Legal Drinking Age Options

[*Kathleen*]

So my civics class was talking about it the other day, and I thought I'd like to share with you guys: Do you think the legal drinking age should be raised or lowered? Now, here's how I stand on this: I think it should be kept the same, although if I were to choose between raising or lowering it, I would definitely pick raising it. Here are my points.

-There are too many accidents that can be prevented because of drunk drivers. Now, I know what you're thinking: there are people out there who are of legal drinking age who already get in accidents. Those can be stopped, too, though. I'm just saying here that a few of the whole can be prevented by keeping the new, drunk drivers off the road by raising it. I think the average age to drive nowadays is sixteen (it is in Pennsylvania), and if you wait two years opposed to given the chance to drive and drink, then you would've had experience there. *Thinks to herself...yeah, I think I covered most things on that*

-Next, you might say: Well, we can fight for our country at eighteen. Okay, now I can easily refute this a few ways. Yes, you are (most of the time) handed a gun when you join our military, but...THIS IS FOR A GOOD CAUSE! You're handed a beer can...that's not helping our country in any way. See my point? Also, you must realize that by going through the service, you will [most likely] come out a better, more mature person. So what if you're able to serve your country at eighteen...who says that you're already mature enough to drink then?

-Third, this is not discrimination against teenagers. Obviously, your age will change. You can't change [most of the time...heh...*Thinks of Michael Jackson*] the color of your skin nor your gender [thinks again...most of the time!]. See my point?

-Lastly (I think), I looked around the room in my civics class to find that the only people wanting the legal drinking age lowered were those that drink already. Okay, we can't stop all the idiots who want to waste away their lives at that from drinking, but if it is highered or more strict, their chances of being caught and punished is higher.

So yeah, I think I made my point...heh...I'm about to leave, but yeah I hope this thread doesn't die soon.

[hair products]

nice =)

i guess I'm okay with it, but raising it would probably be better for the overall community.

I'm tired of friends buying drinks for me(even though it's free sometimes =D). Trying to get a fake id anyway =P. I'm responsible enough not to drive drunk. Yet it's like once you get to that age.. you feel old. I don't want to be old!!!

[*Kathleen*]

Yeah...I do believe that there are people responsible enough to know not to drive when they're drunk, but for the most part, people in society are retarded and will do it anyways.

[LiNHy POO]

i keep it the same.... if we lowered it.... all us young ppl will be be drunk and passed out...

[pbear]

I'd raise it...I doubt it'd do much though, seeing as kids I know have already tried alcohol, even go as far as getting drunk. I'm scared for one of my friends who has alcohol once in awhile because when he's drunk, he gets violent and uncontrollable.

[lookitskim]

I think it should be kept the same... well it doesn't really matter cause some kids will still find a way to get it some how.. . It's just that they can't go buy it themselves.. they have friends go buy it for them... I used to be one of them but now i'm over 21 it's not fun anymore..

[Mireh]

if it were to be raised, people younger would be tempted to drink.

[phatty]

i dunno i think it should be lowered to 18 cause that's when you're a legal adult

[*Kathleen*]

i dunno i think it should be lowered to 18 cause that's when you're a legal adult

Yeah, I think my talking about being able to serve covers this.

-Also, Val, yes, people will be tempted to drink, but if stricter laws were set, it might have an effect, as I said before. Furthermore, some of the kids that do it now are probably a year away or a couple years away from turning twenty-one. Now, they probably get away with it at sometimes for being so close to that age. Say it were to be raised...they wouldn't be able to get away as easily, see?

[aud_chua]

i don't really think that it will change because.. the law has been around for quite a while.. and law enforcement isn't really doing much.. there are still young adults who are driving under the influence of alcohol.. sometimes, youngsters even get the drinks from some older people..
i really think that the issue here is the way a child is raised.. if they were taught properly, they wouldn't think of drinking at such a young age.. maybe not drink at all..! it's bad for the kidney, you know..! ^^;
but in any case, i think that the age limit is alright the way it is.. but yes, i agree with others about raising the limit.. cuz even at 21, some people can't control themselves..

[f00LisH_h3aRt63]

i think it should be kept the same. i mean yea it would be soo awesome if we could be legally drinking at the age of 18 but somehow it feels like too young of age. 21 is a good age...hMM yea! lOL

jackie

[DisneyPrincessKa...]

I have fights for both.

Raised
-People are really immature these days, face it, even people in their 30's can't hold their alcohol all the time
-It can cause a lot of problems in socitey, so if you're older you'll hopefully know what you're doing
-If it's kept away for long enough you might lose interest
-It has a lot of health risks, if it's lowered too low you might not know them.
-More experience behind the wheel might help you to know when to not drive.

