Should the U.S. Drinking Age Stay at 21?

By U.S. News Staff

September 8, 2008 RSS Feed Print

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Since the mid-1980s, U.S. citizens have had to be at least 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. But a group of college presidents have reignited the 21 drinking age debate, arguing it has fostered a binge-drinking culture. Advocates argue the law has saved lives. Should the drinking age stay at 21?

Pro: A Lower Age Would Be Unsafe
Con: The Status Quo Has Bombed

Previously: Do Political Parties Still Need National Conventions?

Tags:: teens,; food and drink

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I also agree with the author. No matter what the age, if someone is determined enough to get their hands on a beer or alcoholic beverage, they will do it no matter what it takes. That's not something you can change. My father is a doctor and he sees so many accidents and calls so many deaths caused by alcohol. He has to talk to their family members. He has to see the pain and tears that a family feels when they are torn apart because they didn't know their child or family was drinking and because of that, I have been raised knowing that it only hurts you. Yes, it may give you a buzz, but it wears off and you have to deal with the consequences that your choices determined while you were under the influence. So yes, I agree that the legal age should stay 21.

B.Song of MO 3:33PM October 22, 2012

I think the drinking age should stay at 21 it has saved more than 25,000 lives thats 1,000 lives a year that is a lot and the alchol affects our still developing brain which is bad so thats why I think it shouls stay at 21

Lolipop of NH 9:40AM July 16, 2012

I agree with the author. my husbands parents were killed by a drunk driver when he was 14 years old and he was almost killed himself, to see him suffer almost everyday with depression, and post-traumatic stress kills me. The driver was killed also, but he wasn't a young driver he was in his 40's but his family said he started illegally drinking in his teenage years at 17. if the drinking age was lowered how many more alcoholics would we create? how many more tragic accidents like my husbands will there be? because of this selfish decision of one person i will never know my in laws that i hear so many amazing stories about, his side of the family is torn and doesn't really speak to each other too much, and my children will never know their grandchildren.

courtney isom of ID 11:26PM October 12, 2011

Should the U.S. Drinking Age Stay at 21?

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