I am a strong supporter of lowering the drinking age. The age of 18 is not being a psuedo-adult, you ARE an adult. This is recognized by society, the government and the law. Therefore, an 18 year old should be entitled to the same rights as any other adult, including have a drink. They can also be punished as an older adult would be for their negative behavior.

I think some older advocates of keeping the age at 21 or raising it are out of touch. Here is the thing, if you are 18, 19, and 20 its just as easy to drink as when you are 21. How do under 21's drink?  They have older students buy for them, they go to parties, they have fake IDs and go to the bars (in Boston, which is notoriously strict, but it still happens), and for me I studied in France where I was of legal age, not that they actually check. Whether it is legal or not at 18, it is going to happen. NOTHING is going to change that.

No matter the drinking age there will always be issues with drunk driving, binge drinking, and overall stupidity. But that is a relatively small population; why should I be punished? Furthermore, those issues can arise at any age. Alcohol shouldn't be banned from an 18 year old adult. The consequences for irresponsible drinking should be heigtened. How about instead of a .08 BAC limit for driving, it is lowered to .02, to near intolerance for drinking and driving? How about 3 DUI's and your license is permantly revoked (which from what I heard is law in England)? How about parents taking responsibility and educating their children? There are many other approaches to control other than banning it.

Education by parents should be key. Parents should talk to their children about alcohol and introduce it to them when they are old enough to understand, but young enough to still grow up and not see it as a forbidden fruit. Communication can go a long way. When I studied in France, the French students partied hard, but they were overall more responsible and didn't understand our binge drinking issues. In Japan, I could buy beer from vending machines. Other cultures around the world educate their children, and alcohol is just another aspect of life. In France, drinking wine was on the same level as eating a baguette. Tastes great and its no big deal. I know the US has superiority complex, but maybe its time to learn some lessons from other countries and cultures.

Finally, who are all these people to tell me I was too young and irresponsible to have a drink? Yes, I had my "too much" nights, as everyone does, its a right of passage, but I learned very quickly what my limits were. I have never driven. I have never hurt anyone. I may have acted dumb, but it left no lasting impressions. I maintain excellent grades a respected university. I am a full time student and I have been responsible financially for years! I damn well think I should have been able to have a glass of wine at dinner, or a beer when I want.