Thread: Repeal the Drinking Age

Camille Paglia: Alcohol Drinking Age of 21 Is Too High - TIME

Having spent a number of years overseas I have always felt that the drinking age should be eliminated. I will not be a prude with my children and I will teach them how to drink (if they choose to do so) responsibly. By eliminating the "intrigue" and fiction/fantasy around alcohol I know my boys will be safe. Ultimately they will have to make decisions for themselves. I will do my best to make it an informed and responsible decision.

I don't buy everything that Paglia is selling, but I do not disagree with the position that we should eliminate the drinking age. It's a political "third rail" that is driven by emotion instead of good sense. If we see a change it will happen only through lame duck incumbents.

It will never happen.

European countries are far more likely to raise their drinking ages long before we lower ours.

And I'm ok with that. We have enough young folks dieing of stupidity every year. No need for more.

However, I would not be opposed to allowing anyone in the military to drink. If we can train them to kill, put a rifle in their hands, and trust them to defend our country, a beer shouldn't be out of the question.

I don't support lowering the drinking age.

Originally Posted by Xavsnipe

I support lowering the drinking age!

You have one?! I didn't think they existed South of Texas/Cali.

Would you cater your place to 18-20 year olds? They would probably be a pretty lucrative crowd income-wise, but I wonder at what insurance cost. I wouldn't know, but it seems that they would require more security (bouncers), as well as have more insurance claims due to fights/mayhem and car accidents/injuries.

Originally Posted by dex71

However, I would not be opposed to allowing anyone in the military to drink. If we can train them to kill, put a rifle in their hands, and trust them to defend our country, a beer shouldn't be out of the question.

Our soldiers are allowed to drink at 18. At least, this was true the last time I checked.


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Originally Posted by Amador +JP2+

Our soldiers are allowed to drink at 18. At least, this was true the last time I checked.


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I think that's only on a base, not out in public.

Yes

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The human brain does not fully develop until the age of about 25. Smoking, drinking, and drug use all have impacts on brain development in adolescents and young adults. There have been many studies and articles with scientific backing, but here is a link specific to alcohol use and the effects on the adolescent brain.

NIAAA Publications

People under 21 are going to drink anyways. They will find a way to get around any age laws... this way they have to get creative about it and be smart enough not to get caught, which means they will do a lot less of it, this not impairing their brain development.

I mean really, kids today are stupid enough anyways. Can you imagine if they were stupid and drunk? Or stupid, drunk, and high?