2006-12-29 15:47:11 · 15 answers · asked by paperchasewealthy 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Thank your government. They are looking out for your "Best Intrests". They are big brother. They want to dictate every aspect of our lives because we are too dumb to think and care for ourselves.
Sad thing is most Americans want to have the government controlling them, so they dont have to take care of themselves.
2006-12-29 15:50:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Actually, the federal government does not require each state to mandate the drinking age be 21, it was a recommendation. The way they got the states to adopt it was withold federal money for state's interstate highways if they did not raise the drinking age to 21. I believe Louisiana was the last holdout, but the mighty $$ prevailed, as it often does.
Interesting note on this subject. Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base is the only installation where the land is owned by a specific branch of service. Until the mid 1990's, the drinking age remained at 18 for service personnel. Obviously the federal government couldn't withold money to the largest Marine Base in the country(population wise). I was stationed there when the Commanding General raised the drinking age.
2006-12-29 23:57:46 · answer #2 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question. It's not fair. I used to feel the same way when I registered for the draft back in the 60s and like now, there was a war going on. But then a lot of things in life aren't fair. That's life.
Presumably people who are 21 are a bit wiser, and more mature, and better able to look out for themselves and to be careful toward others while they under the influence. If you are in a war you probably have all your buddies around you covering your back, and you are using all the available defensive equipment. You also are on heightened alert and paying attention to your surroundings, so hopefully you won't injure any innocent bystanders.
When you're drinking you are problably with your friends who are drinking also. If their is some stupid dangerous thing you could do that might hurt you or an innocent bystander and you haven't thought of it yet, one of your friends will come up with it real soon. Forget about anybody covering your back while you're mentally disabled by the affects of alcohol poisoning, because most likely all your buddies around you are disabled as well.
Safety/defensive equipment? What's that?? If I get in an accident I can get out of the car a lot quicker without this seat belt in my way. 35 MPH on this curve?? Yeah, right! That's for old people that don't know how to drive! Speed limit, hell! I need to hurry up and get home before a cop sees me!
Actually I think even 21 is too young to drink safely, unless you do it at home, surrounded by trustworthy friends and loved ones who are going to look out for you, but the law can't protect us all our lives. At some point we have to assume the responsibility, ready or not.
2006-12-30 00:24:47 · answer #3 · answered by nachtmann2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mich lowered the drinking age to 18 but it didn't last long. There was an incredible rise in fatal auto accidents among drunk, teenage males. Unfortunately, drunks often take innocent people with them. Drunks are dangerous.
In a state of war, they need whoever they can get. Young men (& women) are easier to train & are usually in great shape. They are more durable & more idealistic. They can vote. Both of which are a h*ll of a lot more important than be able to drink.
2006-12-30 02:07:20 · answer #4 · answered by Judith 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally disagree with the Federal Drinking Law. I think it hit in 1984. States should oversee such laws, not the Federal Government. It does save lives, I guess. I wouldn't be far off if I were to say more than 3000 18-20 year olds would have died in the time we have been in Iraq due to drinking related accidents. Still, the feds overstepped their bounds I think.
2006-12-30 00:00:04 · answer #5 · answered by Griff 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does stink doesn;t it?
In the 1960s they realized the same thing when people were drafted and lowere the drinking age to 18 or 19 in many states...then raised it up again because of the abuse and accident rates.
2006-12-29 23:56:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It used to be 18 until some group of scientists/doctors "discovered" that the body wasn't ready for alcohol until approximately 21 years of age. So much for American freedom, when everything we do is outlines by so many laws.
2006-12-29 23:55:51 · answer #7 · answered by chelleighlee 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your lawmakers know what is best for you.
Did you know that back in the 1920's and 30's,a 12 year old could drive a car without a license as long as they could reach the pedals?
2006-12-29 23:57:54 · answer #8 · answered by Ralph T 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a simple one. When you are 18 you can go to war, get yourself killed, or maybe kill someone your fearless leaders want you to kill.
But if you drink alcohol, you are likely to kill yourself and / or someone innocent.
Don't like it? Register to vote so your voice will be heard.
2006-12-30 00:14:52 · answer #9 · answered by John H 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because they like them young and naive willing to blindly take orders.
2006-12-29 23:51:01 · answer #10 · answered by Raven 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