It does bother me that a man can serve his country but yet can't have a drink until he's 21. I take my chances when anyone comes into the bar in their military uniform because I just glance at their military ID to make sure that they're really in the service and then I give them whatever they want to drink. Thankfully, most of our policemen would look the other way, too, as long as they weren't causing any trouble.
I don't know about other states, but in Louisiana, an 18 year old can be served liquor, as long as they're with their parent but it's up to the proprietor. Most won't serve them because it's not easy to determine if the people are who they say they are. I do allow 18 year olds to come in the bar during the day or a very slow night as long as their with someone older. If I'm too busy to watch them though, I turn them away.
While I don't necessarily agree with the drinking age, from working in the business, I've noticed a few things. First, the younger the drinker, the more apt they are to order shots with the first round. It's like their main objective is to get drunk as quick as they can. Second, the older the drinker, the more apt they are to know when to say when. Granted, there are exceptions to this but as a general rule, this is what I see. I've also noticed that many men become ten feet tall and bulletproof when alcohol is added. They all want to become bouncers in the bar at the least little sign of "trouble" to the point where I end up throwing them out! We have a few girls that become absolute sluts when they're drinking...had to run one out of the bathroom with a man on more than one occasion.
Overall, I'd say drinking is way overrated and I feel sorry for the person that can't have a good time without a drink. That's not to say that I haven't tied a few on myself but I'm always careful that I have a DD and I don't drink at home alone anymore (makes depression worse!).

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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"