Pete Moye’
Opinion Button

The drinking age must be lowered. Not only does it contradict our civil rights, but it causes our youth to unnecessarily rebel.

It’s not like underage drinking doesn’t happen already and while our youth are trying to hide their drinking habits, more harm is done.

With the drinking age currently at 21, this definitely is a case of ageism too.

Everyone matures at their own pace and while some 18-year-olds are able to responsibly drink without a problem, there are twice as many legal drinkers who do not know the meaning of moderation.

In what world is it okay for someone to go overseas and fight in a war, but back home and not have the same rights as someone 21 and older?

It is ironic how those 18 to 20-year-old people fight for our rights and freedoms, but do not have the same rights as those in power.

Even more so, those who abuse the rights do not get the same punishments as those in the late-teen age group, who can suffer harsh punishments for being caught.

This blasphemous age requirement has not been argued or questioned as much as gay rights, women’s rights or even minority rights.

It is definitely understandable, but are they adults or not?

This issue affects almost everyone and whether they drink or not, not being able to have the option is a slap in the face for those first three years of adulthood.

The same three years that are the most stressful, judgmental and socially crucial to a person.

Although, saying all young adults are not impressionable and don’t make bad decisions once in a while is a completely false statement. I would counter that with the number of alcoholics in America overall.

The problem with drinking in general is that no proper education is made for minors, like sex education and cigarette truth ads.

Thus, abuse is bound to happen no matter what.

If alcohol education is made a part of the other institutional curriculum, then by all means make 18-years-old’s real adults and give them the right to drink.