Lowering the Drinking Age
“What we’re doing now to prevent underage drinking isn’t working; it’s time to try something else.” Although many people argue that the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1964, which lowed the drinking age from eighteen to twenty one, was a good idea. David J Hanson a professor in the State University of New York believed that something needs to be done to make the United States a safer place to live. Is it fair that people in the United States can serve in the military, vote in elections, serve in juries, get married, and enter into legal contracts at the age of eighteen, but not buy alcohol until they are twenty one years of age. Lowering the drinking age in the United States to eighteen will help young adults be more responsible, and in addition it would make colleges a safer environment and it would lower the amount of binge drinking.
Lowering the drinking age to eighteen will help teenagers act more responsible. In the United States, the government considers a teenager to be an adult at the age of eighteen, as they obtain specific duties and responsibilities without parental approval. The government believes that “those turning 18 can join the military, receive medical care, get married, and receive a number of other adult privileges and other responsibilities without parental consent” however they are not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages. (U.S. 18) The government recognizes these “adults” as children as they do not get the privilege to buy or consume any type of alcoholic beverages. After graduating from high school many men and women become part of our military. They risk their lives for the good of our country, yet they are not allowed to drink alcohol but can carry a weapon. At the age of eighteen, one is allowed to marry though they won’t be allowed to drink a glass of champagne at their own wedding. Many supporters of lowering the drinking age argue that in countries such as Italy, Spain and France, “a culture of having wine at the dinner
Lowering the drinking age to eighteen will help teenagers act more responsible. In the United States, the government considers a teenager to be an adult at the age of eighteen, as they obtain specific duties and responsibilities without parental approval. The government believes that “those turning 18 can join the military, receive medical care, get married, and receive a number of other adult privileges and other responsibilities without parental consent” however they are not allowed to consume alcoholic beverages. (U.S. 18) The government recognizes these “adults” as children as they do not get the privilege to buy or consume any type of alcoholic beverages. After graduating from high school many men and women become part of our military. They risk their lives for the good of our country, yet they are not allowed to drink alcohol but can carry a weapon. At the age of eighteen, one is allowed to marry though they won’t be allowed to drink a glass of champagne at their own wedding. Many supporters of lowering the drinking age argue that in countries such as Italy, Spain and France, “a culture of having wine at the dinner
Cited: "Lowering US Drinking Age from 21 to 18." Debatepedia.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Mar. 2013.