" marzo2008 - as with any "crime" the punishment must be commensurate. Taking one's property as a consequence of an infraction is unreasonable. The fine should be hefty so that those who are not convinced by any other means will feel a real pinch if they continue to disobey the law. "

" Lowering the age would just kill more people. They need to punish them alot more and take their cars from them. Just like the law about using your cell phone while driving. I still see people out there driving and on their phones. If caught, they need to take that phone from them as well as their cars. Let them walk or take the bus. There is no reason why anyone should be on a phone driving unless it's an emergency. "

" cogito

I was simply stating that if Uncle Sam can stick a gun in your hand, you should have the right to have a beer if you choose to.

I was in the army for 6 years went in when i was 19 years old. we were all drinking then and i know they are drinking now.

Those who are in the military have rules to follow. They do get punished for what they did wrong.

In society, those who drink under age don't really care and are not really punished. We see this day in day out. "

" Yes Cogito - there are those who have an affinity for parsing words and thoughts. Those with even half a brain understood your thoughts on this issue; yet Election Year seems to be hopeful that he will get the attention (and support) of those who don't care to use either half. "

" Election year, I never said that "a beer is needed when you kill an enemy of the US". You either have quite an imagination, or an inability to understand a simple statement. I was simply stating that if Uncle Sam can stick a gun in your hand, you should have the right to have a beer if you choose to. I think the horrors of war are a much worse thing for a young mind than having a drink. If you think otherwise, now THAT'S ridiculous! "

" Alcohol is already legal - the only difference is the age restriction which was put in place nationwide due to pressure from MADD (a fine organization to a certain extent). I was raised in a state with a drinking age of 18 (until 1994) and most teens got over the "binge drinking" routine before they finished high school. If 18 is the legal age of "adulthood," then all priviliges of this status should be accorded.

To state that a beer is needed after you kill an enemy of the US is ridiculous - if you read the reports, most Vets need Prozac, not beer! And I don't doubt that this is a legitimate claim.

Binge drinking is a reflection of the sad state of the social values our children have - what we need is more parental influence to counter this problem. Unfortunately, too many indulgent parents are the source of the problem. "

" Yeah, and legalizing drugs will result in fewer addicts. I believe only in lowering the drinking age for the military. If you can go to another country and kill someone in the name of the U.S., you should be able to have a beer legally when you get home. "