It's bullshit, it's a social burden, it's been proven completely ineffective, but why is it still here?

I'd like to get a discussion going on this.

My theory: It's because the vast majority of the voting population isn't affected by the problem, nor are they subjected to their own children binge drinking behind their backs because they don't know it's going on.

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Weiner.

the drinking age is probably a bit of a joke when a lot of alcohol mixer drinks are marketed to kids.

The drinking age was lowered back in the late 60's - early 70's because it was believed if you were old enough to go fight a war, you're old enough to have a drink. Of course now that the young folks back then are the old folks now I guess it's better they sanitize their youthful indiscretions. They know what's best for all you younguns. ;-)

I guess selling our country out to China was the best idea for us younguns as well? Or expecting the new generation to pay for social security even though they're unlikely to get any of that money back by retirement age. Or that job security isn't a reasonable request in the United States of America (No, I'm not asking for a hand out. Just the idea that my job isn't expendable), and as a result of all the worker class being left in droves because it simply doesn't pay enough or isn't secure enough to make a living. Which is fine, if it didn't leave a big hole that needs to be filled, and which immigrates are most likely to fill. Even though I'd much rather take our lumps that come with the self-deportation that will follow when we get tough on immigration (which is happening now at the state/city level since Congress is so useless), instead of depending on a workforce for the backbone of our country that is from other countries. I suppose that was all in our best interest, so I'll have to offer a non-thank you for leaving us "younguns" with the bag.

Elizabeth: the Drinking Age, is actually the third movie in that trilogy which will premiere next year. After conquering the Spanish Armada, the Queen takes her people to the Cock & Bull.

No.

Really.

It makes sense to lower it to 19 at least. Kids are drinking at that age whether you like it or not. I go to the U of I in Champaign/Urbana every year, and they're drinking away.

The drinking age in most of Europe for beer and wine is 16, for strong booze it is 18.

It is not just about enforcing the law, it is also about supporting parents. Alcohol is not good for your brains, especially when they are still developing with kids. 21 is probably a bit extreme though.

Don't fret it. You'll have ample opportunity to have the truly glorious benefits that alcohol has to offer your life situation, after you've turned of age.

It's a stupid, pointless drug.

You're not missing anything by not being able to drink until you are 21. You'd not miss anything if you never drank at all.

Matt

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De duobus malis, minus est semper eligendum

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!"

hear hear...

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No individual can plan his own existence in their view.

So the state planners must arrogate to themselves the right to manipulate any sector of the economic system if the good of “society” or the “general welfare” is paramount.

Ipso- if the rights of the individual get in the way, the rights of the individual must be sublimated.

The Road to Serfdom
FA Hayek (interpretation)


Mortgage Backed Security survivor

Convocation Remarks

[Emphasis added] Catherine Gira, PhD, of Frostburg University made a nice summary of some problems the “millenials” face when starting university during her convocation address in 2005. I believe that the protective restrictions on the drinking age further perpetuate the “Peter Pan” syndrome of newer generations and retard their development of emotional maturity. They need to learn from their mistakes rather than being overly protected by their "helicopter parents". Consequences are often indelible teaching tools.

Of course, because of this phenomenon, a decrease in the drinking age initially would be disastrous, IMO. Bottom line though, I am in favor of a change to 18 years old.

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I am an American. That's the way most of us put it, just matter of factly. They are plain words, those four: you could write them on your thumbnail, or sweep them clear across this bright autumn sky. But remember too, that they are more than just words. They are a way of life. So whenever you speak them; speak them firmly, speak them proudly, speak them gratefully. I am an American. ...a tradition

I love the fact that an American can serve in the military but can't drink until he's 21. It should teach them to handle their troubles in a responsible way.

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Is our children learning? -George W. Bush

"I think—tide turning—see, as I remember—I was raised in the desert, but tides kind of—it's easy to see a tide turn—did I say those words?"—Washington, D.C., June 14, 2006

"[T]he illiteracy level of our children are appalling."—Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2004

Its nearly impossible to maintain these age restrictions when parents are either giving money to their kids or buying the alcohol for them. Many kids also have some older persons hangin outside the store buy their beer for them, and there's no way to counter that. Here the drinkin age is 18, but in practice it doesn't make much difference.

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I duck, therefore i cover.

Speedyer,
I guess you missed my emoticon. I should have used one of the silly little smilie things. You are correct in what you say, but now it's going to be your turn. You seemed to be well informed and that gives me great hope in your generation. Stay true to your ideals and beliefs.

Yeah, I know it wasn't really intended at you, sorry if it seemed like that. I was more frustrated and angry with the generation before me and the mess they've handed off to me and my fellow generation. Anyway, thanks, I guess your post hit a chord. ^.^ Everyone needs a chance to blow up every now and then, even if it does sort of go off topic and lean more towards emotions than a generalization of it. Which in this case, is more or less true. :/

Whoot, more on topic, I also think the drinking age should be 18. Spurning the newest generation of "adults" isn't likely to win you any favors with them and if you want to alienate them I guess you can. I mean how do you expect an individual to be a responsible adult if in the same breath you limit them in what they can do based on age (even though they're legally an adult). It's silly, and if people didn't have to find ways to beat the law (which they will, easily at that. I've never been to a high school where teenagers didn't know where or how to get beer, in fact it was never really any great mystery and pretty common place), then people wouldn't make such hoopla over drinking at such an age and binge drinking will dramatically decrease in 18 year olds. Of course, this isn't really anything new that I haven't said before or anything nobody else has pointed out, but I'm back on topic at least.