There has been a lot of talk about the possibility of the drinking age being lowered in the United States. One of the most significant advocates for this change was former President Barack Obama. In this article, we'll explore Obama's stance on the drinking age and the potential consequences of lowering it.
Why Did Obama Want to Lower the Drinking Age?
Obama believed that lowering the drinking age to 18 would help to reduce binge drinking on college campuses. He argued that young adults who were legally allowed to vote, serve in the military, and pay taxes should also be able to make their own decisions about alcohol consumption.
Obama also pointed out that the current drinking age of 21 is not universally enforced and that many underage drinkers are still able to obtain alcohol. By lowering the legal drinking age, he believed that states could take a more proactive approach to regulating alcohol consumption among young adults.
The Pros of Lowering the Drinking Age
Advocates for lowering the drinking age argue that it would have several benefits, including:
- Reducing the number of underage drinkers
- Empowering young adults to make their own decisions about alcohol consumption
- Reducing the incidence of binge drinking on college campuses
- Bringing the US in line with other countries where the legal drinking age is 18 or 19
The Cons of Lowering the Drinking Age
Opponents of lowering the drinking age argue that it would have several negative consequences, including:
- Increased rates of drunk driving accidents and fatalities
- Increased rates of alcohol-related crime and violence
- Increased rates of alcohol-related health problems, such as liver disease and alcohol poisoning
- Undermining the message that alcohol consumption is a serious responsibility
What Happened to Obama's Proposal?
Despite Obama's support for lowering the drinking age, his proposal was never put into action. In fact, there has been little movement on this issue in recent years.
Many states have experimented with alternative approaches to reducing underage drinking, such as increasing penalties for providing alcohol to minors and increasing education about the dangers of alcohol consumption. However, the legal drinking age remains at 21 in all states.
The Future of the Drinking Age
It remains to be seen whether the drinking age will ever be lowered in the United States. However, it is clear that the issue continues to generate debate and discussion among policymakers, educators, and parents.
As the conversation around the drinking age continues, it's important to remember that alcohol consumption is a serious responsibility that can have significant consequences. Whether the drinking age is lowered or not, it's crucial that young adults are educated about the risks associated with alcohol and are empowered to make responsible decisions.
Conclusion
Obama's proposal to lower the drinking age may have been controversial, but it brought much-needed attention to the issue of underage drinking in the United States. While the legal drinking age remains at 21, it's clear that this topic will continue to be debated for years to come.