I'll admit it: Occasionally, George F. Will makes an interesting point. In this column, which suggests lowering the drinking age that the federal government ties to state transportation funding, he argues that the 21-year floor fetishizes alcohol consumption, estranges parents from their proper role as teachers and guardians, and leads to more misbehavior and alcohol-related deaths:
McCardell thinks that, on campuses, a drinking age of 21 infantilizes students, encouraging immature behavior with alcohol and disrespect for law generally. Furthermore, an "enforcement only" policy makes school administrations adversaries of students and interferes with their attempts to acquaint students with pertinent information, such as the neurological effects of alcohol on young brains. He notes that 18-year-olds have a right to marry, adopt children, serve as legal guardians for minors and purchase firearms from authorized dealers, and are trusted with the vote and military responsibilities. So, he says, it is not unreasonable to think that they can, with proper preparation, be trusted to drink.
Maybe. I’ve never been one to trust most parents or “institutions” to teach adequately about sensitive “adolescent” issues. But alas, this issue is an afterthought for me. I’ve never had any trouble getting alcohol.
1 comment:
Hey I've been thinking that, since we haven't been getting the essential funding for transportation from the federal government. But somehow Alaska seems to get a bridge to nowhere! If they will hold our federal funding in limbo for that, we say, what federal funding silly?
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