Happy 75th Birthday to...

[thundercleetz]

I guess this conversation does not really apply to me because I live in New Orleans, and New Orleans pretty much doesn't follow the rules as the rest of the country does.

 

Anyways, I rarely drink myself. But I think the drinking age should be lowered back to 18. I agree with what dc said:

 

What I think is particularly stupid is the near-criminal way underage drinking is treated. It is to the point that if two 20 year olds are drinking together, and one suffers alcohol poisoning, the other has to weigh calling an ambulance against getting himself in serious trouble - and I mean serious. At many colleges, the punishments are suspension, loss of on-campus housing privileges, and even expulsion.

 

And additionally, kids who want to drink are forced to do so in unsafe ways because there is no safe outlet.

 

In a sense, it's little different from kids being forced to ride their bikes on city streets or play in the street because the city offers too few parks, bike paths, etc...

[Guest BallTMore]

stopping people from doing things that hurt absolutely no one, like drinking,

 

 

That''s the drunk person's anthem. "I'm not hurting anybody.", that and, "I drank (Whatever number) and wasn't even drunk." :lol:

 

Drinking does hurt people. Psychically, emotionally. I'm sure we've all seen our share of fights that were fueled by alcohol. I have a friend that drinks in excess. It's not only hurting him (Psychically and emotionally), but it's also hurting his family and friends.

 

Like I said, I don't drink, and I doubt I ever will. I'm not trying to put anyone down that does, but the thing that bothers me is how some act like drinking makes you more adult. I think it makes you anything but (I'm talking about drinking to get drunk, not a glass here and there). I just don't see how drinking so you can barely speak or stand in fun.

 

I've been made fun of many times for my decision to not consume alcohol. I certainly feel like people look at me a different way because I don't, but maybe that's just me making up stuff that's not really there. I don't know. :lol:

 

As for prohibition, I've said I'd like it to be brought back, but never been serious about it.

Edited December 7, 2008 by BallTMore

[ForceEight]

Has your goal for the last year or so been to look like an ass? if so well done.

I've always been an ass. I guess you only notice it when I use that to rebut your opinions.

 

BallT did a very good job summarizing my opinions and my argument. I'm not touching the pro-marijuana garbage.

 

Haha! I'm uptight and need a drink! Ha! Never heard that before! Haha!

[cravnravn]

Whoooooa..

 

Cheers Boys..Im drinking up

[smokeyjon]

I expect another law outlawing drinking in the next 10 years or so.

 

Oh yeah?? all the more reason to move to the Islands.

 

All the more reason to move to an island where pot is legal

[Spen]

I've always been an ass. I guess you only notice it when I use that to rebut your opinions.

 

I have only noticed your condescending attitude toward anyone that disagrees with you for a year or so. I know you are not stupid so I assume you want to act that way for some reason.

 

I am still waiting for an answer for your reasons why you would be in favor of a national prohibition law.

 

 

I just don't see how drinking so you can barely speak or stand in fun.

 

I've been made fun of many times for my decision to not consume alcohol. I certainly feel like people look at me a different way because I don't, but maybe that's just me making up stuff that's not really there. I don't know.

 

Thats kid stuff. No one I know does that, that would just be embarrassing.

 

Those people are being jerks. There are jerks on both sides of the drinking argument. Why should someone care or think less of you if you do or don't drink. It doesn't make sense to me, but a lot of people do one way or another.

 

I should have clarified that when I think in the next ten years there will be a law outlawing alcohol, I am not sure anything will be passed but I do think there will be big push for a national law.

 

[Spen]

Has your goal for the last year or so been to look like an ass? if so well done.

 

But you know what, I was out of line and shouldn't have posted that.

[ForceEight]

Thats kid stuff. No one I know does that, that would just be embarrassing.

 

Those people are being jerks. There are jerks on both sides of the drinking argument. Why should someone care or think less of you if you do or don't drink. It doesn't make sense to me, but a lot of people do one way or another.

 

I should have clarified that when I think in the next ten years there will be a law outlawing alcohol, I am not sure anything will be passed but I do think there will be big push for a national law.

You're right, that is kid stuff. Specifically, it's 18-21 year old stuff, and that's why there is absolutely no argument for lowering the drinking age (which is what my argument headed for).

 

It's a pipe dream to have alcohol abolished. It'll never successfully happen, and there's really no way that it could. I realize that there are too many factors that make restriction worth less than the benefits of getting rid of alcohol. I simply wish for it. That's the best answer I can give you.

[83eh01]

Dang, this is getting out of hand

[dc.]

You're right, that is kid stuff. Specifically, it's 18-21 year old stuff, and that's why there is absolutely no argument for lowering the drinking age (which is what my argument headed for).

 

But it's done by plenty of 21 year olds... 25 year olds... 35 year olds... etc etc etc... So ban it for all because of the few? Ye who brags about driving well over the speed limit... should we ban all cars and driving, force everyone to commute by train or bike, because of those who abuse the privilege they have?

 

What negative consequence would allowing 18-21 year olds drink have?

 

More DUI? More fighting? More vandalism? More than already occurs when these people are already breaking a law to drink?

 

If anything - it would get more kids out of hiding places when they are drinking and into a spotlight where their actions can be safely monitored. Instead of trying to drive themselves home (afraid of calling for a ride from college buses, public buses, walking home or even calling police for an escort), they would have access to ways homes.

 

I dunno, Ken... you have got me on this one. If you don't want to drink, don't. But age limits have always gotten to me a bit. As someone often considered more mature than people my age, setting random lines has never been a favorite of mine.

 

 

Long story short I'd be happy...no, proud to sit at a bar drinking some beers with a couple of 17 year old kids willing to risk their lives so you can smugly sit here and try to dictate what they can and cannot do.

 

It's not about age, it's about actions. These people in the military have demonstrated great courage. What's your claim to fame?

 

Bengal Billy - while I agree with the sentiment that age is hardly the issue, I have to against disagree with your assertion that serving in the military is an automatic track to courage, greatness, honor, etc.

 

That is no disrespect to people in the military. Many of my friends are in the service, including one who has come back from Iraq missing limbs and others coming back very much changed. I certainly respect people in the military and their sacrifices.

 

But service does not automatically make you prouder, more courageous or more American. It certainly does not make you more mature automatically. Especially because, I believe, service today is very different from service in decades past.

 

I suppose the bottom line is that I know plenty of military folk who do not act, speak or think in any way that I would consider courageous or mature. They joined because it was "cool," and they hold it over those who haven't served at any given opportunity. There are always exceptions.

[dc.]

Drinking does hurt people. Psychically, emotionally. I'm sure we've all seen our share of fights that were fueled by alcohol. I have a friend that drinks in excess. It's not only hurting him (Psychically and emotionally), but it's also hurting his family and friends.

 

That's true. But many things hurt people. Many legal things hurt people. Many legal things that can never be made illegal... including everything from eating disorders (the "skinny" kind and the "heavy" kind) to working too much, or simply working out too much.

 

Overstressed, overworked parents hurt themselves, their families and their friends. As much as drinkers and drinking can hurt people.

 

Like you, I have a friend (more than one even) that drinks in excess. It hurts me constantly. I have trouble even thinking about it without getting upset.

 

So you're right - it has ramifications and it needs to be considered a serious matter. But his abuses should not stop anyone else from being able to enjoy something in the proper manner. And while those examples should discourage abuse, I don't think they should be used to even discourage people from partaking in the activity.