Lowered
-If you can die in battle why can't you drink?
-They're doing it anyway
-Other countries have no problems with people drinking at young ages.
-It would lower crime, because there would be less underage drinking.

You can make good arguments for both sides, so I'd say keep it the same.

[WhiteChocolate]

I'd say lowered to 18, too. I had a good argument, but just as soon as I hit the "add reply" button, it all went away!! grr...

[stryker76]

Well i think it should be lowered...we are debating this in my class and i didnt want it but i got stuck debating this side...and i have come to find out something interesting...Most countries have the drinking age at 18...some even lower....they have found that even though the drinking age is low...few teens drink....much of the time teens drink to rebel against those that make the laws to try and "prove" something.....so with thew drinking age lower they cant get introuble for doin it....so they dont drink as much.....i have a foreign exchange student in my school from germany....the drink age there is 18...he says many of his friends drink....but do not get wasted or drunk...because what is the point there is no adventure in it when its illegal.....

[craziplaya21]

i jus dont care cuz i dont drink

[*NatiMarie*]

I don't even know. I mean sometimes I get tempted to drink but I wouldn't over do it. It's really dumb to get drunk and wasted. I think if we did lower the age, then young adults (teenagers) would be drinking and committing worse accidents. *sigh* It's always a risk because in all ages, there will always be accidents (DUI's), and sometimes it can't be prevented. I just think that the age should be kept where it's at. *stands proud and tall*

[*Kathleen*]

Well i think it should be lowered...we are debating this in my class and i didnt want it but i got stuck debating this side...and i have come to find out something interesting...Most countries have the drinking age at 18...some even lower....they have found that even though the drinking age is low...few teens drink....much of the time teens drink to rebel against those that make the laws to try and "prove" something.....so with thew drinking age lower they cant get introuble for doin it....so they dont drink as much.....i have a foreign exchange student in my school from germany....the drink age there is 18...he says many of his friends drink....but do not get wasted or drunk...because what is the point there is no adventure in it when its illegal.....

Well, you have to realize that those countries aren't the United States. They have other laws, too. One problem I see with the United States is the fact that we're too lenient (sp?) on many things, and this is one of them. People are letting all these accidents go, not being careful. People are ignorant to what will happen when they get behind the wheel, drunk, EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE TOLD MILLIONS OF TIMES! Sheesh.

-If you can die in battle why can't you drink?
-They're doing it anyway
-Other countries have no problems with people drinking at young ages.
-It would lower crime, because there would be less underage drinking.

Okay, if you read my whole long opening paragraph, I already refuted that first point. The second point, I'm pretty sure I made it clear that it will stop more of them from doing it. Third point, I just refuted that in this post previously. Last point, it's not a guarantee that the younger kids aren't still going to do it. They'll see that the police think it's okay for people to drink that are younger than twenty-one, and in fact, they'll join with them. I'm sure they have friends closer to their age at eighteen, and can get alcohol easier that way. Anything else?

[xjjajeengx]

Well, it's not like im going to start drinking any time soon (hopefully ) so pshhhhhh dosnt really matter to me...

But, i think for the long-term success of our country (woot.. two-syllable words uh huh) the drinking age should be kept the same or raised. Even though raising it would mean more work for cops, honestly... dont you think having more work for them is a good thing, rather than eating donuts all day? JUST KIDDING did not intend to offend anyone. But, what I'm trying to say is that cops having more work means more pay (hopefully) for them... i ono. i've confused myself. Also, I'm pretty sure if we raise the drinking age, then the nation will come up with some stricter law for underage drinking.

But then again... so many people are already drinking nowadays...

[to_god_damn_ghet...]

haha...don't smoke drink coke! Drinking should be banned cause coke makes me hyper enough! Yup i'm a spoiler!

------------------------------------------------
i'm 14 year's old with a preschool brain and i'm proud! -> mi xangha <-

[tkproduce]

lower the age limit and get rid of guns, that's what I say

[Winter]

Well, you have to realize that those countries aren't the United States. They have other laws, too. One problem I see with the United States is the fact that we're too lenient (sp?) on many things, and this is one of them. People are letting all these accidents go, not being careful. People are ignorant to what will happen when they get behind the wheel, drunk, EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE TOLD MILLIONS OF TIMES! Sheesh.

Yeah, the United States is very lenient. Our government recently changed the driving age to 21. They say it's because it's the teens that mostly get into car acidents. Psst.

Well I honestly don't really care what the legal age is. As long as I get my supply who cares. Haha nah I'm just kidding.

But really there's no point in a legal age coz if someone really wants booze, they can easily get it. It's just up to the person really.

