at 18 you can kill in the navy and get a weapon but u cant drink

]You can kill at any age, but you know better and can stop yourself. When you are drunk your sense of reason can slip away. Especially some young teens who don't know when they have had too much and just keep drinking until they are nothing but a danger to those around them.efrucht

And "adults" don't do that? I'm 19 i go to the bar and most of the time its the guys in there late 20's to early 30's who cause problems and try to start fights the fact is that booze effects people differently so it has nothing to do with age if your trying to go from that perspective

[QUOTE="Thechaninator"]

Oh yes you know everytime I party there are people driving drunk left and right racing and stuff and theres those guys who just drink till they black out:roll:

It amazes me the stigma teens have here in some aspects. People act like teenagers in other countries are somehow better when in France they down much more alcohol than us and starting at younger ages. The only reason they may not have the highway mortalities is because they actual have freaking public transportation.

I have yet to personally encounter these "horribly irresponsible teenagers". Everytime I have partied it has been gather the food for the night and hole up in the place of drinking and party. Even when I went to my friedns 21st up by Central Michigan University this same scenario played out. I also don't know anyone who knows anyone who has been in an alcohol related accident, but I can tell you of a kid who has 5 MIP's from jsut minding his own business on private property. They actually gave him one ON A COUCH!!!!

limpbizkit818

You have yet to give 1 reason why the age should be lowered.

O, so because you have not seen any teens drink and drive, then everything is ok? According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 64 percent of teens that were involved in fatal accidents in 2006 were drunk. I guess they made that one up.

And why do you keep bringing up other countries? If you are telling me that France, which has a lower drinking age than the US, has all these health problems due to alcohol doesn't that hurt your argument?

Just because you don't see it doesn't mean there is not a problem. And to go back to your early point that we need to step up education about the risks of drinking, what exactly did you have in mind? What and how would you teach the kids?

Have you heard of the forbidden fruit theory? Basically, it states that things that are forbidden are MUCH MUCH more likely to abused by people when they get their hand on it, not just because it is a rush to do what you are not told (as a de-motivational poster I have says, saying you can't do something often encourages a can-do attitude) but people are more likely to abuse it when they get their hands on it because who knows when they can get it again?

Not only that, but lowering the age to 18 opens up the doorway for colleges to help get involved in moderating drinking. Seeing as how drinking is illegal the kids hide it, but with it legal the colleges actually have the oppurtunity to see at least SOME of the drinking as there really isn't any reason to hide it when it isn't against the rules.

It has also been shown through history that when a drug is legalized the use actually goes DOWN as it loses that rebellious appeal.

Thats besides the point though. The federal government is the one who needs to do the explaining as they used a loophole to force states to changed the age when there WAS NO PROBLEM WITH IT!

I keep bringing up other countries to show how stupid the drinking age is in comparison. They are other precedants to look to.

What we need to teach people is that alcohol is a NEUTRAL substance, not some freaking devil elixir whose sole purpose is to get you so wasted you crash your car and die. It is ridiculous the way we view alcohol here. Teaching only abstinence just leads to excess use of said thing and it amazes me that people don't realize this.

The drinking age should be lowered and we need to adress the real problem which is the way alcohol is viewed. It is the American way to avoid the real problems though (see reactions to Columbine, reactions to violent video games, etc).

What would you rather have? 18 year old soldiers or 18 year old drunks? Or the unthinkable, 18 year old drunk soldiers?!!!?

Joining the navy and then killing someone is much more involved than popping down to the mart and buying some booze.

Plus, you can drink in your own home w/ parents permission. It's an unwritten rule, I suppose. As long as you don't endanger the lives of other citizens.

efrucht

Well, to be technical:

"While this act did not outlaw the consumption of alcoholic beverages by those under 21 years of age, some states extended its provisions into an outright ban. However, most states still permit "underage" consumption of alcohol in some circumstances. In some states, no restriction on private consumption is made, while in others, consumption is only allowed in specific locations, in the presence of consenting and supervising family members, and/or during religious occasions"

Source: Wikipedia

And before anyone thinks about being "cute," and say this not is legit, here is shot of roughly the same information:

http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/LegalDrinkingAge.html

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/alcohol/Community%20Guides%20HTML/PDFs/Public_App7.pdf

http://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/index.asp?SEC=%7B9937ACFC-DB3A-4159-B068-A302CEEE0EDF%7D&Type=B_BASIC

What would you rather have? 18 year old soldiers or 18 year old drunks? Or the unthinkable, 18 year old drunk soldiers?!!!?

manningbowl135

so as soon as you hit the drinking age your a instant alcoholic?

i mean whats the point of that law you can kill someone at the age of 18 but you cant have a nice cold beer.simonromano2007

...one of the many ignorant facets associated with American politics and general way of civil life...

[QUOTE="manningbowl135"]

What would you rather have? 18 year old soldiers or 18 year old drunks? Or the unthinkable, 18 year old drunk soldiers?!!!?

Poster_11

so as soon as you hit the drinking age your a instant alcoholic?

