Some hundred college presidents are prodding US lawmakers to lower the legal drinking age from 21 to 18."This is a law that is routinely evaded," said John McCardell, former president of Middlebury College in Vermont who started the initiative. "It is a law that the people at whom it is directed believe is unjust and unfair and discriminatory."
The response from opponent organizations plays as you would expect. Mothers Against Drunk Driving argues a lesser age would lead to rise in automotive fatalities. They are also cautioning parents to consider the safety at universities supporting the measure.
Nonsense.
I can appreciate concern, but the idea that a legality would limit or increase danger at one college over another, is foolish. College kids like to drink, fuck, and pillage. It's part of the appeal of higher education.
To many students (those of the straight-laced and Asian variety), this atmosphere can be unsettling. Much of their first year is spent learning how to adapt to such raffish carousal. An early dose in high school would do wonders in lessening the shock. Not to mention help those 'early adaptors' get it out of their system sooner.
As for curbing drunk driving, university officials need to work closely with local law enforcement, awareness and support groups, alcohol proprietors, and public transportation in developing a combative campaign. The framework of which should begin with severe criminal penalty, increased education, and a campus ban on student automobiles. Also get rid of the athletic departments and frat houses where most of the problems occur.
I'd drink to that.
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