[*Kathleen*]

That's the thing - if they were to raise it, then they'd definitely be more strict...therefore, watching people to make sure they don't have easy access to it. Granted, there are flaws in every system, but this would just make it so that deaths are prevented. I agree, Grace - cops would be more alert, and this would help decrease accidents. They need to start doing their jobs.

[LatinaLady]

i think it should be stayed how it is. i dont think it should be raised cuz then crime in achol related will increase.

[kraziegrl]

i think it should be kept the same... if it was lowerd, = MORE TIPSY PEOPLE

but .. i bet the govt had a reason for this age. [better than mine]

[*Kathleen*]

I'm pretty sure the government's reason was public welfare. Twenty-one is a good age to have enough experience, and maturity (hopefully, although I beg to differ) to make the right decisions with drinking.

P.S. This is my 2,700th post.

[fiji_kid]

i keep it the same.... if we lowered it.... all us young ppl will be be drunk and passed out...

i agree.. that is true

[aznjammyjam]

if it was any lower, there would be more stupid kids who drink and drive or get into fights cause they cant handle themselves idk. stupid people who kill innocent people just because they think their sober enough to drive

yes! when you drink, drink responsibly!~!!!!!

[tkproduce]

so do people go through a magical transition of maturity when they hit 20 or 21 years old? As far as I know, I didn't feel anything when I turned 17 or 18...

[*instantmusic*]

im to lazy to argue about laws. i'd keep it the same.

[*Kathleen*]

so do people go through a magical transition of maturity when they hit 20 or 21 years old? As far as I know, I didn't feel anything when I turned 17 or 18...

Well, of course you're not supposed to feel it. It's a known fact that people mature with age because they've been around for awhile, and through the years, each day affects that person. Okay, so the majority of people...what? Did you expect to feel a powerful surge of wisdom flooding your mind when you turned seventeen or eighteen?

[*Nina*Renee*]

I honestly dont care, just as long as they dont lower it!!!

[tkproduce]

Well, of course you're not supposed to feel it. It's a known fact that people mature with age because they've been around for awhile, and through the years, each day affects that person. Okay, so the majority of people...what? Did you expect to feel a powerful surge of wisdom flooding your mind when you turned seventeen or eighteen?

Sorry if I sound a bit rude here

You seem to take what I write in this forum far too seriously. I don't really believe in half the things I say under any of the topics. That's not a crime is it? I just post in this forum so I can keep up with the 5 posts/day required for the official membership. That's the truth. Really, you don't have to counteract everything I say - I'm sure you can judge whether what I said is just blatantly stupid or not.

[*Kathleen*]

Sorry if I sound a bit rude here

You seem to take what I write in this forum far too seriously. I don't really believe in half the things I say under any of the topics. That's not a crime is it? I just post in this forum so I can keep up with the 5 posts/day required for the official membership. That's the truth. Really, you don't have to counteract everything I say - I'm sure you can judge whether what I said is just blatantly stupid or not.

Haha sorry...I just...I'm a debater, and yes, I do have to counter everything you say. Haha. Kidding. I guess my older friends that have been debating longer have rubbed off on me...they're insane...they debate about anything. I'm sorry, though. Heh...it's not a crime...I just want to keep certain topics from dying or whatnot...and I like to talk.

[tkproduce]

Haha sorry...I just...I'm a debater, and yes, I do have to counter everything you say. Haha. Kidding. I guess my older friends that have been debating longer have rubbed off on me...they're insane...they debate about anything. I'm sorry, though. Heh...it's not a crime...I just want to keep certain topics from dying or whatnot...and I like to talk.

I think that whenever I post a comment, part of me is waiting for your counter-argument. I don't mind it - arguments breathe life into this forum. But don't point out things that I would know anyway. lol

[*Kathleen*]

I think that whenever I post a comment, part of me is waiting for your counter-argument. I don't mind it - arguments breathe life into this forum. But don't point out things that I would know anyway. lol

Okay, agreed indeed. I dunno...it seems to me you, kryogenix, dasturbd, and me are the only ones ever posting in the debate threads.

[piecrust87]

riased....but it doesnt affect me....im aller-gis-tic to alchol....

[swtxprincess]

like i sed with the smoking topic u should be able to smoke or drink whenevr u want its a free country right?

[Chopstikx]

i think it shud juz stay at 21....teens and young adults are dying evryday cause of drunk driving....and for smoking...its a really bad habbit..and gurlz dnt usually go 4 guyz that smoke...

[mai_z]

laws like this probably wouldn't change much in life if they WERE changed, like whether it were lowered or raised, the people who drink already would keep drinking,. and the ones who are good and dont, probably won't drink....... pretty simple, kinda like the marijuana thing

[dukesoccer07]

It dont matter what it is... I started drinking at 14... and since then never had trouble getting booze...

[T00000]

i keep it the same.... if we lowered it.... all us young ppl will be be drunk and passed out...

honey, we are anyways...

