U.S. Drinking Age POLL

[Atvend]

A non issue in my eyes. Drinking is in no way essential to anyone's lifestyle and besides that anyone who really wants to will be easily able to acquire drinks anyway.

[Unome]

But look at Europe, the majority of countries there have a legal age of 18 and yet America still has a higher incidence of alcohol related fatal car accidents than the European nations. I believe this is due to the tabooness of alcohol. Most American teens still drink it and I believe the higher age actually leads to destructive habits with alcohol at a younger age compared to the Europeans more laxidaisy take on alcohol.

US is a huge country. You cannot compare it 1:1 to a European country. Americans own way more cars and drive more often, Europeans do not need to drink & drive to travel between their residence and a bar, Americans do. US is very spacious; we have to drive long distances everyday.

Drugs are taboo because of their misuse and abuse. All drugs technically begin as medical treatments. Alcohol used to be used for numbing pain and a sleep aid.

It's shameful that people must find drug-use (alcohol, smoking, weed, etc.) as an excuse to socialize and hang out… people should socialize and congregate because we actually want to be together and enjoy each other's company. That would be ideal. Sobriety is seen as a negative by too many (ill) people.

[Berahthraban]

18 is good but it will of course not stop even younger people from getting drunk, I remember me and my friends when we were 13. 21 is for sure way to high.

[Katariina]

US is a huge country. You cannot compare it 1:1 to a European country. Americans own way more cars and drive more often, Europeans do not need to drink & drive to travel between their residence and a bar, Americans do. US is very spacious; we have to drive long distances everyday.

Drugs are taboo because of their misuse and abuse. All drugs technically begin as medical treatments. Alcohol used to be used for numbing pain and a sleep aid.

It's shameful that people must find drug-use (alcohol, smoking, weed, etc.) as an excuse to socialize and hang out… people should socialize and congregate because we actually want to be together and enjoy each other's company. That would be ideal. Sobriety is seen as a negative by too many (ill) people.

I was using a statistic that compared the entirety of Europe to America, not each individual nation.
I agree and find these things shameful to be used in such a way as well. Society needs to rely on actual conversation and sober interaction. I think the party mentality is pathetic and a sad way of living. But I do think drinking alcohol leisurely and minutely among family and close friends is not wrong. Drinking to get drunk is sad. But having two beers or wine? I think it's fine. Sobriety? It's commendable and those who can't handle drinking just a bit of alcohol without binging should stick only to sobriety. Or those who simply don't want to drink, sobriety is admirable. Though I will not demonize those who drink responsibly and scarcely. Using drugs is disgusting in all cases.

[XvThomas_LysergicV]

I think the United States drinking laws should be like Europe's. The legal drinking age should be lowered to 18. It works for Europe. They haven't had any problems. I don't see why it couldn't work for the United States. It should be legal for 18 year olds to buy and drink alcohol but people who are between 13-17 should be able to drink a small glass of wine or a beer at night with their dinner or at a restaurant. Don't all European restaurants allow that?

Like some other members have said,why can't 18 years olds who are considered adults drink alcohol? They're allowed to go to war,vote,smoke,drive,work,etc but they cant drink a beer. That's not fair. The drinking laws,cigarette,weed/other drug laws are useless. Underage kids drink and smoke all the time. They don't care about the laws. They know they could get caught and arrested but a lot of them don't care. If they want to get drunk or high that bad then they will find a way to get what they want. One way or another. I knew tons of people who did that. I was one of those people. I drunk alcohol and smoked weed (I don't smoke anymore) plenty of times when I was underage. Even though I don't smoke weed anymore,I still think it should be legal (or at least decriminalized) in every state. The legal age should be 18.

[Gooding]

If there has to be an arbitrary drinking age, let it be 20. Or 10. A nice, round number.

[Dylan]

I think alcohol should be legal by around 15. Alcohol should be legal before people can get a license or a permit to drive so that they can find their limits legally before they're old enough to drive.
I feel that the 21 age req might also encourage binge drinking in younger Americans.

[Smitty]

I favor 18 by the same rationale as you. My only concern would be the transition. Are American 18-year-olds prepared to drink legally? Infantilism is widespread and dies hard, so I'm unsure.

[Shkembe Chorba]

16. Alcohol should be drink irresponsible at young age, so that when you are 20 or something and get drunk you wont be hopelessly exposed how inexperienced you are

Furthermore, hangovers at teen ages are impossible no matter how much you drink. After 20 on the day after if gets harder and harder. An one should take advantage of that.

[щрбл]

I was allowed to drink some alcohol with my parents when I was little, on special occasions. Just a glass or half a glass. Today I still drink very little, I dislike most of the types of alcohol except for champagne and some red wines...I hate beer very much, blaaargh, among others of course. I never understood people getting drunk, driving or puking in a bar's water closets, etc. Anyway, I would set the limit at 18, which is already the case, and possibly lower if the drinking is done under the supervision of a parent. And obviously your older bro/sis does not count as a parent!