I think this is a bad idea. The problem with 18-20 year olds drinking would simply change, and become a problem with people from 15-17 years old. I know I don't want 16 year olds who just received their drivers license driving while intoxicated. Changing this law would be like making marijuana legal because the laws against it are not working properly. A better solution would be to make the law more strict. I'm a college  student now, and I know that drinking underage in the dorms is pretty much a slap on the hand for the first 3 times or so. Those 3 times were the only times these students were caught, and there is more than just 18-20 year olds at these college parties. High school students also attend these parties.

You know what is funny about this whole thing?  Even though it is NOT funny... the government and people have been complaining about kids smoking and drinking and the age should be RAISED and everything banned from stores so the little ones will not have the influence, but yet... let's LOWER the drinking age?!  Are you serious?!?!?  Let's contradict ourselves some more here folks!!  The kids can't even walk and talk at the same time and now you want them to drive under the influence?  Let's have some more automobile deaths due to kids driving intoxicated, driving irreatically or on their cell phones as always.  Kudos to the governments for thinking up this one!  We can see where our money is well spent on the IMPORTANT issues such as this and health care!

Absurd!!!! Kids get EVERYTHING from A: their parents who would rather give them what they want NOT to hear them whine. and B: They do get booze, cigaretts and weed from from many other sources, mostly other Kids. How old will they have to be to buy guns? Not too many of these younger people have the brains to do much including talk, think, or show respect. Now they want to lower the age? Oh Please, get a grip! The country is falling apart to think that this is even a thought or important issue is in part why we are in the situation we are
PRIORITIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really don't think that lowering the drinking age will impact us in a negative.  I think once it is made legal they will find it less appealling.  The way kids are these days they are going to find a way to do it whether it is leagal or not.  I truelly feel it all begins in the home and how that child is raised.  If you show your child respect they will learn respect!  I think if we can send our 18 year olds off to fight a war then we can lower the drinking age for them to drink leagally.

I agree with the proposal.  It is time our governing bodies make a push to help raise responsible people and quit caving to those who want someone else to be responsible for their kids.  Children are resoursful and will find a way to make things happen regardless of the laws.  Been there...done that.

At age 18 you can join the military without parental consent and go to war.
At age 18 you can vote in any election in the country

At some point in everyone's life, they become individually responsible for their actions whether they are ready for that responsibility or not.  We parents and society as a whole should not expect that to majically happen, on its own, at age 21.  

We could drink at 18, it was no big deal.  If the clock is turned back teens will find it not such a big deal.  When you tell someone no, that is when the challenge comes.

Times have changed, children/young adults or lack thereof, are NOT as resposible as they were back in the day!! People did not have the resources and all the digital age that there is now, why change the policy to give them even MORE of what they don't need.  When they are out working and supporting themselves in their OWN places... then they can have the rights that an ADULT should have.

50Plus and Jay22 have the right idea.  At 18, you can serve in the millitary, die for your country, vote for President of the United States, get married without your parents consent, sign for your own medical treatment, but God forbid you have a drink!  It was no big deal when I was drinking at 18.  And another thing, today the kids are sooooo conscious of the DWI laws and having a DD when they go out.  Keep up with the diligent education promotion and everyone will be happy.

50Plus and Jay22 have the right idea.  At 18, you can serve in the millitary, die for your country, vote for President of the United States, get married without your parents consent, sign for your own medical treatment, but God forbid you have a drink!  It was no big deal when I was drinking at 18.  And another thing, today the kids are sooooo conscious of the DWI laws and having a DD when they go out.  Keep up with the diligent education promotion and everyone will be happy.

It is understanding how some feel the analogy that ‘we were able to drink when we were 18 and there was never an issue’ just doesn’t seem to fit today’s generation of 18 year olds.  Maturity in 18 year olds just isn’t there.  The behavior they emanate is irresponsible and the many news articles about accidents and shootings should be enough of a warning.  Let’s put a bottle of alcohol in their hands too to see how much more damage they can do!  While it’s nice to think that at 18 they already have so many ‘adult’ privileges that one more is no big deal, joining the military, getting married and voting do not impair judgment.

If my son or Daughter is of age to go to war and risk their life and perhaps have to take a life it would seem natural that they could also drink. Both ages should be the same regardless of what that age is. Now at 18 I can kill but not drink ,something is wrong

Why don't we do away with the drinking age like Europe?

We don't see the maturity it 18 year old becasue we are older.  When we were 18 we felt mature that is whay we think they used to be more mature.

YES, 18 years olds should be able to buy & drink. It might even make them a little more responsible for their actions.

If you are going to copy my name learn how to spell.

