Quote:
Originally posted by sigmagrrl
I never said anything I think or feel applies to everyone or anyone on this board. I probably do think in black and white, we all do on certain issues. But that doesn't mean I can't be persuaded to think another way. That's how arguements are won and lost. Someone mentioned something about a law that let's you order one drink only at a restaurant if you are with your parents. Not a bad little idea....Could be a good way to start with the lowering of the drinking age, if that dream becomes a reality. I think in shades of the experiences I have had: too many sisters (1 is too many for me) that got sexually assaulted when under the influence, too many people who have a few drinks after that great prom that don't wake up the next day because of driving drunk with an underage friend. It does worry me that the audience that reads this (potential Greeks, Greeks, independents, etc) sees so many pro alcohol posts. And again, I never said that there ISN'T ANYONE who actually doesn't like the taste, I said I can't believe that a majority of people would want it lowered so that they can get into that rockin' wine and cheese party next weekend...Seems as if others here are just as guilty of letting THEIR personal experience paint their opinion, so don't say it's just me. That's what an opinion comes from a lot of the time: experience....
|
sigmagrrl,
I'm not here to attack you, and I apologize for posting a "pro-alcohol" discussion. I was interested in finding out if people had thought about this sort of deal, because it's really just a big cycle in America. Alcohol used to be legal, then it was banned through prohibition, then repealed, then many years later, the age was restricted, it just seems to me that this cycles back and forth in this country.
You personal reasons confuse me. Just because people drink for the effects, it's not necessary for 18 year olds to drink? So then why is it OK for 21+ yr. olds to drink it, even though they may be drinking it for the same reasons when they were younger.
I don't think the government knows best for us, especially since they have set the age to smoke cigarettes (which in my mind is just as if not more damaging) for 18 and drinking at 21. In fact, not that I ever like studies, but drinking alcohol, in moderation of course, is healthy for the body.
So now the argument becomes, since we can assume all persons under the age of 21 are immature and irresponsible, they would only drink to get drunk, which means we can't allow them to drink. I know bad things happen sometimes, but I don't think the drinking age is better at 21 than 18.
If this country classifies you as an adult at 18, why is drinking the only thing restricted from you? (By the way, I'm over 21, just in case someone was thinking I'm a punk kid was just complaining cause he can't drink
One last thing, you dismissed the argument as BS if someone dies for their country that's no reason to let them drink, especially since the draft was eliminated. Look, I don't even want to go so far back, but back then that was the argument for voting rights. People died and couldn't vote, how unfair was that? So then the laws were finally changed and 18 yr. olds could vote, plus, the drinking age back then was 18!
I don't honestly think the purpose of drinking should be an issue, it's something personal, and if you want to binge, drink socially, not drink at all, or whatever, you should be allowed.
It doesn't have to be just dropping the age, you could make an argument that meets people half way, such as liquor education where you receive a "liquor license" kind of related to a learner's permit until you turn 21. They could impose stricter penalties if you drink and drive while between the age of 18-21, although I think drinking and driving should not be different for anyone regardless of age. You may make any sort of guidelines you wish, but don't just dismiss the idea completely, it doesn't help anyone. If you want to prevent the sexual harassments, drunk driving, abusive and addictive alcohol problems, then teach them the rules. I just don't see much difference in maturity levels from 18-21, those are my thoughts.
RUgreek