Article by Wil Fulton
In the article “Is it time to lower the drinking age back to 18? The author, Wil Fulton, expresses his thoughts concerning possible legislation that would lower the drinking age back to 18; he explores the previous legislation that rose the drinking age to 21 and the impact it would have if the age is lowered. Despite the eighteen-year-olds enjoying several privileges like voting and owning a gun, the law prohibits them from drinking alcohol. However, Fulton explains that there is possible legislation supported by three states that intend to lower the drinking age back to 18. This age has remained 21 since President Ronald signed it into law. Fulton feels that this legislation would be detrimental by explaining how conditions were in the 1970s when the drinking age was 18. He believes that the death rate has reduced significantly due to the minimum drinking age. The author ascertains that there should not be any comparison with Europe who has their limit at 18 since their drinking habits are more responsible. He concludes that in order to save a significant number of lives, the drinking must remain high.
Article by German Lopez
In the Article “Sorry College Students, but the drinking age should stay at 21,” German Lopez explains the significance of the alcohol drinking age limit at 21. Considering the high number of deaths related to alcohol experienced every year, Lopez believes that the numbers can be reduced by keeping the drinking limit at 21. This prevents irresponsible drinking among teenagers, who are forced to wait until they are responsible adults. He believes that though alcohol consumption is still growing among teenagers, the effects are not much detrimental compared to how conditions would be if the drinking age is lowered back to 18. Consequently, he believes that many young lives are saved despite a substantial number of the drinking age limit. Though many youths engage in alcohol consumption, Lopez explains that the lower drinking age limit has hugely limited their access to alcohol. Lopez suggests that in order to control the rate of consumption among teenagers, the government must put in place other supporting measures such as increasing tax on alcohol products. Lopez concludes that the effectiveness of implementing the drinking age limit depends on how authorities would implement other supporting regulations.