Many Teens Getting Free Alcohol From Adults

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by saden1

Does the limit deter teens from drinking?

It makes it much harder, which in turn does deter teens from drinking. (albeit slightly) Especially with all the laws about selling to underage teens.

Isn't it the parent's responsibility to teach their kids to drink responsibly?

Absolutely, but be careful with this one, parental skills have gone south, so unless you feel 100% OK with parents teaching EVERYTHING the way they should, this argument is about as valid as michael jackson's children's museum pass.

When you hit 18 you're considered an adult. You are expected to exercise sound judgment and you're held accountable as an adult for your actions. If you can't at 18 I don't know how much difference an additional 3 years make.

I understand your argument, especially considering an 18 year old can go into the military, (although one of the main reasons that is true is because it's harder to recruit after kids choose a college / career path, so out of HS is the best way to get them...right or wrong, that's one of the reasons why 18 year olds are allowed in the military) but if 18 year olds showed sound judgement, then they would be able to drink at 18. While there are plenty of responsible 18 year olds out there, the majority are not.
You might be right about the difference between a 21 year old and an 18 year old, but if that argument holds any water, then what's the difference between an 18 year old and a 15 year old? To me there is a world of difference.