Quote:
|
If I'm not mistaken, the drinking age was once 18 but was upped to 21 in the past 40yrs or so (if anyone has the year, that would be great, thanks).
|
The drinking age was 21 in most areas after the end of Prohibition, but I think it was lowered to 18 or 19 in most states during the Vietnam War era. (I could easily be wrong on this, so I'd be grateful for any correction. I am pretty sure about the next part ...)
In the mid-1980s, the federal government threatened to withhold highway funds from any state that did not raise its drinking age to 21. States were allowed to grandfather-in people born before a certain date. As far as I am aware, there was never any rational reason given for this governmental blackmail.
I agree that this is an issue that should not be limited to Greeks, although Greeks can use their networking connections and political skills to boost it. This would be a great way to get the 18-21 population to vote, as they traditionally have low turnout.
The problem is that no politician is going to back this cause, because of the strong anti-alcohol lobby. The best idea would be to get it started in states with strong referendum provisions, such as California and Florida. Heck, Florida amended its constitution a few years ago to protect pregnant pigs, so the drinking age issue might be able to get on the ballot pretty easily. Once it gets on the ballot, then get out the vote among young people - Greeks, non-Greeks, collegians, workers, everyone - using MTV and other popular media.