Why not? If they think you're good enough to be a soldier at age 18, is it too far-fetched if they think you're bad enough to become an alcoholic if you start at age 18?

Joining the navy and then killing someone is much more involved than popping down to the mart and buying some booze.

Plus, you can drink in your own home w/ parents permission. It's an unwritten rule, I suppose. As long as you don't endanger the lives of other citizens.

Link256

thats actually illegal in the state of Maryland, and the parents can actually get in trouble.

legal or not, if you wanted to drink alcohol, you'd find a way somehow.

One should at least be able to have a drink or two after killing people in combat, sheesh.

[QUOTE="DaveGamer_05"]

A country that hates people that like beer. :(

simonromano2007

although not legal who gives a heck

I Know what you mean MEXICO FTW

all i know mexico is good for is churros pretzels and other food.

and that little mexican mouse that was on buggs bunny show.

:P

[QUOTE="simonromano2007"]i mean whats the point of that law you can kill someone at the age of 18 but you cant have a nice cold beer.honkyjoe

This isn't anything new. People are in there physical Apex around 18 but not there emotional. Lower the drinking age to 18 and there will be more DUI's, More domestic violence, and more murder.

Sure, sure, as it killing doesnt need any backup emotional aspect on it.

Americans attitude towards alcohol is incredible stupid. Not only a teen have this holy untouchable image of a beer, they completly lack of education about it so they use, well, just like kids

When I was at the U.S every stupid kid would die for an opportunity to drink. They were also very immature the way they handle all those stuff.

I have been drinking since I'm 15 years old and I never commited any of those acts you told. My parents were the one who introduce me to whine, and this very common in several parts of the world. In france some kids start to have a sip of whine around their 12's

And besides, no other youth is **** up as the american youth, so maybe you are right...Lets create rules to protect your stupidity

[QUOTE="honkyjoe"]

[QUOTE="simonromano2007"]i mean whats the point of that law you can kill someone at the age of 18 but you cant have a nice cold beer.Adrianstalker

This isn't anything new. People are in there physical Apex around 18 but not there emotional. Lower the drinking age to 18 and there will be more DUI's, More domestic violence, and more murder.

Sure, sure, as it killing doesnt need any backup emotional aspect on it.

Americans attitude towards alcohol is incredible stupid. Not only a teen have this holy untouchable image of a beer, they completly lack of education about it so they use, well, just like kids

When I was at the U.S every stupid kid would die for an opportunity to drink. They were also very immature the way they handle all those stuff.

I have been drinking since I'm 15 years old and I never commited any of those acts you told. My parents were the one who introduce me to whine, and this very common in several parts of the world. In france some kids start to have a sip of whine around their 12's

And besides, no other youth is **** up as the american youth, so maybe you are right...Lets create rules to protect your stupidity

yeah my dad gave me the chance to drink to get rid of the curiosity. I thank him for that because now I can control theamount of alcohol I consume

A country that hates people that like beer. :(

DaveGamer_05

i like beer

just smoke weed then there no age restrictions for it :P

I started drinking regularly when I was 15 im 17 now, by the time im legal (18 in the UK) I will be so experienced with alcohol compared to someone who cant touch it untill their 21 in the US, that is far better place to be in.wizard90

agreed

in canada you can drink at 18 in most provinces, 19 in ontario

that really does not stop anyone though at 15 everyone starts drinking

Of course, you can only kill and own a gun after extensive training, physical and mental programs, and even with the qualifications you still don't always get a gun. But let's just compare the two for fun.:roll:

Here's a good comparison: At 15 you can legally operate a 2-5+ ton hunk of metal, glass and rubber at 30-70 miles per hour with a bunch of other 2-5+ ton hunks of metal going just as fast, some by people the same age. But you can't drink. Sure, nevermind that you have to meet the qualifications to operate said vehicle, because since when did they matter?

Actually, if yo uare in the miliatry you are allowed to drink, on base, regardless of your age. However, it is at the base commander's discretion. Meaning he/she can revoke the privelege at any time. I can't think of any instance where they have. I'm sure a commander doesn't want to have to deal with troops getting busted all the time for underage drinking, DUI's, or trying to obtain alcohol.marcus4hire

but no one joins the military just to drink :/

[QUOTE="marcus4hire"]Actually, if yo uare in the miliatry you are allowed to drink, on base, regardless of your age. However, it is at the base commander's discretion. Meaning he/she can revoke the privelege at any time. I can't think of any instance where they have. I'm sure a commander doesn't want to have to deal with troops getting busted all the time for underage drinking, DUI's, or trying to obtain alcohol.kholdstareo1

but no one joins the military just to drink :/

Yeah.......

At the age of 16, you can risk your life and the lives of countless others behind the wheel of a car, but you can't play an M-rated video game.argetlam00

At the age of 16, you can risk your life and the lives of countless others behind the wheel of a car, but you can't play an M-rated video game.argetlam00

It's all about maturity. The law should stay where it is in the US.

Oh, and you can kill someone at any age.

