So have you read about the debate surrounding lowering the drinking age to 18? Some colleges and universities are supporting the effort, saying it might encourage students to drink less, especially binge drinking. Opponents say it would increase drunk driving and alcohol-related injuries.
How about the fact that we allow 18-year-olds to vote and to serve our country in the military. If they are considered old enough to help decide our country's leaders or put their lives on the line, shouldn't they have the ability to decide for themselves about alcohol consumption?
Fortunately for me, I was raised in a much-more-tolerant-than-average household regarding alcohol. Similar to European cultures, we were allowed to have a small glass of wine with special dinners. Having it there and available took the allure away. While friends of mine in high school would drink to get drunk, I never saw the appeal.
I realize binge drinking is a problem, but I don't think it's just a problem for kids in their teens or early 20's. I still see it in people in their 30's and beyond. Perhaps our community leaders and health organizations should focus more on responsible drinking. What do you think?
2 comments:
Definitely it shouldn't be that big a tantalizing/taboo thing as we puritanical Americans have made it to youth. Also, I think DUI for anyone should have more stringent consequences as it does in the U.K. People should lose their licenses. I'm a big fan on appropriate consequences/accountability at all ages.
Drinking to excess and drunk driving is still a very large issue in both east and west European countries. Don't be fooled to think Europeans handle their booze better, they don't, they just do a better job at making you think they do. Its all in the stats.
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