This paper will explore the pros and the cons of lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18. The benefits of allowing 18 year olds to drink include the fact that they are legal adults and can enlist to serve in armed conflicts. Both the President of Dartmouth and the article "Alcohol Problems and Solutions", agree with that point. These two sources, however, differ as to whether driving while intoxicated (DWI) will be reduced if the drinking age was lowered. The Minimum Legal Drinking Age Laws (MLDA) believes that lowering age limits would lower the amount of Drinking under the influence (DUI). This paper examines Barbour and Hanson research and opinions on drinking age and both agree on the fact that the drinking age is provoking the young adults of America to behave in irresponsible activities. On the other hand, authors such as Brandon Griggs, show facts on how alcohol damages brains that have not fully been developed, which is the case for most 18 year olds. .
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"America's Debatable Drinking Age: The Pros and Cons of Lowering America's Drinking Age .
In the United States, drinking alcohol is often viewed as a rite of passage, however, the debate rages on as to an appropriate age for young people to drink responsibly. Since 1984, the legal age to consume alcohol has been set at 21 years of age. One of the main controversies over this age limit is: Does it protect young people from the dangers of alcohol abuse and is it consistent with public policy that affords other legal rights and responsibilities to American citizens at age 18? These facts cause many problems and inconsistencies for young people in the United States. .
There are many valid arguments for those on both sides of the issue as to what legal age is most appropriate to encourage the safe consumption of alcohol. There are many logical reasons to keep the drinking age at 21 as well as valid points that indicate it could be safely lowered to age 18, making it more consistent with other rights and duties that American citizens obtain as legal adults.