Lotsa good posts on this subject.
Alcohol use and its abuse is such a touchy thing and brings out the hypocrisy and insanity of our society to its fullest.
I agree too, that if you are in the military or off in war....you should DEFINITELY be able to legally drink.
There was a time....or there may still be some states that allow the "gradual" age of alcohol consumption to coincide with the beverage.....like 3.2% beer for 18 yr. olds?
Overall though.....its stupid and the fact IS......whoever said drinking alcohol was a RIGHT? Maybe a priviledge......but NOT a right.
Don't forget......it WAS ILLEGAL for EVERYONE for a brief moment in time in America (Prohibition)........What a HUGE MISTAKE that was!
Fortunately.......the gov. was SMART enough to REPEAL that dumb amendment. Too bad that they haven't recognized the same parallels with DRUG PROHIBITION and all the crime and corruption IT has with it......just like with alcohol prohibition.
Nope.......IMHO.....I believe alcohol to be far more dangerous and insideous overall within American society than many substances that ARE illegal for anyone of any age and its use NEEDS to be treated with far more respect!
I personally feel that marijuana SHOULD be LEGAL for anyone 18+......but alcohol.....21+ (unless in the military OR.......just leave such laws to the individual STATE or even municipality).
I also believe America could do a far better job at discouraging alcohol use altogether, completely prohibit ALL advertising of it and/or show far MORE PSA's showing the horrific side of alcohol ABUSE and the damage it inflicts on society as a whole!
Responsible marijuana use (in moderation), IMO........IS a GREAT ALTERNATIVE to drinking and an alternative that SHOULD be available.....LEGALLY......to ALL (or, at least those 18+)......who want another recreational CHOICE for a "social lubricant" party favor and it would give those "kids" under 21......a LEGAL alternative to a society that has been too ingrained to alcohol use for far too long! To truly SEE the damage done on society from alcohol abuse.......and hopefully.......start changing the tide in favor of a SAFER, more laid-back, open-minded, mellow, munchie-grubbin' way of life for America's social scene in the future.......drifting away from any glamour envisioned in alcohol use and IT'S association with the "good times", after work and weekends.
Oh.....the alcohol industry sure wouldn't like this though.....would they?!
But hey, its not so much about WHAT the substance IS.........just that ANY form of inebriation or being "under the influence"......of anything.....is SERIOUSLY frowned on by the Powers-that-be and moral crusaders who would love to see a society COMPLETELY........free of drunks, dopers and cigarette smokers........and join them in their morning jogs, clean and fat-free, sober livin!
Many believe it to be criminal to just WANT to alter your perceptions and state of mind........at least through ANY chemical.......UNLESS its approved by the FDA and you got it by prescription after suggesting to your doctor it would help you like the commercial said. Then its OK. And the pharmaceutical companies prosper alongside the insurance companies, Medicare/Aid, etc.
What a JOKE of mixed messages this nation has always been and full of hipocrasy, lies and propaganda......and the kids SEE THIS crap and right through it all......at an early age.
NO MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCE SHOULD EVER, EVER BE CONDONED OR GLORIFIED IN ANY WAY!!!!!
Then again.......WHY have ANY age restrictions on ANY mind-altering substance at all?
Driving on them? Yeah.
Working under the influence? yeah.
But JUST imbiding on them in the safety and comfort of home, backyard BBQ or campout? WHY?
Cause......the moral crusaders' sole purpose is to save everyone from themself......OR make it their personal, modern-day witchunt to punish and persecute!
Join them.......or else! They seek you out, demand more jails be built because you "offend" or "repulse" them......your NOT one of them!
YOU are a threat for WHAT you MIGHT do or MIGHT become...........a threat worthy of automatically making you a criminal out of their worst FEAR.
I say.........PUNISH someone AFTER they got irresponsible for what harm they inflicted AFTER-the fact.........but provide everyone, equal, fair, truthful information, fair and equal punishment/treatment......and not the BS propaganda and lies.....(regarding EACH substance)!! FAIR justice in any punishment/treatment/rehabilitation IS needed for a fiend or misfit that is not based in racism, socioeconomic status, stereotypes, LIES or FEAR, etc, etc. and LET people HAVE FREEDOM of CHOICE in this country.........including the inate human nature to alter one's OWN consciousness, seek relief and/or explore self identity with chemicals.......as safely as possible and legally.....NOT A PROHIBITIVE, THREATENING, "Zero-tolerance" attitude or legislation based on ancient beliefs, attitudes, fears, racism and conformity!
If its ADDICTION......that is the crime..........then why not start locking up all the gambling addicts? Sex addicts? Adrenaline addicts (Skydivers, racecar drivers, or ANYONE who lives dangerously or recklessly)???
This is ALL a social/mental health issue more than anything.......but treated in a barbaric fashion through laws making it the cornerstone of the Prison Industrial Complex instead.
Conform or be cast out?!
Where's the FREEDOM and RIGHT to one's Pursuit of HAPPINESS in that??
UN-American as it gets, IMO!