In the Uk its fine we can drink and kill at 18, its great :D

The driving age here in the US should be 18.6 years old [18 years 6 month 1 day]North-North

[QUOTE="Thechaninator"]

Oh yes you know everytime I party there are people driving drunk left and right racing and stuff and theres those guys who just drink till they black out:roll:

It amazes me the stigma teens have here in some aspects. People act like teenagers in other countries are somehow better when in France they down much more alcohol than us and starting at younger ages. The only reason they may not have the highway mortalities is because they actual have freaking public transportation.

I have yet to personally encounter these "horribly irresponsible teenagers". Everytime I have partied it has been gather the food for the night and hole up in the place of drinking and party. Even when I went to my friedns 21st up by Central Michigan University this same scenario played out. I also don't know anyone who knows anyone who has been in an alcohol related accident, but I can tell you of a kid who has 5 MIP's from jsut minding his own business on private property. They actually gave him one ON A COUCH!!!!

limpbizkit818

You have yet to give 1 reason why the age should be lowered.

O, so because you have not seen any teens drink and drive, then everything is ok? According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 64 percent of teens that were involved in fatal accidents in 2006 were drunk. I guess they made that one up.

And why do you keep bringing up other countries? If you are telling me that France, which has a lower drinking age than the US, has all these health problems due to alcohol doesn't that hurt your argument?

Just because you don't see it doesn't mean there is not a problem. And to go back to your early point that we need to step up education about the risks of drinking, what exactly did you have in mind? What and how would you teach the kids?

There already is a ton of information drinking and drugs. Speakers come to schools all the time and you are required to take health class that addresses these issues. So I have no idea what he's talking about.

i say we make it so you cant join up untill your 21. hows that for a solution?

EDIT!!!!! I want the TC to answer this btw

Serraph105

[QUOTE="simonromano2007"][QUOTE="DaveGamer_05"]

A country that hates people that like beer. :(

honkyjoe

although not legal who gives a heck

Your probably one of those alchohal obsessed teenagers:roll:

Kids drink underage in America too. its not Just Mexico

[QUOTE="honkyjoe"][QUOTE="Thechaninator"][QUOTE="honkyjoe"][QUOTE="Thechaninator"][QUOTE="honkyjoe"]

[QUOTE="simonromano2007"]i mean whats the point of that law you can kill someone at the age of 18 but you cant have a nice cold beer.Thechaninator

This isn't anything new. People are in there physical Apex around 18 but not there emotional. Lower the drinking age to 18 and there will be more DUI's, More domestic violence, and more murder.

Oh yes of course, because it isn't like underrage drinking isn't to the point where it appears the majority of people drink before 21.

People blow this WAY OUT OF PROPORTION and it is also ridiculous how they claim that we are too immature for alcohol at 18, yet there are MANY more irresponsible people over 18 and at one point the most DUI's were those 25-35 years old.

You want to stop drinking porblems? Start actually educating children on alcohol rather than just telling them "Oh it's awesome, but too much for you" and lower the drinking age.

Italy hasn't had a drinking age for God knows how long and untill recently they have had no big problems with alcohol. Sadly theres a culture shift going on there and the hard partying characterstic of the US, France, and Germany is gaining popularity there....

Im not blowing it our of proportion at all. If they lower the drinking age then more people will drink and more accidents will happen. And people try to educate kids on Alchohal, last year at my school there were about 10 people who came and spoke to us about drinking yet no one listened.

We don't have any real education on both drugs and sex here in the States. It is always abstinence and they make both sex and alvohol look like some crazy things that will kill you if you do them. You want to see proof of how this "education" is? Notice how the vast majority of people here when referring to drinking talk about how it disorients you, yet that only happens WHEN YOU HAVE TOO MUCH!!!!

People only know the extremes of alcohol and the substance is blown so crazily out of proportion it isn't even funny. In other countries it's the norm to have a glass of wine with dinner yet here when we refer to drinking it's always about people getting drunk, and then on top of that if you are someone who will just have a drink a day with a meal people will suspect you of being an alcoholic for drinking everyday, even in spite of a glass of wine a day being recommended for your health!!!

I will repeat, we have no real education here on drugs and sex. We blow substance so freaking out of proportion it isn't even funny.

But you have to realize that we arent like other countries. European countries are so different from us in terms of genetics. It has been normal for thousands of years for Europeans to have wine instead of water when the water was supposably contaminated. I have been to Germany and France and the kids there dont go nuts with Booze, They will have a beer and then maybe another later. Drinking to them is about calming down not getting s***faced..

http://www.marininstitute.org/alcohol_policy/french_drinking.htm

"The French drink one-and-a-half times more per capita than Americans and their death rate from liver cirrhosis is more than one-and-a-half times greater than that in the United States"

"The high premature death rate of French men is largely due to alcohol abuse."

"French youth, who can legally drink at age 16, prefer beer and distilled spirits to wine and have increased their consumption fivefold since 1996, in part because 12- to 14-year-olds are drinking and binge drinking. This has led to a new government "War Against Drugs" that includes alcohol."

France has a worse problem with alcohol then us man, and do I need to get into Germany's reputation, particularly Amsterdam?