I am a parent of three. My oldest is 16. Hopefully he has been taught well and will drink when its leagal for him to do so. In any event, I do believe we have circumstances in which we have 18-20 year olds that are old enough to be married, buy houses, and die for our country. If people are worried about anyone under the age of 17 drinking, I say TEACH your child. At 18 you're and adult, you should be treated like one.

If they can vote and kill for this country the can have a drink!!!

If good ol' GW can send our 18 year old kids off to get themselves wounded or killed in HIS illegal war, then what's the problem with allowing these same kids to have a drink?

After all, if they are old enough to raise a weapon against their fellow man then they should be old enough to raise a beer in a toast to their fallen comrades

All the people that are against this where able to drink at 18. I would like to know the horrible experiences they have had to make them so against this. Also for everyone that thinks that 18 or 19 year olds are less responsible then in the past, you should try taking a stroll through real life, the things you see on TV like whats on MTV are NOT REAL. I think that lowering the drinking age to 19 is very reasonable, it is this way in Canada and they have yet to erupt into chaos. I have known many 19 year olds that went there to drink and came back alive. If 18 year olds are not responsible enough to drink, they are not responsible enough to decide to join the armed forces and put their lives at risk, so the age to join the armed forces needs to be raised to 21 if the drinking age is not reduced.

Age limits are, sadly, another example of how we as a society think that rigid rules will eliminate problems related to basic human nature.  Until we start teaching moderation nad mature behavior, we will always be chasing the problems with new laws.  When I was growing up, I was taught that drinking was no more a big deal than eating, and it was no big deal to have wine or beer at the table.  As kids, we never got more than sip, but alcoholic beverages were not the forbidden fruit.  On the other hand, I knew college classmates who thought building a high tolerance for alcohol was sign of maturity an adulthood - "I can drink you under the table!" It's a question of maturity and moderation more than age. Now we have an ever greater range of brain-numbing chemicals for people to abuse, and apparently the 15-18 year old segment seems to be willing to try most of them.  

There are too many examples of alcoholic beverage abuse by underage drinkers, even with higher age limits.  How many teens were killed last year in alcohol related accidents?  Do we think that lowering the limit will somehow make that go away?  ... and, sorry guys, being in the armed services and drinking have almost nothing to do with each other.  I spent almost 5 years in the military, and I remember a lot of drunken 18-20 year olds that I would never have allowed to carry a weapon if given a choice.

BTW, for whomever suggested the European model - there ARE age limits there. Perhaps they are not as restrictive but they exist, and the penalties for DWI/DUI there are severe in most countries.

If kids are getting more irresponsible nowadays, it's likely because society babies them to a higher age than ever by not expecting them to take responsibility for anything.
Another point, there are alcoholics that are a major danger to everyone around them in their 50s and 60s, should we raise the drinking age out of their reach?

By the way, it's getting comical how people can drag their Bush Derangement Syndrome into a discussion of the drinking age.

Another point, the European model really can't be compared very accurately because the culture is so much different than ours. The Canadian model is a better comparison.

You know something? If you could drink and be responsible for your actions, Fine.
If you cant then take the penalties like a man and dont go cryin to your parents to bail you out. Deal with that statement. After all you are an adult.

Oh yes, by all means, let's lower the drinking age to 16!  That way the same kids who believe they know how to drive can also believe they can handle drinking as well.  Who comes UP with these things??

Oh yes, by all means, let's lower the drinking age to 18!  That way the same kids who believe they know how to drive can also believe they can handle drinking as well.  Who comes UP with these things??

For anyone who isn't aware of it, 18-20 year olds are drinking more than ever.  I will give some credit to these kids though, they are more educated about drinking and driving and they do practice using a designated driver more often than our peers did when we were 18-20.  Making it illegal has created a much bigger problem because its hidden.  I personally would like to see the legal age be 19, at least most are out of high school.

I am an 18 year old college student.  I read up on other countries, and in Europe the drinking age is young.  A lot younger than here in America.  The youth will find a way to get alcohol any way they can think of.  Lets think back into history, Alcohol was banned once in this country, and it went underground.  The same thing is happening now.  I say lowering the drinking age for America would be a step in the right direction because it will raise more responsible adults.  Us as 18 year olds can die for our country but we cannot go to the local bar and sit down and drink.  I think that is ridiculous.  

Food for thought...

If (and I'm not suggesting anyone do this now) you disregard whether or not it's legal, consider this-how many underage people drink responsibly?  I remember drinking at parties before I became "of age".  I felt I was pretty responsible about it--I didn't drink too much, I didn't get myself sent to the hospital, I didn't let it get in the way of my studies, that was always finished before going out for fun.  It's a small minority of underage drinkers (because most people I know who are underage DO drink) who do so irresponsibly.  Likewise, I know many people who are of legal drinking age who are terribly irresponsible about it, who don't work or are in debt because of alcohol addiction.  One person I know actually committed identity theft crimes to keep their lights on just so they could keep their own hard-earned cash for drinking money.  So if people are committing crimes due to drinking, I say let's blame the people, not blame the alcohol and punish the people.

