21 To Drink?
In 1987, the United States Federal Government passed a law which mandated a nationwide drinking age of 21. (Engs) This law violates the civil rights of citizens who are between the ages of 18 and 20, who have been given almost all other rights of citizenship by the age of 18. At 16, the government feels we are responsible enough to operate a motor vehicle. At 18, we can purchase firearms, tobacco products, and take out loans. We can also adopt a child, have a voice in the election of our government leaders, enter into the sacred bond of marriage, and leave our parents home, either by force or voluntarily. Upon reaching this age, the government can also force us to pay taxes, sentence us to death for crimes deemed harsh enough, and send us off to fight and possibly die for our country in times of war. Basically, we are given all the rights and responsibilities of adulthood by the age of 18, but are not allowed to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. If the United States is going to consider its citizens adults at the age of 18, they should do it whole heartedly, and not withhold this single right.
Originally, this law was passed to battle the number of alcohol related accidents, mostly involved with drinking and driving, and decrease per capita consumption in the United States. Since the passing of the law, both of these statistics have in fact decreased. However, this decrease may also be attributed to elements such as increased awareness about the danger of drinking and driving, safer motor vehicles, laws concerning required seat belts, and lower speed limits, and designated driver programs. (Engs)
The United States Government carries out this violation through many strict underage drinking laws, and through propaganda and programs such as the recent U21 campaign in Oklahoma. This Campaign allows local law enforcement officials to infiltrate any premises where they suspect drinking by individuals who have not yet reached the... [continues]
In 1987, the United States Federal Government passed a law which mandated a nationwide drinking age of 21. (Engs) This law violates the civil rights of citizens who are between the ages of 18 and 20, who have been given almost all other rights of citizenship by the age of 18. At 16, the government feels we are responsible enough to operate a motor vehicle. At 18, we can purchase firearms, tobacco products, and take out loans. We can also adopt a child, have a voice in the election of our government leaders, enter into the sacred bond of marriage, and leave our parents home, either by force or voluntarily. Upon reaching this age, the government can also force us to pay taxes, sentence us to death for crimes deemed harsh enough, and send us off to fight and possibly die for our country in times of war. Basically, we are given all the rights and responsibilities of adulthood by the age of 18, but are not allowed to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. If the United States is going to consider its citizens adults at the age of 18, they should do it whole heartedly, and not withhold this single right.
Originally, this law was passed to battle the number of alcohol related accidents, mostly involved with drinking and driving, and decrease per capita consumption in the United States. Since the passing of the law, both of these statistics have in fact decreased. However, this decrease may also be attributed to elements such as increased awareness about the danger of drinking and driving, safer motor vehicles, laws concerning required seat belts, and lower speed limits, and designated driver programs. (Engs)
The United States Government carries out this violation through many strict underage drinking laws, and through propaganda and programs such as the recent U21 campaign in Oklahoma. This Campaign allows local law enforcement officials to infiltrate any premises where they suspect drinking by individuals who have not yet reached the... [continues]
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