Drinking age Debate

The drinking age debate is becoming a more and more heated battle as the presidential race comes up. As for the positions for each candidate Obama and Biden do NOT support lowering the drinking age to 18. Talking to Iraq war veterans Obama stated "I know it drives you nuts. But I'm not going to lower the drinking age," at a MTV forum. Joe Biden finds it to be counter productive because candidates are suppose to lead. He say’s “If you are fighting healthcare issues how can you lower the drinking and be productive.” Also mentioned is that we need more funding for rehabilitation and alcohol research rather than on the war.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aKCHUfv6ZU

As for presidential candidate John McCain and Sarah Palin it is not as clear on which side of the argument they stand. When asked about the subject matter John McCain does not give a clear answer. Both McCain and Palin try to appeal more towards the working middle class which a majority of them support lowering the drinking age.

As for my position I believe that the drinking age should be lowered. I am currently 21 and I have never had an MIP so the change in the law will not directly affect me in any way. Some of the strongest reasons against lowering the drinking age are that it will increase the amount of drunk drivers on the road. First of all, I think that everyone is against drunk driving and that is not the argument. If we educate kids on how to drink responsibly rather than taking alcohol away from them it will better our country. Taking alcohol away is a reason for them to want to drink more. They are considered cool if they do it because they are not supposed to be doing it which drives them to drink. Lastly, I do not agree with the argument that 18 is too young to drink. If 18 is too young to drink than they should not be able to fight in wars, drive cars, vote, or live on their own. They are adults so let’s treat them like one.