Also consider... how much money our fed and local governments spend on punishing underage drinkers who, besides the current legal limit, are otherwise drinking responsibly?  If they're not hurting anyone, our tax money is just getting wasted imho.  

I think that this is a very good idea. I peronally am a 22 year old that was married with a baby at 19 years old. I cannot tell you how ridiculous it was that I was responsible for another human life before the government trusted me to buy alcohol. The bottom line is, if kids want to drink, they will! This would be a good way to put some responsibility back into the hands of our youth. With all of the education that we recieve (and let me remind us all that PARENTS should do the most education!!!!) the majority will not abuse this law. Those that will would be drinking anyhow. Again, as many stated above, if we can put our lives on the line for our country, we should be able to be responsible enough to buy a drink!!!!!!!!

HERE IS AN INTERESTING THOUGHT.  SOCIETY SAYS AN INDIVIDUAL IS OLD ENOUGH AT 18 TO VOTE IN AN ELECTION, OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND GO OFF TO WAR, YET IS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO DRINK.  DOES THAT SOUND MILDLY WEIRD?  ALSO, A PERSON CAN SMOKE AT AGE 16.  WHERE IS THE LOGIC IN THAT?  SOCIETY NEEDS TO DEFINE ITS TERMS ON WHAT IT DESIGNATES AS OLD ENOUGH.  ONE OF YOUR WRITERS MAKES A GOOD POINT.  AS WITH ANYTHING, EDUCATION IS KEY AND IT NEEDS TO START AT HOME, NOT IN SCHOOLS OR THROUGH ANYONE ELSE.  ONLY WITH PROPER EDUCATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONSEQUENCES CAN ANYONE BE PREPARED FOR KNOWING WHEN SOMEONE IS OLD ENOUGH.  I WOULD SAY THAT 18 OR 19 IS THE PROPER AGE, BUT PROPER EDUCATION NEEDS TO GO WITH IT.

Well Aaron, I am against it, and NO I was not able to drink at 18 the drinking age for me was 21.  I also work in a school and see first hand just how irresponsible kids at 18 can be.  Enlisting in the army at 18 and carrying a gun does not automatically equal maturity and responsibility.  Enlisting is not the issue here.  

I can only reiterate the fact that we are discussing an action that impairs the ability to think and act rationally.  Drinking does this to a person regardless of age, the point that I am making is that add this impairment to a child who is already irrational and you have the makings of chaos.  How many news articles do we read locally about kids and their decisions will under the influence that cause harm to others...too many.

I was referring to the lawmakers that are against it, with the majority having been able to drink at age 18. So you work in a school and have seen some irresponsible 18 year olds, this is probably because they stand out more than ones that are responsible and don't get into trouble. There were about 700 people in my senior class in high school and the majority were mature and responsible. You do hear news articles about kids and their decisions under the influence, but I hear even more about older adults, even police officers causing harm to others while driving intoxicated. There are irresponsible people in every age group.

i think that these young adults have turned to drugs instead of alchohol because of the drinking age , and the concequenses as i've seen can be far worse as many of the new drugs are so addicting and and have potential to ruin or possibly end the
life of these young adults. i have experienced this with one of my children doing
presciption pain meds to almost a point of no return. we have spent much time and money for rehabilitation at his request (fortunately), and he 19 years old seams to be on his way to recovery . i could wish this on no parent . i do not believe that are children are far different than we were at there age mabee a little more spoiled  but easily as intelligent . i truly think that the change of drinking age to 21 has sent our young into drug use, and is far beon what any one could have suspected , i think that many would be suprised of the new problem around them.

i think that these young adults have turned to drugs instead of alchohol because of the drinking age , and the concequenses as i've seen can be far worse as many of the new drugs are so addicting and and have potential to ruin or possibly end the
life of these young adults. i have experienced this with one of my children doing
presciption pain meds to almost a point of no return. we have spent much time and money for rehabilitation at his request (fortunately), and he 19 years old seams to be on his way to recovery . i could wish this on no parent . i do not believe that are children are far different than we were at there age mabee a little more spoiled  but easily as intelligent . i truly think that the change of drinking age to 21 has sent our young into drug use, and is far beon what any one could have suspected , i think that many would be suprised of the new problem around them.

i think that these young adults have turned to drugs instead of alchohol because of the drinking age , and the concequenses as i've seen can be far worse as many of the new drugs are so addicting and and have potential to ruin or possibly end the
life of these young adults. i have experienced this with one of my children doing
presciption pain meds to almost a point of no return. we have spent much time and money for rehabilitation at his request (fortunately), and he 19 years old seams to be on his way to recovery . i could wish this on no parent . i do not believe that are children are far different than we were at there age mabee a little more spoiled  but easily as intelligent . i truly think that the change of drinking age to 21 has sent our young into drug use, and is far beon what any one could have suspected , i think that many would be suprised of the new problem around them.

