Do you remember your first taste of alcohol? How old were you? Twenty-one? All 50 states currently demand that their citizens reach age 21 before they can legally drink. But there's a growing movement that says mandatory minimum laws may do more harm than good. When determining the right date when a young person can take one of their final steps towards personal responsibility and freedom, what's the right answer?
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Lowering the Drinking Age Won’t Make Teens Responsible Consumers.
- From GHSA
By Governors Highway Safety Association - The States' Voice on Highway Safety
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Good Objection
I agree with this Whole Heartedly. Granted, you cannot stop someone from drinking if they so choose to drink. That is why we are called a "free" country. However, I agree that lowering the drinking age won't make teens 18-20 or any teen age responsible consumers. Drinking responsible is a choice. A choice that is not often made because the affects alcohol has on the mind of any one who consumes it. It will, however, make it easier for them to go and buy it themselves. The other thing it would solve is the breaking of the law by 1. those consuming it underage 2. those buying it for them. What is the greater benefit?
- UltraConservative August 22, 2008 6:45AM
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Side: No
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We aren't advocating to simply lower the age.
As the title suggests, CR isn't simply suggesting we lower the age overnight and leave it at that. We're advocating to implement a volley of education programs which could entail proper drinking, responsible drinking, when it is appropriate, the chemistry of alcohol, how it effects you, and more. Not only this, but licensing programs as well along with introducing alcohol at a younger age in controlled environments (like the home under parental supervision).
- mburmei1
August 26, 2008 8:46PM
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Side: Yes
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Prohibition Only vs. Safe Drinking Practices
I respect and agree with your ideas and methods, as a private organization. Where you are going to have issues are the same places that current proponents of safe-sex education have problems; getting the public to agree on a government sponsored education plan. Where do you recommend this education takes place and who will supply the curriculum? I have not read any of your organizations public materials so forgive me if this is addressed elsewhere on the Internet.
I personally disagree with licensing programs for the reasons made clear in my other posts (mainly that licensing a private good is not acceptable policy). Would I be willing to accept such a plan as opposed to the current Legal 21, maybe, though I am not in a position to actually affect that compromise.
- polobo
August 27, 2008 8:44AM
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Side: Yes
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#2
"Youth drink with the goal to get drunk."
I suppose at 20 I could be considered a "youth", yet that is not my goal while consuming alcohol. Since I involved myself with CR upon turning 19 my binge drinking habits died away almost overnight despite being immersed in a culture of underground excessive college drinking. And now having experienced both styles of drinking I have to admit I greatly prefer stopping after 1 or 2 drinks as opposed to excessive amounts. If something as simple as CR can convince me to change so drastically I have no problem believing an in-depth, hands-on education and licensing system can have impressive effects.
- mburmei1
August 26, 2008 8:48PM
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Side: Yes
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