8/23/08 4:43 AM |
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yankinmanc
Happy Days!
Member since 8/05 18208 total posts
Name:
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Re: The legal drinking age in the US should be...
The drinking age in the UK is 18 and we have a HUGE problem with children binge drinking, people here have very liberal attitudes about drink and they introduce their children to alcohol in a family situation, but still, the problem is there...but again, every culture is different.
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| Posted 8/23/08 4:53 AM |
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