#6 Pick Your Poison
There are 33 countries in the world who have a minimum legal drinking age over 20 years old. We are obviously living in one, which is the United States. From the age 19 and below it is legal to drink in 157 countries. The country just north of us, Canada, is at 18. Along with many European countries like England, Ireland, Spain, and so on with the other 154 countries that are in this category. There are about 16 countries where it is completely banned; this mostly occurs in Muslim countries and sometimes only applies to the religion. All of this information can be found on ProCon.org.
As a 19 year old currently living in a country where we can die for our country, smoke cigarettes that fill our young bodies with toxins, and can drive at the age of 16; I think it is absolutely insane that we cannot buy a drink at 18. If we are enlisting ourselves to serve, we should be able to buy a drink and relax. Not saying that it’s a much better alternative to smoking cigarettes. According to Go Ask Alice, both can be dangerous when consumed in large amounts. It’s known to cause many health problems. But, alcohol in moderation does not cause problems. It depends on the amount and rate of consumption.
There are more than 4,000 chemicals found in most cigarettes. Cigarettes are already addictive as is and these chemicals increase the addiction. The more someone smokes, the more money big tobacco companies receive. Even one cigarette is harmful. It doesn’t matter the intake like when it comes to alcohol. Probably the worst factor of smoking is the affect it has on the people around it. They inhale the same toxins as the smoker. They are at risk of developing the same health problems like lung cancer, coughing, wheezing, heart disease, and more.
The minimum legal smoking age doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Along with the minimum age to enlist in the military. The drinking age should be brought down to 18. If we’re able to make life changing decisions like enlisting or smoking cancer sticks, why can’t we choose to have a drink too?
There are more than 4,000 chemicals found in most cigarettes. Cigarettes are already addictive as is and these chemicals increase the addiction. The more someone smokes, the more money big tobacco companies receive. Even one cigarette is harmful. It doesn’t matter the intake like when it comes to alcohol. Probably the worst factor of smoking is the affect it has on the people around it. They inhale the same toxins as the smoker. They are at risk of developing the same health problems like lung cancer, coughing, wheezing, heart disease, and more.
The minimum legal smoking age doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Along with the minimum age to enlist in the military. The drinking age should be brought down to 18. If we’re able to make life changing decisions like enlisting or smoking cancer sticks, why can’t we choose to have a drink too?
I totally agree with your point! We can also get married, Take out a loan that will potentially hurt us in the future, as well as several other things. I understand where they might be coming from though, considering people usually connect being young with being irresponsible (which is a wrong assertion). It really depends on the individual, not their age (obviously i wouldn't want kids to drink).
ReplyDeleteI have always thought it to be ridiculous that young adults can be shipped off to war but can't buy a beer and yes the same thing with smoking. To be perfectly honest I think 21 is a fine age the only reason I would agree to lower it is because kids are already drinking before 21 so if it wasn't so much of a big deal maybe it would help with alcoholism in the younger adults and teenagers.
ReplyDeleteI see blog #6 now but apparently missed it previously - my error!
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