Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The simple solution is to allow any serviceman or woman on active duty in a war zone the right to drink....
Or the more obvious is that we as a society can decide what is an adult, and treat everyone that age as an adult. Doubt it will happen because we want to have our cake and it eat.
At 17/18, someone is still young enough to be malleable; they can adapt to thinking about the group before the needs of themselves, a stronger sense of immortality, and a willingness to test themselves beyond their limits.
In the military, these are good traits. This makes a good member of the team because they are more likely to think as a unit, act as a unit, and adapt to the pressure of the situation.
When it comes to drinking, these are bad traits. This allows for an individual who can buckle under peer pressure and think about how the group sees them.
At 17/18, someone is still young enough to be malleable; they can adapt to thinking about the group before the needs of themselves, a stronger sense of immortality, and a willingness to test themselves beyond their limits.
In the military, these are good traits. This makes a good member of the team because they are more likely to think as a unit, act as a unit, and adapt to the pressure of the situation.
When it comes to drinking, these are bad traits. This allows for an individual who can buckle under peer pressure and think about how the group sees them.
You initially said that 18 year olds can adapt to pressure, only to later say they buckle under peer pressure. I'm sorry, your reasoning makes no sense. If someone is not mature, why would you allow them to handle weapons that can kill dozens of people in a matter of seconds. Why would you allow an immature person to make a decison that can put them in danger? I honestly think this reasoning is just conforming to the governments laws. If this was 1970 you would be arguing that 19 is a good legal age to drink.
You initially said that 18 year olds can adapt to pressure, only to later say they buckle under peer pressure. I'm sorry, your reasoning makes no sense. If someone is not mature, why would you allow them to handle weapons that can kill dozens of people in a matter of seconds. Why would you allow an immature person to make a decison that can put them in danger? I honestly think this reasoning is just conforming to the governments laws. If this was 1970 you would be arguing that 19 is a good legal age to drink.
An 18 year old in the Army is given direction by someone who is older and more experienced. They are able to adapt to pressure, because they have someone older and more seasoned leading them through that situation. It has to do with how the 18 year old is being led and who is leading. When it is your peers, it is the blind leading the blind.
An 18 year old in the Army is given direction by someone who is older and more experienced. They are able to adapt to pressure, because they have someone older and more seasoned leading them through that situation. It has to do with how the 18 year old is being led and who is leading. When it is your peers, it is the blind leading the blind.
So you would let an immature person risk their lives? You would let an immature make a decision that can alter their lives forever???? You would let a group of immature men handle loaded machine guns and heavy artillery, as long as they are supervised?? That sounds nuts to me.
When it comes to drinking, these are bad traits. This allows for an individual who can buckle under peer pressure and think about how the group sees them.
You're immature. Should you not be able to drink?
Adults should be treated as such. Restricting access to alcohol just leads to it being treated poorly. Have a look at the incidences of problem drinking between the US, where you can't drink until 21 and Canada where you can drink at 18/19.
Let me know what other things you should be telling free adults in this country that they should or shouldn't do.
An 18 year old in the Army is given direction by someone who is older and more experienced. They are able to adapt to pressure, because they have someone older and more seasoned leading them through that situation. It has to do with how the 18 year old is being led and who is leading. When it is your peers, it is the blind leading the blind.
If you would allow 18 year olds (or 16 as in many European countries) to drink there wouldn't be as much peer pressure on them! Because drinking alcohol wouldn't be that big of a deal and it's less fun if it's allowed! Also they could drink at bars and pubs where there is security, barkeepers, more experienced people and police around who can give advice, regulate and stop them from causing damage to themself or to property. They could also afford less booze because it's more expensive in a pub than in a store.
And it is also ridiculous to give 18year olds every right except for alcohol! They can vote, drive, own a gun, go to war, buy a car, a house, take a loan or work. But they are still not allowed to drink. That's absurd!
If you roll back the calendar before the 20th century, consider that militia duty began at 17 but one could not vote nor hold office until one was 21. That meant 4 years of militia training and service BEFORE exercising political liberty.
Quote:
Title 10 USC Sec. 311. Militia: composition and classes
(a) The militia of the United States consists of all able-bodied males at least 17 years of age and, except as provided in section 313 of title 32, under 45 years of age who are, or who have made a declaration of intention to become, CITIZENS of the United States and of female citizens of the United States who are members of the National Guard.
(b) The classes of the militia are—
(1) the organized militia, which consists of the National Guard and the Naval Militia; and
(2) the unorganized militia, which consists of the members of the militia who are not members of the National Guard or the Naval Militia.
I think education is the key. Just like there is sex education in schools there should be alcohol effects education in schools.
The age to drink alcohol should be the same as the age where becomes adult that can join the military, vote, get married or drive a car.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
