Earlier this month, one hundred college presidents as part of the Amethyst Initiative recommended that the drinking age in this country be lowered from 21 to 18.
When this surfaced, there were plenty of 'chicken little busy-bodies' who went nuts with cries of how thousands will die if that were to happen.
But first some background...
Back in 1984, Congress passed the 'National Minimum Drinking Age Act.' In it, the fine print: The Federal Government would impose a ten percent penalty on a state's federal highway appropriation if the state's drinking age was under 21.
In short, 'Do as I wish or I'll cut you off.'
Kind of reminds me of the movie 'Arthur.' Marry Susan... or else.
And across the nation, the minimum age to consume alcohol was 21.
However, 18 year olds were, and still are, considered LEGAL ADULTS.
An 18 year old can vote, enter into contracts, sit on a jury, enlist in the military, etc. And they can do it all without approval from their legal guardian.
If arrested, they are tried as adults, not juveniles.
An 18 year old in this country has the same legal rights as all other adults.
Except one.
They aren't allowed to buy or consume alcoholic beverages.
Why not?
Well, there are plenty of 'chicken-littles' out there who still look upon 18 year olds as 'babies' and feel they aren't mature enough to handle alcohol.
But they are mature enough to be sent to war or sit on your jury?
The drinking age in this country is condescending and an insult to any 18, 19 or 20 year old who is considered a legal adult...
But not quite.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
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