My understanding is that the drinking age was increased to 21 based on the lobbying efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and other similar groups. 21 used to be the age of majority until 1972, when voting rights for 18 year-olds became part of the Constitution. Prior to that, an 18 year-old could get drafted for Vietnam but couldn't vote or drink! Several states lowered the drinking age to 18 after the voting age changed, but MADD got involved with Congress, and soon it came to pass that states would lose highway funding money if they didn't raise the drinking age to 21.
In reality, MADD should be called "Mothers Against Drinking," and they are not a whole hell of a lot better in my opinion than the "Drys" of the 1920s who forced their idea of morality into the Constitution.
I wish there was a lobby representing 18-20 year-olds that had the power to influence Congress. As Bruno points out, this is one of the least politically active groups out there.
How many of you remember getting the lectures on drunk driving in high school? More often than not, it became a lecture on how bad drinking is in general. That makes it a great taboo. Why can't it be treated as something that has been a part of human history since recorded time, and as something that should be handled responsibly (with penalties for not acting responsibly)? Wine is as much a part of the culture of France as Impressionist art, and Czech and German beers are integral parts of their societies. Hell, if the Bible is your bag, J.C. turns water into wine to keep a wedding party going!
In Europe, by not treating drinking as a taboo, they don't have near the problems with abuse that we do here. Moreover, the penalties for DUI in Europe are VERY stiff, making responsibility all that more important. I hate the way drinking is presented to our young people; it just encourages irresponsibility.
In reality, MADD should be called "Mothers Against Drinking," and they are not a whole hell of a lot better in my opinion than the "Drys" of the 1920s who forced their idea of morality into the Constitution.
I wish there was a lobby representing 18-20 year-olds that had the power to influence Congress. As Bruno points out, this is one of the least politically active groups out there.
How many of you remember getting the lectures on drunk driving in high school? More often than not, it became a lecture on how bad drinking is in general. That makes it a great taboo. Why can't it be treated as something that has been a part of human history since recorded time, and as something that should be handled responsibly (with penalties for not acting responsibly)? Wine is as much a part of the culture of France as Impressionist art, and Czech and German beers are integral parts of their societies. Hell, if the Bible is your bag, J.C. turns water into wine to keep a wedding party going!
In Europe, by not treating drinking as a taboo, they don't have near the problems with abuse that we do here. Moreover, the penalties for DUI in Europe are VERY stiff, making responsibility all that more important. I hate the way drinking is presented to our young people; it just encourages irresponsibility.
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