Fox News reports that seven states are considering a lower drinking age. Some of the states would allow active military to drink even if they are just 18 years old.
USA Today has reported:
Legislation introduced in Kentucky, Wisconsin and South Carolina would lower the drinking age for military personnel only. A planned ballot initiative in Missouri would apply to everyone 18 and older. An initiative in the works in South Dakota would allow all 19- and 20-year-olds to buy low-alcohol beer.
Vermont's legislature is considering a task force to study the issue. A Minnesota bill would allow anyone 18 and older to buy alcohol in bars or restaurants, but not in liquor stores until they're 21.
Of course, for states to seriously consider lowering the drinking age, they would have to figure out a way to live without some federal highway funds (not likely) or persuade Washington to change the rules. There is even an
online petition campaign asking Congress to lower the drinking age.
Some researchers have said the current drinking age has only served to make alcohol into a "forbidden fruit" that is even more attractive to teens.
I wonder if you saw this in the news this week:
A national survey says about one out of 11 people admit to having driven when they thought they were drunk -- within the previous 30 days.
A similar
study recently said:
- States with the highest rates of driving under the influence of alcohol in the past year among adults aged 18 or older were Wisconsin (26.4 percent), North Dakota (24.9 percent), Minnesota (23.5 percent), Nebraska (22.9 percent), and South Dakota (21.6 percent).
- The highest rates of driving under the influence of illicit drugs in the past year among adults aged 18 or older were in the District of Columbia (7.0 percent), Rhode Island (6.8 percent), Massachusetts (6.4 percent), Montana (6.3 percent), and Wyoming (6.2 percent).
Before the "Mad Mothers" and other prohabitionists got national attention...
