Should the drinking age be lowered?

Question

this is for my language arts class.

Answer 1

If they had any sense the would look at european countries. There shouldn't be an age limit at all. The only thing the age limit does is promotes alcoholism while the mind is still developing.

Answer 2

Absolutely! Why should the government be one who decides at what age YOU are responsible enough to drink? That idea is ridiculous. The more restricted something is, the more appealing it becomes. Why are teens more important than a person in their 20's, 30's, or even 40's? It is all about government control, NOT YOUR WELL BEING. Wake up folks. With that said, the only reason the states raised the drinking age and lowered blood alcohol limits was to ensure they would not lose out on any money provided by the federal government - they could actually give a chit when or who drinks. IMHO - if you can fight for this country's freedoms - you should be able to enjoy them.

Answer 3

Yes ... I was drinking regularly (weekends) by the age of 16. I have to say I turned out just fine (now 28 University Graduate with a baby, a professional career and no drinking problems), as did most of my friends. The only thing I see as a potential problem is that if the drinking age was lowered, then kids could be drinking at an even lower age (like 14 or something) since alcohol would be more accessible to younger people. Anyhow, I have to say that Quebec and Alberta probably have it right with 18. If you are responsible enough to elect our leaders and fight in the military then you ought to be able to have a drink. The US seems a bit ridiculous at 21.

Answer 4

No, I think 21 is a good age for people to be able to purchase alcohol legally. True, there are many people who are younger than 21 and are mature enough to drink, but I believe that if we lowered the age limit, it could cause problems with people trying to decide who is mature enough to drink and who is not. That would be ridiculous and would everything messed up!

On a side note, I think the driving age should be changed to 18, instead of 16.

Answer 5

Yes and no! Yes, because many start drinking before the age of 21 any way and this way parents know whether their kids are drinking or not. This way their is no need for the kids to hide their drinking and would feel more comfortable with being open about it. No, because I think that at a younger age their is still a lot of maturing to do.

Answer 6

While we may compare ourselves to Europe, we should understand that we have a different ethical, cultural, and historical context than they. Therefore, we cannot carte-blanche adopt a philosophy or law from Europe and expect it to have the exact same results here (i.e., abolishing the age limit on drinking).

America being the greatest country in the world, as proven by the sheer number of people who want to get in, is proof that maybe in general the way we do things is pretty good, including the drinking age. What needs to be addressed is the American teenage mindset that drinking is "cool." We've finally figured out the addictive and destructive nature of tobacco. On to the alcohol.

Answer 7

no. i don't believe in censorship, but in this case, i do. drinking is worse than smaking a joint in most cases- and joints are illegal. drinking can cause some major problems that even 'mature' people can't handle. i know that minors get the stuff from older people, so might as well keep it like that. u know, the law has put a limit on the amount of cold pills that you can buy. have to show id and everything so that the cops can track who is buying what. Maybe that would work with this too?

Answer 8

I would recommend you research the statistics that people say prove raising the drinking age in the US saved lives. I understand this was proven fairly conclusively.

I believe it had something to do with fewer intoxicated teenagers driving home drunk after going out to bars. Apparently keeping under-age drinking behind closed doors saves lives.

Answer 9

It should be abolished all together. Let's face it, most teenagers drink anyway. It has been that way and will always be that way. People still drank when alcohol was completely forbidden in the US during the prohibition, and the mafia made huge amounts of money selling illegal alcohol. So, why bother with rules that we know for a fact will be broken?

Answer 10

No. I think it is fine where it is. Like other people said, their are many less deaths due to drunk driving, etc. But you know, you can't stop people from drinking, many teens even in high school (maybe even before) already drink, and get drunk, and well you can't stop them. And even if you raise the drinking age to 25 or something, they will still be definitely drinking underage like numerous people are doing now.