Stupid - don't let a lack of proper enforcement change the laws.

I work at a local college.  Please do not think for a minute that the current law has reduced underage drinking.  Students just binge drink behind closed doors.  Very little money will buy a bottomless glass of beer at a private college party.  Compare that to digging in your wallet every time you want a drink in public establishment.  

I remember actually having a few drinks with my professors when I was in college.  It was great.  I think today's students could use a similar experience.  Imagine their shock when they witness moderate consumption and self control in public.  

I agree that the drinking age should be turned back to 18-19.  Having the law at 21 has not decreased the drinking, just driven it deeper underground.  If an individual can get married, buy a house, go to war, etc., they should be old enough to decide whether they want to drink or not.

Simple NO !!!!  

Does my family get to sue the lawmakers if I get killed by an 18 year old drunk driver?

NO

I have to say that I am split down the middle on this one. Having not been quite a year out of college from Oswego, I unfortunately know a thing or two about binge drinking. I agree with many posters on here, that kids will drink no matter what. The one thing that might prevent that is being well-educated at home. Now having said that, I was well-educated myself, and never drinked underage. I had my first alcoholic drink at 20 on New Years Eve. However, I fell to peer pressure upon entering Oswego, and got into drinking for the next four years. I regret having done it. I guess in some way that is an example of someone being educated throughout high school giving in to peer pressure in college because "everyone does it".

I am 26 now, and have for the most part quit drinking. I don't see the point in doing it anymore. I had my chance, but now it is time to move on. If we were to lower the drinking age back to 18, I feel that it just might reduce the urge for some college kids to drink. When something is legal, its no big deal, and there is no rush to abuse the priviledge. However, since it is illegal, it raises curiosity in the minds of some of these young kids. (Young is relative I guess...I'm 26) On the other hand, keeping it at 21, may also force young kids to grow up, but I don't have a definite opinion. I guess there are pros and cons to keeping it at 18 and 21 both. I am undecided...

When I was growing up, way back in the day...18 was the legal drinking age and I turned out fine. I had good parents growing up who taught me right from wrong, therefore, I knew how to behave,besides, I was 18 and an "adult" I don't see anything wrong with lowering the drinking age.

NO THEY SHOULD NOT LOWER THE DRINKING AGE.

Isn't it about time for individuals to take responsibility for their own actions? 18 is the legal age when folks should become adults and therefore make their own decisions. Parents are supposed to teach right from wrong up to that age, we do not need big brother looking over our shoulder from 18 on. I grew up when 18 was the legal age, and when I turned 18, I found it no big deal to go out and consume alcohol, let alone consume mass quantities. Kids are going to drink no matter what the age is, they have always found a way. Maybe we wouldn't have all these silly laws to protect ourselves from ourselves if people would own up to their own actions, instead of trying to place the blame on everyone or everything else. I find it humorous that you can marry at 18, but you can't toast your bride or groom til your 21. Make sense, no.

Some teenagers are mature enough to drink responsibly at age 18.
MOST ARE NOT!
There is no magic switch that turns on at any age to say, Now ! I’m ready to drink !
History and Statistics prove that Most teens are constantly trying to Prove that they are A MAN or WOMAN. They are always trying to show that they can drive faster, drink more, better lover, etc.. They are not yet comfortable with themselves as an individual person yet.
I think the law should NOT be changed just to make it easier on cops.
I think we should help our children be proud of themselves as individuals instead.
If the law is changed there will be more dead kids, who will never have a chance at life.
Yes, you can get married at 18, WITH PARENTAL SIGNATURES ON CONSENT FORM.
Do you think everyone should get married at 18 just because they can ?

I honestly believe they should lower the drinking age down to 18.
It makes absolutely no sense that when you're 18 you can legally marry, purchase a house/apartment/condo, purchase cigarettes/cigars/etc., fight for your country and die in battle at 18, but you can't have a drink?
I've been to plenty of other countries to visit family and friends and have yet to see as big of an alcohol prob. out there than there is in the United States.
Why?
Because it's accepted and OKAY to have a drink or two if you so please and is not a forbidden thing.
As far as needing a parental signature to get married at 18 is untrue.

i think that lowering the drinking age is not to smart. i am only 16 and i am against it. i think that it's not right that people are drinking at young ages; and hiding it. basically its unsafe for them because the more they hide it the more they get away with it the more they will think they are vulnerable. i just don't agree with this topic, and think that the law should stay the same. and kids should just wait till they are 21.