why can i be given a gun and sent to war at 18, but not drink alchohol in some states until 21?

Question

i seriously think thats retarded

I really think thats retarded. young people go to war and probably come back all ****** up in the head and stuff

Answer 1

This country needs young men and women in the military. It doesn't need a bunch of drunk teenagers.

Answer 2

When you join the military, they train you on your weapon and tell you where to go, what to do and when. There are few independent actions on your part.

At 18, your brain is not fully developed and cannot handle alcohol - or drugs, for that matter. You will make poor choices, jeopardize yourself and others. If you need proof of this statement, re-read what you said in "additional details" section. No fully developed mature adult would print that. An adult would know that the word "retard" when used in the way you used it is insulting to those who have a mental disability and that the profanity mispelled with 3 "k's" is more suited to adolescent chatter than in a public forum.

Answer 3

You can thank Ronnie Raygun Reagan for that law.

He pushed it from 18 to 19, then took it to 21 by threatening to take the highway funds away.

Several states had laws allowing Military members to drink at 18 after the drinking age was increased to 21, but Uncle Sam threatened their highway funds again and made em take those laws off the books too.

The reason they gave, was that 18 yr olds, would buy alcohol for their 16 and 17 yr old friends.

Like 21 yr olds aren't buying alcohol for their 19 and 20 year old friends now....lol


Of course, that will teach 18,19 and 20 year olds that maybe they should vote once in awhile, that way, no one would be taking their rights away.

.

Answer 4

A great question. If you are old enough to go to war, to vote, to get married and have kids then you should be old enough to get a drink.

I am not saying that 18 or 21 or any other age is the right time. I think it depends on the individual but that is impossible to do. So some age must be set. But it is not logical to have it one way for all of those various responsibilities but then to say that he/she is not responsible enough to sit on a stool and order a beer.

Answer 5

Actually it's very logical. If we give you a gun and ship you off to war then you'll kill the enemy because you're so mad about not being able to drink. However if we let you drink at 18, you'll go out and kill some poor, innocent civilian and we'll have to pay for your incarceration. It's a great way to save a few tax dollars. lol

Answer 6

You can go to war when you're 18, but you can't buy a beer.
Launch missiles from a Navy ship at 18, but can't own a handgun until you're 21.
Can have an abortion at 15, but age of sexual consent is 17.
Can't buy cigarettes underage but you can buy an acetylene torch and gasoline
Age of sexual consent is 17, age to buy porno is 18 (or 21 in some places)

Answer 7

That was the exact argument during Vietnam that led to the drinking age being lowered in Australia.
If you can be trusted to carry a loaded rifle and only kill those you are supposed to then you should be trusted enough to drink sensibly and not drive when drunk. Drinking problems aren't contained to youth, there are plenty of old alcoholics.

Answer 8

The 19 year olds who fought in Viet Nam couldn't even vote until the war was almost over. At least you can vote for someone to change the laws.

Answer 9

Because 18 year olds have proven time and time again that they can't handle alcohol. Look at the death rates for 18-21 year olds while driving!

Answer 10

I think it's ignorant as well. There are people in this country who are older (and younger) who still don't know how to drink responsibly. There are service members who have been sent to rehab for drinking problems. I don't think age really has much to do with it. I think it all depends on the person and their self discipline not their age.

Answer 11

It use to be once you were in the military it was ok for drinking as long as it was done on base in approved areas. Even for people below the legal age. With sacrifice to your country comes a few perks. You can even buy cigys and a playboy ....