[casssy]

I think its good where its at.. well here it seems to be okay..

[Nashvixen]

I placed Null Vote, because my opinion is conditional.
I think that the drinking age should remain the same, but with some tweeking.
In the state I live in, people under 21 can only drink under the following conditions:
-They are in the presence of their approving legal guardian
-They are in the presence of their approving spouse (age 21 or above)
-They are on their legal home's environment
-They drink in moderation
I agree with those limitations. The brain isn't finished maturing until at least age 21, and drinking too much alcohol isn't good for the young person's brain growth.
My family doesn't let me drink (though I have before). But if I ever have kids, I'll let them drink a very small amount from time to time to show alcohol is ONLY bad when it's used in abundance. If children are exposed to it in small amounts, they see that's it's really no big deal unless you make it that way.

[5ayuri]

i think they should keep it the same..even though its 18 younger kids get alcohol before that age and if its lower i think that kids even younger will want to drink alcohol..did i make sensE??

[karrar]

The reason why other countries don't have a drinking age is becuae they can handle it . It is the truth . When i went on vacation to France i got a glass of wine with my burger at Mcdonalds .The 11ish year old kid next to me got the same . IF the Us could handle it by not abusing it , then it would be the same as in other countries.

[VGyrl88]

I'd say it should be kept the same, if they change the drinking age then everything would be change, like the term "legal" will be mixed up with 21 when it should be whatever te age is changed to..

[Teesa]

I think it's a reasonable drinking age..besides most people do it anyway no matter what.

[iwalkbackwards]

I think the parents should decided when kids should drink...Just because parents decided everything else...

[urbanychic]

I'm think it should be lowered, to be honest, I think it should be a LOT lowered.

In Europe, the drinking age is roughly 15 and the driving age is I believe, 18. Their philosophy behind this is to have the children get the drinking out of their systems BEFORE they start driving so the amount of alcohol related accidents is increadibly smaller than in American. Over 65% accidents in America are alcohol related, whereas in Europe, it's 33%. Dramatic difference. In Europe, alcohol isn't viewed as a taboo and something that is so horrible and blah blah blah, as it is viewed here. Yea, it makes you look 'cool' but people are still so opposed to it.

ANYWAYS...

I personally believe the drinking age should lowered and the DRIVING age raised. If you can fight for your country OR purchase a gun at 18 (which you can) why can't you buy alcohol? Shooting a gun will KILL you on impact, and drinking alcohol takes more of an effect to kill you on impact. Even if we are sending our children to fight for our country, we are still sending children fresh out of high school to shoot and KILL other human beings before they can pick up alcohol. I was just watching the news and say a 19 year old girl that was killed in Iraq. She never tried alochol, but she's dead because of guns.

It should be discussed in the education system the effects of drinking before middle/high school age so that we are always hearing what alcohol can do, regardless of your age. And, btw, I am legal to drink so that isn't affecting my decision, but I'm been adment on having it lowered seeing it was 18 for years until rather recently.

[fameONE]

If this were a perfect world created by yours truly, there would be no alcohol.

I spent two days in a coma as a result of a drunk driver.

For 6 years, I watched my uncle drink his marriage away and let alcoholism destroy, what was, his family.

There is nothing remotely positive that can come out of the consumption of alcohol.

[xTINAA]

^I'm really sorry to hear about that.

Anyways, I agree with Kathleen 100%. I hate how people say, "If I can fight for my country I should be able to have a beer."

[WhiteLotus*]

I think it should be banned, personally.
I have issues with alchohol, that's why. Damn you, parents of mine.

Damn you, 21st amendment. It was the 21st..right?


If anything, it should be raised. Teenagers that are comming into aldult hood...just aren't responsible enough.

And I agree with Kathlenn 100%. It..hit me.

[shortiiex]

liek i think it should be raised but who really listens to that law?

[sammi rules you]

i think it should be raised. or banned at all. i don't see why it's needed. we just want a bunch of people to get drunk all the time? sure, not all people are stupid with alcohol, but some are. alcohol is addicting. it makes people do stupid things when they can't think about what they're doing. there's no need for it.

[Baku]

i really dont care i dont drink :-p

[urbanychic]

but why should we ban it if you don't like it? some people do enjoy drinking and are responsible. yes, some people ruined it for the rest of us by being irresponsible but that doesn't mean it should be banned. does anyone realize what happened when that occured in the 20s? does anyone even know WHY alcohol was formed? because in the late 1800s, water was contaiminated. they didn't know what was in it. however, alcohol isn't contaiminated and they know what they are drinking. yes, alcohol has it's negativity effects but if people learn the consequences of drinking, there maybe something done about all these alcohol related accidents.