An M16 Before A Six Pack?

18 or 21? 
Image from bing

18 or 21? Image from bing

 

 

In most states of the USA, at the age 18 you can smoke cigarettes, vote, pay taxes, drive, and die for your country. But why can’t you legally crack open a cold one?

Back in 1982, on a stormy night for many soon-to-be-18 year olds, the New York state drinking age was raised to 19 years old.  Then again in 1985, the drinking age was pushed up to 21.

Most students at WHB are for the lowering the drinking age, while a select few, like sophomore Eric Caldwell, are against it. Eric said, “I think the drinking age should stay at 21 because kids are too immature to be able to handle alcohol at 18. And also, alcohol can and will kill you.”

Much controversy exists over the topic, and one of the biggest points is the fact that 18 year olds can either willingly or unwillingly be put into the military but can’t purchase or consume alcohol. As junior John Tocco said,  “We can vote, smoke, and be drafted into the military.  We should be allowed to get a beer at age 18.” Mike Rizzi, junior, agreed with John, adding that the drinking age should be lowered for economic and political reasons.  He said, “I think the drinking age can be lowered because it will create more tax revenue for the government and it will make kids ages 15-18 not want to drink as much because they will soon be able to.” Wise words, Mike.

Some seniors who are already 18 get pretty excited with the thought of legal drinking. Senior Wyatt Richter thinks the drinking age should be lowered for the simple reason that he himself is 18.

The most influential reason to consider when debating the drinking age is the responsibilities 18 year olds have. Some move on to college, a time where they’re expected to act like an adult and take care of themselves. Others move into the military, where they could give their life fighting for their country. Why can’t these young adults enjoy a legal beer?

If the drinking age was lowered to 18, people could be taught how to drink responsibly in a safe environment, instead of risking their lives and other peoples’ lives sneaking around for alcohol.